The 10 Best Films for Film Photography

The 10 Best Films for Film Photography: Your Ultimate Guide to Stunning Shots

Film photography is having a moment, and it’s easy to see why. There’s a special vibe to shooting on film—the thrill of waiting for your photos to develop, the one-of-a-kind look that digital can’t quite nail, and the hands-on joy of loading a roll into your camera. But with so many options out there, picking the right film can feel like a daunting task. That’s where this guide comes in. I’ve rounded up the 10 best films for film photography to help you capture images that’ll stand out, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned shutterbug.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into each film—its unique traits, what it’s best for, and why it deserves a spot in your kit. I’ve got a mix of color films and black and white films, options for 35mm film and medium format film shooters, and picks for everything from portraits to landscapes. Let’s jump in and find your next favorite roll!

1. Kodak Portra 400 – The Portrait King

Kodak Portra 400 is a go-to for portrait photographers, and for good reason. This film nails skin tones with a natural, flattering look and keeps grain super fine, even at ISO 400. It’s crazy versatile—works great in bright sunlight or tricky mixed lighting, so it’s a staple for weddings, street photography, and more. The colors lean slightly warm, giving your shots a cozy, nostalgic feel.

Why it’s awesome: Perfect for portraits, fine grain, handles all kinds of light like a champ.
Best for: Portraits, weddings, street photography.
Pro tip: Overexpose it by a stop for softer tones and a dreamy, airy vibe—perfect for that golden-hour glow.

2. Ilford HP5 Plus – The Black and White Legend

If you’re into black and white photography, Ilford HP5 Plus is a classic you can’t ignore. With an ISO of 400, it’s fast enough for most scenes, but you can push it to 800 or even 1600 for low-light magic. The grain is there, but it’s the good kind—adds texture and soul to your shots. Plus, its wide exposure latitude means it’s forgiving if you’re still getting the hang of metering.

Why it’s awesome: Timeless black and white style, great for low light, super forgiving.
Best for: Street photography, documentary work, low-light scenes.
Fun fact: Photographers like Robert Frank swore by HP5 Plus for its rich, moody tones.

3. Fujifilm Pro 400H – The Dreamy Color Star

Fujifilm Pro 400H is a portrait shooter’s dream, delivering soft, pastel-like colors and silky-smooth skin tones. It’s got a look that’s tough to mimic, even with fancy digital filters. This film loves overexposure—push it a stop or two for that bright, ethereal aesthetic that’s huge in wedding and fashion photography. Sadly, it’s discontinued, but if you can snag some, it’s worth every penny.

Why it’s awesome: Gorgeous soft colors, flawless skin tones, shines when overexposed.
Best for: Portraits, fashion shoots, fine art photography.
Heads up: Stock is limited since Fujifilm stopped making it in 2021, so grab it while you can!

4. Kodak Ektar 100 – The Vibrant Outdoor Hero

Kodak Ektar 100 is all about bold, punchy colors and razor-sharp detail—think of it as the ultimate film for landscape photography. With its ultra-fine grain and ISO 100 rating, it’s ideal for sunny days when you want every leaf and mountain peak to pop. It’s also a scanner’s best friend, producing high-res images that look crisp and clean.

Why it’s awesome: Vivid colors, super fine grain, perfect for detailed shots.
Best for: Landscapes, travel photography, architectural snaps.
Pro tip: Pair it with a polarizing filter on bright days to make those blues and greens explode.

5. Cinestill 800T – The Nighttime Cinematic Wonder

Cinestill 800T is a wild card—it’s motion picture film reworked for still photography, and it’s got a vibe all its own. With a tungsten balance, it’s built for artificial light, making it a killer pick for night photography or indoor shoots. The high ISO 800 means you can shoot in dim conditions, and the cinematic, slightly moody colors make every frame feel like a movie still.

Why it’s awesome: Unique cinematic look, high ISO, thrives under artificial light.
Best for: Night photography, indoor scenes, creative projects.
Fun fact: That halo effect around bright lights? It’s from the removed anti-halation layer—total Hollywood flair.

6. Kodak Tri-X 400 – The Do-It-All Black and White

Kodak Tri-X 400 is a black and white icon with a resume that includes shots by legends like Ansel Adams. It’s got deep contrast and a versatility that lets you shoot it straight at ISO 400 or push it to 1600 for a grittier, high-drama look. It’s tough, reliable, and adds a raw edge to anything from portraits to street scenes.

Why it’s awesome: Bold contrast, super versatile, pushable for different styles.
Best for: Street photography, photojournalism, portraits.
Pro tip: Push it to 1600 and develop with a high-contrast developer for that punchy, grainy aesthetic.

7. Fujifilm Velvia 50 – The Color Saturation Beast

Fujifilm Velvia 50 is a slide film that’s all about making colors sing. It’s a favorite for landscape photographers who want their skies bluer, their forests greener, and their sunsets redder. The contrast is high, the grain is fine, and the results are so vivid they almost look unreal. Just be warned: it’s less forgiving than negative films, so nail your exposure.

Why it’s awesome: Insanely saturated colors, high contrast, fine grain.
Best for: Landscapes, nature photography, travel shots.
Heads up: As a slide film, it’s got a tight exposure range—meter carefully!

8. Ilford Delta 3200 – The Low-Light Black and White Boss

Ilford Delta 3200 is your secret weapon for shooting in near-darkness. With an ISO of 3200, it’s the fastest black and white film around, yet it keeps grain surprisingly tame and contrast solid. It’s perfect for concerts, night streets, or any scene where light is scarce but you still want detail.

Why it’s awesome: Crazy high ISO, decent grain for its speed, strong contrast.
Best for: Low-light photography, live music, night scenes.
Pro tip: Shoot it at ISO 1600 for finer grain while still crushing low-light conditions.

9. Kodak Gold 200 – The Everyday Budget Gem

Kodak Gold 200 is the film for anyone who wants solid results without spending a fortune. It’s got warm, golden tones and a bit of grain that gives your shots a laid-back, nostalgic charm. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable—great for casual days out or learning the ropes of film photography.

Why it’s awesome: Affordable, warm colors, perfect for everyday vibes.
Best for: Casual photography, family events, travel snaps.
Fun fact: You’ve probably shot Gold 200 in a disposable camera—it’s even better in a real film rig.

10. Lomography Color Negative 800 – The Creative High-Speed Option

Lomography Color Negative 800 is a fast film with a quirky, vintage-tinged color palette. At ISO 800, it’s awesome for low light or freezing action, and its wide exposure latitude gives you room to play. Creative shooters love it for its unpredictable charm—think retro vibes with a modern twist.

Why it’s awesome: High ISO, unique colors, forgiving exposure range.
Best for: Low-light shots, action photography, creative experiments.
Pro tip: Try cross-processing it for wild color shifts that scream Lomo style.

Picking the Perfect Film for You

So, how do you choose from this stacked lineup? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Portraits: Kodak Portra 400 or Fujifilm Pro 400H for killer skin tones.
Landscapes: Kodak Ektar 100 or Fujifilm Velvia 50 for vibrant, detailed scenes.
Low light: Cinestill 800T, Ilford Delta 3200, or Lomography Color Negative 800.
Black and white: Ilford HP5 Plus or Kodak Tri-X 400 for timeless flexibility.
Budget-friendly: Kodak Gold 200 for everyday shooting without the splurge.

The real trick? Experiment! Grab a few rolls, test them out, and see what clicks with your style. Film photography is all about finding what feels right for you.

Wrapping It Up

Whether you’re rocking a 35mm camera or stepping up to medium format, these 10 best films for film photography have you covered. From the punchy hues of Kodak Ektar 100 to the gritty soul of Kodak Tri-X 400, each roll brings something special to the table. So, load up, hit the streets (or the trails, or the studio), and let the magic of film take your photography to the next level.

What’s your favorite film on this list? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear what you’re shooting with!