Best 35 Mm Film Photography: Top 5 Color and Black and White Films for 2026
Exploring 35 mm film remains a cornerstone for photographers seeking authentic grain, color rendition, and tonal depth. This guide highlights five standout 35 mm films across color and black-and-white formats, helping you choose for portraits, landscapes, street photography, and artistic experiments. Each entry includes core features and practical notes to compare contrast, latitude, and grain, so you can select the right film stock for your style.
| Product | Brand | Type | ISO | Exposures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kodak Ultramax 400 Color Print Film (3 Pack) | KODAK | Color Print Film | 400 | 108 photos |
| FUJIFILM 400 Color Negative Film (3 Rolls) | Fujifilm | Color Negative Film | 400 | 36 exposures per roll |
| Ilford HP-5 Plus 400 3-Pack | Ilford | Black & White Film | 400 | 24 exposures per pack |
| Kodak Tri-X 400TX 3-Pack | Ritz Camera | Black & White Film | 400 | 24 exposures |
| Kodak Portra 400 Color Print 35mm Film | GRDE | Color Print Film | 400 | 36 exposures |
These selections cover versatile color options with broad latitude, plus classic black-and-white stocks known for tonality and fine grain. The list emphasizes readily available 35 mm formats suitable for enthusiasts and professionals alike, and each option pairs well with common 35 mm cameras and daylight or mixed lighting situations.
Kodak Ultramax 400 Color Print Film – 3 Pack
Kodak Ultramax 400 is a versatile color print film designed for everyday photography. Its ISO 400 rating balances grain and color, performing well in daylight and shaded environments. The film is known for natural skin tones and bright color reproduction, making it suitable for portraits, street scenes, and travel shots. The 3-pack format provides cost efficiency and extended shooting sessions, with a total of 108 exposures across rolls.
Key considerations: great for general use, predictable color in mixed lighting, and accessible processing. Its latitude supports casual experimentation, especially for shooters who value vibrant yet approachable color output.
FUJIFILM 400 Color Negative Film (3 Rolls)
Fujifilm 400 Color Negative Film offers vibrant colors with rich contrast and reliable results across landscapes and portraits. With 36 exposures per roll and ISO 400, it performs well in a variety of lighting conditions, from sunny days to overcast scenes. This stock is a popular choice for photographers who want punchy color and smooth tonal transitions, particularly in outdoor photography and travel documentation.
Key considerations: strong color rendition, flexible in mixed lighting, and consistent grain structure. Ideal for photographers seeking bright hues and natural skin tones without heavy post-processing.
Ilford HP-5 Plus 400 35mm Black & White Film (3-Pack)
Ilford HP-5 Plus 400 is a classic black-and-white negative that offers wide exposure latitude and strong tonal range. Known for fine grain and archival potential, HP-5 Plus is well-suited for detailed enlargements and professional prints. The three-pack provides an economical option for extended shoots, street photography, and documentary work.
Key considerations: excellent mid-to-high contrast, good push-processing results, and versatile performance in varied lighting. A staple for monochrome storytelling and creative expression with a traditional emulsion feel.
Kodak Tri-X 400TX Black & White Film – 3-Pack
Kodak Tri-X 400TX is a legendary black-and-white film stock renowned for its adaptability and classic look. The 400 ISO rating provides usable speed in a wide range of lighting, with a grain structure that appeals to photojournalistic and documentary styles. With 24 exposures per pack, the 3-pack variant is convenient for shooters who want dependable grayscale performance across projects.
Key considerations: distinctive tonal range with rich blacks and bright highlights, strong push-processing potential, and a timeless monochrome aesthetic. A go-to for dramatic portraits and street photography where contrast and texture matter.
Kodak Portra 400 Color Print 35mm Film
Kodak Portra 400 is a premium color negative film known for natural skin tones, smooth gradations, and excellent color reproduction across diverse lighting. It is widely favored for portraits, weddings, and artistic work where subtle color rendition matters. The stock is designed for high image quality with flexible processing options, making it a staple in professional and enthusiast kits alike.
Key considerations: superior skin tone fidelity and color accuracy, forgiving under varying lighting, and a refined grain profile that suits large prints. A top choice for nuanced color work and archival-quality results.
Buying Guide
- Film type and look: Choose color negative films (e.g., Ultramax, Fujifilm, Portra) for versatile color with broad processing compatibility and forgiving latitude. Choose black-and-white stocks (e.g., HP-5 Plus, Tri-X) for classic tonal range, high contrast options, and archival potential.
- ISO and lighting: ISO 400 is a common balance between flexibility and grain, suitable for daylight and mixed lighting. If you shoot in very bright conditions, lower ISO stocks or exposure adjustments may be needed. For low light, consider higher-speed options or push-processing methods with care.
- Exposure and latitude: Look for films with wide latitude (e.g., HP-5 Plus) if you frequently encounter varied lighting. Films with balanced exposure latitude help ensure detail in shadows and highlights without heavy post-processing.
- Grain and tonal quality: Black-and-white stocks like Tri-X and HP-5 Plus offer distinct grain and tonal curves that influence mood. Color stocks balance saturation, skin tones, and overall color fidelity for portraits and landscapes.
- Processing and compatibility: Most consumer labs can process color negative film and black-and-white stocks. Portra and Ultramax are known for predictable results in consumer labs, while some specialty films may require specific development processes (e.g., push processing for B&W stocks).
- Usage scenarios: For portraits, Portra and Ultramax offer natural skin tones; for landscapes, color negative films with good dynamic range work well; for street and documentary, black-and-white stocks like HP-5 Plus and Tri-X provide strong contrast and legacy aesthetics.
- Bundle considerations: Multi-pack options save cost per roll and are convenient for traveling or long shoots. Check the total exposure count and ensure compatibility with your camera’s film size and DX coding.
- Storage and handling: Keep film cool and away from direct sunlight. After purchase, store in a cool, dry place to preserve color accuracy and grain integrity until loading into your camera.
When selecting film, consider your shooting goals, typical lighting conditions, and desired final look. The combinations above provide a spectrum of color and monochrome options to suit various genres—from vibrant color portraits to timeless grayscale documentary work. Pairing these stocks with a reliable lens, a consistent shooting routine, and proper development will help you maximize print quality and archival value.