Confused About Choosing Film? Choose Kodak! Features and Examples of 5 Recommended Color Negative Films | Focus #155
cover image by Koji Takasaki
Are you interested in film photography but unsure which film to use?
Choosing the right film is crucial, especially because you can't see the results until development. This time, we will introduce Kodak's iconic films in detail, explaining their features and uses clearly. We hope to help those struggling with film selection or wanting to start film photography find the perfect film.
What is Kodak?
Kodak is a photography equipment manufacturer headquartered in the United States. It is known for being the first in the world to release roll film and color negative film. Loved by professional photographers, it produces popular films like the PORTRA series, and is globally renowned alongside Japan's FUJIFILM.
Ektar 100: Vivid Colors and Smooth Quality
Ektar 100 is known as the "world's finest grain color negative film." With a low sensitivity of ISO 100, it provides extremely smooth image quality, ideal for enlargements and high-resolution scanning.
Points:
- Produces smooth and clear photos
- Vivid colors and strong contrast
- Renders reds beautifully
Ektar 100 is attractive for its vivid colors and clear quality, making it perfect for landscapes and still life photography.
Image by usubanfilm
ULTRAMAX 400: Highly Versatile Film
ULTRAMAX 400 is a general-purpose film that's easy for beginners to use. With an ISO sensitivity of 400, it can capture beautiful images outdoors, on cloudy days, and in bright indoor settings.
Points:
- Usable in various scenes
- Captures blue skies and bluish shadows beautifully
- Easy to obtain and affordably priced, approximately 1,690 yen (including tax) as of May 21, 2024
ULTRAMAX 400 is perfect for travel and everyday snapshots.
Image by nowphotoworks
GOLD 200: Warm Tones
GOLD 200 is a film with an ISO of 200, characterized by Kodak's signature warm tones. It is suitable for everyday scenes and portrait photography.
Points:
- Produces warm photos
- Ideal for everyday snapshots and portraits
- Affordably priced, approximately 1,600 yen (including tax) as of May 21, 2024
GOLD 200 is recommended for recording memories warmly.
Image by usubafilm
ColorPlus 200: Enjoyable Film for Everyone
ColorPlus 200 is perfect for those new to film photography or looking to keep costs down. It offers warm tones similar to GOLD 200 and is available at an affordable price.
Points:
- Allows easy enjoyment of film photography
- Warm color tones
- Affordable price, approximately 1,480 yen (including tax) as of May 21, 2024
ColorPlus 200 is ideal for those concerned about cost performance.
Image by 佐藤亜梨沙 │ Sato Arisa
PORTRA 400: Versatile Film Loved by Professionals
PORTRA 400 is a film loved by many professional photographers. With an ISO sensitivity of 400, it is specialized for portrait photography but is also easy to use for travel and outdoor scenes.
Points:
- Beautiful skin tone reproduction
- Soft light depiction
- Performs well in various scenes
PORTRA 400 is characterized by its soft, enveloping appearance and natural colors, making it ideal not only for portraits but also for landscapes and travel photos.
Image by yuya4four
Tips for Choosing Film
When choosing film, consider aspects such as features and price. It's important to clearly define the subjects or scenes you want to shoot.
The choice of film changes depending on the purpose, such as landscapes, portraits, or travel photos. Additionally, ISO sensitivity is a crucial factor. The lower the ISO, the smoother the image quality, while higher ISO makes it easier to shoot in dark places. Furthermore, understand the color and contrast characteristics of each film to choose one that suits your preferences.
Image by ualuni
Starting Your Film Camera Life with Kodak
The charm of film photography lies in its unique texture and finish that digital cannot replicate. Kodak films are supported by many creators for their rich colors and detailed depiction. Through this magazine, we hope you find the film that suits you and fully enjoy the fun of film photography. We wish your photography life becomes even more fulfilling!
