The Best 35mm Film Stocks For Summer Photography
- csshop0
- Mar 5
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
Hurray, we have survived the cold embrace of winter, and spring, and not only are the warmer days a welcome benefit, but the longer, golden days make shooting extra special.
Dry and sunny days also open you up to a much larger range of 35mm films that are perfect for fair weather shooting.
Whether you're capturing sunlit beaches, lush green landscapes, or the energy of summer festivals, choosing the right 35mm film is key. Here are ten of the best film stocks for summer photography.
The Best 35mm Film Stocks For Summer Photography
A staple in the film world, Kodak Portra 400 is known for its fine grain, exceptional dynamic range, and warm, natural skin tones.
It handles bright summer light beautifully and is perfect for portraits, landscapes, and travel photography.
Budget friendly, and it performs!
One of the most affordable 35mm colour films on the market, this classic film stock is warm, slightly grainy and full of character. This is a highly versatile all rounder for everyday summer photography.
However, it does have a 200 ISO, so it's not the best film to use on overcast or dreary days.
Another versatile film stock for summer is Fujifilm 400. It offers fine grain, medium contrast and decent saturation. It's also fairly forgiving in lower light situations which makes it more of a solid choice than Fujifilm 200.
Whilst it is adaptable in differing light situations, it works best for medium daylight. The shot taken below is Matsumoto castle in Japan, and one of my favourite films that I used during this trip.
After what is often a bleak and dark winter, you might be wanting some colour in your life, but there's still very much a place for black and white photography in the summer.
Black and white offers a stunning contrast and mood and HP5 Plus 400 is perfect for capturing those dramatic summer shadows, architectural shots, or perhaps you're getting married in the summer and looking for something classic with a sultry feel. This film is a winner!
Originally designed for motion pictures, Cinestill 50D is a low ISO daylight-balanced film with cinematic colors.
It excels in bright sunlight and delivers a dreamy, filmic look, making it perfect for summer portraits and travel photography.
If you want bold, vibrant colors, Kodak Ektar 100 is unbeatable. With ultra-fine grain and rich saturation, it’s perfect for summer landscapes, bright city scenes, and any situation where you want colors to pop.
With a low ISO, this film is best for those super sunny and bright summer days.
A true classic, and one of the most affordably priced 35mm colour films.
Fujifilm 200 is ideal for summer with and is great in decent light whilst offering moderate grain and a good contrast.
Ilford Delta 100 is a superb choice for summer shooting if you're after crisp, fine-grain black and white images.
With its medium ISO and excellent performance in bright daylight, it delivers incredibly sharp detail and rich tonal range, perfect for capturing sunlit streets, architectural shots, or high-contrast summer shadows.
One of the cheapest colour films, and a cult classic for photographers of all levels.
Ideal for bright and sunny days, this film stock is known for its warm tones and nostalgic feel, it captures vibrant colours, pleasing contrast, and has great texture making it ideal for travel, everyday snapshots, and bright outdoor scenes.
A reliable go-to for bringing out the best in summer light.
Kodak Portra 160 offers the finest grain and highest sharpness of the Portra family, making it an excellent choice for summer portraits.
Its warm tones and soft contrast shine in bright daylight or controlled studio lighting, delivering natural-looking skin tones and beautifully subtle colour rendering. Ideal for capturing relaxed, sunlit moments with clarity and elegance.
This is just a handful of 35mm films that perform beautifully during the summer months, but the best stock also depends on the type of mood you want to capture, so this is always worth considering before selecting your film.
Whether you prefer classic black and white or high-speed versatility, these nine film stocks will help you create stunning summer memories.
Which is your favourite film for shooting in the summer and why? Let us know in the comments below!
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