What Film Is Right for You?

Once you've got your camera, the next question is what to put in it. There are lots of film stocks out there, each with its own look, but choosing one comes down to a few simple things. Here's how to pick the right roll.

1. Check what film your camera takes

Before anything else, make sure you buy the right size:

  • 35mm film is used by most compact cameras, SLRs, rangefinders and half-frame cameras. It's the easiest film to find.

  • 120 film is used by medium format cameras like TLRs. It's wider, with fewer shots per roll.

If you're not sure which your camera uses, check the inside of the camera back or send me a message.

2. Colour or black and white?

Colour negative film is the most popular choice. It's forgiving, easy to get developed at almost any lab, and gives that classic warm film look.

Black and white film is great for moody, timeless photos and for learning about light and contrast. It's also the easiest film to develop yourself at home if you ever want to give that a go.

Slide (colour positive) film gives vivid colours, but it's less forgiving of exposure mistakes and costs more to process. It's best left until you've got some experience.

3. Choose the right speed (ISO)

The ISO number tells you how sensitive the film is to light.

  • ISO 100 to 200: best for bright, sunny days. Finer grain and lovely detail.

  • ISO 400: the all-rounder. Works in sunshine, cloud and indoors near a window, and it's very forgiving. If you only buy one type, make it a 400.

  • ISO 800 and above: for low light, indoors and night shooting, with more visible grain.

Remember that you can't change film halfway through a roll (without some tricks), so pick a speed that suits where you'll be shooting most.

4. Good films to start with

  • Kodak Gold 200: warm, sunny colours and great value. Perfect for summer days.

  • Kodak UltraMax 400: a reliable all-rounder for changing light.

  • Kodak Portra 400: beautiful, natural skin tones. Brilliant for portraits, but it costs more.

  • Ilford HP5 Plus 400: a classic, forgiving black and white film.

A good tip is to stick with one film for a few rolls. You'll learn how it behaves and get much more consistent results.

5. Match the film to your camera

Some simple point-and-shoot cameras have a fixed setting or only read certain film speeds, so check what your camera supports before buying something unusual. If your camera has a light meter, make sure it's set to the ISO of the film you've loaded.

6. What about expired film?

Expired film can give unique, unpredictable results and is often cheaper, but it's a bit of a gamble. Have a read of my guide to expired film if you fancy trying it.

Need a hand?

If you're unsure which film will suit your camera or the photos you want to take, get in touch and I'll help you choose.

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