35mm Film Stocks Explained: Colour, Black & White and ISO

Choosing your first roll of film can feel surprisingly confusing. You may have found the perfect point-and-shoot, SLR or rangefinder, only to realise there are dozens of different 35mm film stocks with different names, speeds, colours and prices. The good news is that most 35mm cameras are very easy to feed once you understand a few simple choices: colour or black and white, low ISO or high ISO, fresh or expired, and 24 or 36 exposures.

This guide is designed to help you decide what film to buy for your camera, whether you are shooting a sunny holiday, everyday street photography, family snapshots, portraits, nights out, landscapes, or your very first test roll in a vintage camera. If you already have a camera, you can browse our 35mm film collection. If you are still choosing a camera, our 35mm film cameras collection is a good place to start.

What is 35mm film?

35mm film is the most common type of photographic film for consumer and enthusiast film cameras. It comes in a small metal canister with a strip of light-sensitive film inside. Most 35mm film cameras take the same type of cartridge, whether they are compact point-and-shoot cameras, manual SLRs, autofocus SLRs or rangefinders.

On the film box or canister, you will usually see three important details:

• The film type, such as colour negative, black and white, or slide film.
• The ISO speed, such as ISO 100, 200, 400 or 800.
• The number of exposures, usually 24 or 36 shots per roll.

Once you understand those three things, choosing film becomes much easier.

Colour negative, black and white or slide film: what is the difference?

The first decision is the style of image you want. Most people buying film for a camera will be choosing between colour negative film and black and white film. Slide film is less common, but it is worth understanding because it behaves differently and can produce beautiful results in the right conditions.

Colour negative film

Colour negative film is the most popular and beginner-friendly choice for 35mm photography. It produces colour images and is processed using the widely available C-41 process. After processing, the film strip looks like an orange-brown negative, which is then scanned or printed to create normal colour photographs.

Colour negative film is forgiving, flexible and ideal for everyday use. It usually handles slight exposure mistakes well, especially overexposure. This makes it a great choice if you are testing a vintage camera, learning manual exposure, or using a compact camera where you do not have full control over settings.

Choose colour negative film if you want:

• Natural colour photographs for everyday memories.
• A reliable film for travel, family, street photography and portraits.
• Easy developing at most film labs.
• A forgiving film stock while learning.

If you are not sure what to buy, a fresh ISO 400 colour negative roll is one of the safest starting points.

Black and white film

Black and white film records tones rather than colour. It is loved for its timeless look, strong contrast, texture, grain and mood. It can make simple scenes feel more graphic and atmospheric, especially in street photography, portraiture, architecture and documentary work.

Some black and white films are processed in standard black and white chemistry, while a few specialist black and white films can be processed in C-41 colour chemistry. If you are sending your film to a lab, always check which process the film needs before posting it.

Choose black and white film if you want:

• A classic, timeless photographic look.
• Strong shadows, texture and contrast.
• More focus on shape, light and composition rather than colour.
• A creative film for street, portraits, architecture and low-light scenes.

Black and white film can also be a brilliant learning tool because it encourages you to pay attention to light direction, highlights, shadows and contrast.

Slide film

Slide film, also known as reversal film or transparency film, produces a positive image on the film itself. Instead of an orange negative, the developed film looks like a tiny colour photograph. Slide film is famous for rich colour, fine detail and a distinctive, polished look.

However, slide film is much less forgiving than colour negative film. It needs accurate exposure, and bright highlights can be lost quickly if overexposed. It is usually processed using E-6 chemistry, which is less common than C-41 processing and can cost more.

Choose slide film if you want:

• Vivid colour and high clarity.
• A more specialist, deliberate shooting experience.
• Beautiful results in controlled light or bright outdoor conditions.
• A film stock for experienced shooters who are comfortable with metering.

For most beginners, colour negative film is the better first choice. Slide film is best saved for when you know your camera is working well and you feel confident with exposure.

Understanding ISO: 100, 200, 400 and 800 explained

ISO tells you how sensitive the film is to light. A lower ISO film needs more light, while a higher ISO film can be used in darker conditions. The ISO is fixed for the whole roll, so if you load ISO 400 film, you normally shoot the entire roll at ISO 400.

Many later 35mm cameras read the ISO automatically using DX coding on the film canister. Older manual cameras may require you to set the ISO yourself using a dial. If your camera has an ISO or ASA setting, make sure it matches the film you have loaded, unless you deliberately want to push or pull the film.

ISO 100 film

ISO 100 film is best for bright conditions. It usually gives fine grain, crisp detail and smooth tones. It is a lovely choice for sunny holidays, landscapes, seaside trips, architecture and any situation where you have plenty of light.

The downside is that ISO 100 can be limiting in shade, indoors or on dull days. If your camera has a slow lens or you are using a compact camera with limited exposure control, ISO 100 may cause the camera to use slower shutter speeds, increasing the risk of blur.

ISO 200 film

ISO 200 is a useful middle ground. It is still clean and detailed, but it gives you a little more flexibility than ISO 100. It works well for general daylight photography, outdoor portraits, travel and everyday use in brighter months.

If you mainly shoot outdoors and want a balanced look, ISO 200 is an excellent choice. It is not quite as flexible as ISO 400 in low light, but it is very pleasant for daylight shooting.

ISO 400 film

ISO 400 is the classic all-round choice for 35mm film cameras. If you are wondering how to know what film to buy for a camera and you only want one simple answer, start with ISO 400 colour negative film.

It is fast enough for overcast days, street photography, travel, casual portraits, interiors with window light and general snapshots. It also works perfectly well in bright daylight because most cameras can compensate with faster shutter speeds or smaller apertures.

ISO 400 film usually has a little more grain than ISO 100 or 200, but many photographers enjoy that look. It feels recognisably like film without being too rough or distracting.

ISO 800 film

ISO 800 film is helpful when light is limited. It is a strong choice for indoor photography, evening walks, winter weather, concerts, parties, pubs, restaurants and situations where you need a faster shutter speed to reduce blur.

The trade-off is more visible grain and sometimes slightly lower fine detail compared with slower films. That is not necessarily a problem. In many situations, ISO 800 gives photographs atmosphere and energy. It is often better to have a grainy sharp photo than a clean blurry one.

What film should I buy for indoor photography?

Indoor photography is more demanding because there is usually far less light than your eyes think. Homes, cafés, museums, shops and evening venues can look bright to us but still be dark for film.

For indoor shooting, consider:

• ISO 400 film if you are near windows or using flash.
• ISO 800 film if the light is dim or you want to avoid using flash.
• A camera with a built-in flash for parties, family photos and snapshots.
• A camera with a wide aperture lens, such as f/1.8 or f/2, if you want to shoot in available light.

If you are using a simple compact camera indoors, flash is often the easiest solution. Many point-and-shoot cameras were designed around flash photography, especially for social occasions. If your camera has a working flash, ISO 400 colour negative film is usually a very practical choice.

What film should I buy for outdoor photography?

Outdoor film choice depends on the weather, season and time of day. On a bright summer day, slower films can look beautiful. On a dull winter afternoon, faster film is much safer.

For outdoor shooting, consider:

• ISO 100 for bright sun, landscapes and holidays with strong light.
• ISO 200 for general daylight and travel.
• ISO 400 for mixed weather, street photography and all-round use.
• ISO 800 for late afternoons, shaded streets, winter days and action.

If you are travelling and only want to pack one film speed, ISO 400 is the most versatile. It will cope with sun, cloud, shade and casual indoor moments better than slower film.

Choosing film for different types of 35mm camera

Most 35mm cameras can use any standard 35mm film, but the type of camera you own can influence which film will be easiest to use.

Point-and-shoot cameras

Compact point-and-shoot cameras are designed for convenience. Many read DX-coded film automatically, so they can set the ISO without you doing anything. For these cameras, ISO 400 colour negative film is a very safe choice. It gives the camera enough flexibility for mixed light and casual photography.

If your compact camera has no flash or a weak flash, ISO 800 may be useful indoors. If you are shooting only in bright sun, ISO 100 or 200 can work well.

Manual SLR cameras

Manual SLR cameras give you more control over aperture, shutter speed and focus. This means you can use almost any film speed successfully, provided you meter carefully. ISO 100 and 200 are lovely for daylight work, while ISO 400 is ideal for learning because it is forgiving in many situations.

If your SLR has a built-in light meter, remember to set the ISO manually if required. Some older cameras use the term ASA instead of ISO; for practical purposes, the number is the same.

Autofocus SLR cameras

Autofocus SLRs are often very flexible. They usually read DX codes and have advanced metering, making them easy to use with a wide range of films. ISO 400 is still the best all-rounder, but ISO 800 can be excellent for longer lenses, moving subjects and low-light scenes.

Rangefinders and viewfinder cameras

Rangefinders and viewfinder cameras are popular for street photography and travel. If the camera has a built-in meter, ISO 400 is a practical everyday option. If the camera is fully manual and meterless, choose a film speed that suits the light you expect and use a handheld meter, phone light meter app or sunny 16 guide.

24 exposures vs 36 exposures: which should you choose?

35mm film is commonly sold in 24-exposure and 36-exposure rolls. The number simply tells you how many photographs you can take before rewinding the film.

A 24-exposure roll is a good choice if you are testing a newly purchased vintage camera. You can finish it quickly, get it developed and confirm everything is working as expected. A 36-exposure roll is better value if you know the camera is working and you are heading out for a full day of shooting.

Fresh film vs expired film

When buying 35mm film, you will often see fresh film and expired film. Both can be enjoyable, but they are best used for different purposes.

Brand new film

Brand new film is in date and should behave as the manufacturer intended. It is the best choice if you want reliable colour, predictable exposure and consistent results. If you are testing a camera for the first time, fresh film is strongly recommended because it removes one possible source of uncertainty.

If the photos come back with issues, fresh film makes it easier to tell whether the problem is the camera, the settings, the lab or user error. You can browse our brand new film collection if you want the most dependable starting point.

Expired film

Expired film is film that has passed its printed expiry date. It can still produce photographs, but the results may be less predictable. Colours can shift, contrast can change, grain can increase and sensitivity can drop over time. Some photographers love this because it can create unusual, nostalgic and experimental images.

The condition of expired film depends heavily on how it has been stored. Film kept cold is usually more stable than film stored for years in a warm cupboard, car boot or loft. Faster films, such as ISO 800 and above, often age more noticeably than slower films.

Expired film is best if you enjoy surprises and do not need guaranteed results. It is not the safest choice for once-in-a-lifetime events, important portraits or your first test roll in a camera. If you like the experimental side of analogue photography, take a look at our expired film collection.

How to store 35mm film

Film is sensitive to heat, humidity and radiation. Good storage helps preserve colour, contrast and sensitivity, especially if you are not planning to shoot it straight away.

For best results:

• Keep unused film in a cool, dry place.
• Store film in the fridge if you will not use it for a while.
• Let refrigerated film warm to room temperature before opening the canister or box to avoid condensation.
• Avoid leaving film in hot cars, direct sun or near radiators.
• Develop exposed film promptly, especially after important shoots.

If you are travelling by air, keep film in your hand luggage rather than checked luggage. Airport scanners vary, and high-speed film is more vulnerable. If you are carrying many rolls or high ISO film, you can ask for a hand inspection where available.

How much is camera film?

The price of camera film depends on the brand, film type, ISO, availability and whether it is fresh or expired. As a general guide, fresh 35mm colour negative film often costs more than it did several years ago because demand has grown and manufacturing capacity is limited. Black and white film can sometimes be more affordable, though specialist black and white stocks may cost more. Slide film is usually one of the most expensive options, and E-6 processing can also be pricier.

When thinking about the true cost of shooting film, remember to include:

• The roll of film itself.
• Developing costs.
• Scanning or printing costs.
• Postage, if using a mail-order lab.

A 36-exposure roll often gives a better cost per photo than a 24-exposure roll, but a 24-exposure roll can be more economical if you simply want to test a camera. If you are new to film, it is worth starting with one or two rolls before buying in bulk. This lets you learn what look you enjoy and how your camera behaves.

Where to buy film for a camera

If you are wondering where to buy film for a camera, the easiest option is to buy from a specialist camera shop that understands film photography. That way, you can choose film that suits your camera, lighting conditions and experience level rather than guessing from a long list of unfamiliar names.

At Vintage Camera Hut, you can browse 35mm cameras and pick up film at the same time, which is especially useful if you are buying a camera as a gift or starting from scratch. Our main film ranges include:

• 35mm Film for standard rolls suitable for 35mm film cameras.
• Brand New Film for reliable, in-date stocks.
• Expired Film for creative, unpredictable and experimental results.

If you are also choosing a camera, visit our 35mm film cameras collection and pair your camera with a suitable roll before checkout.

How to know what film to buy for your camera

For most beginners, the simplest way to choose film is to start with the light you expect to shoot in.

If in doubt, choose fresh ISO 400 colour negative film. It is popular for a reason: it works in many cameras, in many lighting conditions, and gives you the best chance of usable results while you learn.

Can any 35mm camera use any 35mm film?

In most cases, yes. A standard 35mm camera uses standard 35mm film cartridges. However, there are a few things to check.

• Make sure the camera is a 35mm camera, not a 120 medium format camera, APS camera or instant camera.
• Check whether the camera needs DX-coded film. Some later compact cameras rely on DX coding to set the ISO automatically.
• If the camera allows manual ISO setting, set it to match the film speed.
• Check the camera battery, as many compact and electronic SLR cameras need power to expose correctly.
• Make sure you know how to rewind the film before opening the back of the camera.

If you open the back of a camera before rewinding the film, the exposed frames may be ruined by light. Always rewind fully before opening the film door.

What about pushing and pulling film?

Pushing and pulling are techniques where you shoot film at a different ISO from the box speed and ask the lab to adjust development. For example, you might shoot ISO 400 film at ISO 800 and have it pushed one stop. This can help in low light, but it usually increases contrast and grain.

Pulling is the opposite: shooting film at a lower ISO than box speed and reducing development. It is less common for beginners.

If you are new to film, it is best to shoot at the box speed first. Once you understand how your camera meters and how your chosen film looks, pushing can be a fun creative technique.

Common beginner mistakes when choosing 35mm film

A few simple mistakes can make film photography harder than it needs to be. Avoid these and your first rolls will be much more enjoyable.

• Buying slide film as a first roll without understanding exposure accuracy.
• Using very slow film indoors and wondering why the photos are blurry or underexposed.
• Testing an unknown camera with expired film, making it difficult to diagnose problems.
• Forgetting to set the ISO on a manual camera.
• Opening the camera back before rewinding the film.
• Leaving film in hot places for long periods.
• Choosing film only by price, rather than by light conditions and intended use.

A simple first-roll recommendation

If you have just bought a 35mm film camera and want the easiest first step, choose a fresh 24-exposure roll of ISO 400 colour negative film. Use it outdoors in daylight and take a few indoor flash photos if your camera has a flash. Finish the roll fairly quickly, have it developed and scanned, then review the results.

This first roll will tell you a lot. You will learn whether the camera is exposing correctly, whether the focus works, whether there are any light leaks, and what kind of film look you enjoy. After that, you can experiment with slower film, faster film, black and white, or expired film with much more confidence.

Final thoughts

Choosing 35mm film does not need to be complicated. Colour negative film is the easiest everyday option, black and white is perfect for classic and expressive images, and slide film is a beautiful but more demanding choice. ISO 100 and 200 suit bright outdoor conditions, ISO 400 is the most versatile all-round speed, and ISO 800 is useful when light is limited.

Whether you are buying your first roll, stocking up for a trip or pairing film with a newly purchased vintage camera, start with the conditions you will actually shoot in. From there, the right film becomes much easier to choose.

Ready to load your camera? Browse our 35mm film, choose dependable brand new film, or explore creative expired film for something less predictable.