If you're just getting started with analog photography, choosing the right 35mm film roll can seem like an overwhelming task. With so many different types of film available, it's important to understand how each one can affect your photos. In this article, we'll discuss different types of 35mm film and help you make the best choice for your photographic style.
1. Color or black and white?
The first decision you need to make is whether you want to shoot in color or black and white. Color film captures the world as we see it, with rich, vibrant tones. It is ideal for landscapes, portraits, and everyday shots where the color gradations make a big difference. On the other hand, black and white film has a timeless, classic look. It emphasizes contrast and texture, and can often convey emotion more powerfully without the “distraction” of color.
Popular choices:
- Color: Kodak Portra 400, Kodak Ultramax 400
- Black and white: Ilford HP5 Plus, Kodak Tri-X 400
Shot on Kodak Portra 4002. ISO value: Speed of your film
The ISO value of a film determines how sensitive it is to light. A low ISO, such as 100 or 200, is perfect for bright, sunny days and produces images with finer grain and more detail. Higher ISO values, such as 400 or 800, are good for situations with lower light, such as indoors or at dusk. They do produce more grain, which contributes to a certain aesthetic.
Popular choices:
- Low ISO: Fujifilm Superia 100 (color), Ilford FP4 Plus 125 (black and white)
- High ISO: Kodak Portra 800 (color), Ilford Delta 3200 (black and white)
3. Fine grain vs. grainy film
The grain structure of a film can give your photos a unique character. Fine grain films are ideal for detailed images and portraits, where you want to capture subtle nuances. Grainy films are popular for a more artistic or vintage look, and are often used in black and white photography for dramatic effect.
Popular choices:
- Fine Grain: Kodak Ektar 100 (color), Ilford Pan F Plus 50 (black and white)
- Grainy: Kodak T-Max P3200 (black and white)
4. Color rendering and tonality
Different color films have different color renderings. Some films, like Kodak Ektar 100, are known for their vibrant colors and high saturation. This makes them ideal for landscape photography and anywhere you want the colors to really pop. Other films, like Kodak Portra, offer softer, more neutral color rendering, making them perfect for portraits and wedding photography.
Popular choices:
- Vivid Colors: Kodak Ektar 100
- Soft Colors: Kodak Ultramax 400
5. Special effects and experimentation
For the more adventurous photographers, there are also films that offer specific effects, such as redscale film, which gives a warm, reddish tint to your images, or lomographic films, which can create unexpected colours and strong vignettes.
Popular choices:
- Redscale: Lomography Redscale XR 50-200
- Experimental: Revolog Tesla II (with electrical effects)
Conclusion
Choosing the right 35mm film comes down to understanding your own preferences and what you want to achieve with your photography. Do you want vibrant colors or soft tones? Sharp details or artistic grain? Each film type offers unique capabilities, so it pays to try different films and discover what suits your style best. Remember that analogue photography is all about experimenting and embracing the unexpected!
