Choosing Film Stock

Explore the captivating world of film stock selection, where each option brings a unique personality to your portraits. Dive into this gallery of examples, showcasing the distinct qualities of various film stocks. Find the perfect canvas for your vision and elevate your portraiture to new artistic heights.

This page features Thomas's frequently used film selections for portraiture, accompanied by sample images and specifications for your reference.

Please note: Images are for reference only. All images on this page have been lightly edited in Adobe Lightroom. The actual colour tone of each film stock may vary due to shooting conditions, the development process, and scanner settings. While the following film stocks are showcased, availability may vary during your shoot. Film stock availability depends on factors like current supply and expiry date. Rest assured, Thomas aims to provide the best options for your session.

Understanding Film Types & Developing Process

Before diving into the world of film and selecting your favourite stocks, it's crucial to comprehend the developing process. There are four primary developing processes: C-41, Black & White, ECN-2, and E-6. This page provides insight into the characteristics of each processing type and their associated film stocks.

Colour Film (C-41 Processing)

C-41 processing enhances the vividness of colour film, delivering vibrant and versatile results. It's ideal for capturing lively moments and rich, dynamic portraits.

What is C-41 Processing?

C-41 processing is a method used to develop colour-negative films, commonly found in film cameras. It's a standardised process that transforms exposed film into photographs. Think of it like following a recipe; each step enhances colours and details in your pictures, delivering ready-to-enjoy photos. C-41 processing is cost-effective, speedy, and available at most film labs.

The following film stocks are compatible with C-41 processing.

CineStill 50D

Explore the cinematic allure of CineStill 50D film. Known for its fine grain, this daylight-balanced film delivers soft, vibrant colours and exquisite detail. Ideal for capturing stunning landscapes and portraits with a touch of cinematic elegance.

Please note that this film is a repackaged and remjet-removed version of Kodak Vision 3 50D, allowing it to be processed using C41 chemistry.

[Medium Format | Mamiya RB67 Pro-S, 90mm f3.8 | CineStill 50D]

Kodak Ektar 100

Experience vivid colour and stunning clarity with Kodak Ektar 100 film. Known for its fine grain and rich tones, it captures the world in radiant detail, making it perfect for capturing life's vibrant moments.

[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 105mm f2.4 | Kodak Ektar 100]

Kodak Aerocolor IV

Kodak Aerocolor IV film is the choice for aerial photography. Rated 100 ISO, it is renowned for its exceptional colour accuracy, reddish skin tone and fine grain. It captures stunning landscapes from above with unparalleled clarity and precision.

Click here to read Thomas's review.

[35mm | Nikon F3 HP, 105mm f2.5 | Kodak Aerocolor IV]

Kodak Gold 200

Step into the world of timeless photography with Kodak Gold 200 film. This classic choice delivers rich colours, a golden vibe and fine grain, making it perfect for capturing life's everyday moments with a touch of nostalgia.

[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 105mm f2.4 | Kodak Gold 200]

Kodak Portra 400

Explore the timeless elegance of the Kodak Portra 400 film. Renowned for its versatility and natural colour rendering, it captures moments with true-to-life beauty and detail.

[Medium Format | Mamiya RB67 Pro-S, 90mm f3.8 | Kodak Portra 400]

Kodak Ultramax 400

Kodak Ultramax 400 film is every film shooter's everyday companion, known for its versatility and vibrant results. It excels in various lighting conditions, capturing life's moments with brilliance and vivid colour.

[35mm | Nikon FM2, 50mm f1.4 | Kodak Ultramax 400]

CineStill 400D

A daylight-balanced film with fine grain, soft colours, warm tones, and a wide dynamic range. Designed for C-41 processing, perfect for both manual and automatic cameras, and embraced by creative photographers.

Please note that this film is a repackaged and remjet-removed version of Kodak Vision 3 250D, allowing it to be processed using C41 chemistry.

[35mm | Nikon F3 HP, 50mm f1.4 | CineStill 400D]

CineStill 800T

Experience the magic of cinematic photography with Cinestill 800T film. This speciality tungsten light-balanced film delivers vibrant, cinematic colours, halation and stunning low-light performance, allowing you to capture moments with a captivating, movie-like allure.

Please note that this film is a repackaged and remjet-removed version of Kodak Vision 3 500T, allowing it to be processed using C41 chemistry.

[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 105mm f2.4 | CineStill 800T | Pushed to ISO 1600]

Kodak Portra 800

This high-speed colour-negative film delivers exceptional performance in low-light conditions. With rich colours and fine grain, it's perfect for capturing dynamic scenes and vibrant portraits.

[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 105mm f2.4 | Kodak Portra 800 | Pushed to ISO 1600]

Ilford XP2 Super 400

Ilford XP2 Super 400 film is a monochromatic marvel. Despite being a black-and-white film stock, it can be processed using C41 chemistry. This versatile film delivers rich, timeless imagery with fine grain, making it perfect for capturing dramatic scenes and artistic portraits.

[Medium Format | Mamiya RB67 Pro-S, 90mm f3.8 | Ilford XP2 Super 400]

Monochrome Film (BW Processing)

Black and White processing, an art in itself, brings out the essence of monochrome photography, allowing for the creation of evocative, timeless images.

What is Black and White Processing?

Black and White processing is a photographic technique that transforms images into shades of grey, accentuating contrast, shadows, texture, and mood. It's a timeless and artistic approach that removes colour, allowing the raw beauty and emotion within each frame to shine. Please note that Black and White processing is slightly more expensive and time-consuming compared to C41 processing.

The following film stocks are compatible with Black and White processing.

Fujifilm Neopan Acros II

Renowned for its fine grain, high contrast and rich tonal range, this film stock captures the world in stunning black and white detail, making it perfect for artistic and expressive photography.

[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 165mm f2.8 | Fujifilm Neopan Acros II]

CineStill BwXX

This black and white motion picture film wonder captures scenes with classic noir aesthetics, offering rich contrast, fine grain, and an evocative mood. Ideal for crafting dramatic and timeless imagery.

Please note that this film is a repackaged version of Kodak Eastman Double X.

[35mm | Nikon F3 HP, 35mm f2.8 | CineStill BwXX]

Ilford Delta 400

Ilford Delta 400 film is a fine art monochrome masterpiece. Known for its versatility and fine grain, it delivers stunning black and white imagery with rich contrast and detail. Ideal for creating expressive and dramatic photographs.

[35mm | Nikon F3 HP, 105mm f2.5 | Ilford Delta 400]

Ilford HP5+ 400

Ilford HP5+ 400 is a versatile monochrome option. With a reputation for fine grain and high sharpness, it captures black and white images with excellent detail and contrast. Perfect for diverse photographic styles, from expressive portraits to dramatic scenes.

[Medium Format | Mamiya RB67 Pro-S, 90mm f3.8 | Ilford HP5+ 400]

Kodak T-MAX 400

Kodak T-Max 400 excels in portraiture with its fine grain and high resolution. It captures subjects with stunning detail, delivering timeless black and white portraits that radiate purity and clarity.

[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 105mm f2.4 | Kodak T-MAX 400]

Kodak Tri-X 400

Kodak Tri-X 400 film is an iconic monochrome choice. Renowned for its grainy texture and classic look, it captures black and white images with a distinct character, making it ideal for crafting powerful and timeless photographs.

[Medium Format | Mamiya RB67 Pro-S, 90mm f3.8 | Kodak Tri-X 400]

Ilford Delta 3200

Ilford Delta 3200 is an ultra-speed black and white film, perfect for low light and fast-action photography, from nighttime shots to indoor settings where flash photography isn't an option. This stock excels in challenging lighting conditions. Its unobtrusive grain and rich tonality set it apart.

[35mm | Nikon FM2, 85mm f1.8 | Ilford Delta 3200]

Motion Picture Film (ECN-2 Processing)

Originally designed for motion pictures, motion picture film offers a unique cinematic aesthetic in still photography. It imparts a distinctive filmic quality to images, reminiscent of the silver screen.

What is ECN-2 Processing?

ECN-2 processing is a specialised technique used primarily in the motion picture industry. It brings the magic of cinema to still photography, creating images with a distinctive filmic quality. Let's explore this unique process and the motion film stocks it brings to life. Please note that ECN-2 processing is slightly more expensive and time-consuming compared to C41 processing.

The following film stocks are compatible with ECN-2 processing.

Kodak Vision 3 50D

Kodak Vision 3 50D film is renowned for its precise detail and vibrant colours. With fine grain and exceptional clarity, it delivers cinematic-quality images.

[35mm | Nikon F3 HP, 105mm f2.5 | Kodak Vision 3 50D]

Kodak Vision 3 250D

Kodak Vision 3 250D film brings the magic of cinema to still photography. Renowned for its fine grain and vibrant colours, it captures moments with cinematic brilliance.

[Medium Format | Mamiya RB67 Pro-S, 90mm f3.8 | Kodak Vision 3 250D]

Kodak Vision 3 500T

Kodak Vision 3 500T is a high-speed, ultra-fine grain colour motion picture film often used for cinematic projects. Its remarkable sensitivity makes it ideal for shooting in challenging lighting conditions and achieving superb image quality. This versatile film stock offers exceptional performance and vivid colours, ensuring the image comes to life.

[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 165mm f2.8 | Kodak Vision 3 500T]

Slide Film (E-6 Processing)

Slide film, designed for vibrant colour and high contrast, paired with E-6 processing, enhances vivid, true-to-life colours, making it ideal for capturing striking landscapes and vibrant scenes.

What is E-6 Processing?

E-6 processing is a method tailored for colour transparency films like slides. It retains vibrant, true-to-life colours in every frame, ideal for displaying breathtaking landscapes and vivid scenes. However, it's worth noting that slide film and E-6 processing are among the most costly options.

The following film stocks are compatible with E-6 processing.

Fujifilm Provia 100F

Fujifilm Provia 100F film brings vivid colour to portraiture. Known for its fine grain and rich hues, it captures subjects with vibrant and lifelike precision.

[35mm | Canon F-1, 50mm f1.8 | Fujifilm Provia 100F]

Kodak Ektachrome E100

Kodak has resurrected the iconic Ektachrome E100, a beloved 35mm slide film. This film stock has an enhanced yet neutral colour and exceptional skin tone reproduction.

[35mm | Nikon F, 50mm f1.4 | Kodak Ektachrome E100]

Expired/Discontinued Film

Expired and discontinued film stock holds a unique charm in the world of analogue photography. These elusive gems, no longer in production, offer a nostalgic and distinctive character to images, cherished by film enthusiasts.

Occasionally, Thomas has a stash of expired and discontinued film stocks in his collection. Shooting such film is an experimental adventure; results are unpredictable as the film ages. The mystery and uniqueness it brings cannot be replicated. If you're intrigued by this experimental journey, reach out to Thomas.

The film stocks and images provided are for reference purposes only. It's important to note that these images don't necessarily indicate that Thomas still has these specific films in stock.

Please be aware that refunds are not applicable for shooting with expired or discontinued film stocks.

Fujifilm Superia 100
[Discontinued 2009]

Fujifilm Superia 100, a versatile ISO 100 colour negative film, offered sharp, vibrant colours. It was available in both 135 and 120 formats but was discontinued in 2009.

[Medium Format | Mamiya RB67 Pro-S, 90mm f3.8 | Fujifilm Superia 100, expired 2010, shot at ISO 50]

Fujifilm Pro 160NS
[Discontinued 2022]

Fujifilm Pro 160NS film offers a natural colour palette and subtle tones. With fine grain and gentle contrast, it captures scenes with a soft, pleasing Japanese style aesthetic.

[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 105mm f2.4 | Fujifilm Pro 160NS, expirary date unknown]

Fujifilm Pro 400H
[Discontinued 2021]

Fujifilm Pro 400H, formerly NPH400 since 2002, was an ISO 400 colour film. Renowned for weddings and portraits, it offered precise colour reproduction and fine grain. Discontinued in 2021 due to raw material procurement challenges.

[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 105mm f2.4 | Fujifilm Pro 400H, expirary date unknown]

Agfa Vista Plus 400
[Discontinue Year Unknown]

Agfa Vista Plus 400 is a versatile C-41 colour film, ideal for freezing motion or overcast days. Capture daily life with beautiful analogue tonality.

[35mm | Canon F-1, 50mm f1.4 | Agfa Vista 400, expired 2009 | shot at ISO 200]

Fujifilm Reala 500D
[Discontinued 2012]

Fujifilm Reala 500D film is known for its realistic colour rendition and radiant hues. This Fujifilm motion picture film has a fine grain feature and exceptional clarity, it brings scenes to life with vivid authenticity.

[35mm | Nikon FM2, 50mm f1.4 | Fujifilm Reala 500D, expired 2011 | Shot at ISO 200]

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