Film Stock Reference Guide - 35mm & 120 Medium Format
Purpose: Comprehensive reference for commercially available film stocks with exposure and development characteristics Film Formats: 35mm (135) and 120 (Medium Format) Updated: 2026-05-23
How to Use This Guide
Each film entry includes: - ISO rating - Box speed and recommended metering - Exposure latitude - Over/underexposure tolerance - Grain structure - Fine, medium, or coarse - Contrast - Low, medium, or high - Push/pull capability - Development flexibility - Best use scenarios - Optimal shooting conditions - Development recommendations - Developers and times
Film availability note: This guide covers films actively manufactured and commercially available as of 2026. Some stocks may have limited availability or regional distribution.
Film Categories
Black & White Films: - Traditional panchromatic (sensitive to all visible light) - Orthochromatic (not sensitive to red) - Special purpose (infrared, technical)
Color Negative Films: - Daylight balanced (5500K) - Tungsten balanced (3200K) - rare
Color Reversal (Slide) Films: - E-6 process - Limited availability (fewer stocks than in past decades)
Black & White Films - 35mm & 120
ISO 50-100: Fine Grain Portrait & Detail
Ilford Pan F Plus 50
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 50 Grain: Extra fine Contrast: Medium Exposure latitude: -1 to +3 stops (better overexposed) Push capability: Push to ISO 100-200 (loses shadow detail) Pull capability: Pull to ISO 25-32 (increases latitude)
Best use: - Studio portraits with controlled lighting - Architectural detail - Landscapes with maximum sharpness - Bright daylight conditions
Metering note: Meter for shadows, accepts significant overexposure without blocking highlights.
Development recommendations: - ID-11/D-76 (1+1): 9 min @ 20°C - Normal contrast - Rodinal (1+50): 11 min @ 20°C - Sharpness emphasis - Perceptol (1+1): 11 min @ 20°C - Ultra-fine grain - HC-110 (Dilution B): 6 min @ 20°C - Moderate contrast
Character: Extremely fine grain, excellent tonal range, requires good light or tripod work.
Fomapan 100 Classic
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 100 Grain: Fine Contrast: Medium-high Exposure latitude: -0.5 to +2 stops Push capability: Push to ISO 200-400 reliably Pull capability: Pull to ISO 50
Best use: - General purpose B&W photography - Budget-conscious shooting - Documentary work - Landscapes
Metering note: Less forgiving than Ilford Pan F, meter accurately or slightly overexpose.
Development recommendations: - Rodinal (1+50): 10 min @ 20°C - Classic look, sharp - D-76 (stock): 8 min @ 20°C - Normal contrast - Foma LQN (1+15): 10 min @ 20°C - Manufacturer recommended
Character: Eastern European emulsion, slightly more contrasty than Western films, excellent value.
ISO 125-200: General Purpose
Ilford FP4 Plus 125
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 125 Grain: Fine Contrast: Medium Exposure latitude: -1 to +3 stops Push capability: Push to ISO 250-800 (excellent) Pull capability: Pull to ISO 64-80
Best use: - All-around everyday B&W film - Portraits, landscapes, street - Available light photography - Reliably handles mixed lighting
Metering note: Very forgiving, can meter anywhere in scene and compensate in development.
Development recommendations: - ID-11/D-76 (1+1): 10.5 min @ 20°C - Normal - Ilfosol 3 (1+9): 7 min @ 20°C - Convenient, repeatable - Rodinal (1+50): 13 min @ 20°C - Sharpness - HC-110 (Dilution B): 7 min @ 20°C
Character: The "Tri-X of Ilford" - reliable, flexible, excellent tonal range.
Kodak T-MAX 100
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 100 Grain: Extremely fine (T-grain technology) Contrast: Medium-high Exposure latitude: -0.5 to +2 stops Push capability: Push to ISO 200-400 (maintains fine grain) Pull capability: Pull to ISO 50
Best use: - Maximum sharpness and resolution - Fine art photography - Scanning (holds detail well) - When traditional grain is unwanted
Metering note: Prefers accurate metering, less latitude than traditional emulsions.
Development recommendations: - T-MAX Developer (1+4): 7 min @ 24°C - Designed for this film - XTOL (stock): 8 min @ 20°C - Fine grain, good tonality - HC-110 (Dilution B): 5.5 min @ 20°C - Increased contrast - D-76 (1+1): 9 min @ 20°C - Softens contrast slightly
Character: Modern tabular grain, almost "too sharp" for some tastes, clinical look.
ISO 400: Workhorse Films
Ilford HP5 Plus 400
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 400 Grain: Medium Contrast: Medium Exposure latitude: -1 to +4 stops (exceptional) Push capability: Push to ISO 800-3200 (legendary) Pull capability: Pull to ISO 200-250
Best use: - Low light, available light - Street photography - Photojournalism - When you need flexibility
Metering note: Extremely forgiving. "Expose for shadows, develop for highlights" works perfectly.
Development recommendations: - ID-11/D-76 (stock): 8 min @ 20°C - Normal - Rodinal (1+50): 13.5 min @ 20°C - Contrasty, sharp - HC-110 (Dilution B): 7.5 min @ 20°C - Reliable - Push to 1600: ID-11 (stock) 14 min @ 20°C - Push to 3200: ID-11 (stock) 18 min @ 20°C
Character: Classic "reportage look", handles abuse, very pushable.
Kodak Tri-X 400
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 400 Grain: Medium-coarse (characteristic) Contrast: Medium-high Exposure latitude: -1 to +3 stops Push capability: Push to ISO 800-1600 (classic use) Pull capability: Pull to ISO 200
Best use: - Street photography (legendary film) - Documentary work - Classic black-and-white aesthetic - High contrast scenes
Metering note: Prefers slight overexposure (rate at ISO 320) for shadow detail.
Development recommendations: - D-76 (stock): 8 min @ 20°C - Classic Tri-X look - HC-110 (Dilution B): 7 min @ 20°C - Contrasty - Rodinal (1+50): 13 min @ 20°C - Very contrasty, grainy - XTOL (stock): 9 min @ 20°C - Softer grain - Push to 1600: D-76 (stock) 11.5 min @ 20°C
Character: The definitive B&W film. Magnum photographers' choice. Recognizable grain structure.
Kodak T-MAX 400
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 400 Grain: Fine (T-grain) Contrast: Medium Exposure latitude: -0.5 to +2 stops Push capability: Push to ISO 800-3200 (excellent grain control) Pull capability: Pull to ISO 200
Best use: - When you need ISO 400 with fine grain - Low light with scanning in mind - Modern aesthetic (less "classic" than Tri-X)
Metering note: Accurate metering preferred, doesn't forgive underexposure well.
Development recommendations: - T-MAX Developer (1+4): 8 min @ 24°C - Manufacturer spec - XTOL (stock): 9.5 min @ 20°C - Good balance - HC-110 (Dilution B): 6.5 min @ 20°C - Push to 1600: T-MAX Developer 11 min @ 24°C
Character: Modern, clean, fine-grained. When you want speed without grain.
Fomapan 400 Action
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 400 Grain: Medium-coarse Contrast: High Exposure latitude: -0.5 to +2 stops Push capability: Push to ISO 800-1600 Pull capability: Pull to ISO 200
Best use: - Budget alternative to Tri-X/HP5 - High contrast documentary work - When grain is desired
Metering note: Prefers overexposure, underexposure loses shadow detail quickly.
Development recommendations: - Rodinal (1+50): 14 min @ 20°C - D-76 (stock): 10 min @ 20°C - Foma LQN (1+10): 9 min @ 20°C
Character: Contrasty, grainy, "gritty" look. Very affordable.
ISO 3200: High Speed
Ilford Delta 3200 Professional
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 3200 (actually ~1000, designed to be pushed) Grain: Coarse but controlled Contrast: Medium Exposure latitude: -0.5 to +2 stops Push capability: Push to ISO 6400-12800 Pull capability: Pull to ISO 1600 (defeats purpose)
Best use: - Concert photography - Night photography without flash - Available darkness - Action in low light
Metering note: Meter carefully, underexposure produces muddy shadows.
Development recommendations: - DD-X (stock): 10.5 min @ 20°C - Manufacturer spec - ID-11 (stock): 11.5 min @ 20°C - Alternative - Push to 6400: DD-X 13 min @ 20°C - Push to 12800: DD-X 16 min @ 20°C
Character: When you need speed, this delivers. Visible grain but usable.
Kodak T-MAX P3200
Format: 35mm only ISO: 3200 (actually ~800, designed to be pushed) Grain: Fine for the speed (T-grain) Contrast: Medium Exposure latitude: -0.5 to +2 stops Push capability: Push to ISO 6400-25000 Pull capability: Pull to ISO 1600
Best use: - Ultra-low light - Sports in poor lighting - Surveillance/investigative work - When flash is prohibited
Metering note: Accurate metering critical at box speed, more forgiving when pushed.
Development recommendations: - T-MAX Developer (1+4): 11 min @ 24°C - XTOL (stock): 12.5 min @ 20°C - Push to 6400: T-MAX Developer 13.5 min @ 24°C - Push to 12800: T-MAX Developer 16 min @ 24°C
Character: Finest grain at extreme speeds, impressive technology.
Special B&W Films
Ilford Ortho Plus 80
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 80 (daylight), 40 (tungsten) Grain: Extra fine Contrast: Medium-high Exposure latitude: -1 to +2 stops Spectral sensitivity: Orthochromatic (blue/green sensitive, NOT red)
Best use: - Copying documents - Architectural photography - Portraits (smooths skin, darkens lips) - Can be developed under red safelight
Metering note: Blue sky renders very light, red objects render very dark.
Development recommendations: - ID-11 (1+1): 10 min @ 20°C - Rodinal (1+50): 12 min @ 20°C
Character: Vintage look, pre-1906 photography aesthetic.
Rollei Infrared 400
Format: 35mm only ISO: 400 (without filter), 6-25 (with R72 IR filter) Grain: Medium Contrast: High Spectral sensitivity: Extended infrared (to ~750nm)
Best use: - Infrared landscape photography - Foliage (renders white) - Dramatic skies - Experimental work
Metering note: Requires testing, meter without filter then compensate 5-6 stops for R72 filter.
Development recommendations: - Rodinal (1+50): 12 min @ 20°C - ID-11 (stock): 8 min @ 20°C
Character: Wood effect (white trees), black skies, surreal landscapes.
Color Negative Films - 35mm & 120
ISO 100-200: Fine Grain, Saturated Color
Kodak Ektar 100
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 100 Grain: Extra fine (world's finest grain color negative) Contrast: Medium Color saturation: High (vivid, saturated) Exposure latitude: -1 to +2 stops (color negative tolerance) Push capability: Not recommended (color shifts) Pull capability: Pull to ISO 50-64
Best use: - Landscape photography - Product photography - Scanning (holds massive detail) - When you want vivid colors
Metering note: Prefers accurate metering or slight overexposure. Underexposure can shift reds/oranges.
Scanning/printing note: Can appear "too saturated" - may need desaturation in post.
Character: Extremely sharp, almost slide-film-like saturation, "digital look" on film.
Fujifilm Fujicolor Pro 400H (DISCONTINUED 2021)
Note: Listed for reference as old stock still circulates. Replaced by Fujicolor Pro 400.
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 400 Grain: Fine Color palette: Muted, pastel, low saturation Exposure latitude: -1 to +3 stops (excellent)
Character: Wedding photographer favorite, soft skin tones, dreamy look. Now highly sought after.
Fujifilm Fujicolor Pro 400
Format: 35mm, 120 (limited availability) ISO: 400 Grain: Fine Color saturation: Medium (warmer than 400H) Exposure latitude: -1 to +3 stops Push capability: Push to ISO 800 (acceptable) Pull capability: Pull to ISO 200
Best use: - General purpose color photography - Portraits (warm skin tones) - Available light - Replacement for 400H
Metering note: Forgiving, slight overexposure produces pleasing results.
Character: Warmer than 400H, more saturated, still pleasing skin tones.
ISO 200-400: All-Purpose
Kodak Gold 200
Format: 35mm only ISO: 200 Grain: Fine Color saturation: Medium-high (warm) Exposure latitude: -0.5 to +2 stops Push capability: Push to ISO 400 (acceptable)
Best use: - Budget everyday color film - Bright sunlight - General snapshots - Learning film photography
Metering note: Prefers good light, can appear grainy in shadows.
Character: Warm color cast, "nostalgic" look, very affordable.
Kodak ColorPlus 200
Format: 35mm only ISO: 200 Grain: Fine-medium Color saturation: Medium Exposure latitude: -0.5 to +2 stops
Best use: - Budget alternative to Gold - Same use cases as Gold 200
Character: Similar to Gold but slightly less warm, cheapest color film available.
Kodak Portra 160
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 160 Grain: Extra fine Color saturation: Low-medium (neutral, accurate skin tones) Exposure latitude: -1 to +4 stops (legendary overexposure tolerance) Push capability: Not recommended (defeats purpose) Pull capability: Pull to ISO 100
Best use: - Portrait photography (professional standard) - Wedding photography - Studio work - When skin tones are critical
Metering note: Can be overexposed 2-3 stops intentionally for "creamy" look.
Character: Neutral, accurate skin tones, professional standard for portraits.
Kodak Portra 400
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 400 Grain: Fine Color saturation: Low-medium (neutral) Exposure latitude: -1 to +4 stops (exceptional) Push capability: Push to ISO 800-1600 (acceptable, color shifts) Pull capability: Pull to ISO 200
Best use: - Professional portrait work - Mixed lighting conditions - Available light weddings - All-around professional film
Metering note: Extremely forgiving, intentional overexposure of 1-2 stops common practice.
Character: The color negative workhorse. If in doubt, shoot Portra 400.
Kodak Portra 800
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 800 Grain: Medium (fine for the speed) Color saturation: Low-medium Exposure latitude: -1 to +3 stops Push capability: Push to ISO 1600-3200 Pull capability: Pull to ISO 400
Best use: - Low light events - Available light indoors - Concert photography - Night portraits
Metering note: Can be overexposed like other Portras, retains color well.
Character: Portra quality at high speed, visible but pleasing grain.
Specialty Color Films
Cinestill 800T
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 800 (tungsten balanced for 3200K) Grain: Medium Color balance: Tungsten (3200K) - blue in daylight without filter Exposure latitude: -0.5 to +2 stops Halation: Yes (removed remjet causes halos around lights)
Best use: - Night photography - Street lights, neon - Indoor tungsten lighting - Creative halation effects
Metering note: In daylight, use 85B filter and rate at ISO 500.
Development: C-41 process (no remjet removal needed, done at factory).
Character: Unique halation glow around lights, cinematic look, cult favorite.
Lomography Color Negative 100/400/800
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 100, 400, 800 variants Grain: Medium Color saturation: High (exaggerated) Exposure latitude: Variable (inconsistent batches)
Best use: - Experimental photography - Toy cameras - When you want unpredictability
Metering note: Meter accurately, batch variations can affect results.
Character: Budget alternative, color shifts, inconsistent but creative.
Color Reversal (Slide) Films - 35mm & 120
Note: E-6 processing required. Limited availability compared to color negative.
Fujichrome Velvia 50
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 50 Grain: Extra fine Color saturation: Extremely high (legendary) Contrast: High Exposure latitude: -0.5 to +0.5 stops (VERY tight, slide film) Push capability: Not recommended Pull capability: Not recommended
Best use: - Landscape photography (iconic choice) - Nature photography - Maximum color saturation - Bright even lighting
Metering note: Meter precisely. Slide film is unforgiving. Bracket exposures.
Character: The landscape photographer's film. Greens and reds are electric.
Fujichrome Velvia 100
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 100 Grain: Extra fine Color saturation: Very high (slightly less than Velvia 50) Contrast: Medium-high Exposure latitude: -0.5 to +1 stop (marginally more forgiving) Push capability: Push to ISO 200 (acceptable)
Best use: - Landscape when more speed needed - Same as Velvia 50 with more flexibility
Metering note: Still slide film - meter accurately, bracket.
Character: Velvia look with a bit more latitude.
Fujichrome Provia 100F
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 100 Grain: Extra fine Color saturation: Medium (neutral, accurate) Contrast: Medium Exposure latitude: -0.5 to +1 stop Push capability: Push to ISO 200-400 Pull capability: Pull to ISO 50
Best use: - Professional slide work - Color accuracy critical (product, catalog) - When Velvia is "too much"
Metering note: More forgiving than Velvia but still slide film.
Character: Neutral, accurate color reproduction. Professional standard.
Ektachrome E100
Format: 35mm, 120 ISO: 100 Grain: Extra fine Color saturation: Medium (slightly warm) Contrast: Medium Exposure latitude: -0.5 to +1 stop Push capability: Push to ISO 200-400 (good) Pull capability: Pull to ISO 50
Best use: - Slide film with Kodak color palette - Push processing capability - Alternative to Provia
Metering note: Kodak recommends slight overexposure (1/3 stop) for optimal results.
Character: Kodak's resurrected slide film. Warm, pleasing tones.
Film Selection Decision Tree
I want to shoot black & white:
Maximum sharpness, fine grain: - Bright light: Ilford Pan F Plus 50 - General: Kodak T-MAX 100, Ilford FP4 Plus 125 - Available light: Kodak T-MAX 400
Classic film aesthetic: - General: Ilford FP4 Plus 125 - Workhorse: Ilford HP5 Plus 400, Kodak Tri-X 400 - Low light: Ilford Delta 3200
Budget conscious: - Any light: Fomapan 100, Fomapan 400
Special effects: - Vintage look: Ilford Ortho Plus - Infrared: Rollei Infrared 400
I want to shoot color negative:
Vivid, saturated landscapes: - Kodak Ektar 100
Natural skin tones, portraits: - Kodak Portra 160, 400, or 800 (by available light)
Budget everyday shooting: - Kodak Gold 200, ColorPlus 200
Available light, events: - Kodak Portra 400 or 800
Night, tungsten, creative: - Cinestill 800T
I want to shoot slide film:
Maximum saturation, landscapes: - Fujichrome Velvia 50 or 100
Neutral accurate color: - Fujichrome Provia 100F
Warm tones, push capability: - Ektachrome E100
Exposure Latitude Comparison
Exposure latitude = How many stops you can over/underexpose and still get usable results.
| Film Type | Underexposure Tolerance | Overexposure Tolerance | Total Latitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| B&W Negative | -1 to -2 stops | +3 to +5 stops | 4-7 stops |
| Color Negative | -1 to -2 stops | +2 to +4 stops | 3-6 stops |
| Color Slide | -0.5 stop | +0.5 to +1 stop | 1-1.5 stops |
Practical rule: - B&W/Color negative: When in doubt, overexpose slightly - Slide film: Meter precisely, bracket if uncertain
Push/Pull Processing Guide
Push processing = Develop longer (increases ISO, increases contrast/grain) Pull processing = Develop shorter (decreases ISO, decreases contrast)
When to Push
1-2 stops: Common, acceptable quality loss 3+ stops: Emergency only, severe grain/contrast increase
Best films for pushing: - Ilford HP5 Plus (legendary pushability) - Kodak Tri-X 400 - Ilford Delta 3200 - Kodak T-MAX P3200
When to Pull
Reduce contrast - High contrast scene, want smoother tones Overexposed accidentally - Shot at wrong ISO
Best films for pulling: - Films with high contrast that benefit from reduction - Not common practice
Push/Pull Compensation Rules
Push +1 stop: - Expose at ISO 400 instead of ISO 200 - Develop ~30% longer
Push +2 stops: - Expose at ISO 1600 instead of ISO 400 - Develop ~50-60% longer
Pull -1 stop: - Expose at ISO 200 instead of ISO 400 - Develop ~20-30% shorter
Consult film datasheet or developer chart for exact times.
Film Storage and Handling
Before Shooting
Storage: - Refrigerate (4-10°C) for long-term storage - Freeze (-18°C) for archival storage (years) - Bring to room temperature before loading (prevents condensation)
Handling: - Store in cool, dry place - Avoid X-ray exposure (check film by hand at airport security) - High-speed films (ISO 800+) more sensitive to X-ray
After Shooting
Develop promptly: - Color film: Develop within months (latent image fades) - B&W film: More stable but still develop within 6-12 months
If delayed: - Refrigerate or freeze exposed film to slow latent image decay
Reciprocity Failure Characteristics
What is reciprocity failure? At very long exposures (typically >1 second), the reciprocal relationship between aperture and shutter speed breaks down. Film becomes less sensitive, requiring additional exposure beyond what a meter indicates.
Critical for: - Long exposures (landscape, night photography) - Astrophotography - Low-light architecture - Any exposure >1 second
Reciprocity Correction Table
Source: Manufacturer datasheets (Kodak E-31, Ilford technical data)
| Film | Reciprocity Threshold | Measured 1s | Measured 10s | Measured 100s | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ilford HP5 Plus | >0.5s | +0.5s (1.5s) | +40s (50s) | — | Up to 1/2s: no correction needed |
| Ilford FP4 Plus | >1s | +1s (2s) | +20s (30s) | — | Minimal correction needed <10s |
| Ilford Pan F Plus | >1s | +1s (2s) | +30s (40s) | — | Similar to FP4+ |
| Kodak Tri-X 400 | >0.9s | +1s (2s) | +50s (60s) | — | Reciprocity kicks in ~1s |
| Kodak T-Max 100/400 | >1s | +2s (3s) | +60s (70s) | — | T-grain technology has better reciprocity |
| Fomapan 100/400 | >1s | ~+1s | ~+30s | — | Conservative estimates; test recommended |
| Kodak Portra 400 | >1s | +1.5s (2.5s) | +45s (55s) | — | Color negative, relatively forgiving |
| Kodak Ektar 100 | >1s | +2s (3s) | +80s (90s) | — | Requires significant correction >10s |
| Fuji Provia 100F | >2s | +4s (6s) | +2 stops | +3 stops | Slide film: critical accuracy needed |
| Fuji Velvia 50 | >4s | +1 stop | +2.5 stops | +3.5 stops | Extremely sensitive to reciprocity |
How to use this table: 1. Meter the scene and note the indicated shutter speed (e.g., 10 seconds) 2. Find your film in the table 3. Use the corrected exposure time (e.g., HP5+ @ 10s measured → 50s actual)
Important notes: - Color shifts may occur in color films during long exposures (especially slide films) - Some films (notably Ilford Delta series) have improved reciprocity characteristics not listed here - Always bracket exposures for critical work (±1 stop minimum) - Consult manufacturer datasheets for exact reciprocity curves - Digital meters do NOT account for reciprocity failure (manual correction required)
Recommended practice for long exposures: 1. Use bulb mode (B) with locking cable release 2. Calculate corrected time using table above 3. Bracket: shoot corrected time, +1 stop, +2 stops 4. Keep exposure notes (critical for learning your film's behavior)
Modern film reciprocity improvements: - Ilford Delta series: improved reciprocity over HP5+/FP4+ - Kodak T-Max series: better reciprocity than Tri-X - Fomapan: limited official data; user testing recommended
For ultra-long exposures (>100s): - Consult film-specific datasheets - Consider development compensation (N-1 processing) - Some films become impractical beyond certain thresholds (Velvia >120s)
Film vs Digital ISO Equivalency
Film ISO is NOT the same as digital ISO:
| Film ISO | Digital Equivalent (Approximate) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 100 | ISO 200-400 | Film has more highlight latitude |
| ISO 400 | ISO 800-1600 | Film grain differs from digital noise |
| ISO 3200 | ISO 6400-12800 | Film remains more organic looking |
Film advantages: - Overexposure latitude (highlights don't clip like digital) - Organic grain (vs. digital noise) - Color rendition (especially skin tones)
Digital advantages: - ISO flexibility (change per frame) - Immediate feedback - No development cost
Cost Considerations (Approximate, 2026)
Per roll costs (excluding development):
| Film Type | 35mm (36 exp) | 120 (12 exp) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget B&W (Fomapan) | $6-8 | $8-10 |
| Premium B&W (Ilford, Kodak) | $10-14 | $12-18 |
| Budget Color Neg (Gold, ColorPlus) | $8-12 | N/A |
| Premium Color Neg (Portra, Ektar) | $14-18 | $18-24 |
| Slide Film (Velvia, Provia, Ektachrome) | $16-22 | $22-30 |
| Specialty (Cinestill, Infrared) | $18-25 | $25-35 |
Development costs (lab): - B&W: $8-15 per roll - Color negative (C-41): $12-18 per roll - Slide (E-6): $15-25 per roll
Self-development savings: - B&W chemicals: ~$1-2 per roll - C-41 kit: ~$3-5 per roll (home development possible) - E-6 kit: ~$5-8 per roll (temperature critical, challenging)
Development Chemistry Quick Reference
Black & White Developers
| Developer | Character | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Kodak D-76 / Ilford ID-11 | Standard, fine grain | Universal developer |
| Kodak HC-110 | Concentrated, economical | High contrast, sharp |
| Rodinal / R09 | Compensating, sharp | Acutance, classic look |
| Kodak XTOL | Fine grain, low toxicity | Modern alternative to D-76 |
| Ilford DD-X | Fine grain, high speed | Delta films, push processing |
| Kodak T-MAX Developer | T-grain optimized | T-MAX films only |
| Ilford Perceptol | Ultra-fine grain | Slow films, grain reduction |
Color Developers
| Process | Developer | Use |
|---|---|---|
| C-41 | Tetenal C-41 Kit, Unicolor C-41 | Color negative |
| E-6 | Tetenal E-6 Kit | Slide film |
Discontinued Films (For Reference)
Notable discontinued stocks still found as old stock:
- Fujifilm Neopan 400 (Acros II replaced partially) - Fine grain B&W
- Fujifilm Pro 400H - Pastel color negative, wedding favorite
- Kodak Plus-X 125 - Classic B&W general purpose
- Agfa APX series - Various B&W films
- Kodachrome - Legendary slide film (no processing available)
If you find old stock: Test carefully, refrigeration extends life but emulsions degrade over time.
Field Notes Section
Print and laminate for field reference.
Your Film Inventory
| Film Stock | Format | Box Speed | My Preferred ISO | Developer | Dev Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ____ | 35/120 | ISO ___ | ISO ___ | _ | ___ min | ______ |
| ____ | 35/120 | ISO ___ | ISO ___ | _ | ___ min | ______ |
| ____ | 35/120 | ISO ___ | ISO ___ | _ | ___ min | ______ |
| ____ | 35/120 | ISO ___ | ISO ___ | _ | ___ min | ______ |
Exposure Notes
Film: ___ Scene: ___ Metered at: ISO ___ Actual film: ISO ___ Compensation: ___ stops Development: Push/Pull ___ stops Notes: _____
Sources and Further Reading
Film Datasheets: - Kodak Alaris Professional Film Datasheets - Ilford Photo Technical Information - Fujifilm Professional Film Specifications
Development Charts: - Massive Dev Chart: https://www.digitaltruth.com/devchart.php - Ilford Film and Developer Combinations
Books: - "The Film Developing Cookbook" - Steve Anchell (2011) - "Film Photography Handbook" - Chris Marquardt (2014)
Compiled: 2026-05-23 Formats: 35mm (135) and 120 (Medium Format) For field use: Print and laminate