Our Top 5 Best Camera Films for your Film Camera

Camera film, a light-sensitive material, revolutionised photography by capturing and preserving images in the analogue era of glass plates and paper roll films. Although digital technology is much more common nowadays, film photography has experienced a resurgence, with photographers, artists, and novices rediscovering its unique qualities and artistic possibilities.

Film photography has gained popularity among a new generation of photographers who seek a distinct look and a break from the instant gratification of digital photography. One of the most common types of film is 35mm film — widely used for decades and a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals. 35mm film refers to the standard size of the film strip, which measures 35 millimetres in width.

Q: Why is 35mm film considered the best choice for film photography?
A: 35mm film is widely regarded as an excellent choice due to its versatility, availability, and the wide range of film options available. It offers a balance between image quality, portability, and ease of use.

Q: Is 35mm film good for beginners?
A: Absolutely! 35mm film is a great starting point for beginners as it allows them to learn the fundamentals of photography, experiment with different film stocks, and develop a deeper understanding of the art form.

Q: What are the disadvantages of camera film?
A: Some potential drawbacks include limited exposure capacity (typically 24 or 36 exposures per roll), the need for film processing, and the absence of instant feedback that digital cameras provide.

Q: How long does camera film last?
A: When properly stored, camera film can last several years beyond its expiration date. However, image quality may degrade over time, so it's advisable to use fresh film for optimal results.

Disposable cameras are compact, single-use cameras that come preloaded with film. Their simple and convenient design makes them popular for casual photographers or special events.

While disposable cameras are convenient and suitable for casual photography, film cameras offer a more versatile and customisable experience for those seeking greater creative control. But if you love the idea of an inexpensive, no-fuss film photography experience, disposable cameras are a fantastic start to your film photography journey.

When choosing film, consider these key factors:

• Film Type: Decide between colour negative or black and white film. Each offers distinct aesthetic qualities and allows you to convey different moods.
• ISO Rating: Higher ISO values (400, 800+) suit low-light situations; lower values (100–200) are ideal for well-lit environments.
• Film Speed: Slow (ISO 200 and below), Medium (ISO 400), Fast (ISO 800 and above).
• Colour Saturation: Some films offer vibrant, saturated colours; others have a more subdued, natural palette.
• Film Grain: Finer grain produces smoother results; coarser grain adds a gritty, textured look.
• Number of Exposures: Most rolls offer 24 or 36 frames.
• C41 Processing Compatibility: Ensures ease of finding labs for development.
• Film Format: Confirm the film format matches your camera — 35mm is the most common.

It's worth noting that other formats are available, such as medium format, which offers larger negative sizes resulting in higher resolution and more detail. Always confirm the film you choose is compatible with your specific camera format.

• Type: Colour Negative Film
• ISO: 160
• Key Features: Daylight balanced, fine grain structure, great for scanning
• Perfect for: Portraits with fantastic skin tones; post-processing

Kodak Portra 160 is a stunning daylight-balanced colour-negative film with an ISO of 160, offering versatility for various lighting conditions. It's well known for capturing beautiful skin tones with a natural and lifelike appearance, making it particularly well-suited for portrait photography.

The Portra 160 boasts an exceptionally fine grain structure, making it easier to capture intricate details in close-up shots. Images exhibit exceptional sharpness and clarity, with low contrast lending a subtle and delicate touch. Its medium colour saturation strikes a balance between vibrant hues and a more subdued palette, giving photos an elegant and timeless quality. Each roll offers 36 exposures.

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• Type: Black & White Negative Film
• ISO: 400
• Key Features: C41 processing (easy to develop at any lab), fine grain, wide exposure latitude
• Perfect for: Various lighting conditions with high contrast

Ilford XP2 Super 400 is a highly versatile black-and-white film offering remarkable sharpness, speed, and fine grain. Its ISO 400 rating allows photographers to capture a broad range of brightness levels, while its high contrast characteristics deliver striking and impactful negatives.

A standout feature is its C41 processing compatibility — unlike traditional black-and-white films requiring specialised chemicals, XP2 Super can be developed at any standard colour lab, making it incredibly convenient. Its wide exposure latitude provides greater flexibility in challenging lighting conditions.

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• Type: Black & White Negative Film
• ISO: 400
• Key Features: Wide exposure latitude, excellent sharpness, fine grain
• Perfect for: High-speed photography and push processing (up to ISO 3200)

Ilford HP5+ 400 is a high-speed black-and-white film known for its versatility and exceptional performance across a wide range of shooting situations. With medium contrast and an ISO of 400, it's an excellent choice for action, press, and general-purpose photography.

HP5+ produces negatives with outstanding sharpness and fine grain, capturing a wide range of tones and textures in both bright and low-light conditions. One remarkable feature is its ability to respond well to push processing — when paired with Ilford MICROPHEN developer, it maintains good shadow detail, well-separated mid-tones, and controlled grain even when pushed to ISO 3200.

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• Type: Colour Negative Film
• ISO: 400
• Key Features: Versatile, high saturation & contrast
• Perfect for: Capturing a wide range of subjects and scenarios

Kodak GC Ultramax 400 is a fast daylight-balanced colour-negative film offering a wide exposure range and exceptional versatility. With its fine grain structure and accurate colour reproduction, it delivers reliable and vibrant results across various shooting conditions — from well-lit environments to dimly lit scenes.

Optimised for excellent skin tones, it's an ideal choice for portrait photography. Its vivid overall colour palette enhances everyday and outdoor photography. With an ISO of 400, it performs well in low-light situations, allowing for faster shutter speeds and reducing motion blur. Each roll offers 36 exposures.

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• Type: Black & White Negative Film
• ISO: 125
• Key Features: Fine grain structure, wide exposure latitude, incredible sharpness
• Perfect for: Enlargements and examination of fine details

Ilford FP4+ 125 is renowned for its extremely fine grain and exceptional sharpness, making it a great choice for jobs that demand large enlargements or for capturing intricate details. With a nominal ISO of 125, it has established itself as the benchmark against which other films are measured.

One of the notable features of Ilford FP4+ is its wide latitude for exposure error — it allows photographers to achieve excellent results even when slightly over or underexposed, making it a reliable choice for various lighting conditions and photographic subjects.

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