Kodak 35mm Film Buyer's Guide: Choose the Right Film for Your Camera

Choosing the right Kodak 35mm film can quickly become a daunting task. Between the different sensitivities, colour renditions, and grain textures, it's easy to get lost. But don't worry! This guide is here to shed some light and help you find the perfect analogue film for your projects, whether you're a curious newcomer or a seasoned photographer.

By the Joybuy editorial photo experts

How to Choose the Right Kodak Analogue Film?

Before you dive in, there are a few key concepts to master. Once you understand these basics, you'll know exactly which photo film to buy to perfectly match your creative vision.

1. ISO Speed: Playing with Light

ISO speed is simply your film's ability to "soak up" light. The lower the number (e.g., 100 ISO), the less sensitive it is, making it ideal for very sunny days, offering nearly invisible grain and incredible sharpness. Conversely, a higher speed (200, 400 ISO, and beyond) is more versatile and performs better when light is scarce. The grain will be slightly more noticeable, which is often a deliberate aesthetic choice.

2. Colour or Black & White: A Purely Artistic Choice

The decision between a 35mm colour photo film and a 35mm black and white film is primarily a matter of artistic vision.

• Colour is perfect for capturing a mood or atmosphere. Each film has its own chromatic signature: some burst with saturation, while others offer a softer, more nostalgic feel.
• Black and white, on the other hand, enhances shapes, textures, contrasts, and the play of light. It's the preferred medium for portraiture, architecture, or street photography, where raw emotion takes precedence over the colour palette.

3. The Visual Signature: Grain, Contrast, and Saturation

Beyond the technical aspects, every Kodak analogue film has its own personality, its own signature.

• Grain: This is the very texture of the analogue image. A fine grain ensures sharpness and detail, ideal for landscapes. A more pronounced grain, conversely, adds character and a delightfully retro feel.
• Saturation: This is the intensity of the colours. Pushed to the max, it delivers vivid, popping hues. Softer saturation creates a delicate, pastel-like mood.
• Contrast: This sculpts the image by playing on the difference between shadows and highlights. High contrast produces a hard, graphic look, while soft contrast favours subtlety and rich tonal gradations.

Kodak 35mm Film Recommendations

We've selected three iconic Kodak 35mm films, each catering to specific needs and styles.

Kodak Ektar 100 ISO 35mm - 36 Exposures

Why it stands out

Often dubbed "the world's finest grain film," Kodak Ektar 100 is an exceptional film stock. Its almost imperceptible grain makes it perfect for very high-resolution scans and large-format prints. Its low speed of 100 ISO makes it best suited for days bathed in light or for studio sessions where lighting is perfectly controlled. As for colours, expect an explosion of vivid, saturated hues, making it the undisputed king of landscape photography.

Key features

• Grain: Extremely fine, for exceptional sharpness and resolution.
• Colours: Ultra-saturated and vibrant rendering with a flattering warm cast.
• Speed: 100 ISO, perfect for bright light conditions.
• Development: Standard C-41 process, compatible with all labs.

Who is it for? For landscape, travel, and nature lovers who demand maximum detail and colours that pop. It's also the choice of professionals for high-end printing jobs.

Kodak Color Plus 200 ISO 135 - 24 Exposures

Why it stands out

Kodak Color Plus 200 is the quintessential all-rounder, renowned for its incredible value for money. Its 200 ISO speed makes it a perfect go-to for everyday use, capable of adapting to a wide range of light conditions. Its look is instantly recognisable: warm colours, a distinct vintage charm, and a fine but present grain that gives photos that special character.

Key features

• Speed: 200 ISO, the epitome of versatility for everyday photography.
• Rendering: Natural colours with a warm bias, for a delightfully retro look.
• Grain: Fine but visible, the perfect balance between sharpness and character.
• Price: Very affordable, ideal for practising and shooting freely.

Who is it for? For beginners starting with analogue photography, hobbyists looking for a reliable and inexpensive film for their holiday snaps or daily life, and anyone who loves that warm, timeless look.

Kodak T-Max 100 ISO Black & White 35mm - 36 Exposures

Why it stands out

An absolute benchmark in modern black and white, Kodak T-Max 100 is a technological marvel. Its secret? Kodak's T-GRAIN emulsion, which gives it surgical sharpness and incredibly fine grain. With its 100 ISO speed and very wide dynamic range, it's the dream precision tool for sculpting light, mastering every shade of grey, and capturing a stunning level of detail.

Key features

• Grain: Extremely fine, allowing for huge enlargements with no loss of quality.
• Sharpness: Exceptional, perfect for complex and textured subjects.
• Tonal Range: Very wide, for incredibly subtle gradations and perfectly controlled contrast.
• Speed: 100 ISO, ideal for studio portraiture, architecture, and landscape photography.

Who is it for? For black and white purists, fine art, portrait, or architectural photographers who aim for technical perfection. This is the film for precision and finesse, the opposite of a raw, grainy look.

Want to Explore Other Possibilities?

Our selection is just a taste of what the world of Kodak analogue film has to offer. Other speeds (like the very popular 400 ISO) and unique renderings await you. Feel free to explore our full catalogue to find your next favourite film.

Discover our full range of films

Frequently Asked Questions about Kodak 35mm Film

What's the difference between Kodak Ektar 100 and Color Plus 200?

These two films serve completely different purposes. Kodak Ektar 100 is a professional film that aims for technical excellence: invisible grain, maximum sharpness, and ultra-saturated colours. Kodak Color Plus 200, on the other hand, is a consumer-grade film that is much more affordable and versatile. It offers a softer look, warm tones, and a visible grain that gives it its much-loved vintage charm.

Which Kodak 35mm film should I choose to start with analogue photography?

Without a doubt, Kodak Color Plus 200. Its 200 ISO speed is more forgiving of minor exposure errors than 100 ISO films. Its low price is perfect for experimenting without stress, and its warm rendering is always rewarding when you're just getting started.

How should I store my photo film?

The golden rule: keep it cool, dry, and away from light. For long-term storage (several months), the refrigerator is your best friend (in a sealed box or bag). Just remember to take your film out a few hours before use to let it return to room temperature. And if you're flying, always request a manual inspection at the security checkpoint to prevent X-rays from damaging your precious films.