How to Choose the Right Film Stock
A comprehensive guide to selecting the perfect film stock for your photography style, subject matter, and lighting conditions.
film-stockbeginnerchoosingguide
Understanding Film Stocks
Choosing the right film stock is one of the most impactful decisions in analog photography. Each film has unique characteristics that affect grain, color, and contrast.
Consider Your Subject
- Portraits: Kodak Portra for natural skin tones
- Landscapes: Fuji Velvia for saturated colors
- Street: Kodak Tri-X or Ilford HP5 for versatility
- Night: CineStill 800T for cinematic halation
Match ISO to Lighting
ISO 100-200 for bright daylight, ISO 400 for versatile/overcast, ISO 800+ for low light and indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best film for beginners?
Kodak Gold 200 or Fuji C200 are affordable and forgiving. For black and white, try Ilford HP5 Plus.
Does expensive film mean better photos?
Not necessarily. Professional films offer more consistency and specific characteristics, but consumer films can produce beautiful results.
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