Best flatbed scanner		Epson Perfection V600 flatbed scanner		SEE IT	The V600 offers excellent scan quality, including technology to remove dust and scratches.
Best professional		Epson Perfection V850 Pro Scanner		SEE IT	A large scanning area and more advanced features make this the pick for high-end users.
Best budget		Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner		SEE IT	The Slide N Scan scans several film types and connects directly to a laptop with a USB cord.

Film scanners help bring the magic of analog photography into the digital world. There’s a look and texture to film photography and video that their digital counterparts can’t capture. However, you can’t deny the ease of editing and sharing digital photos. Enter the film scanner, which converts film images to digital format. Film scanners aren’t just for photography either. There are also film scanners that convert 8 mm and Super 8 film into easily edited and shared MP4s. The best film scanners preserve the look and feel of the original film and make it easier to edit, share, and replicate your work. 

Film scanners come in different sizes, use different technologies, and may only work for certain types of film. Others work with several types of film as well as scan documents and printed photos. Consequently, your chosen film scanner will need to work for the type of film you use as well as offer the quality that works for your purposes. Professionals will need the manual control and versatility of a more expensive film scanner, while hobby photographers don’t need to make the same financial investment. Read on to get the lowdown on the best film scanners, along with tips to help you choose the best film scanner for you.  

• Best flatbed scanner: Epson Perfection V600
• Best negative scanner: Plustek OpticFilm 8300i Ai Film Scanner
• Best for digital video: Wolverine 8mm and Super 8 Film Reel Converter Scanner
• Best professional: Epson Perfection V850 Pro Scanner
• Best budget: Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner

How we chose the best film scanners

Since there are different types and sizes of film scanners, we aimed to choose a wide selection that would fit the needs of most people. Beyond that, we looked at features such as maximum resolution, supported formats, usability, durability, and speed. We also picked scanners at a range of price points in order to make film scanning more approachable.

The best film scanners: Reviews & Recommendations

Scanning your film not only allows you to share your results in the digital world but it also gives you a backup in case something damages your negatives. Here are our favorite film scanners for a range of users and applications.

Best flatbed scanner: Epson Perfection V600

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Specs

• Scanner type: Flatbed
• Resolution: Up to 6,400 dpi
• Formats supported: 35mm, mounted slides, 120 up to 6 x 22

Pros

• Relatively affordable
• Versatile since it can also scan prints and documents
• Quicker than some dedicated film scanners
• Included software is decent
• LED light source doesn’t need to warm up, uses less electricity than older models

Cons

• Film holders are a bit flimsy
• Loud

The Epson V600 features 6400dpi optical resolution that’s high enough for film and print scans. It works for 35mm film, 35mm slides, and medium format film and completes a scan in 21 seconds. That’s not the quickest scan speed, but it’s a great balance of speed and scan quality. This Epson also features Digital ICE Technology that removes dust and scratches for cleaner scans.

This is a great option if you’re shooting film semi-regularly, but you’d also like some flexibility. Take out the film holder and insert the opaque pad in order to make this into a useful print and document scanner.

The LED light source doesn’t need to warm up like older versions of these scanners. Plus, the included software makes scanning relatively simple if you don’t want to use something more complex like Silverfast or Vuescan (though, we’re particularly fond of Vuescan).

Best negative scanner: Plustek OpticFilm 8300i Ai Film Scanner

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Specs

• Scanner type: Dedicated film scanner
• Resolution: Up to 7200 dpi
• Formats supported: 35mm strips and mounted slides

Pros

• Very sharp, vibrant scans
• Includes a copy of SilverFast Ai Studio which is expensive on its own
• Easy to line up and insert film
• Relatively automated process
• Built-in infrared channel for dust removal

Cons

• No medium format compatibility
• Pricey

The Plustek OpticFilm 8300i AI includes a 7200dpi optical resolution (although max resolution scans can take up to two minutes). This model is more specific in what it scans, which includes only 35mm film and 35mm mounted slides. However, the Plustek stands out for the included software, SilverFast 9 Ai studio. This software lets you preview, adjust settings, and share and organize files without connecting to additional programs. Most scanners of this type max out at 35mm film, but some more expensive models will accept medium format.

This is a more professional option for people who shoot a lot of 35mm. It comes with Silverfast software, which is very advanced and requires a bit of practice. With some work, though, it provides excellent sharpness, dynamic range, and color.

A built-in infrared channel makes this scanner considerably better at automatically removing dust and scratches than a typical scanner. Plus, it’s easy to insert the film into the surprisingly sturdy holders without having to fuss around like you would with a flat bed.

Best for digital video: Wolverine 8mm and Super 8 Film Reel Converter Scanner

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Specs

• Scanner type: Film strip
• Resolution: 720p
• Formats supported: 8 and Super 8

Pros

• Saves movies to removable media
• Easy to set up
• Relatively quick
• Can play back old film movies on a TV via HDMI

Cons

• Expensive if you only have a few films to convert

The Wolverine 8mm and Super 8 Film Reel Converter Scanner fits 8 mm and Super 8 reels up to 5 inches in diameter and converts them into MP4 format. The MP4s are saved onto a removable SD SDHC card (that’s not included with the scanner). The Wolverine can also connect to a TV using an HDMI cord for playback. The scanning and conversion process is fairly slow, but if you have a lot of film to convert, this model is far more affordable than having the scanning done professionally.

Best professional: Epson Perfection V850 Pro Scanner

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Specs

• Scanner type: Flatbed
• Resolution: Up to 6,400 dpi
• Formats supported: 35mm, mounted slides, 120, 4×5

Pros

• Large scanning area makes quick work of multiple frames
• Included film holders include anti-Newton ring glass for better resolution without artifacts
• Can scan up to 4×5 images, including a wet mount option (only in the 850, not the 800)
• Included software is passable
• Dedicated infrared channel for dust removal

Cons

• Loud
• Bulky

The Epson Perfection V850 comes with a high price tag, but that’s because it includes premium features and extras. It includes film holders for 35mm mounted slides, 35mm film, medium format strips, and 4 x 5 sheet film. You can also run the scanner without using one of the holders. This model features a dual-lens system that includes high-resolution and super high-resolution lenses and automatically adjusts them based on the scanning media and resolution selection.

This has been my primary film scanner for several years now, and I’ve learned its quirks. The film holders are decent but require some finagling to get the film to lay perfectly flat. The ANR glass in the holders helps keep them off of the scanner surface itself, which is nice, but curly film can be tricky to get settled.

The 800 and the 850 are both capable of large-format film scanning. I’ve used the 800 to scan 4×5 negatives with solid results. The 850 comes with a fluid-mounting kit that makes large-format scanning much more effective. It also takes a lot more work.

You’ll occasionally run into dust issues that create solid-colored lines across the images, but it’s easily fixed with a quick wipe of the glass. You’ll just have to scan the negatives again, which can be annoying.

Best budget: Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner

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Specs

• Scanner type: Negative scanner
• Resolution: 22 megapixels
• Formats supported: 35mm, 110, and 126

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Preview screen makes stand-alone scanning simple
• Relatively quick
• Quiet
• Stores images on removable media or sends straight to a computer

Cons

• Image quality is just OK
• Expect to do some tidying of the scans if your negatives aren’t meticulously clean

The Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner includes holders for 50 x 50 hinged slides, 135 film, 126 film, and 110 film. It can also scan 35mm negatives and slides. Scans go quickly, taking only a few seconds, and they’re transferred directly to a laptop or computer via a USB cord. You can make a few adjustments to the negatives, but this model won’t correct most problems, especially film damage that comes from age.

At less than $200, it doesn’t take many rolls of film to justify the price of this device when you compare it to many image-scanning services. It also works with unusual formats (at least for today), like 126 and 110. So, if you have particularly old film hanging around, this is a simple way to digitize.

Don’t expect meticulous scans. The quality is decent but nowhere near what you’d get out of a more advanced film scanner. You’re also on your own for cleaning up the negatives before scanning unless you want to spend a lot of time retouching out dust and other objects once the scan is done.

Still, you’d be hard-pressed to find a simpler, more convenient solution for scanning old photos.

What to consider when shopping for the best film scanners

Shooting film is exciting, and it provides a look that can’t quite be replicated with digital. But you’ll want to digitize those results with a scanner in order to share the images and to keep them safely backed up in case something happens to the negatives.

The best film scanners capture the light, shadows, and colors of the original film with accuracy and clarity. When choosing, you need to be cognizant of the type of film you intend to scan and what you plan to do with the scans. Film scanners come in one of three basic types—flatbed, dedicated film scanners (also known as transparency or slide scanners), and drum scanners. 

Drum scanners provide the best scan quality. However, they’re expensive, difficult to find, and the scanning process takes a long time. For that reason, they’re not on our list since, unless you’re looking to start your own professional film scanning business, this type isn’t economical or practical. For reference, they can cost well over $10,000.

Flatbed scanners (often) offer a versatile range of uses.

If you’ve ever seen a standard photo scanner, you’ll recognize a flatbed film scanner. These models feature a clear, glass bed with a lid. You lift the lid, place the film, and start scanning. Most typical flatbed scanners have a single light source that goes under the document. Flatbeds that scan film, however, have another light source in the lid to illuminate the negatives or slides. They work by passing light through the image, which then gets reflected back to the CCD image sensor. The CCD uses red, green, and blue filters like old-school digital cameras.

These models often can work with several different formats like 35mm, slides, or format film. You will have to adjust settings based on the type of film being scanned. However, the biggest perk of a flatbed scanner is that they’re usually multifunctional, scanning developed photos and documents for digital use, too. They are popular and versatile, but some can be difficult to use, requiring setting adjustments with each scan. 

Capture deeper darks and lighter lights with a negative scanner

Negative scanners, also called slide scanners, apply the same principles as flatbed scanners but with greater precision and focus. They use a narrow beam of light that passes through the film to better replicate light intensity and color differences. These models also feature a feed that moves frames through the scanner for you. How many frames the scanner holds varies by the make and model. 

The downside with this type is that the mechanism that moves the film through the scanner can potentially scratch the film if it’s not cleaned and carefully maintained. They’re also often slow and sometimes rely on finicky software.

Photo and slide negatives aren’t the only film in need of scanning

Gone are the days when you need a projector and video camera to convert your old reels into digital format. Film scanners designed for movie reels can now do it for you. These models convert 8mm and Super 8 film reels into digital videos, which can then be edited or shared. 

These machines feature a screen to watch the film in action before and during the recording process. Some models connect to a TV via HDMI for instant playback. Each machine only fits reels of certain sizes, so check to make sure that the reels you have are compatible with the ones you are looking at. While these machines do a great job of transferring visual media, they do not have the capability to record sound. If there’s audio with your movie, you’ll have to add that in using a program or app later on.

The professional needs photography equipment that can keep up with high demand

Professionals and photographers who regularly use film may want to invest in a film scanner with a few extras. Professional-grade scanners typically offer higher resolutions, multiple lenses for greater versatility, and software that expands what you can do while scanning and with the scans once they’re done. 

Professional-grade models also include film holders of different sizes to accommodate a wider range of film types.

Save your photos and cash with a budget film scanner that’s gentle on film. What do you get for a film scanner under $75?

Many film scanners require an upfront investment, though they’ll save money in the end if you’ve got a high volume of film to scan. However, hobby photographers may not need many of the fancy extras like dual lenses and multiple film holders. 

The biggest difference you’ll notice between these scanners and more expensive models is the scan quality. Budget models may fit several film types, but they typically scan slower and offer lower resolutions with minimal correction options. They’re best for preserving film that won’t come under professional scrutiny.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best film scanners

• Best flatbed scanner: Epson Perfection V600
• Best negative scanner: Plustek OpticFilm 8300i Ai Film Scanner
• Best for digital video: Wolverine 8mm and Super 8 Film Reel Converter Scanner
• Best professional: Epson Perfection V850 Pro Scanner
• Best budget: Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner

The best film scanner can take what’s old and make it new. They can also give you the power to easily edit and share the results of your current film work. Determine a budget and the scan quality that fits your goals. Whether that’s a slide scanner or flatbed will depend on the type of film you use and what you plan to do with your film once it’s in a digital format. But, the right film scanner can become a go-to among your camera equipment, saving money and giving you the ability to share your work with the world. 

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best film scanners of 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for portraits		Kodak Portra 400		SEE IT	Get beautiful skin tones with this film.
Best for landscapes		Kodak Ektar 100		SEE IT	Bring out the most of your landscape photos.
Best color slide film		Fujifilm Fujichrome Velvia 50		SEE IT	A great film for colorful situations.

Color film was one of the most popular photography products in the pre-digital era. If you were born before the early 2000s, chances are the images that you associate with your family memories were all shot on color film. Film comes in a variety of speeds and formats, and selecting the best film stocks for you depends a lot on what you plan to shoot, the time of day you will be shooting, and what camera equipment you will be using. But no matter what you are looking for or your experience level, the best color film will help bring your visions to life.

• Best for portraits: Kodak Portra 400
• Best for landscapes: Kodak Ektar 100
• Best color slide film: Fujifilm Fujichrome Velvia 50
• Best for the experimental photographer: KONO Manufaktur ORIGINAL SUNSTROKE 200
• Best budget: Kodak Gold 200

The best color film: Reviews & recommendations

Best for portraits: Kodak Portra 400

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Kodak Portra 400 is a popular choice for portrait photographers because of the way it renders skin tones. It’s a versatile film stock that offers a fair amount of leniency when it comes to exposures, making it a great option for photographers who are just getting started shooting film. It’s a bit more expensive than the color rolls you might find on the shelf in a drugstore, but the results are beautiful. Some photographers like to intentionally over or under-expose it to change the look. 

Best for landscapes: Kodak Ektar 100

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This C-41 film stock from Kodak is reminiscent of the vivid colors typically only found in color slide film but at a cheaper price point. This low-speed option has a very fine grain and reproduces color in a way that is closer to what you get with a digital camera. It’s available in both 35mm and 120 so it will work with whatever camera gear you have, even if you’ve stepped up to a medium format film camera.

Best color slide film: Fujifilm Fujichrome Velvia 50

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Fujifilm’s Velvia stock is the best if you are interested in shooting dramatic landscapes, but it’s also an excellent option for capturing vibrant spring and summer days. Color slide film isn’t as lenient when it comes to exposures, is one of the pricier options on the market, and is typically more expensive to process, but in the right lighting conditions, the results are beautiful. Fujifilm has been slowly paring back its film offerings, so if you want to give it a try, we recommend you do it sooner than later.

Best for the experimental photographer: KONO Manufaktur ORIGINAL SUNSTROKE 200

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This is a film stock made for photographers who prefer things to get a little funky. It is a color-negative film with bright, warm colors. What makes it unique is the light leak effects that come already on the film, no faulty camera is needed. The effect is created by hand using The Reanimator device that Kono developed in-house. It will vary on each frame, giving you unexpected results.

Best budget: Kodak Gold 200

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This medium-speed, daylight-balanced film is one of the most affordable films you can find. It’s typically sold in multi-packs and averages about $5 per roll. The colors won’t be as vibrant as some of the other film stocks on the market—it’s much more subtle—but when it’s exposed well it does have a very pleasant warm vibe to it. It also comes in 24-shot rolls as opposed to 36, which is handy if you like to change film frequently or it takes you a long time to work a roll through your 35mm film camera.

Things to consider before buying color film

For a variety of reasons, film photography has once again become very popular. Whether you are completely new to shooting film, or an experienced film shooter returning to the medium, there are a handful of things to consider when looking at film stocks.

Color-negative film versus color slide film 

Film stocks come in two major varieties—those that are developed with C-41 chemicals and color reversal (or slide film), which is developed by using E-6 processing. Film developed using C-41 will produce a standard negative, while color slide films create a positive version of the film once it is developed. E-6 film is typically more expensive and isn’t as forgiving when it comes to exposures. It can also be difficult to find labs that process slide film. For an interesting effect, color slide film can be developed using C-41 chemicals, and color negatives can be developed using E-6. This is called cross-processing and will shift the colors and increase the contrast of the film. 

One of the most appealing aspects of shooting with color-negative film is that it typically is very forgiving when it comes to over-exposures. If you are new to film photography this is helpful because it means that even if you aren’t nailing perfect exposures while shooting, your images will still turn out. It’s one of the reasons that disposable point-and-shoot cameras typically come loaded with a roll of color-negative film. Using a film camera that has automatic metering and a pop-up flash will certainly help keep things properly exposed, but most film stocks are forgiving enough that you will be okay even if you are using a fully manual camera. Slide film offers extremely rich colors but is decidedly less forgiving.

Film size

35mm film is the most popular of film sizes and what you will want to use if your film camera is an SLR, a point-and-shoot, or most rangefinders. Most films also regularly come in the 120 format, which is the correct size if you are shooting with a medium format camera. 

Film speed

There are many film varieties and they typically differ in speed and the ways in which it reproduces colors. Film speed, also known as ASA, is similar to setting the ISO on your digital camera. A slow-speed 50 film will need to be used in bright sunny conditions, while a 400-speed film can be shot indoors or outdoors. As film speed increases, so will the film’s grain. The majority of films fall somewhere between 160-800 ASA. 

Before loading a roll into your camera you should consider what you will be shooting and what the lighting conditions might be like. If you are planning on shooting your roll of film inside, you will probably want to avoid something with a slow ASA speed and opt for a 400-speed roll of film instead. Underexposed images on film tend to look washed out and grainy.

Color pallet

The other thing to consider when selecting the right film for you is the color pallet. Every film stock renders colors a bit differently. Color slide film is typically known for its bright, saturated colors, for which many shooters consider it the best choice for landscapes. A 400-speed film like Kodak Portra is typically the best film for portraits because of the way it renders skin tones. Consumer films will typically be the best for beginners because of the neutral color reproduction and the cheap price.

FAQs

Final thoughts about color film

If you are just getting started with film photography, choosing an inexpensive film stock with an ASA range between 200-400 is an excellent place to start. As you get more comfortable with your camera and shooting color film you should experiment with lower-speed films, color slide film, and more experimental film stocks. This type of photography is a fun and versatile way to create beautiful memories.

• Best for portraits: Kodak Portra 400
• Best for landscapes: Kodak Ektar 100
• Best color slide film: Fujifilm Fujichrome Velvia 50
• Best for the experimental photographer: KONO Manufaktur ORIGINAL SUNSTROKE 200
• Best budget: Kodak Gold 200

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best color film of 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best fine grain		Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100 II		SEE IT	A fine grain film for beautiful details.
Best for beginners		Ilford HP5+		SEE IT	An affordable and beginner friendly black and white film.
Best grainy		Kodak Tri-X 400TX		SEE IT	A high grain film for that classic black and white look.

Black and white film is one of the oldest photography tools and incredibly easy to work with—a big reason why beginning-level photography classes only teach students to shoot in black and white. Black and white film was used to capture some of the world’s most iconic photographs and it remains extremely popular to this day. Monochrome photography forces a photographer to focus on how light, shadows, and shapes interact within a frame to create an image. Knowing how to shoot black and white film will go a long way in helping your photographic eye and ultimately can help your digital photographic work too. Plus, you don’t need much to get started. A basic 35mm film camera won’t cost much on the secondary market and the film is typically cheaper than color film cameras.

• Best fine-grain: Fuji Neopan Acros 100 II
• Best for beginners: Ilford HP5+ 
• Best high-speed: lford DELTA 3200
• Best high contrast: JCH Street Pan ISO 400 
• Best grainy: Kodak Tri-X 400TX

Types of black and white film

Black and white films are either categorized as tabular-grain or traditional-grain. Traditional grain films can be thought of as the original film format and include films like Kodak Tri-X and Ilford HP5+. Tabular-grain films first hit the market in the ‘80s and create images that provide more detail by having a finer grain. 

Black and white films also vary by speed, which is very similar to setting the ISO on your digital camera. Lower-speed films with a rating of 100 typically aren’t as sensitive to light and have finer grain and work best when shot on sunny days, mid-range films in the 400 speed range are good for overcast days or indoors, while high-speed films at 3200 are best for nighttime black-and-white photography or situations where you want to use their grainy look for creative purposes. As you shoot more, you’ll likely discover which film stock is your favorite.

Things to consider when purchasing black and white film

Finding the right film stock for you has a lot to do with your personal aesthetics as a photographer. You should also consider what subject you plan to be shooting and what photography equipment you have at your disposal. The majority of consumer films are somewhere between the 100-400 range and an excellent option if you are shooting with a fully manual camera and plan to do most of your work outdoors. If you are more of a night owl and plan to be shooting at night a high-speed 1600 or 3200 film might be a better option for you. If you are using a film camera with a flash and shooting somewhere poorly lit a 400 speed film will probably do just fine to help you balance your subject and background. 

In addition to grain and film speed many films have unique characteristics in how they interpret color. Some films will be very contrasty, while other film stocks will represent the world in much more subtle shades of gray. How you shoot and develop your film will also have a lot of influence on the final product. 

Many film photographers enjoy shooting their films at a different ISO than what’s listed on the box in a process called pushing or pulling. If you have a roll of 400 speed film you can push it by setting your camera to a higher ISO speed. You’ll be intentionally underexposing your film and then making up for the difference in development. Pushing film works best in even lighting conditions.  Pulling film is when you shoot it at a lower ISO than what it is rated for and will typically reduce the contrast of your film. If you are pushing or pulling a roll of film make sure to tell your lab so they can adjust the development times on your rolls.

Best black and white film: Reviews & recommendations

Best fine-grain: Fuji Neopan Acros 100 II

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Fuji Neopan Acros 100 II offers incredibly fine grain that renders details beautifully. It has a nice amount of contrast and is very sharp—making it a nice versatile film for a variety of subject matter. Although it’s a 100 speed film, it can easily be pushed to 400 for even more contrasty images. It can be the best black-and-white film for landscapes if you like that poppy look.

Best for beginners: Ilford HP5+ 

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A film stock long favored by first-year photography students, Ilford HP5+ is extremely easy to work with and gives beginners lots of leeway with their exposures. It’s on the grainier side and is a great film for learning the basics of how light and shadow interact to make a picture. It’s very close to the digital monochrome look in most cameras and photo editing software and it’s a lot cheaper than other films. The low-contrast look makes it some of the best black-and-white film for portraits.

Best high-speed: lford DELTA 3200

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If you love photographing nightlife this is the film for you. This 3200 speed film can be pushed really high without losing details and has a beautiful grainy aesthetic. It’s great for shooting in low-light scenarios like concerts or bars even without the use of a flash.  It can be a little expensive, but if you are going on lots of late-night adventures with your camera you will thank yourself for paying extra.

Best high contrast: JCH Street Pan ISO 400 

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This high-contrast black-and-white film was designed with street photographers in mind. This panchromatic film stock is excellent at cutting through the haze and fog common in big cities to create images that are incredibly sharp, have very little grain, and are very moody. This film has a very thin emulsion making some of the best black-and-white films for scanning.

Best grainy: Kodak Tri-X 400TX

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While some black-and-white films strive to minimize grain, others just embrace it. Kodak Tri-X 400 is one of the world’s most recognizable film stocks and a favorite of photojournalists and documentary photographers. It has a gritty look from all the grain and if you are developing on your own at home, this is an easy one. If you are ready to embrace the film grain this is the film for you. Many famous shooters started with some basic photography gear and a couple of rolls of Tri-X.

FAQs

Final thoughts about black and white film

Even if you are typically a digital photographer, shooting a roll of black-and-white film can be a fun way to spark your creativity.  There is something really appealing about shooting pictures and not knowing exactly what they look like and shooting in black and white will change the way you look at the world around you. Once you start shooting film we guess that you won’t want to stop.

The post The best black and white film for 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for portraits		Kodak Portra 400		SEE IT
Best black-and-white		Kodak Tri-X		SEE IT
Best slide film		Kodak Ektachrome		SEE IT

For the better part of the 20th century, 35mm film was the primary way people took pictures. Even though film isn’t what it once was, 35mm still thrives for those who are just getting started with analog photography and seasoned professionals alike. In recent years we’ve seen a big resurgence in its popularity. Brands have brought back discontinued film stocks and introduced new films to the market. There’s a look and feel to 35mm film photos that digital just hasn’t quite perfected. 

Although film has certainly surged in popularity in the last few years, the prices for purchasing and developing film have continued to rise. It’s true for black and white and color. You can save money by buying rolls in bulk, learning to develop your film on your own or investing in a film scanner. If you’re buying in bulk just remember to keep anything you aren’t using right away stored in your fridge to keep it looking fresh. Keep reading to learn more about the 35mm rolls of film that we like to keep loaded in our cameras. 

• Best for portraits: Kodak Portra 400
• Best black-and-white: Kodak Tri-X 400TX
• Best slide film: Kodak Ektachrome
• Best for shooting in low light: Ilford Delta 3200
• Best budget: Kodak Gold 200

How we picked the best 35mm film

We selected the film stocks in this guide based on films that we have used and continue to use. The PopPhoto writers and editors still shoot a variety of film stocks on a very regular basis. When making our selections we considered film speed, grain quality, and leniency of exposures with each film. We also considered price, film stock availability and wanted to represent a variety film styles—black and white, color film, and a color reversal film. It was important to include film stocks that are easy to find, are relatively user-friendly, and have stood the test of time. 

Best 35mm film: Reviews and recommendations

Best for portraits: Kodak Portra 400

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Why it made the cut: Known for superb color reproduction and capturing natural skin tones, it’s no surprise that this stock has been a long-time favorite of portrait shooters. 

Specs 

• 400 speed color film 
• Fine grain
• T Grain emulsion

Pros 

• Fairly lenient with exposures
• Finest grain high-speed color film 
• Beautiful color reproduction 

Cons 

• Expensive 

Known for the beautiful way it renders skin tones and its superb color reproduction, Kodak Portra 400 has been a longtime favorite film stock of portrait and fashion shooters. It’s a versatile option that will give novice shooters some leeway with exposures—meaning if something is slightly overexposed or underexposed, the image will still be salvageable. Some photographers actually choose to underexpose when shooting it for a slightly punchier look. It’s a super sharp film stock and has grain so fine that it’s barely noticeable. While it’s more expensive than other rolls, it’s still relatively easy to find in stores and online—something that can’t be said of all 35mm rolls. Ultimately the beautiful frames that you can shoot with this 35mm film make us willing to pay the high price. If you are interested in shooting portraits you just can’t beat Portra 400.  

Best black-and-white: Kodak Tri-X 400TX 

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Why it made the cut: A classic black and white 35mm film stock that is great for shooting fast action or dimly lit subjects. It has a distinctive grain, wide exposure latitude and a beautiful high-contrast look. 

Specs 

• 400 speed black and white film 
• Fine grain
• Panchromatic film 

Pros 

• Moody high-contrast look
• Lenient with exposures 
• Distinctive grain pattern 
• Good dynamic range 

Cons 

• Can be hard to find, often on backorder 

A classic black and white film stock, with a moody high-contrast look and a wide exposure latitude that makes it an excellent option for anyone who is new to black and white 35mm photography. This film stock is great for shooting at fast shutter speeds and with dimly lit subjects. It has a distinctive panchromatic grain that renders images extremely clearly and sharply. It’s also still relatively affordable, but that does mean that smaller retailers often end up with this film stock on back-order. If you love shooting Kodak Tri-X 400TX we’d recommend buying in a five-pack and keeping the rolls you aren’t using tucked away in your fridge for safe keeping. 

Best slide film: Kodak Ektachrome

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Why it made the cut: This color reversal film was reintroduced to the market in 2018 and is currently the most readily available slide film on the market—if you want to shoot color slide film this is your best bet.

Specs 

• 100 speed color slide film 
• Extremely fine grain
• Excellent highlight and shadow detail

Pros 

• Easier to find than other color reversal films
• You can still get it developed 
• Extremely fine grain 
• Kodak T grain emulsion 

Cons 

• Less leniency with exposures
• Expensive 

Unlike color negative film, color reversal film like Ektachrome shows you a direct positive of the image that you’ve shot and needs to be developed using E-6 chemicals. Color reversal film (or “slide film” as you may know it) is typically more expensive to buy and get developed than color negative film, and often lacks the exposure leniency—if you mess up your exposures in-camera you probably aren’t going to have much room to fix it in post. But if you are up for a challenge, Kodak Ektachrome will deliver an extremely beautiful and classic film look—there’s a reason that the creators of HBO’s Euphoria chose to shoot all of season two on the stock. It’s known for its vibrant colors and hues that favor the blue end of the color spectrum. Although it’s expensive, it’s often easier to find than color reversal stocks made my Fujifilm and getting your rolls developed doesn’t violate any EPA regulations. 

Best for shooting in low light: Ilford Delta 3200 

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Why it made the cut: Ilford Delta 3200 was designed to be pushed to its limits when processed—making it a great choice when shooting in extremely low lit conditions—this is a great choice for capturing the world at night. 

Specs 

• 3200 speed black and white film
• Designed to be push processed
• Very grainy 

Pros 

• Can capture fast action in dimly lit conditions 
• Extremely flexible at high speeds 
• Very distinct, grainy look

Cons 

• Not good for daytime
• High film grain won’t appeal to everyone 

Ilford Delta 3200 is the best choice if you are planning to shoot your 35mm in low-light conditions. This black and white film was designed to be push processed, which involves extra development in order to make up for a lack of light. It gives photographers who are shooting at high speeds in dark places a lot of flexibility with their exposures. This is a great choice if you are shooting in a dimly lit performance space or in the dead of night and don’t plan to use a flash. It’s distinct grainy look won’t be for everyone, and it can be a little expensive, but if you do your best work once the sun goes down, this is the filmstock or you. 

Best budget: Kodak Gold 200

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Why it made the cut: Kodak Gold 200 is a great option for shooting color film without breaking the bank, although these rolls only have 24 exposures per frame, they are by far the most affordable way to shoot. 

Specs 

• 200 speed color film 
• Wide exposure latitude
• 24 exposures per roll

Pros 

• Inexpensive way to shoot film
• Nice color reproduction 
• Wide exposure latitude if shooting outside or with a flash

Cons 

• Only 24 exposures per roll
• Colors won’t be as vibrant as more expensive stocks 

Kodak Gold 200 remains one of the best ways to shoot film inexpensively. It’s a medium speed, daylight balanced film stock that’s typically sold in packs that average out to be about $7-8 per roll. Although the colors might not be quite as vibrant or the grain quite as distinct, if you are looking for a fun way to document your friends and family on film, this is really the most affordable way to do so. It’s made for shooting outside or indoors with an electronic flash, and it still manages to have an impressive amount of latitude with its exposures. To get the best deal look for multi-pack. 

Things to Consider Before Buying 35mm Film

There are a few important things to consider when shopping for the right 35mm film for you: what you will be shooting, where you will be shooting and the aesthetic that you are going for. 

Black and White vs. Color

Ultimately this comes down to a choice of aesthetics and personal preference. Traditionally in a beginner photo class students are taught to shoot on black and white for a few reasons—it’s easier to develop yourself, often has more leeway with exposures and forces the photographer to study how light and shadow interact with one another through the frame. Color film can also be a great place to start though, and if you’ve ever used a disposable camera, chances are it was packed with a roll of color film. 

Lighting Conditions and Subject Matter

Considering what you will be shooting and where you will be shooting it are a lot more important from a technical standpoint. Every roll of film comes rated with a film speed (aka ASA) which is similar to the ISO setting found on digital cameras. A film with a low speed like 100 is meant to be used outside or with artificial lights, while a film with a high speed like 3200 should be used indoors in dimly lit spaces or at nighttime. If you are just getting started with film photography and aren’t quite sure what you will be shooting we’d recommend starting with a 400 speed film. These films will allow you to shoot indoors or outdoors, often have a bit more leniency when it comes to nailing your exposures in camera and are a versatile choice for shooting portraits or faster moving subjects.  

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best 35mm film

Shooting film is a whole lot of fun and part of why we love it so much is the way that a film stock can totally change the vibe of the images that you are making. A subject shot in black and white film will likely have a very different mood to it than the same subject shot in color. We think this guide serves as a nice overview of films that work for a variety of subjects, shooting conditions and budgets, but don’t be afraid to stop here. One of the most exciting things about film is experimenting with different film stocks and developing techniques. 

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We’ve seen lots of great new films come on the market in the last few years, but there are also a lot of classic films we love—survivors from the pre-digital days that have changed little or not at all since film’s heyday. Here are eight classic films we think every analog photographer ought to try.

Kodak Tri-X 400

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Say “classic film” and many experienced film photographers will instantly think of Kodak’s B&W Tri-X. Introduced in roll-film form in 1954, Tri-X’s 400-ASA speed made it the film of choice for both photojournalists and amateur photographers, and it remains popular well into the digital photography age. Tri-X is the film that documented the second half of the 20^th century in America, and its grainy, contrasty look has become synonymous with monochrome photos of that era.

Tri-X’s popularity came from its flexibility: It was (and still is) well suited to a variety of lighting conditions, and performs nicely when pushed to 800 or 1600 for low-light conditions. Tri-X has been reformulated and refined repeatedly over its 80-plus-year-life, and the latest version, called 400TX, still delivers that same distinctive, stark look. Tri-X has its quirks and it’s not a film that every analog photographer will love, but we think everyone should at least give Tri-X a try.

Available formats: 35mm, 120, sheet, disposable camera

Ilford HP5 Plus

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Back in the film-only era, Ilford’s Hypersensitive Panchromatic film was—to American photographers, at least—unfairly characterized as a lesser-known alternative to Tri-X. Like Tri-X, it’s an extraordinarily flexible 400 ASA traditional-grain film that is exceptionally easy to work with. It actually predates Tri-X, having been first developed in the 1930s. But while Kodak continued refining Tri-X well into the 21^st century, the current version of HP—HP5 Plus—has been unchanged since 1989, making it a true film-era veteran.

HP5 Plus contrasts (heh) sharply with Tri-X in its tonality: While Tri-X delivers harder blacks and whites, HP5 renders the world in more subtle shades of gray, and yet its visible grain gives it an unmistakably classic look. Pushed two stops, it delivers excellent low-light performance with grit and contrast. HP5 Plus is a classic, to be sure, but it’s also a great modern-day tool, as close to a do-everything B&W film as you’re going to find.

Available formats: 35mm, 120, sheet, disposable camera

Ilford FP4 Plus

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HP5’s low-speed companion is Ilford’s Fine Grain Panchromatic film, and with the demise of Kodak Plus-X it’s now the premiere traditional-grain B&W medium-speed (125 ASA) film on the market. Until tabular-grain film was developed, FP’s image quality was as good as it got: Sharp contrasts, vivid tonality, with a traditional look that celebrates grain rather than trying to hide it.

Like HP, FP has a long history: It was first developed in the 1930s and refined to its current version, FP4 Plus, in 1990. Some photographers regard it as the best B&W film ever made, not just for its look but for its latitude and flexibility: Shot at box speed and developed per the chart, it gives great results, but it also has extraordinary latitude, and you can push it, pull it, and alter development to fine-tune its characteristics. Be warned: Once you shoot FP4 Plus, you might not want to use anything else.

Available formats: 35mm, 120, sheet

Kodak ColorPlus 200

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ColorPlus has already made our list of affordable films we love, so what’s it doing here? Well, this beloved cheapie film is also a classic: It was originally introduced in 1982 as Kodacolor VR, a color print film employing Kodak’s new “T-Grain” emulsion. In the late 1980s, Kodak brought out Gold and Ektar, both offering greatly improved color rendition. Rather than discontinue Kodacolor VR, Kodak rebranded it as budget-friendly ColorPlus and has been making it, virtually unchanged, ever since.

It’s that never-changed nature that makes ColorPlus a classic: As Kodacolor VR it helped to create the classic “film look”, and 40-plus years later it’s still delivering it—warm, slightly faded colors that make photos feel like fond memories. Beautiful grain, sharp detail rendition, and excellent latitude—not to mention a (relatively) cheap price—round out this oft-overlooked classic.

Available formats: 35mm

Kodak T-Max

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Kodak initially developed its “T-Grain” emulsion as a way to increase the speed and image quality of color films. In 1988 the company launched tabular-grain T-Max 100 and 400, the sharpest B&W films ever made with grain so fine it was practically invisible. Kodak followed on with T-Max 3200, a hyper-speed film that returned usable results as high as 12,500 ASA—heady stuff in the pre-digital era. 

T-Max was a controversial film then as it is now: Some complained it was too flat, while others had trouble printing shadow and highlight detail, especially with T-Max 400. Many dismissed it as inferior to good ol’ Tri-X. In truth, T-Max was (and is) less forgiving than traditional-grain films, and exploiting its ability to capture highlight detail requires more precision in shooting and development. And isn’t the need for precision one of the enjoyable challenges of film? Like Tri-X, T-Max isn’t for everyone, but it’s a film we think everyone should try—if for no other reason than to experience T-Max 100’s incredible resolution. 

Available formats: 35mm, 120, sheet

Fujichrome Velvia 50

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First introduced in 1990, Velvia is the slide film that toppled Kodakchrome 25 from its lofty perch as the standard by which color films were judged. Velvia was and is incredible stuff: Its fine grain is nearly invisible, even when projected at large sizes, and it produces bright, saturated colors that seem to explode off the screen.  Unlike Kodakchrome, Velvia doesn’t require specialized processing, and it quickly replaced Kodachrome as the choice of professional photographers.

Velvia was reformulated in 2007, and the latest version still captures the detail and the colors of the original, plus it remains among the highest-resolution films available, rivaling digital for its resolution and color saturation. Slide film has become very expensive and is tricky to shoot—your exposure must be perfect—but a roll of Velvia is a special treat, if for no other reason than to see just how well film can perform.

Available formats: 35mm, 120

Ilford XP2 Super

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Introduced in 1980, the original Ilford XP was a novelty: A B&W film that was developed and printed using the C-41 color process. This was huge: In the 1970s, B&W film was largely the realm of students, artists, hobbyists, and pros. By making a B&W film that could be developed at the corner drug store, Ilford XP brought monochrome photography back to the masses. Forty-plus years later, XP2 Super is still doin’ its thing.

Today’s XP2 isn’t merely convenient: it’s also an excellent film with advantages that go far beyond ease of processing. Like other C-41 films, it has outstanding flexibility and latitude. While nominally rated at 400 ASA, XP2 can be shot anywhere between 50 and 800 with no alteration in development (though lower speeds may require post-production contrast adjustment). It produces excellent detail with contrast that is strong but not excessive. And because it’s a color film, it is compatible with Digital ICE software-based dust removal. XP2 Super is a film we recommend not for nostalgia, but for pure practicality.

Available formats: 35mm, 120, disposable camera

Fujifulm Neopan 100 Acros II

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Fujifilm is best known for its color films, but their Neopan Acros was a traditional B&W film with a strong cult following. While well regarded for its sharpness and range, Acros was best known for its resistance to reciprocity failure. Most films go a bit wonky when exposed for more than a second, requiring some form of compensation in exposure, but Neopan Acros could handle significantly slower shutter speeds without deviating from the metered exposure.

Fujifilm discontinued Acros in 2018, then did an about-face in 2019, announcing a new reformulated version of this beloved film called Neopan 100 Acros II. The resistance to reciprocity failure remains: According to the data sheet, Acros II can be exposed for up to 120 seconds with no exposure correction and up to 1,000 seconds (16.5 minutes!) with only an extra half-stop. Whoa! Given the reformulation, it might not be entirely accurate to call Acros II a classic film—but it’s doing the same job as the original, and that seems classically righteous to us. 

Available formats: 35mm, 120

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Sorry Fujifilm film shooters, more bad news: Hot on the heels of a hefty price hike announcement, the brand has revealed an impending Medium Format slide film shortage caused by supply chain constraints. Color-reversal film enthusiasts will have to hang tight, stock up, and practice patience as the brand’s 120 format film is projected to be in short supply for the foreseeable future.

Affected films

Rest easy, 35mm shooters, for now, the announcement only affects 120 format (Medium Format) slide films. These include Fujichrome Velvia 50, Fujichrome Velvia 100, and Fujichrome Provia 100F. 

“It is difficult to supply sufficient products due to insufficient procurement of raw materials, and the supply and demand is expected to be tight for the time being,” the company wrote on its website. 

Where to find some before it’s too late

We checked with three major US-based retailers to see if we could still snag rolls of any of the above-mentioned stocks and came up nearly empty-handed. Both B&H and Adorama list the films as back-ordered. That said, Amazon did have a handful of Provia 120 five-packs available from a third-party seller for ~$20 above the current going rate ($85).

On the other hand, our local camera shop—Glazer’s Camera in Seattle, WA—has both Velvia 50 and Provia 100 in stock. So it’s definitely worth looking local first if you’re on the hunt!

The shortage follows on the heels of a dramatic price hike

The announcement comes about a week after the brand acknowledged plans to increase film prices later this month by as much as 60%. Photographic paper, processing chemicals, and other print products and services will also see price increases, some by as much as 94%.

“Fujifilm Imaging Systems Co., Ltd. responded to the recent rise in raw material prices, transportation costs, etc., as well as the decline in demand for photographic-related products,” its website shared. “We have made every effort to absorb costs by improving production efficiency and reducing costs, but since it is difficult to absorb costs only by corporate efforts, we will implement price revisions.”

Can you still shoot film on a budget?

With shortages and skyrocketing prices, some may ask, “is it even worth it to shoot film anymore?” We say yes! In fact, it’s still totally possible to shoot film on a budget, though you may have to settle for more affordable stocks than Provia and Velvia.

In this article, we break down three ways you can save a little money and still indulge your analog appetite. (Spoiler: For the price of a new Nikon Z7 kit, you could shoot, develop, and scan a roll of 35mm per week for 12 years—how about that?)

So hurry and stock up if your film of choice is on the list of impacted products, and remember to #staybrokeshootfilm.

The post Hot on the heels of a massive price hike, Fujifilm announces a shortage of 120 slide film appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Good things clearly come in threes because today the folks at Japan Camera Hunter (JCH) teased a brand-new ISO 400 color slide film, the third new color film to be announced this week! On Monday Kodak unveiled plans to offer Kodak Gold 200 in 120 medium format. That same day, CineStill announced a crowd-funding campaign for a new daylight-balanced ISO 400 color film in both 35mm and 120 format, called 400Dynamic (it has since been fully funded).

An ISO 400 color slide film is a big deal

Presently, there are no color slide films on the market faster than ISO 100. The last remaining ISO 400 color slide film, Fujifilm’s Provia 400X, was discontinued in 2013. So this announcement from JCH is definitely a big deal for the film photography community. And it opens the possibility of using color slide film in a much wider range of shooting scenarios.

Fugufilm 400 is developed using standard E-6 processing, the same used by other slide films, like Kodak Ektachrome and Fujichrome.

What is slide film?

Slide film, also known as reversal film, is beloved by many photographers for its ability to record images that are brighter and more vibrant than color print film. That said, it’s also more difficult to work with. Slide film has much less exposure latitude than print film, so one must truly nail the exposure when shooting it.

JCH’s other films

Fugufilm 400 is the second film stock launched by Japan Camera Hunter. Back in 2016, the brand unveiled Street Pan 400, a B&W 35mm film manufactured by the Belgium-based brand Agfa. And in 2017, JCH added 120 medium format Street Pan 400 to its lineup.

What can we expect from Fugufilm 400?

Only a handful of images accompany JCH’s teaser of Fugufilm 400. But judging from these, we can expect punchy colors and reasonably fine grain. Unlike slower-speed slide films, photographers should be able to use Fugufilm 400 in situations outside of bright sunny days and studio settings.

We still don’t know who’s making this new film stock, but perhaps the film’s uh, strange name, is meant to hint at its true manufacturer?

When will Fugufilm 400 be available?

Beyond the details listed above, we don’t know anything else about this forthcoming film stock. But JCH promises more information by the end of the week. So stay tuned. We’ll update this story when we know more!

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Today is a good day for color film photography lovers everywhere. Kodak announced that one of its most popular color films, Kodak Gold 200, will soon be available in 120 format. And CineStill unveiled a crowdfunding campaign to produce an entirely new color film called CineStill 400Dynamic.

Introducing CineStill 400Dynamic

According to the campaign, CineStill 400Dynamic, or “400D” is a daylight-balanced color film intended for “everyday use.” CineStill says it will be available in both 35mm and 120 formats. And assuming the campaign goes well, there’s even the possibility of 400D being produced in 4×5 Large Format sheets.

In terms of image quality, the film should deliver “a soft color palette with natural saturated color and rich, warm skin tones.” And like the brand’s other film offerings, this one comes from “motion picture film emulsion.”

Related: RedRum 120 is a spooky new limited edition film stock from CineStill

You can expect good push/pull versatility from this 400D—though it’s rated at ISO 400, CineStill says it can be pulled to ISO 200 or pushed all the way up to ISO 3200. We’ve yet to view examples of it pushed that far, but we’re super curious to see how it holds up.

The new film is developed using standard C-41 chemicals. It’s also treated with an “anti-static lubricant coating” to ensure the film moves with ease through older cameras, whether they’re manual wind or automatic.

Where does 400D fit in the CineStill lineup?

400D falls right smack in the middle of CineStill’s color film lineup. Presently, the brand offers an ISO 50 daylight-balanced film and an ISO 800 tungsten-balanced film, so this adds some nice versatility to the range.

Early bird gets the film

As is the case with most crowd-funding campaigns, there are a number of different ‘tiers’ to back, each with different rewards. For those hungry to try this new film ASAP, CineStill offers several “early bird” packages, that ship as soon as April 2022. For $15, you can reserve a single 35mm roll of the film; there’s also an early bird option to secure 10 rolls of 35mm for $150. For 120 shooters, you can secure 5 rolls of the good stuff for $75.

In addition, you’ll find quite a few other non-early bird packages to choose from. Those rewards all ship in July and presumably come from a second production batch.

Plenty of campaign support

As of writing, the crowd-funding campaign has only been live for a few hours, and already it’s 44% backed—you can count two of PopPhoto’s resident film nerds among those backers. And we have no doubt the project will receive full backing before its deadline in 21 days.

Ultimately, whether you like the look of the 400D or not, tossing $15 to help launch something new in the analog space is money well-spent in our book. Not to mention, $15 is a fairly standard price for a specialty roll of film.

Of course, if you’re feeling super generous, you can always drop $1,350 on the 100-roll carton.

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Here at PopPhoto, we love analog photography and we rail against the notion that film is prohibitively expensive Sure, there are pricey films out there—but some of our favorite films are also among the lowest priced. Here are five affordably-priced films that we love, not just for their price but for the exceptional results they give us.

Kodak ColorPlus 200

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Being, ahem, of a certain age, many of us associate color film photography with the 1970s and 80s—and that’s why we love ColorPlus, because it makes everything look like the 1970s and 80s. In fact, ColorPlus started life as Kodacolor VR, a go-to consumer film introduced in the early 1980s, and was later revived and renamed as ColorPlus, a budget alternative to the brighter-and-better Kodak Gold.

Why do we love ColorPlus? Its 200 ASA box speed makes it ideal for both sunny and cloudy days. More than that, we like its imperfections: Its colors aren’t particularly bright, nor its grain particularly fine. Instead, it delivers a gently washed-out look that makes every photo look like a time-faded memory. If you’re seeking that classic “film look”, you don’t need to spend a lot—Kodak ColorPlus 200 delivers it at a bargain price.

Kentmere 100

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Harmon Technology’s Ilford FP4 Plus is arguably one of the finest low-speed B&W films on the market, but its cheaper companion, Kentmere 100, sure as heck isn’t far behind. If you expect clumpy grain and stark contrasts from low-cost film, Kentmere is going to surprise you—it’s a lovely and delicate film that captures lots of detail and a nice spread of mid-tone grays.

Kentmere has practical considerations beyond its low price: Though only available in 35mm format, it can be had in 100-foot bulk rolls (a key element in our budget film shooting strategy). Its film base dries nice and flat, which makes for easier scanning. Kentmere is 75% of the price of FP4+, but to our eyes, it’s 95% as good—we shoot Kentmere not just for its low price, but because we love the way it looks.

Fomapan

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Fomapan comes from the Czech Republic and traces its origins back to Soviet-era Czechoslovakia. Foma closed down after the fall of the Berlin Wall, then resumed operations in the mid-1990s. Once forbidden fruit in North America, Fomapan is now commonly available under both its native moniker and the slightly-cheaper Arista EDU (a Freestyle Photographic house brand sold by several outlets).

Fomapan delivers exactly the results you’d expect from a Cold War film: Bleak and contrasty, with deep, stark blacks and chunky grain, particularly in its higher speeds. The emulsion is a bit soft and we’ve found it prone to scratching, but it’s very tolerant of developing mistakes. Availability is great: It comes in 100, 200, and 400 ASA speeds, 35mm (both single-serving and bulk rolls), and 120 size as well as sheets up to 8×10. If you like the moody look of B&W photos, you must try Fomapan.

Ilford Delta 100

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Most budget-priced B&W films are traditional-grain emulsions, but Ilford’s Delta 100 delivers tabular-grain performance at a traditional-grain price. Tabular-grain technology was developed by Kodak to improve the speed and color performance of their Kodacolor VR films, and later appeared in T-Max B&W film. Kodak introduced Delta as a T-Max competitor in the early 90s.

If you’re looking for the highest possible resolution and near-invisible grain, tabular-grain films like T-Max and Delta are the way to go. Though a tad grainer than T-Max, Delta delivers exceptional (and arguably superior) contrast, tonality, and resolution—it’s about as sharp as a B&W film is going to get. Available in 35mm, 120, and sheets, it’s got a price-to-performance ratio that’s impossible to beat.  

Adox Scala

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Back in the day, photographers loved to shoot slide film (also known as reversal film) for many reasons, including the required mastery of exposure skills. Since the film itself is the final image, perfect exposure is key.  Today, slide films tend to be quite pricey, except for Adox Scala, a B&W reversal film that isn’t much more expensive than B&W negative film.

Sacala is available in 35mm size at speeds of 50 and 160 ASA, and it delivers strong contrast, great dynamic range, and very fine grain—provided you nail the exposure, that is. And because it’s a reversal film, it offers the possibility of old-school projection. Scala does require a special development process; you’ll either need to find a lab that can handle it or use Adox’s Scala developing kit (which develops about 8 rolls at around $5.50 per). If you’ve ever wanted to try slide film but don’t relish paying $20 per roll, Scala is a great film to try.

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Developing black-and-white film is easy. It requires an up-front investment, and you have to practice loading film in the dark a few times before you get the hang of it, but once you’ve done it a few times, it’s a cakewalk. You can see a full, step-by-step guide here.

Developing color film, on the other hand is slightly trickier. It’s partially the chemicals that make the process more challenging—specifically the “blix” which has bleach in it and brings all the counter-staining, nose-offending trappings that come with it.

The real tricky part, however, is managing temperature. Black-and-white film requires a rather comfortable 68 degrees or optimal development. It can go up into the ’70s and down as cold as 65 degrees if you make some minor adjustments to developing time. Most color film developing kits (like the Cinestill C-41 kit), require a consistent temperature of 102 degrees, which is far above room temperature.

Enter the sous vide machine. I use the Anova, which you can control via app or simply rotating a dial on its face. It can both heat up and cool down liquid and keep your chemicals at the correct temperature throughout the developing process.

Here’s my typical process:

Before I load my film, I fill up a large pot with water and set the sous vide machine to 102 degrees. Once the liquid hits the right temperature, I set the bottles of chemicals inside the pot, so the water covers most of them. It shouldn’t cover all of them, and using the 1 liter bottles instead of gallons makes them a lot easier to fit into the pot and quicker to heat up.

With the chemicals warming, go and load your film. The color film developing process typically requires three chemicals: developer, blix and stabilizer. Only the developer and blix need to maintain the 102-degree temperature.

Once the developer reads the right temp, start the developing process. Most of the C-41 kits I have used only require 3.5 minute developing times, but I still keep the developing tank semi-submerged in the sous vide pot to maintain consistent temperature throughout. The fixing process is typically around 8 minutes and I don’t always keep it semi-submerged for that entire time, mostly out of laziness. It hasn’t noticeably affected my results, at least as far as I can tell.

The wash and the stabilizer don’t require hot water, so you can leave both of those at room temperature.

C-41 Film scan

It sounds like an intimidating process and you will absolutely stain your sink or counter if you’re not careful with the blix, but I’ve been able to process more than 20 rolls of film from a single C-41 kit, which makes it roughly a dollar per roll. That’s serious savings when it comes to development.

Once the film comes out of the stabilizer, hang it in a warm, dry place without a ton of dust. I hang mine in the bathroom with the air vent on. Make sure to clip something on the end to weigh it down and keep it straight or it might curl up on you and make it challenging to scan.

Right now, my Sous Vide of choice is part of Amazon’s Prime Day for $70, which is a fantastic deal. And, even if you don’t end up enjoying the color film developing process, you can still make some pretty killer salmon with your new cooker.

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