Photographic films for analogue cameras from ILFORD, FUJIFILM and JBL HARMAN. They suit anyone shooting on a film camera who wants to match the film to the light and the look they are after, from first rolls to regular darkroom work.
How to choose photographic film
Format. The film must match your camera. 35 mm film in a cassette fits most film SLRs and compacts, medium format cameras take 120 rolls, and instant cameras use their own cartridges. Check the format on the product page before ordering.
ISO speed. A low speed such as ISO 100 gives finer grain and suits bright daylight or shooting from a tripod. ISO 400 is a flexible choice for changing light, indoor shots and handheld photography. ISO 800 and above helps in dim conditions, but the grain becomes more visible.
Black-and-white or colour. Black-and-white film emphasises contrast and grain, and it can be developed at home with modest equipment. Colour negative film is more forgiving of exposure mistakes. Slide film needs accurate exposure, because the image you capture is the final one.
Development. Colour negative films are processed in C-41 chemistry, slide films in E-6, and black-and-white films use their own developers. Decide before buying whether you will take the roll to a lab or develop it yourself.
Expiry and storage. Heat and humidity damage film, so keep it somewhere cool and check the expiry date when you buy. Exposed rolls should also stay cool until they are developed.
Brands we carry
- ILFORD: a British manufacturer best known for black-and-white films and darkroom materials such as photographic paper and chemistry.
- FUJIFILM: a Japanese company known for its colour films and for Instax instant cameras and film.
Also in our range: JBL HARMAN.
Frequently asked questions about photographic film
Which film should a beginner buy?
A beginner is usually best served by 35 mm film with a speed of ISO 400. It copes with outdoor and indoor scenes without complicated settings. If you want to develop the film yourself, black-and-white is the easier first choice.
What does ISO mean on a film box?
ISO states how sensitive the film is to light. A lower number means less sensitivity and finer grain, while a higher number works better in weak light but produces more visible grain. You should set the same number on your camera's light meter.
Can I use film after its expiry date?
Often you can, but the results become less predictable. Expired film may lose sensitivity, show colour shifts and have more fog. Some photographers expose it a little more generously, yet dependable results come only from film that is within date.
Can I develop black-and-white film at home?
Yes, black-and-white film is fairly simple to develop at home. You need a developing tank, developer, fixer, a thermometer and a place where you can load the roll into the tank in complete darkness, such as a light-proof changing bag. Colour film demands tighter temperature control, so it is more often sent to a lab.
