A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of 35mm Film and Their Characteristics
35mm film has been a popular medium for photography for over a century. It has been used by professionals and amateurs alike to capture stunning images. However, with the advent of digital photography, the use of film has declined. Despite this, there are still many photographers who prefer the unique look and feel of film.

Introduction of 35mm Film
35mm film is a type of photographic film that has been used for over a century to capture images. It is a strip of plastic coated with a light-sensitive emulsion that reacts to light to create an image. The film is loaded into a camera and advanced frame by frame as each shot is taken. Once the roll is finished, it is sent to a lab for processing, where the film is developed, fixed, and printed onto photographic paper. 35mm film has been used by professionals and amateurs alike to capture stunning images, and despite the rise of digital photography, it still has a place in the world of photography.
Black and White Film
Black and white film is the oldest type of film and has been used since the early days of photography. It is still popular today, especially among fine art photographers. Black and white film is known for its high contrast and sharpness. It is also very forgiving when it comes to exposure, making it a great choice for beginners.
There are two types of black and white film: traditional and chromogenic. Traditional black and white film is made up of silver halide crystals that react to light. Chromogenic black and white film, on the other hand, is made up of color dyes that are converted to black and white during processing.
Some popular black and white films include Kodak Tri-X, Ilford HP5, and Fujifilm Neopan.
Color Negative Film
Color negative film is the most common type of film used today. It is known for its vibrant colors and wide exposure latitude. Color negative film is made up of three layers of emulsion, each sensitive to a different color of light. During processing, the colors are inverted, resulting in a negative image.
Color negative film is available in different speeds, or ISOs. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the film is to light. This makes high ISO films great for low light situations, but they also tend to have more grain.
Some popular color negative films include Kodak Portra, Fujifilm Pro 400H, and Ilford XP2.
Color Reversal Film
Color reversal film, also known as slide film, is a type of film that produces a positive image. This means that the colors are not inverted during processing, resulting in a slide that can be viewed directly. Color reversal film is known for its rich colors and high contrast.
Color reversal film is available in different speeds, just like color negative film. However, it is less forgiving when it comes to exposure. This means that it is important to get the exposure right when shooting with slide film.
Some popular color reversal films include Kodak Ektachrome, Fujifilm Velvia, and AgfaPhoto CT Precisa.
Specialty Films
There are also specialty films that are designed for specific purposes. For example, infrared film is sensitive to infrared light, which is not visible to the human eye. This results in a unique look that is often used in landscape photography.
Another example is cross-processed film, which is when color negative film is processed in slide film chemistry. This results in unpredictable colors and contrast, making it a popular choice for experimental photography.
In conclusion, there are many different types of 35mm film, each with their own unique characteristics. Black and white film is known for its high contrast and sharpness, while color negative film is known for its vibrant colors and wide exposure latitude. Color reversal film produces a positive image with rich colors and high contrast. Finally, there are specialty films that are designed for specific purposes. Whether you are a professional or an amateur photographer, there is a type of film that will suit your needs.
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