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My TOP 5 favorite 35 mm Color Films
At this point, I’ve tried out a LOT of different brands of 35 mm film. While it’s fun to experiment and try out different ones, there are definitely a few that I tend to re-order over and over again. Mainly because of price-point, but also because of quality and sharpness. I have a LOT of cheap, somewhat “crappy” 35 mm film cameras so I like to use film that is super sharp and has a lower film speed. It takes some adjusting to figure out the perfect film for every camera, but there are my top 5 favorite 35 mm films that tend to work well with cheap 35 mm cameras, as well as more expensive ones.
Kodak Portra 160
While this tends to be the priciest of the bunch, it is the most worth-the-money film out there. It has BEAUTIFUL, ACCURATE skin tones, sharp detail and beautiful coloring overall. I don’t buy this film as often as I’d like to, simply because of the price. But when I do use it, I’m always reminded of what an incredible film this is, especially for portraits and landscapes.
2. KODAK gold 200
This is a very specific kind of film - meaning, if you’re looking for that classic, LA/Hollywood golden sunshine film vibe, this is what you want. I don’t always like using this film because it does have such a golden/warm tone to it, and I personally tend to like cooler tones overall in my images. However, if I’m going to Hawaii or Italy or somewhere known for it’s stunning sunsets and golden hues, I ALWAYS grab a few rolls of Kodak Gold 200. The price for this film tends to vary depending on demand, so if you ever see it at a discounted price, GET IT.
3. Lomography color 100 or 400 film
This tends to be my go-to color 35 mm film. It’s affordable (especially if you buy in bulk), it’s bright and saturated and it’s sharp. Depending on where I’m traveling, I’ll go for either the 100 speed or the 400 speed film. If it’s going to be cloudy, overcast or a dark environment overall, I’d opt for the 400. If you’re going to a sunny location like the beach, then definitely go for the 100 speed to get that extra sharpness in the detail of your photos. Sometimes it can be difficult working with the colors of this film in post-processing, just because it is so saturated. But if you like bright color, this is the one to go for.
4. KODAK PRO IMAGE 100
Another affordable option - Kodak Pro Image 100 film has a natural overall color to it, without that golden tone you get from Kodak Gold 200. Just know that using 100 speed films with cheap 35 mm cameras only really works if you’re in a fairly bright environment. If it’s overcast or dark, your shutter speed may be too slow to capture super sharp images, and your photos may be too dark overall. Stick to the outdoors in a sunny location and you’ll be good! This is a good basic option to go for - it’s affordable with normal color tones and easy to work with. It’s not necessarily the sharpest 100 speed film I’ve ever worked with, but it’s still fairly sharp overall.
5. Fujifilm fujicolor 200
This film isn’t anything super exciting, but it has a classic, film vibe to it with greenish undertones in the shadows - reminiscent of disposable cameras and photos from my childhood. I do love the nostalgic mood to it, but if you’re taking photos in a very green landscape, sometimes the images just turn out too green. Green can be a difficult color to adjust in post-processing but if that’s the look you’re going for, then go for it! Again, not the sharpest film overall but it does have a different, unique vibe to it.
Feel free to leave questions/comments/opinions below! Thanks so much for stopping by!
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