7 Best 35mm Film Of All Time (Tried & Tested)

Why is analog photography making such an intense comeback? Maybe it's the hypnotic grain of 35mm film or the mere act of shooting frame by frame.

Perhaps it's the rush of slowing down and relearning the skill of patience. Whatever the cause, one thing is certain: 35mm is back, and better than ever.

At Orwo Shop, we're here to support this creative revival with a wide range of 35mm film tailored to every photographic film vision.

But, with so many alternatives to pick from, including the convenience of a 100 ft 35mm film roll for bulk shooters, which film best depicts your vision?

We've done the hard part by testing the best 35mm film to help you make your next session the best.

What Makes a Great 35mm Film?

35mm film, also known as 135 film, is a film gauge used in photography since the early 20th century. It may have lost popularity due to digital photography.

But it is still cherished by photographers for its unique perspective and qualities.

The best reason to shoot with 35mm film is its detail and depth of field. It has a higher resolution and a wider dynamic range than the same area of an image sensor.

This gives images amazing clarity and tonal richness.

Another special characteristic is grain. The natural grain or pattern of the silver halide grains in the film emulsion gives images an organic feel and texture.

Most photographers prefer a smooth, grain-free look. But, when processed, they also want the beauty of an in-grain aesthetic.

This is a nod to the history of 35mm photography.

Furthermore, another area 35mm film is superior in is color rendering. Various film stocks render colors differently.

Some are quite warm and saturated, like Kodak Portra, while others are much more muted and natural, such as those from Fujifilm.

This allows photographers to pick a film stock based on their artistic vision and the subject matter they're photographing.

Despite the convenience of digital photography, 35mm film is still popular. Many reasons explain this.

Most photographers love the slow, deliberate pace of film photography. It promotes a more thoughtful approach to making images.

Many photographers also find that the physical nature of film negatives and the darkroom process evoke a certain nostalgic appeal.

Here are Our 7 Best 35mm Film of All Time

1. WOLFEN NC500

Wolfen NC500 is our top recommendation for the best 35mm film. This 400 ASA, 36 exposure color negative film is an offering from the legendary filmmakers at WOLFEN, proudly produced in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany a site with over a century of film manufacturing tradition dating back to 1910.

Furthermore, what sets WOLFEN NC500 apart is its unique chemical formula based on the iconic Agfa stock used in the Oscar-winning film Out of Africa.

This formula is famous for its beautiful green hues, desaturated shadows, and enhanced grain structure characteristics that WOLFEN has purposefully embraced and accentuated.

For those looking to experiment extensively, the 100ft 35mm film roll format offers an excellent option to fully explore its creative potential.

Rather than trying to imitate existing film on the market, Wolfen NC500 offers photographers an alternative with its distinct palette and aesthetics.

Additionally, the greens, shadows, and grain give images a look reminiscent of cinema yet accessible in the convenient 35mm format.

As a color-negative film, NC500 is processed using the standard C-41 process, making it easy for any lab to develop.

The 125µm triacetate base provides archival quality for long-lasting negatives.

Whether you're drawn to its cinematic origins and unique look or just want to try something new, the Wolfen NC500 is an exciting addition to the 35mm film world.

Its balance of tradition and innovation makes it our top choice for 35mm photographers looking to explore new creative possibilities.

Pros:

Cons:

• Lightly cooler color balance
• Fine grain, not as apparent

Overall, the one-of-a-kind look and stellar exposure latitude make the Wolfen NC500 our top choice for breath-taking 35mm photography with a vintage soul.

The reasonable price point makes this an amazing value, too.

2. Kodak Portra 400

Kodak's Portra film need no introduction. They've been the gold standard for professional color photography for decades.

Portra 400's ISO 400 speed gives it clean grain and a great dynamic range.

It's a top choice for wedding, portrait, and fashion photographers.

Pros:

• Very natural, smooth skin tones.
• Extremely fine grain.
• Excellent for people's photography
• Renders colors accurately.

Cons:

• More expensive than other film
• Colors not as vivid for landscapes/nature

Essentially, if you want beautiful, nuanced portraits or need a flexible daytime film, Portra 400 delivers excellent results.

Just be prepared to pay a premium for the quality.

3. Lomography Color Negative 800

Lomography films are known for their high saturation and heavy grain. Their imperfections create an unpredictable artistry.

Their 800-speed color negative film is perfect for capturing the world in vivid color with a dreamy, vintage vibe.

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Unique, punchy colors
• Heavy grain adds atmosphere

Cons:

• Oversaturated looks not naturalistic
• Quality control is less consistent

For bold, graphic colors with a quirky flair, try Lomography Color Negative 800 an affordable way to get creative.

4. Ilford XP2 Super 400

If you want to shoot in black and white but use C41 color processing, try the Ilford XP2 Super 400.

With a traditional panchromatic emulsion, you get the stunning tonality and grayscale of black and white film, developed using standard color methods

Pros:

• Rich tonal range with true blacks
• Ability to process at any lab
• Very sharp, fine grain

Cons:

• Slightly cooler tone than traditional B&W
• Dynamic range is not as extensive

For stunning black-and-white images, use XP2 Super 400. It's the best, most convenient option from any lab.

5. Kodak Ektar 100

If you're a landscape photographer wanting the sharpest images with amazing color, Kodak Ektar 100 is a great choice. It's the gold standard for a reason.

Ektar 100 has a fine grain that rivals medium format. Its colors are highly saturated. It is built to capture nature's glory.

Pros:

• Incredibly vivid, saturated colors
• Very high 100 ISO gives fine grain
• Excellent sharpness and clarity

Cons:

• Colors may be too vivid for portraits
• Low light capacity, not great

For stunning, vibrant colors in your landscape and travel photos, use Ektar 100. It will deliver breathtaking results.

6. Cinestill 800T

When shooting night photography or in low-light conditions, Cinestill 800T is the undisputed champion. Originally, it was a Kodak motion picture film.

It has an 800 ISO and a halation effect. This renders light in a dreamy, ethereal way.

Pros:

• Striking halation effect
• Unparalleled low light capacity
• Distinctive looks perfect for night shots

Cons:

• Very strong color cast under tungsten light
• Grain can be excessive in bright light

If you want to capture neon signs at night or shoot handheld without a flash, use Cinestill 800T. It's made for creativity in the dark.

7. Kodak Gold 200

For a film that's easy on the wallet but still offers a lot of flexibility, consider Kodak Gold 200.

It is, actually, one of the old but favorite ISO 200 color negative films of many both amateur and professional photographers out there.

The vivid color rendition is natural enough, while using it in bright lighting makes it perfect for shooting a landscape or portraits.

Pros:

• Affordable and easy to get.
• Warm, rich colors that really bring images to life.
• Fine grain for a sharp, fine print detail.
• Excellent latitude for overexposure.

Cons:

• Comparatively fewer low-light capabilities than higher-speed films.
• Not suitable for highly dynamic lighting conditions.

Kodak Gold 200 is perfect for laid-back photography and trying new things. It's affordable, no-frills, and gives your pictures a timeless feel.

It works for both a sunny picnic and a trip to the beach.

Tips for Shooting With 35mm Film

Shooting with 35mm film is somewhat different than shooting with a digital camera. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your experience with film:

1. Metering and Exposure

Proper exposure is crucial while shooting films because you can't preview or adjust the image as you could with digital.

Moreover, use your camera's built-in meter or an external handheld light meter to get an accurate reading of your lighting.

A slight overexposure of +1/3 to +2/3 stops will ensure holding more detail in the high-lighted areas. Bracket your exposures.

Shoot one at the metered value, shoot one under, and then shoot one over.

2. Pushing and Pulling Film

You can intentionally overexpose or underexpose your film for other looks. Pushing film will overexpose and overdevelop it, increasing contrast and grain.

Pulling film underexposes and underdevelops it, so it reduces both.

Try a stop of push or pull processing first to see how it alters the look.

3. Scanning and Developing

The way you develop and scan your film can greatly influence the final outcome.

It's advisable to work with a reputable lab that specializes in film development and scanning.

Also, if you prefer, you can develop black-and-white film at home. Just use a simple development tank.

For color negative film, most labs use the C-41 process. You might ask about other processes, like ECN-2, for a unique look.

4. Creative Techniques

35mm film is ideal for creative techniques. Those include double exposures, light leaks, and cross-processing.

Double exposures expose the same frame twice to combine two images. Light leaks create interesting streaks and color shifts.

Cross-processing develops film with a different chemical process than intended. An example is processing color film in black-and-white chemistry.

Ultimately, experiment with different techniques and find which one works for you.

In fact, as far as imperfections are concerned, relax because they are part of what is unique and beautiful about photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does anyone make 35mm film anymore?

Yes, 35mm film is still produced by companies worldwide. Kodak, Fujifilm, and Ilford are good brands. They still make various films to meet photographers' needs. More companies like WOLFEN are promoting analog photography. Their products, like the NC500, inspire ideas from a cinematic past.

2. What is the best 35mm film to shoot indoors?

In terms of ISO rating, the best choice in a film for indoor photography usually tends to have the highest rating due to the lack of light. Of these, there are the following: Kodak Portra 800, Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400, and Cinestill 800T. All are great. But, in tungsten-lit places, the Cinestill 800T is especially beautiful. It has a dreamy effect from halation.

3. Should I get 200 or 400 film?

Choose between ISO 200 and ISO 400 film. It depends on your lighting and desired look. ISO 200 film shines on bright, sunny days or in well-lit environments, giving finer grain and greater detail. ISO 400 film is more versatile. Thus, it's good for dull, overcast days and low indoor light. If you suspect mixed lighting or need extra flexibility, ISO 400 is often the better option.

4. How high quality is 35mm film?

35mm film has great image quality. It excels in color depth, dynamic range, and tonal richness. Digital sensors of similar resolution far outrank it in pixel count and low-light performance. Yet the film's organic grain gives it a unique, visually appealing look.

5. Is 35mm film better than digital?

The choice between 35mm film and digital technology is very much dictated by the context and personal preference. Film can do a lot of things that don't easily come off the features of grain, tonal depth, and color rendition. Moreover, it encourages a more thoughtful and creative process. Digital photography is, however, very convenient.

The Takeaway

Hopefully, this deeper dive into the best 35mm film has helped you make a choice that fits your creative vision.

Whether you're after cinematic Agfa-inspired hues or super-saturated Lomography palettes there are just so many ways with analog photography to artistically capture the world.

At Orwo Shop, we’re committed to providing the finest selection of 35mm film, including the 100ft 35mm film roll, to bring your photos to life.

Find the perfect 35mm film, whether your subject, lighting conditions, or experience level will tap into your creative spirit and bring your photos to life.

Now get out there and start shooting