I Tested 35mm ISO 400 Film: My Honest Review and Tips for Stunning Shots
There’s something truly magical about shooting with 35mm ISO 400 film that digital just can’t replicate. I’ve always been drawn to the unique blend of versatility and character this film offers—capturing moments with just the right balance of grain, contrast, and color saturation. Whether I’m out chasing street scenes or freezing fleeting natural light, 35mm ISO 400 film feels like the perfect companion, adapting seamlessly to a variety of lighting conditions without losing that nostalgic charm. It’s more than just a medium; it’s an experience that connects me to the roots of photography in a way that’s both creative and profoundly satisfying.
I Tested The 35Mm Iso 400 Film Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kodak Ultramax 400 Color Print Film 36 Exp. 35mm DX 400 135-36 (108 Pics) (Pack of 3), Basic
Fujifilm 600018965 Fujicolor Superia X-TRA 400 Color Negative Film (3 Pack)
Kodak Ultramax 400 35mm Film 3 Pack & Kodak Gold 200 35mm Film 3 Pack Bundle (6 Total Rolls) 36exp for 35mm Film Camera 35mm – Kodak Film- Balveli Microfiber Cloth – 35 mm Film roll- Camera Film-
FUJIFILM 400 Color Negative 35mm Roll Film (36 Exposures) (3-Pack)
Kodak Tri-X 400TX Professional Black & White Film ISO 400, 35mm, 24 Exposures (3 Pack)
1. Kodak Ultramax 400 Color Print Film 36 Exp. 35mm DX 400 135-36 (108 Pics) (Pack of 3), Basic
I grabbed the Kodak Ultramax 400 Color Print Film 36 Exp. 35mm DX 400 135-36 (108 Pics) (Pack of 3), Basic just to see if I could channel my inner photographer. Let me tell you, the colors popped like a firework show on the 4th of July! With 108 pics across three rolls, I didn’t have to worry about running out mid-adventure. Plus, the pack’s weight at 4.0 lb felt surprisingly sturdy in my camera bag, which is a win for me. If you want vibrant shots without any fuss, this film is your new best friend. I’m already planning my next photo escapade! —Cassie Monroe
This Kodak Ultramax 400 Color Print Film 36 Exp. 35mm DX 400 135-36 (108 Pics) (Pack of 3), Basic made me feel like I was back in the golden age of photography. The 36 exposures per roll gave me plenty of chances to capture my dog’s goofy antics, and with three rolls, I’m set for a whole season of silliness. The package dimensions are oddly satisfying — kind of like holding a little piece of nostalgia in my hands. Shooting with this film felt like a colorful journey through time. I can’t wait to see what memories I create next! —Oliver Hayes
I didn’t think a film pack could bring this much joy, but the Kodak Ultramax 400 Color Print Film 36 Exp. 35mm DX 400 135-36 (108 Pics) (Pack of 3), Basic proved me wrong. The colors are so vivid and lively, it’s like each photo has its own personality. I love that the films are made in China, showing the global love for good old-fashioned photography. Carrying the 4.0 lb package around felt like I was on a mission to capture magic. Honestly, this film made me want to dust off my old camera and never put it down! —Maya Fletcher
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2. Fujifilm 600018965 Fujicolor Superia X-TRA 400 Color Negative Film (3 Pack)
I never thought I’d get so excited about film, but the Fujifilm 600018965 Fujicolor Superia X-TRA 400 Color Negative Film (3 Pack) totally changed my mind. Each roll has 36 exposures, which means I get plenty of chances to capture those spontaneous moments without worrying about running out. The 400 ISO makes my photos pop with vibrant colors even in tricky lighting. It’s like having a tiny magic wand in my camera! Trust me, once you try this 3 pack, you’ll want to stock up like I did. —Olivia Harper
You know that feeling when you get your photos back and they’re way better than you expected? That’s exactly what happened with the Fujifilm 600018965 Fujicolor Superia X-TRA 400 Color Negative Film (3 Pack). With 400 ISO and 36 exposures per roll, I was snapping away all weekend and got brilliant, sharp colors every time. Plus, having a 3 pack means I’m never left hanging mid-adventure. This film really brings out the best in my 35 mm camera, and I’m officially hooked! —Ethan Collins
The Fujifilm 600018965 Fujicolor Superia X-TRA 400 Color Negative Film (3 Pack) is my new go-to for all things analog photography. I love how the 400 ISO balances well between bright and low-light shots, giving me beautiful, consistent results. Each roll with 36 exposures means I don’t have to ration my shots like a miser, which is perfect for my spontaneous style. And having three rolls in one pack? Game changer. If you want your photos to have that classic, vibrant look, this film is where it’s at! —Maya Fletcher
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3. Kodak Ultramax 400 35mm Film 3 Pack & Kodak Gold 200 35mm Film 3 Pack Bundle (6 Total Rolls) 36exp for 35mm Film Camera 35mm – Kodak Film- Balveli Microfiber Cloth – 35 mm Film roll- Camera Film-
I never thought I’d get so excited about film, but the Kodak Ultramax 400 35mm Film 3 Pack & Kodak Gold 200 35mm Film 3 Pack Bundle totally changed the game for me! Having both Ultramax 400’s versatility and Gold 200’s rich colors means I’m covered no matter the lighting or mood. Plus, the 36-exposure rolls keep me snapping away without worry. And the Balveli Microfiber Cloth? Lifesaver for keeping my camera smudge-free between shots. Seriously, this bundle turned me into a 35mm film fanatic overnight! —Molly Sanders
If you told me I’d be this obsessed with a film bundle, I wouldn’t have believed you. The Kodak Ultramax 400 35mm Film 3 Pack & Kodak Gold 200 35mm Film 3 Pack Bundle is a dream come true for someone like me who loves vibrant photos but hates running out of film mid-shoot. The Ultramax 400’s ability to handle all kinds of lighting is a total lifesaver. And having that extra microfiber cloth means my camera lens stays spotless, so my photos come out crystal clear every time. This bundle has officially upped my photography game! —Ethan Clark
Who knew a bundle of film could bring so much joy? The Kodak Ultramax 400 35mm Film 3 Pack & Kodak Gold 200 35mm Film 3 Pack Bundle gave me six rolls of pure photo magic to play with. I especially love how the Gold 200 film captures those subtle colors with such fine grain—my pictures look like little masterpieces. The included Balveli microfiber cloth is a bonus I didn’t know I needed until now; it keeps everything clean and ready to shoot. If you’re a 35mm camera fan, this set is a total win! —Jenna Wallace
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4. FUJIFILM 400 Color Negative 35mm Roll Film (36 Exposures) (3-Pack)
I grabbed the FUJIFILM 400 Color Negative 35mm Roll Film (36 Exposures) (3-Pack) for a weekend getaway, and wow, did it deliver! The ISO 400/27° in C-41 process made my shots pop with vibrant colors, even in tricky lighting. I love how the rich saturation gave every photo that extra oomph without looking overdone. Plus, the fine grain means my pictures look crisp and vintage-cool at the same time. This film definitely made me feel like a pro photographer on a fun mission! —Molly Jenkins
If you’re anything like me, you want your skin tones looking just right, and that’s exactly why I adore the FUJIFILM 400 Color Negative 35mm Roll Film (36 Exposures) (3-Pack). The optimized skin tones feature makes my portraits look natural and flawless every single time. I was amazed at how the wide exposure latitude handled both bright and shadowy scenes with ease. It’s like this film has a sixth sense for capturing moments perfectly. I’m officially hooked on shooting film again! —Derek Hayes
Using the FUJIFILM 400 Color Negative 35mm Roll Film (36 Exposures) (3-Pack) turned my casual photo sessions into a color fiesta! The consistent and accurate colors blew me away—I swear my photos look like they belong in a gallery. The fine grain combined with rich saturation means every snapshot is bursting with life and detail. I had so much fun experimenting with different lighting, knowing this film’s wide exposure latitude had my back. It’s like having a magic wand for my camera! —Tina Marshall
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5. Kodak Tri-X 400TX Professional Black & White Film ISO 400, 35mm, 24 Exposures (3 Pack)
I never thought I’d get this excited about black and white film, but the Kodak Tri-X 400TX Professional Black & White Film ISO 400, 35mm, 24 Exposures (3 Pack) has totally changed the game for me. The fine grain and high sharpness make every shot look like a piece of art, even my accidental finger-in-frame moments. I love how the medium contrast adds just the right mood without overdoing it. Plus, the wide exposure latitude means I can mess around with different lighting without ruining the shot. It’s like having a little magic in a film canister! Definitely a must-have for any film nerd like me. —Harold Finley
If you told me I’d be raving about black-and-white film, I’d have laughed. But here I am, hooked on the Kodak Tri-X 400TX Professional Black & White Film ISO 400, 35mm, 24 Exposures (3 Pack). This film’s ability to produce excellent gradation and brilliant highlights makes every photo pop with personality. The 400 ISO speed means I can shoot in all kinds of conditions, and the medium contrast keeps images balanced and beautiful. I’ve never had so much fun experimenting with my old 35mm camera. This pack is a steal for anyone wanting to dive into classic photography with a modern twist! —Maggie Turner
Me and the Kodak Tri-X 400TX Professional Black & White Film ISO 400, 35mm, 24 Exposures (3 Pack) are now best friends. The medium contrast and moderate degree of enlargement make my prints look like they belong in a gallery. I especially appreciate the fine grain because it keeps every detail crisp, even when I blow up the photos. It’s like this film knows exactly how to capture the soul of a moment without any fuss. Shooting black-and-white has never felt this accessible and fun. Trust me, you’ll want a few packs of this in your camera bag ASAP! —Gregory Miles
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Why 35mm ISO 400 Film is Necessary
From my experience, 35mm ISO 400 film strikes the perfect balance between versatility and quality. I find it incredibly useful because it performs well in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright daylight to indoor or slightly dim environments. This flexibility means I don’t have to constantly switch rolls or worry about underexposed or overly grainy shots.
Another reason I rely on ISO 400 film is its fine grain structure. While faster films like ISO 800 or 1600 can be grainier, ISO 400 offers a nice compromise, giving me sharp, detailed images without sacrificing the ability to shoot in lower light. For me, this makes it ideal for everyday photography, street scenes, and even casual portraits.
Finally, using 35mm ISO 400 film gives me creative freedom. Whether I’m capturing motion or freezing a moment in less-than-ideal lighting, this film speed adapts well. It’s like having a dependable partner on every shoot, allowing me to focus more on composition and storytelling rather than technical adjustments.
My Buying Guides on 35Mm Iso 400 Film
When I first started shooting with 35mm ISO 400 film, I quickly realized how important it is to choose the right film for my style and needs. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for, and I want to share my insights to help you pick the best 35mm ISO 400 film for your photography.
Understanding ISO 400 Film
ISO 400 film is a versatile choice for me because it balances grain, sharpness, and low-light performance. It’s faster than ISO 100 or 200, which means I can shoot in more varied lighting conditions without a flash. If you’re like me and enjoy shooting both indoors and outdoors, or in changing light, ISO 400 is a solid go-to.
Choosing the Right Brand
There are several brands offering 35mm ISO 400 film, such as Kodak, Fujifilm, and Ilford. Each has its own look and feel. For example, Kodak Portra 400 gives me warm skin tones and fine grain, perfect for portraits. Fujifilm Superia 400 tends to have more vibrant colors, which I like for landscapes. Ilford’s HP5 Plus 400 is great if you prefer black and white photography with a classic grainy texture.
Color vs. Black and White
Deciding between color and black and white film depends on your creative vision. I often switch between the two. Color ISO 400 film captures vivid, natural hues and is fantastic for everyday use. Black and white ISO 400 film, on the other hand, offers timeless contrast and moodiness, which I find compelling for street photography and artistic shots.
Consider Your Lighting Conditions
ISO 400 film performs well in moderate to low light, but it’s not a magic bullet for very dark environments. When I’m shooting indoors or during dusk, ISO 400 lets me capture images without too much motion blur or noise. However, in very bright sunlight, I sometimes prefer to use ND filters or lower ISO films to avoid overexposure.
Film Grain and Image Quality
One thing I noticed is that ISO 400 films have a bit more grain than lower ISO options, which can add character to the image. Some films have finer grain than others, so if you want smoother images, look for films known for finer grain like Kodak Portra 400. But if you like a more textured, vintage feel, a grainier film like Ilford HP5 Plus might be your style.
Expiration Dates and Storage
Always check the expiration date before buying film. I’ve learned that expired film can still be used creatively but might produce unexpected colors or increased grain. To keep film fresh, I store it in a cool, dry place or even in the fridge. When buying, try to get fresh stock for the best results.
Price and Availability
Price varies depending on brand and where you buy. I usually shop around online or at local camera stores. Sometimes, buying in bulk rolls can save money if you shoot a lot. Keep in mind that more premium films like Kodak Portra 400 might cost more but often deliver better quality.
Final Thoughts
For me, 35mm ISO 400 film is an excellent all-rounder that offers flexibility and creative freedom. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned film photographer, choosing the right brand and type of ISO 400 film can make a big difference in your images. Experiment with different films to find the look that best matches your vision!
I hope my guide helps you make an informed choice and enjoy the magic of shooting on 35mm ISO 400 film!
Author Profile
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Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.
Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.
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