35mm Color Film: Ratings of Sources
Total of 16 Sources
For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.
10 Top Color-Print Films
by Editors of PHOTOgraphic
Our AssessmentIn this roundup, the editors of Photographic.com list their top ten color films. Film is listed from slowest to fastest. Film is not ranked or otherwise rated. Testing is based on overall experience rather than specific, measured testing. Some of the films included are Agfa Ultra 100, Fujicolor Superia 100, Kodak Supra 100, Kodak Professional 400UC, Konica Color Centuria and Fujicolor NPZ 800.
30 Great 35mm Films
by Jack and Sue Drafahl
Our AssessmentThis long list of thirty films is the best review we found and a good reference if you'd like to get a feel for which types of film are best for specific types of shots. Fujicolor Superia 100, Kodak Royal Gold 100 and Kodak Portra 400 VC are a few of the films covered.
Film Recommendations
by Philip Greenspun
Our AssessmentIn this article, Philip Greenspun discusses better print films as well as films to be avoided. He praises Kodak Gold 100 and Kodak Portra 160NC for excellent sharpness and color saturation. He claims that ISO 400 is the correct speed for most situations due to fine grain and color saturation. Other favorites are Kodak Royal Gold 400 for general subject matter and Kodak Portra 400NC for weddings. Image samples are included.
A Guide to 35mm Films
by Editors of Photographic.com
Our AssessmentIn this article, the editors of Photographic recommend several films, depending on needs. Kodak Gold 200 does well for general use; Fujicolor Reala is a good pick for natural color reproduction. Konica Centuria 400 is recommended for pictures in late-afternoon sun and Fujicolor Superia 100 is a good choice for portraits in natural light, say editors.
Professional Color Negative Films
by Ctein
Our AssessmentProfessional photographer and author Ctein, who is known for his articles on darkroom technique, discusses nearly a dozen print films that he has field-tested. Testing is based on comparisons of enlargements using the Macbeth Color Checker chart. Images posted on the site support his findings and technical information. He stresses that film reviews are largely subjective and based on personal preferences.
Print Film Reviews
by Contributors to PhotographyReview.com
Our AssessmentPhotographyReview.com invites serious amateur photographers to evaluate products based on personal experience. Single-product reviews range from a couple sentences to detailed pros and cons, with comparisons to other films. Though we don't often put much stock in these types of opinion sites, the contributors here are clearly more experienced and knowledgeable than those at less-targeted sites. Reader favorites include Fujicolor NPS 160, Kodak Portra 400UC, and Konica Minolta X-370.
83 Color Films Compared
by Julia Silber and Peter Kolonia
Our AssessmentThis comparison chart includes 83 color print and slide films. Although this chart won't tell you what film is best, it will help you determine what film is most likely to meet your needs. Resolution, color, sharpness, contrast, exposure latitude, and ISO rating are all listed for comparison. Included in the list are some 2003 "newcomers" in film, which the authors say "incorporate significant advancements in film technology, and together belie the notion that film has reached its evolutionary peak." The new film includes Kodak ultra-fine grain E100G, GX E-6ers, and Kodak's highest saturation portrait film the Portra 400UC.
Film Reviews
by Editors of JafaPhotography.com
Our AssessmentThere are a few dozen reviews here, but nearly every product seems highly recommended, so it's hard to tell which products are better than others. The editors state in other areas on the site; "It doesn't really matter which brand or ISO you use as long as you are happy with the results." Fuji Superia Reala, Kodak Gold 100, Fujicolor Superia 200, Kodak Gold 200, Fujicolor Superia X-tra 400, and Kodak Gold 400 were each tested for sharpness, grain, exposure latitude, and color. Each film received all A's except for Fujicolor Superia X-tra, which earned a B+ for grain.
Choosing the Best Film
by Jim Miotke
Our AssessmentSite editor Jim Miotke makes some suggestions for choosing film, but mostly focuses on black and white versus color, and speed. He admits that brand choice is a matter of personal preference. His own personal favorite is Fuji Velvia, but no testing data or objective criteria are provided.
Review: Kodak Portra 800 Film
by Peter Kolonia
Our AssessmentIn this single-product review, the "new and improved" Kodak Portra 800 is compared to the old version. Results show that both Portras can produce close to identical levels of accuracy and vibrancy. The newer Portra showed slightly higher sharpness, and both were identical in grain.
New Agfa Print Films Ultra 100 and Vista series
by Peter K. Burian
Our AssessmentPeter Burian tests the newest Agfa films: Agfa Ultra 100, Agfa 100 and 200, Agfa Vista 400, and Agfa Vista 800. Burian says the Ultra 100 produced the finest prints, the Agfa 100 and 200 produced "realistic" photos, while the 400 produced excellent photos and is recommended for point-and-shoot cameras. The 800 produces fine photos but is not "the perfect all purpose film."
Color: Juice It!
by Peter Kolonia
Our AssessmentIn this article, photographer Peter Kolonia tackles whether or not Kodak's 400UC (Portra family) and Agfa's Ultra Color 100 (general purpose) live up to their claims of ultra saturation. Kolonia says Kodak does produce a colorful print and the Agfa has an even "zippier" color. Both are recommended.
Choosing the Right Color Film
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
Our AssessmentIn an interesting testing twist, Good Housekeeping editors shot an assortment of scenes with different films. They then asked three photography experts to judge the results. Of the ISO 400 indoor scenes taken, an Agfa film rated the highest for sharp contrast, color saturation and details. Kodak Royal Gold and Gold Max were favorites for outdoor scenes at ISO 200.
35mm Color Print
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Our AssessmentAmazon.com is a great resource to view consumer opinion. The site makes it easy to get a preview of top-rated products with the "sort by average customer review" option. At the time of our search, Fujifilm Superia X-Tra 400, Kodak Kodachrome 64, Kodak Ultra Color 400UC Color Negative, Kodak Royal Gold 400 and Kodak Gold 100 all get excellent comments from readers.
Camera Film
by Contributors to Epinions
Our AssessmentEpinions asks consumers to rate film they have used. Most varieties receive high ratings, and there's little comparative information or controlled testing. Kodak Royal Gold 100, 200 and 400, and Fuji Superia films all receive five stars, but it's impossible to tell which films (if any) didn't make the grade.
Film Lovers Still Devoted to 35mm
by Michael Carr
Our AssessmentMichael Carr posts consumer response to the debate over eliminating 35mm film. Readers are allowed to weigh in. No products are reviewed here but it's interesting to read opinion on the need to keep 35mm around. For instance, an artist says most galleries still request slides.