A Guide to Photographic Film Types

Despite the rise of digital photography, film photography remains a beloved medium for many photographers, offering a unique aesthetic and a hands-on approach to image-making. Whether you're new to film or a seasoned analogue enthusiast, understanding the different types of photographic film can help you choose the right one for your creative vision.

Different types of Photographic Film

1. Black and White Film:  

Black and white film is the foundation of traditional photography. It captures images in monochrome, emphasising contrast, tonality, and texture. Many photographers love it for its timeless quality and flexibility in the darkroom.  

Pros:  

✔ Excellent for artistic and documentary photography  

✔ Highly customisable through different development techniques  

✔ Can be developed at home with basic chemistry  

Cons:  

✘ Lacks the vibrant colours of colour film  

✘ Requires learning darkroom techniques for best results  

Most Popular B&W Films:  

Ilford HP5 Plus 400 (My personal Favourite)  – A versatile, high-speed film with a classic grain structure and a high exposure latitude, great for everyday photography.  

Kodak Tri-X 400 – Known for its high contrast and fine grain, ideal for street and documentary photography.  

Fomapan 100 Classic – A budget-friendly option with a smooth tonal range and fine detail.

2. Colour Negative Film (C-41 Process)  

Colour negative film is the most common type of colour film and is processed using the C-41 method. It offers rich colours and a wide exposure latitude, making it forgiving for beginners and professionals alike.  

Pros:  

✔ Wide exposure latitude (handles overexposure well)  

✔ Available in various ISO speeds for different lighting conditions  

✔ Can be processed at most film labs (including DarkLab)   

Cons:  

✘ Less control over colour balance compared to slide film  

✘ More expensive than black and white film  

Most Popular C41 Colour Films:

Kodak Portra 400 – A professional-grade film synonymous with beautiful skin tones, ideal for portraits.  

Fujifilm Superia X-Tra 400 – A consumer-friendly film with vibrant colours and good contrast.  

Kodak Gold 200 (My most used colour film) – A warm, nostalgic film great for daylight photography.  

3. Colour Slide Film (E-6 Process)

Colour slide (or reversal) film produces positive images rather than negatives, meaning you can view the image directly on the film. It is known for its vibrant colours, high contrast, and sharpness but has less exposure latitude, requiring very careful metering.  

Pros:  

✔ Stunning, vibrant colours and sharp details  

✔ Great for projection and scanning  

✔ Preferred by professionals for commercial work  

Cons:  

✘ Narrow exposure latitude – small metering errors can ruin an image  

✘ More expensive and harder to find processing labs  

Most Popular Colour Slide Films:

Kodak Ektachrome E100 – A modern slide film with balanced colours and fine grain. 

Fujifilm Velvia 50 – Famous for its deep saturation and contrast, great for landscapes.  

Fujifilm Provia 100F – Offers more natural tones and fine detail, suitable for portraits and commercial work.  

4. Instant Film 

Instant film, popularised by Polaroid and now Fujifilm Instax, develops immediately after exposure, making it a favourite for casual and creative photography. It comes in both colour and black and white variants.  

Pros:  

✔ Instant gratification – no need for development  

✔ Unique, unpredictable results  

✔ Fun for events and personal projects  

Cons:  

✘ Expensive per shot  

✘ Lower resolution compared to traditional film  

Most Popular Instant Films:

Polaroid i-Type – A modern instant film with a vintage aesthetic.  

Fujifilm Instax Mini – Affordable and widely available, great for social photography. 

Polaroid 600 Film – Classic instant film for older Polaroid cameras.  

5. Specialty Films

Beyond standard black and white and colour films, there are niche films that create unique effects such as:   

Infrared Film  

Captures infrared light, producing surreal images with glowing highlights and deep shadows. Example: Rollei Infrared 400 

Redscale Film  

Film loaded in reverse, creating a red-orange hue. Example: Lomography Redscale XR 50-200

Cine Film  

Originally designed for motion pictures, cine film like Kodak Vision3 500T offers a cinematic look when used in still cameras.  

Choosing the Right Film  

Your choice of film depends on the look you want to achieve and your shooting conditions. If you're after classic, artistic shots, black and white film is a great choice. For everyday photography with vibrant colours, colour negative film is the most practical. If you want maximum detail and contrast, slide film is unbeatable, while instant film is perfect for fun, spontaneous moments.  

Whatever your preference, shooting film is a rewarding experience that connects you to the roots of photography. So, grab a roll, load your camera, and enjoy the magic of analogue photography!  

Do you have a favourite film stock? Let me know in the comments!

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