A guide to cheap 35mm film: What has the best quality for your money?
- danielball11
- Jan 17, 2021
- 3 min read
Over the last few years, prices of film have soared, as the popularity of film photography has been reinstated. It's excellent news for the community that film is making a comeback, but what does this mean for your wallet? I will be breaking down my top three colour and black and white 35mm films that won't break the bank, but still provide excellent quality.
My Top Colour Films:
1. Kodak Gold 200 ISO.
Similiar to it's older brother Kodacolour, Kodak Gold has a rich history of being a very versatile film. It is one of my favourite colour films for it's beautiful saturations, strong contrasts and light grain. It is a top pick of mine for the summer months as it performs so well in bright lighting thanks to it's low ISO. Kodak Gold compliments warm/golden tones particularly well, like in it's name. However, this does mean it can struggle in lower light situations.
It can be purchased in single rolls and packs of 3, with either 24 or 36 exposures.
A single roll can most commonly be purchased between £5-8.
2. Fujifilm Superior X-TRA 400 ISO.
Moving to a film stock I use all year round, Fujifilm are renound for their striking tones. Unlike Kodak Gold, this film excels in low light situations which is why it makes for stunning autumnal photographs. It has a wide exposure latitude which is what makes it so perfect to use in all seasons and weather conditions. Furthermore, it produces a light grain which helps it develop a noticeable texture.
It is most frequently purchased indivudally, but can be bought in a set of three. It only has the option for 36 exposures which in my book is a big positive.
One roll will typically set you back £6-10, but being such a versatile film, I think it's worth every penny.
3. Kodak Colourplus 200 ISO.
Released in 1990, this film has consistenly produced outstanding results for such a cheap film. Similarly to Kodak Gold, it performs really well in bright light situations, producing warm and inviting tones on a light film grain, giving it that timeless film photography appearance. Some colour films have a tendency to shift to more blue and green tones, but Colourplus makes these natural and realistic. However, my favourite part of this film are the yellow tones it produces, giving a really vintage feel.
It can be purchased in single rolls or packs of 3, but you can also buy this film in bulk. It can be bought with either 24 or 36 exposures.
A single roll can be bought for £4-8.
My Top Black and White Films:
1. Ilford HP5 Plus 400 ISO:
Ilford began in the 19th century and has been creating stunning film stocks for decades. HP5 is an extremely classic black and white film with fine grain and medium contrast which makes it great for beginners starting out. It's great for street photography, as it's high speed 400 ISO gives it the ability to adapt to constantly changing light conditions so you don't have to waste time whilst shooting.
Most frequently purchased in single rolls but can be bought in packs. HP5 comes in 24 or 36 exposures.
A single roll is typically purchased for £4-7.
2. Fomopan Profi-Line Action 400 ISO.
A film I have only being using for around a year, but one that is now in my all-time favourites. It's cheap, provides excellent grain, texture and contrast, it's not one to be missed. It really stands out in lower light conditions and creates a beautifully gritty image which makes for superb street photography and architecture shots. If 400 ISO is not your vibe, Fomapan also comes in 100 and 200 ISO variants.
It can be bought in single rolls or packs, with exposures of 24 or 36.
You can pick up this film for £3-6 - absolute bargain!
3. Kodak 400 Tri-X 400 ISO.
This may be on the higher end of 'cheap' but it's such an outstanding film I couldn't help myself. Another extremely verstatile black and white film which produces beautifully sharp and high contrast images. It creates a balance between deep blacks and light whites which over film stocks cannot match.
It can be purchased in indivudal rolls with 36 exposures.
Typically priced between £8-10.
I highly reccomend you try out all of the film stocks included in this guide! You might be surprised that you don't have to break the bank to create beautiful images. Some great places to pick up cheap film will be listed below, however, it is useful to note that it can work out cheaper to buy film in person. Websites to buy film:
Amazon
Ebay
Analogue Wonderland
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