The 11 best photographic film brands in 2026
Fujifilm, Kodak and ILFORD lead our ranking of 11 photographic film brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Photographic Film brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
Fujifilm
Fujifilm makes photographic film in color negative, slide, and black-and-white formats for still and motion use.
Website: fujifilm.com |Brands like Fujifilm
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Kodak
Kodak makes photographic film, including color negative, black-and-white, and motion picture film stocks.
Website: resources.kodak.com |Brands like Kodak
Popularity 7.7/10
-
3
ILFORD
ILFORD makes black-and-white photographic film in multiple formats, plus matching developers and papers.
Website: ilfordphoto.com |Brands like ILFORD
Popularity 6.1/10
-
4
Agfa
Agfa is a leading global technology company that designs and manufactures imaging systems and IT solutions for the printing industry. They also develop, produce, and sell lithographic plates and cylinders, and variable data products for healthcare. Their passion is imaging. Agfa's expertise in integrated digital imaging technologies combined with IT solutions provides added value to their clients by helping them drive business growth through efficiency improvements, decreased costs, reduced time to market, and increased customer satisfaction.
Website: agfa.com |Brands like Agfa
Popularity 5.3/10
-
5
Johnson
Consumer Healthcare, Medical Devices, and Consumer Products make up the three business sectors of the global consumer products and pharmaceutical firm Johnson & Johnson. The company's primary line of business is the development, production, marketing, and distribution of prescription and over-the-counter consumer goods. Their goal is to enhance health and wellbeing so everyone can live longer, better, and more rewarding lives. Band-Aid, Listerine, and many other brands are included in its portfolio. It continues to pursue excellence in terms of quality, dependability, value, and safety with its well-known brands.
Website: johnsongtr.com |Brands like Johnson
Popularity 3.1/10
-
6
AP
AP Air Inc has been in business for quite some years. They aim at selling kits and parts for automobiles. The company believes in providing the best products to the consumers and only uses the best among the bunch. AP Air Inc has a huge collection of items at its disposal. You can find cab kits as well as Adapter kits on their site. Any parts or accessories of the automotive industry are found here. The site is well organized according to categories.
Website: apairinc.com |Brands like AP
Popularity 2.5/10
-
7
Minolta
Konica Minolta is a solution to transform your digital workspace into a well-organized and efficient area. The post-pandemic era has shifted a lot of workers to the digital space, and it is essential to keep sound track of things if we are going to be productive. Konica Minolta is going to help you create solutions to the problem that you are facing. The company's vision reaches into the future where everything is connected online. They tend to think ahead of time.
Website: kmbs.konicaminolta.us |Brands like Minolta
Popularity 2.5/10
-
8
Gnome
Gnome and bow are known for their wallets and bags and have now evolved into a lifestyle brand. The Italian leather used in the bags and wallets designed with utmost care and craftsmanship also comes with RFID lining. The brand also allows aesthetic and pretty customization and lets you have your desired inscriptions, too; making it an exquisite gift! Positive customer reviews speak of the success of the company, shop from their website now.
Website: gnomenbow.com |Brands like Gnome
Popularity 1.8/10
-
9
Kood
Kood is the UK's premier camera accessory retailer, with a massive selection of photographic equipment. Kood is a one-stop-shop for all things photographic. They have Memory Sticks, Lens Hoods, Tripods, Batteries, and many other items in stock. They take pleasure...
Website: koodinternational.com |Brands like Kood
Popularity 1.8/10
-
10
HORUSBENNU
Ever thought of getting a USB charger for your camera? The HORUSBENNU team offers a wide range of electronic accessories. One can easily find what they are looking for, from lenses to flashlights. HORUSBENNU is an online store that sells...
Website: horusbennu.com |Brands like HORUSBENNU
Popularity 1.8/10
-
11
Kindermann
Kindermann offers a wide range of electronic devices from various popular brands at their store. They display all the products with their specifications under every category to make it convenient for customers to narrow down the products according to their...
Website: shop.kindermann.de |Brands like Kindermann
Popularity 1.8/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fujifilm | fujifilm.com | – | – | – | – |
| Kodak | resources.kodak.com | /kodak | kodak | @Kodak | kodak |
| ILFORD | ilfordphoto.com | /IlfordPhoto | ilfordphoto | @ILFORDPhoto | HarmanTL |
| Agfa | agfa.com | – | – | – | – |
| Johnson | johnsongtr.com | – | – | – | – |
| AP | apairinc.com | – | – | – | – |
| Minolta | kmbs.konicaminolta.us | /KonicaMinoltaUS | konicaminoltaus | @KonicaMinoltaUS | KonicaMinoltaUS |
| Gnome | gnomenbow.com | /gnomenbow | gnomenbow | – | Gnome & Bow |
| Kood | koodinternational.com | – | – | @@KoodPhoto | – |
| HORUSBENNU | horusbennu.com | – | – | – | – |
Photographic Film Buying Guide
In a world where digital photography dominates, film photography still has a dedicated following. Shooting with film offers a certain charm that is often missing in digital images. From the experimentation of film types to the tactile experience of rolling film and developing prints, film enthusiasts find pleasure in every step of the process. But with so many types of film available, how do you know which one to choose? In this guide, we will examine the different types of film and what factors to consider when choosing the right one for you.
Black and White vs. Color
The first question to ask yourself when choosing film is whether you want to shoot in black and white or color. Black and white film is a classic choice for traditional photographers. It offers a range of tonalities and can create stunning, dramatic images. Color film, on the other hand, produces vibrant, realistic colors, making it the preferred choice for many photographers shooting portraits, landscapes, or other subjects where color is important.
Consider what type of photography you will be doing and what effect you want to achieve. If you are shooting landscapes or street photography, black and white film may offer more depth and contrast. If you are capturing a family gathering or a vacation, color film will provide more realistic color reproduction.
Film Speed
The next factor to consider is film speed, also known as the film's ISO. Film speed refers to how sensitive the film is to light. A higher ISO number indicates a faster film - it requires less light to make an exposure. Conversely, a lower ISO number means the film is slower and requires more light.
A faster film speed like 400 or 800 is ideal for low-light situations or situations where you need to use a higher shutter speed. This is useful for action shots, nighttime photography, or indoor events. A slower film speed like 100 or 200 is better in bright sunlit conditions when you want a finer grain and more detailed image.
Grain
The grain of the film refers to the size and texture of the silver halide crystals that create the image. The larger the crystals, the more visible the grain will be in the final print. Higher-speed films tend to have larger grains than slower films because the larger crystals are more sensitive to light.
Grain can be a desirable effect in some photographs, especially in black and white images where it can add texture and depth. However, if you want a sharper and more detailed image, you will want a film with a finer grain. Always test different films and developing techniques to see what works best for your desired effect.
Contrast
Film produces different levels of contrast, which refers to the range of tones between light and dark. High contrast films produce bold, dramatic images with deep blacks and bright whites. Low contrast films produce softer, more muted images with a wider range of grays.
When selecting a film, consider the scene you will be shooting and what type of contrast you want to achieve. High contrast film can add drama and impact to street photography, while low contrast film can produce a soft and dreamlike effect for portraits or landscapes.
Brand and Type
There are several brands of film available, each with its own unique characteristics. Below are a few popular choices to consider:
- Kodak: Known for its classic look and smooth tones, Kodak offers a range of options for both color and black and white film.
- Ilford: A staple choice for black and white photographers, Ilford offers a range of films with different grain, contrast, and tonal qualities.
- Fujifilm: Known for its vibrant color film and pastel tones, Fujifilm also offers a range of black and white options as well.
- Lomography: A newer brand on the scene, Lomography offers off-beat film options with unique effects and colors.
In addition to brands, each film type has its own unique characteristics. For example, Kodak Tri-X is a classic choice for black and white photographers looking for medium to high contrast, while Kodak Portra is known for its striking, true-to-life color reproduction. Ilford HP5 is a popular choice for low light situations, and Fujifilm Velvia produces vivid, saturated colors ideal for nature and landscape photography.
As with all things photography, experimentation is key. Try different brands and film types to see what works best for your style and desired effect.
Buying Film
Now that you understand the different factors to consider when selecting a film, it's time to buy some! While it may seem like film is becoming increasingly hard to find, it is still readily available.
Many photography retailers still offer a wide selection of film types and brands, both in-store and online. If you are purchasing film online, be sure to check the expiration date to ensure the film has not expired. Expired film can produce unpredictable results or not work at all.
Film can also be purchased secondhand from photo supply stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces like eBay. While buying secondhand film can offer significant savings, be sure to carefully examine the packaging and film itself for any signs of damage or expiration.
Finally, be sure to properly store your film once you have purchased it. Store film in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Improper storage can lead to damage or deterioration of the film, and ultimately affect the final image.
Conclusion
Choosing the right film can often make or break the final image. By understanding the different factors to consider - including black and white vs. color, film speed, grain, contrast, and brand - you can start experimenting with different types of film to find the perfect fit for your photography style.
Remember to always properly store your film and experiment with different techniques to see how you can achieve the desired effect. Happy shooting!
