There are several different types of film and many more variations within those types. There is 35mm film, 120 or 220 film (often called medium format film), various types of Polaroid film, 4 x 5, 8 x 10, and 11 x 14 film (called large format film). Choosing a basic film type is usually as simple as determining what film is appropriate for the camera to which you have access.

But there are more choices within those types of film. Most film types are manufactured in both black/white and color. 35mm and some larger format films can be purchased as both negative or positive film, slide film. All films are made with a different ISO or speed and varying grain (the noise in an image). 50 and 100 speed films have less grain than 800, but will be harder to use in low-light environments. 3200 speed film will allow you to shoot indoors in a dimly-lit bar, but might appear gritty. 200 and 400 will give you a good overall use and feel.

If you are shooting indoors and want to get correct color, as artificial lights produce color casts (incandescent = orange/red, fluorescent = green), you can use Tungsten film. It’s a professional film that photographers use in studios when they are shooting film.

Professional films in general are also types of films that are manufactured for every other film type. There is a lot of variety and different films are known for different things. Certain color films are known for their good color saturation. Black and white films are known for their various contrast qualities, their tonalities, and their physical properties, such as durability, since they are handled more directly than color films when developing them yourself. The technology of film is at this point an old one, so don’t feel pressured into using professional films if you don’t want to spend the extra money. Personally, I have always been happy with my results using Fuji Superia purchased from Target or Amazon or Costco.

The biggest difference between professional and consumer film types is the amount of care that has been provided for them before you get your hands on them. Since color film is sensitive to temperature, professional color films will have been kept cold or at a consistent temperature since manufacturing. It’s a good idea for you to store your film in the refrigerator, for the most part, just to prevent extreme temperature fluctuation. Your film will be fine at room temperature for a long while, and should be brought down to room temperature before use if you do store it in the fridge to get rid of any condensation or fogginess on the film. Read more about different types of film…