Written by Michael Elliott

Film photography is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, as more and more photographers are rediscovering the joys and challenges of shooting with analog cameras and film. But with so many different types of film available, how do you choose the right one for your needs? Here are 10 of the best photographic film emulsions that you should try, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned film shooter.

1. Kodak Portra 400

Kodak Portra 400 is one of the most versatile and popular colour negative films on the market. It has a fine grain, natural colours, and excellent exposure latitude, making it ideal for portraits, landscapes, and street photography. It can also be pushed or pulled up to two stops without losing quality.

2. Ilford HP5 Plus

Ilford HP5 Plus is a classic black and white film that has been around since 1935. It has a medium contrast, moderate grain, and good sharpness, and can handle a wide range of lighting conditions. It is also easy to develop at home or in a lab, and can be pushed up to ISO 3200 for low-light situations.

3. Fujifilm Velvia 50

Fujifilm Velvia 50 is a colour positive or slide film that is renowned for its vivid colours, high saturation, and fine detail. It is especially suited for landscape and nature photography, as it can capture the rich hues of foliage, flowers, and skies. However, it has a very narrow exposure latitude, so it requires precise metering and exposure control.

4. Kodak Tri-X 400

Kodak Tri-X 400 is another iconic black and white film that has been used by many famous photographers over the decades. It has a high contrast, coarse grain, and distinctive tonality, giving it a gritty and expressive look. It is great for documentary, street, and reportage photography, as it can cope with challenging lighting conditions and fast-moving subjects.

5. Lomography LomoChrome Purple

Lomography LomoChrome Purple is a colour negative film that mimics the effect of infrared photography, transforming green tones into purple hues. It creates surreal and psychedelic images that are fun and creative. It also has a variable ISO range from 100 to 400, allowing you to change the intensity of the colour shift by adjusting the exposure.

6. Ilford Delta 100

Ilford Delta 100 is a black and white film that offers exceptional sharpness, fine grain, and tonal range. It is ideal for capturing intricate details and textures in subjects such as architecture, still life, and macro photography. It also has a very smooth tonal transition from highlights to shadows, giving it a rich and elegant look.

7. Fujifilm Provia 100F

Fujifilm Provia 100F is a colour positive or slide film that delivers natural colours, high sharpness, and low grain. It is suitable for a variety of genres, such as portraits, weddings, fashion, and product photography, as it can reproduce skin tones accurately and faithfully. It also has a good exposure latitude and can be pushed up to two stops without losing quality.

8. Kodak Ektar 100

Kodak Ektar 100 is a colour negative film that boasts the finest grain of any colour film in the world. It has vibrant colours, high saturation, and superb contrast, making it perfect for capturing scenic views and vivid subjects. It also has a very smooth tonal curve and excellent sharpness across the frame.

9. Ilford XP2 Super

Ilford XP2 Super is a black and white film that uses C-41 processing, which means it can be developed at any lab that processes colour negative film. It has a fine grain, high sharpness, and wide exposure latitude, making it easy to use and versatile. It also has a unique look that combines the tonality of black and white with the grain structure of colour.

10. Lomography LomoChrome Metropolis

Lomography LomoChrome Metropolis is a colour negative film that creates a unique aesthetic that is reminiscent of urban decay, dystopian fiction, and vintage cinema. It has muted colours, high contrast, and a strong grain, giving it a gritty and moody look. It also has a variable ISO range from 100 to 400, allowing you to change the mood and atmosphere of your images by adjusting the exposure.

These are just some of the many photographic film emulsions that you can experiment with and enjoy. Each film has its own characteristics and personality, and can influence the mood and style of your images. So why not grab your film camera and try some of these films for yourself? You might be surprised by the results!