If you’re looking to get started with film photography and not sure where to start, opting for a standard point and shoot is a great entry level type of camera to begin with as you can literally load your film roll, and get shooting!
The Kodak Ultra F9 film camera is enduringly popular as it’s at an entry level price point, it’s small and easy to carry and it generates excellent results. It functions just like a disposable camera, but the benefit is that it can be reloaded with more 35mm film after you’ve used up the first roll.
From loading your first roll to getting the most out of this film camera, we’ve pulled together some of our top tips for using this camera, along with some from our brand ambassador Chris Evans.
Top Tips On Using The Kodak Ultra F9 Film Camera
How To Load The Kodak Ultra F9 Camera
Loading the Kodak Ultra F9 is quick and beginner-friendly. Here’s exactly how to do it (there’s also a handy video below for the full process):
1. Make Sure the Camera Is Switched Off
Before opening the camera, check that it’s turned off. This prevents accidental exposures while loading.
2. Open the Back of the Camera
On the left-hand side of the camera (when looking at the back), you’ll see the rewind knob.
Gently pull it upwards — this releases the back cover so you can open it.
3. Insert Your 35mm Film
Place your 35mm film canister into the empty chamber on the left side.
Push the rewind knob back down to lock the film into place.
4. Pull the Film Leader Across
Carefully pull the film leader (the narrow tongue of film) across to the right-hand side of the camera.
Stretch it just far enough to reach the take-up spool.
5. Insert the Film into the Take-Up Spool
Slot the film leader into one of the grooves in the take-up spool on the right.
Make sure the sprocket holes along the film line up with the small teeth inside the camera.
This step is important — if the teeth don’t catch the film properly, it won’t advance.
6. Advance the Film
Turn the film advance wheel slowly until the film tightens slightly and sits flat across the back of the camera.
You should see the rewind knob rotate slightly as you advance — that’s a good sign the film is loaded correctly.
7. Close the Back Cover
Once everything looks aligned, close the back of the camera firmly until it clicks shut.
8. Advance to Frame 1
Press the shutter button and advance the film two or three times until the frame counter shows “1”.
Now you’re ready to start shooting.
What Film To Use? – Choosing The Right Film Speed
If you’re just starting off with film photography and not sure what film to start with, Chris Evans suggests using Fujifilm 400 as a good choice for pairing with the F9 as it’s a versatile film stock and performs well in both low light and brighter conditions.
It’s important to note that the Ultra F9 has a fixed aperture (f/9) and fixed shutter speed (1/120s), so film choice does matters.
- ISO 200 (e.g. Kodak Gold 200) – Best for bright sunny days
- ISO 400 (e.g. Ultramax 400 / Portra 400) – More flexible for UK weather or indoors with flash
- Avoid ISO 100 unless you’re shooting in very strong sunlight
Budget colour films such as Kodak ColorPlus and Kodak Gold are great options, loved by both beginners and professionals. They have an ISO 200 so are best for use on sunny, bright days. Have a look at our beginners guide to 35mm film for even more ideas on getting started.
Shoot In Good Light
The Ultra F9 rewards good light!
With its fixed aperture and shutter speed, it performs best in bright, natural conditions, think sunny afternoons, open outdoor spaces, or soft golden hour light. The more light available, the cleaner and more vibrant your images will look.
On dull or heavily overcast days, photos can appear flat or slightly underexposed unless you use flash. If you’re unsure, a simple rule is this: if it feels bright to your eyes, the camera will likely be happy. When in doubt, step into better light, your film, and images will thank you for it!
Use Flash Indoors
One thing to remember with the Kodak Ultra F9 is that the flash isn’t just for nighttime. Because the camera has a fixed f/9 aperture, it needs plenty of light to expose your film properly.
Indoors, at parties, in restaurants, or even on cloudy days, turning the flash on will help prevent dark, underexposed images. Don’t be afraid of that direct flash look either, it gives photos that classic 90s point-and-shoot feel with bright subjects and slightly darker backgrounds.
Just make sure your subject is within a few metres so the flash can actually reach them, and double-check your finger isn’t covering it before you press the shutter!
Sending Your Film Off For Developing
So, you’ve just finished shooting on your first roll of film in your F9 camera, now what? Before you open the back of the camera, remember to press the rewind button first. Then you can safely remove the film as normal and send off for developing.
We offer a full range of processing services, simply place your order online, send us your film in the post and then let us do the rest! We’ll deliver your photos by your method of choice, be it prints, digital images or by CD.
Have any other questions about the F9? Let us know in the comments below!