I was recently asked what are my top ten films (35mm and 120)? Well, I thought I would keep this short and sweet, with a list of the films and brief reasons why I like them and use them.
Kodak Tri-X (Pushed to 800 & 1600)
Just a lovely basic aesthetic film. I love pushing Tori-X to 800 and 1600. I could shoot this film constantly and be happy. Perfect for street and landscapes.
Fujifilm Pro 400H (General purpose)
Probably my favourite colour film. I love the tones of the film, and it has great acuity. This is my go-to colour film for both 35mm and 120 film. Highly recommended.
Kodak Portra 400 (general Purpose)
I love the colours on Portra, and it would be my favourite colour film next to Pro 400H. Portra offers a different palette, and is probably more popular than Pro 400H on the market.
Fujifilm Neopan 400CN (General Purpose/ testing lenses)
This has replaced Ilford XP2 on the list, however I think it is actually made by Ilford. This is a great general purpose C41 black and white film. Fantastic for general purpose and testing equipment for light leaks and the like.
Kodak Ektar 100 (Summer colours)
This film is a bitch to scan, but it does exactly what it says on the box. It is a fine colour film, which helps produce quality colour images. It can be temperamental, but shines when shot through the right lens/ camera combo. I think I may prefer this film in 35mm to 120.
JCH Street Pan 400 (pushed 800 or 1600) Street
This film is meant to be pushed. There is nothing like high contrasty black and white street photographs, and that is exactly what you get from this film. Expensive, and rare in the UK, this film is great fun to use. This is what I want to load into my Olympus rangefinders!
Ilford Delta 400 (landscape)
This film helps produce beautiful results. It really feels like you are creating a fine art image when using it. It is perfect for seaside and landscape photography.
Bergger Pancro 400 (400 or pushed 800/1600) general purpose
A more unique film on this list, Bergger Pancro helps produce sharp black and white images, and when pushed feels more like a sketch than a photograph. I have considered moving over to this film on several occasions. I also feel this would be great for landscapes.
Agfa APX 400 - General purpose
Stick it in and off you go. A no-nonsense film, great for travel and trips. It is also very good for street photography!
Kodak Pro Image 100 - Trips/ fun
Supposedly as fine as Ektar but with mor Portra like colours, I kind of feel like this film doesn’t quoits live up to that potential. But that’s what makes it interesting. If you are looking for a more pastel/ faded colour film around 100 asa this film is for you. Interesting tones indeed.
It is almost a shame that it costs so much to get black and white film processed. Of course, it is cheaper to process it all yourself, but in this day and age it is not always so convenient to do so. Anywho, this is a just a quick article on my ‘top 10’. All the best - Sly.