Kodak Portra 160
In this article, I'll guide you through the process of buying 35mm film for your vintage film camera! (Click here to skip to film recommendations) Here are the 5 main factors to consider:
1. Type of Film: The first thing to consider when buying 35mm film is the type of film you want to use. Black & White Film can give you classic, timeless results while Colour Film can add vibrancy and depth to your shots. There are also different brands of film to consider, each with their own unique characteristics and colour tones.
Kentmere 400
Kodak Portra 400
2. Film Speed: The film speed (the number that follows the name of the film), also known as the ISO, determines how sensitive the film is to light. Lower ISO films are less sensitive to light and will give you fine-grained, sharp results. Higher ISO films are more sensitive to light but will give you grainier and less sharp results.
Low ISO vs High ISO Film Results
If you're shooting in low light or indoors, you may want to choose a higher ISO film (such as 400, 800 or higher) to ensure you get well-exposed shots. If you're shooting outside on a sunny day, a lower ISO film (such as 100 or 200) is preferable.
3. Number of Photos (Exposures) per Roll: There are two main formats of 35mm film available: 24 exposure and 36 exposure. 24 exposure film is suitable for shorter photography sessions or for when you want to change the film you are using often, while 36 exposure film is better suited to longer sessions or when you'll be taking a lot of photos. 36 exposure film is usually better value when looking at cost per exposure.
4. Price: The cost per roll of 35mm film can vary widely depending on the brand, the quantity purchased and the type of film (at the moment, colour is more expensive than black & white). You tend to get better value when buying in larger quantities.
Kodak Portra 400 120 vs 135 (35mm) Film
5. Format: Be sure to buy 35mm (or 135) film and not 120 film, or anything else - 120 film can only be used in medium format cameras, you don't want to receive film that you can't use in your camera! The packaging can look similar and I have accidentally bought 120 film myself in the past when in a rush.
Good value all-rounder films and where to buy them below (Click link to buy to search on eBay):
The links below contain affiliate links for which RCF may be compensated
Colour:
| Kodak Gold 200 | Link to Buy UK | Link to Buy US |
| Kodak Ultramax 400 | Link to Buy UK | Link to Buy US |
| Fuji Superia X-TRA 400 | Link to Buy UK | Link to Buy US |
| Kodak Portra 400 | Link to Buy UK | Link to Buy US |
Black and White:
| Ilford HP5 Plus 400 | Link to Buy UK | Link to Buy US |
| Kentmere Pan 400 | Link to Buy UK | Link to Buy US |
Where to buy Film (UK):
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Analogue Wonderland - The most well-known UK direct to customer retailer with a very wide range of 35mm film. Click this link for a free roll of Kentmere 400 36 exp! (UK only)
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| Ebay.co.uk - Large reliable marketplace for hundreds of vendors so that you can compare deals across the board |
| Amazon.co.uk - Tends to be more expensive than other marketplaces or retailers but often with fast free delivery |
Where to buy Film (USA):
| Adorama - This well-known and well-stocked camera superstore carries a wide range of photographic film from some of the most reputable manufacturers, including Fujifilm, Ilford, and Kodak. |
| B&H Photo Video - Another online 35mm film retailer in the US, also carries all the major brands of film. |
| Ebay.com - Large reliable marketplace for hundreds of vendors so that you can compare deals across the board |
| Amazon.com - Tends to be more expensive than other marketplaces or retailers but often with fast free delivery |