The 5 Film Types: A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Film

Not sure which film to choose? My guide breaks down 5 film types to help you find your perfect match. There’s also a quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Wondering what film stock to use for your photography?

Choosing the right film can make a huge difference in how your photos turn out. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or experimental shots, understanding the characteristics of each film type will help you achieve your creative vision. In this guide, we’ll break down 5 distinct categories of film, each tailored to different photographic needs and styles. From the ultra-sharp, fine-grain films to the experimental and creative options, there’s a perfect match for every photographer.

01.

Sharp & Fine Grain

Ideal for: Precision, minimal grain, and detail-rich photography.

Films in this category are perfect when you want clear, sharp images with smooth, fine grain, making them ideal for landscapes, portraits, or macro photography.

Kodak Ektar 100
Formats: 35mm, 120, 4×5
Description: Extremely fine grain, vibrant colours.
Ilford FP4 Plus
Formats: 35mm, 120, 4×5
Description: Classic fine-grain black-and-white film; excellent for landscapes.
Fujifilm Velvia 50
Formats: 35mm, 120, 4×5
Description: High-saturation slide film, perfect for vivid landscapes.
Lomography Color Tiger 200 (110)
Formats: 110
Description: Warm tones and fine grain for sharp, everyday photography.
Ilford Delta 100
Formats: 35mm, 120, 4×5
Description: Ultra-fine grain, sharpness, and tonal range.

View of Brighton pier taken from below in black and white

02.

Versatile All-Rounders

Ideal for: General-purpose use, wide exposure latitude, and balanced tones.

These films are flexible and reliable, handling a variety of subjects and lighting conditions with ease.

Kodak Portra 400
Formats: 35mm, 120, 4×5
Description: Renowned for natural colours and flexibility.
Ilford HP5 Plus
Formats: 35mm, 120, 4×5
Description: Reliable black-and-white film, versatile across lighting conditions.
Kodak Gold 200
Formats: 35mm, 120
Description: Affordable colour film with warm tones and fine grain.
Lomography Berlin Kino 400 (110)
Formats: 110, 35mm, 120
Description: Vintage-inspired black-and-white film with a cinematic look.
Fujicolor Pro 400H
Formats: 35mm, 120
Description: Soft colour palette and wide latitude.

Front view of a grounded fishing boat with the registration number RX58, with a seagull flying in the background and the ocean beyond.

03.

High Contrast and Bold Tones

Ideal for: Dramatic contrast, saturated colours, or deep blacks and whites.

Films in this category create striking images with high contrast and vibrant colours, perfect for adding a dramatic edge to your photos.

Kodak Tri-X 400
Formats: 35mm, 120, 4×5
Description: High-contrast black-and-white film with iconic grain.
Kodak Ektachrome E100
Formats: 35mm, 120, 4×5
Description: Slide film with bold colours and sharp contrast.
Fujifilm Provia 100F
Formats: 35mm, 120, 4×5
Description: Excellent colour rendition with strong contrast.
Lomography Redscale 110
Formats: 110
Description: Creative red tones with bold saturation.
Ilford Delta 3200
Formats: 35mm, 120
Description: Perfect for low-light, high-contrast scenes.

TAKE THE QUIZ — FIND OUT WHICH FILM YOU SHOULD TRY…

04.

Creative and Experimental

Ideal for: Unique effects, unpredictable results, and artistic exploration.

If you love pushing boundaries and experimenting, these films offer surprising results with creative possibilities.

Lomography Turquoise XR
Formats: 35mm, 120
Description: Produces surreal, blue-green tones.
Kodak Aerochrome (Infrared)
Formats: 35mm, 120
Description: Infrared-sensitive film for otherworldly colours.
Hanalogital Souped Films
Formats: 35mm
Description: Pre-treated films for unexpected effects and tones.
Lomography Lobster Redscale 200 (110)
Formats: 110
Description: Warm red and orange tones; fun for experiments.
Ilford Ortho Plus
Formats: 35mm, 120, 4×5
Description: Orthochromatic black-and-white film for creative control.

A person taking a photograph with a professional camera on a city street, wearing a light jacket and carrying a light meter.

05.

Moody and Atmospheric

Ideal for: Nostalgic, grainy, or low-light photography with a cinematic edge.

These films create a timeless, moody atmosphere that’s perfect for capturing dramatic, nostalgic, or low-light scenes.

Cinestill 800T
Formats: 35mm, 120
Description: Tungsten-balanced film with iconic halation effects.
Kodak T-Max P3200
Formats: 35mm
Description: High-speed black-and-white film for dimly lit scenes.
Fujifilm Neopan Acros II
Formats: 35mm, 120
Description: Smooth tonal range with minimal grain for black-and-white work.
Lomography Orca 100 (110)
Formats: 110
Description: Black-and-white film with a classic, atmospheric feel.
Kodak ColorPlus 200
Formats: 35mm
Description: Soft, muted colours for everyday nostalgia.

Chapel Place in Tunbridge Wells shot on Mamiya 6 medium format film camera on Cinestill 800T

Images of analogue camras on a wooden table shot from above

ANALOGUE WOnDERLAND

Analogue Wonderland are a UK-based lab that offer a wide variety of films. Some films sell out fast though, so it’s worth signing up to be notified when it comes back in stock.

They also offer developing for black and white and colour films, as well as specialised developing, such as for souped films.

Link to analogue Wonderland…