Tier List Criteria.
Breaking Down the Best 35mm Color Film.
All 35mm film review.
Conclusion.
Frequently asked questions.
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Tier List Criteria: How We Ranked Each Film
So, how did we decide which films belong in which tier? It comes down to a combination of factors, including color reproduction, grain, and overall image quality, as well as user reviews and cost.
The Importance of Color Reproduction in Film
Color reproduction is crucial. It’s what makes a sunset look warm and inviting or a landscape appear lush and vibrant. Films that can accurately capture the colors you see with your own eyes—or maybe even enhance them a bit—tend to rank higher on our list.
Grain, Sharpness, and Exposure Latitude
Grain and sharpness affect the texture and detail of your photos. Films with finer grain give you that silky-smooth finish, while a wider exposure latitude means the film is more forgiving with varying light conditions. These are qualities that can elevate your photography.
User Reviews and Professional Endorsement
Of course, we also considered what other photographers have to say. User reviews and professional endorsements give us insight into how the film performs in the real world. A film that’s praised by a wide range of photographers is likely to be a safe bet for great results.
Breaking Down the Best 35mm Color Film
Pressing the link on all the types of film will take you to the shop
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All 35mm film review: Ratings from lowest to highest
D5 – Revog Tesla and Revog volvox
Both Revolog Tesla and Revolog Volvox are intriguing options. Revolog Volvox comes pre-exposed with green dots, while Tesla features pre-exposed lightning bolts. One of my favorite film photos was taken with Revolog Tesla, so it holds a special place in my heart. However, like other pre-exposed films, they suffer from a significant issue: the randomness of the pre-exposed elements can obscure important details. This makes them unsuitable for photos where you need clarity and detail.
Get for $17.99
D4 – BK IFI grid film
I appreciate the concept behind this film, but its high cost and difficulty in locating it make it impractical. The wavy grid design also limits the creative possibilities and vibe that can be captured. Overall, I would not recommend this specific film. However, I do suggest exploring other products from BK IFI, as they offer more versatile and visually appealing options that are worth trying out.
Get for $15.99
D3 – Lomochrome Metropolis
There are a lot of opinions about this film online, and I understand why. I really want to like it because I love Lomography. They are the best company on the planet. Recently, they made all of their 120 film significantly cheaper just to encourage more people to buy it. If that’s not a sign of loving what you sell, I don’t know what is. So, go buy Lomography products—they’re incredible. However, despite wanting to like this particular film, I just don’t. I’ve shot three rolls, so it’s not for lack of trying, but it never really gives me the look I hope for.
Get one for $13.90 35mm or $11.90 120mm
D2 – Film photography project blue Ultra
The results from using Blue Ultra film are undeniably cool, but there is a major drawback that may affect its overall appeal. The film has an incredibly low ISO rating of 3, which can be challenging to work with. Most cameras have a minimum metering capability of 25, so using this film will require significant underexposure. This can be daunting for those unfamiliar with adjusting their settings accordingly. Research and practice may be necessary to master shooting with this film, making it a potential hassle to work with.
D1 – Kono Monsoon
Kono Monsoon is designed for the artistically adventurous. It’s a film with unexpected pre-exposed effects that can add a layer of storytelling to your images. Each roll is unique, offering a surprise element that can either delight or challenge your creative vision.
Get for $17.99
C5 – Kono original Galaxy
For those who want to sprinkle a bit of stardust on their photographs, Kono original Galaxy is the answer. This film is pre-exposed with a galaxy effect, creating a cosmic backdrop for your subjects. It’s a fun way to add an otherworldly touch to your photography.In this original Galaxy film, there are numerous Kono stocks available, each with its own unique characteristics. The Galaxy variant is particularly eye-catching with its beautiful rainbow patterns that overlay each frame. While it produces creative and unique images, its unpredictability may not make it suitable for important or professional shots. Despite its aesthetic appeal, I would place it in the C tier as it may not have as much practical utility compared to other films on this list.
Get one for $17.99
C4 – Cine Still film 50 Daylight
Cine Still film 50 Daylight is the lower-speed sibling of the 800 Tungsten, offering an ISO of 50 that’s perfect for capturing the finest details in bright daylight conditions. Its fine grain and high resolution make it an excellent choice for landscape and portrait photography where image quality is paramount. The film excels in rendering skin tones beautifully and accurately, which is a crucial aspect for any photographer working with models or clients. Its forgiving nature in terms of exposure also means that you have more room to play with during shooting and development, which can be a lifesaver in dynamic lighting conditions.
Get one for $16.49 for 35mm and 120mm
C3 – Kono Delight
Kono Delight is a film that’s all about joy and spontaneity. Its light and airy color palette bring a sense of happiness to your photos. Kono Delight is a stunning art film from Kono that features a warm, romantic Golden Glow tint. I find it absolutely beautiful. If you’re a wedding photographer or someone who often incorporates orange tones in your work, I believe this film stock would be perfect for you. However, it’s important to note that the price point for this film is quite high, with it consistently being priced at over $27 per roll. While I love the stock itself, Kono needs to work on lowering their prices before I can rate their products any higher.
Get all types for $26.99
C2 – Psychedelic Blues
This one is fantastic—I really enjoyed my experience with Psychedelic Blues. There are several different varieties, including Psychedelic Blues 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and possibly more. Each variety features a unique array of rainbow-colored shapes. I tried number 6, which has geometric rainbow shapes that I found quite appealing. However, the versatility is somewhat limited because the randomness of the shapes can obscure important details in your photos. Therefore, if you’re taking photos that matter to you, I wouldn’t recommend using this film.
Get all types for $17
C1 – Wolfen color NC500
Get here for $12.80
The Wolfen NC500, which has been a bit challenging for me to rank. Upon my first shoot with this film, I received some unusual results, but the second time yielded more typical images. I’m leaning towards placing it in the B tier due to its pleasing grain structure, although the color reproduction isn’t as high fidelity as I prefer. I wouldn’t recommend using this film for commercial or professional purposes.
B5 – Lomochrome Turquoise
Another member of the Lomo family, Lomochrome Turquoise, flips the script on traditional color film. It bathes your images in surreal, turquoise tones that can turn an ordinary scene into an otherworldly tableau. It’s for the bold, the artists who dare to see the world differently.
Get one for $12.90
B4 – Lomography Color Negative 400
Lomography’s Color Negative 400 film is a celebration of color. Known for its punchy saturation and high contrast, this film brings a lively energy to your photos. It’s especially great for street photography or any scene where you want to emphasize bold hues.
Get for $24.90 120mm or 3pack $44.90 35mm
B3 – Fuji color superia
Fujicolor Superia is another powerhouse in the 35mm film market. Known for its bright and vivid color reproduction, Superia films, like the Superia X-TRA 400, are often celebrated for their versatility in a range of lighting conditions. With a fine grain for its speed and excellent sharpness, it’s a film that can capture life’s moments in stunning clarity and color.
It’s also about the film’s ability to handle different types of light, making it a reliable choice for photographers who find themselves shooting in various settings. Whether you’re capturing the golden hues of a sunset or the cool tones of a cityscape at dusk, Superia adapts gracefully.
Get for $11.95
B2 – Lomochrome Purple
Speaking of personality, Lomochrome Purple is in a league of its own. This film transforms your world into a dreamy, purple-hued landscape. It’s not for every occasion, but when you want to create something truly unique, it’s a fantastic choice.
Get one for $8.90 110mm or $20 35mm
B1 – Fujifilm stock
Fujifilm is another big name in the industry. It performs well in various lighting conditions, offering vivid colors and a finer grain than you might expect from a 400-speed film.
Get one here for £17.99 or $8.99
A4 – Kodak Ultramax 400
Kodak Ultramax 400 is a hero for many photographers. Its versatility and high ISO make it a go-to for capturing moments in a wide range of settings. With its warm tones and forgiving nature when it comes to exposure, it’s no wonder that this film has a loyal following.
Get for $11.99
A3 – Portra 400
While Portra 400 comes at a premium price compared to consumer-grade films, its consistent performance and high-quality results justify the investment for many photographers who demand the best from their work.
Get one for $16.79 35mm or $15.39 120mm
A2 – Kodak Color Plus
Then we have Kodak Color Plus 200, a film that is as reliable as it is cost-effective. It’s a film that offers a classic color palette, making it a favorite for those who want to achieve a timeless look without spending a fortune. Its ease of use and excellent color balance make it a staple for many.
A1 – Kodak Gold 200
Kodak Gold 200 is a classic. It’s affordable and offers high color fidelity, which means the colors in your photos will look true to life. This film also has a fine grain structure, making it a great all-rounder for beginners and those on a budget. For more insights on working with color film, check out our step-by-step DIY guide to developing color film at home.
It is quite cheap compared to other films on the market it has a pretty high color Fidelity, pretty good grain structure. I have no complaints certainly if I was recommending a filmstock to a beginner Kodak gold 200 would be my first choice.
Get for $10.99 35mm or $7.19 120mm
S2 – Cine Still film 800 Tungsten
Cine Still film 800 Tungsten is a specialty film that brings the cinematic look of motion picture films to still photography. It’s balanced for tungsten light, giving your photos a warm, nostalgic feel that’s especially appealing for night scenes and indoor settings with incandescent lighting.
With its high ISO of 800, this film is also well-suited for low-light situations, allowing you to capture images with less grain than you might expect from a film this fast. Its unique halation effect, which creates a soft glow around bright light sources, adds to its cinematic charm.
Get one for $16.49 for 35mm and 120mm
S1 – Washi X
Washi X is a niche film with a unique proposition. It’s hand-coated on traditional Japanese paper, which gives it a distinctive texture and feel. This film is for those who appreciate the craft of photography and the tactile experience that comes with it. The results are images with a dreamy, otherworldly quality that’s hard to replicate with any other type of film.
Its low ISO rating requires more light to expose correctly, so it’s best used in bright conditions or with a tripod and a longer exposure. Because of its unique characteristics, Washi X isn’t for every scenario, but when used thoughtfully, it can create truly artistic and one-of-a-kind photographs.
Get one for $15.99 or 15 pounds
Conclusion
That wraps up my comprehensive color film tier list. Thank you so much for reading! Please let me know in the comments if you agree with my assessments. I’m guessing many of you might disagree, especially about Fuji—I’m holding my ground on keeping it in B-tier.
I’d love to hear where you would rank these different film stocks, especially the more unusual ones, like the pre-exposed and color-shifting varieties. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Store My 35mm Films Properly?
To ensure the longevity of your 35mm films, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is recommended for long-term storage, but allow the film to reach room temperature before use to avoid condensation.
Is It Possible to Push or Pull Color Film?
Yes, pushing or pulling color film is a common practice to alter its sensitivity to light. Pushing increases the effective ISO of the film for darker environments, while pulling decreases it for brighter conditions. Note that this technique affects the film’s grain and color balance. For more in-depth information, you might want to check out this comprehensive guide on pushing and pulling film.
Where Can I Develop My 35mm Color Films?
You can develop your 35mm color films at local photo labs, specialized photography stores, or even at home if you’re up for the challenge. Some drugstores still offer film development services, though these are becoming less common. For those interested in DIY development, here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you get started.
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