If you're passionate about film photography but find yourself watching your wallet, you're not alone. The rising cost of some premium film stocks has left many film photographers searching for affordable alternatives that don’t compromise on quality. Fortunately, there are several 35mm film stocks that deliver excellent results without breaking the bank so you don’t have to switch to digital! Here are the best film stocks, that although may not be as cheap as when they came out, are the best bang for your buck in today’s market.

1. Kodak Gold 200

Kodak Gold, Hong Kong via user: bcpleung on lomography.com

Why it’s great: Kodak Gold 200 is a classic choice for anyone interested in film photography. Known for its warm tones and balanced contrast, it’s perfect for outdoor portraits, landscapes, or if you’re just shooting casual snapshots. While it doesn’t have the same professional level color accuracy as Kodak Portra 400, it shares a similar warmth, making it a great substitute for more casual or relaxed shoots.

Price Range: Typically around $10–12 per roll of 36 exposures.
Best Use: Bright sunny days, outdoor portraits, family events, and travel photography where natural light plays a significant role. Its ISO 200 rating really thrives in well lit conditions, and its forgiving nature makes it beginner friendly if you’re not too comfortable metering your film yet.
Comparison: Compared to Kodak Portra 400, Gold 200 has more pronounced grain and less dynamic range. While Portra handles skin tones with unmatched subtlety and has better latitude for over and underexposure, Gold 200 is a charming alternative for situations where exacting quality isn’t necessary. Remember it’s called Kodak Gold for a reason. This film stock will have a warmer, golden tone opposed to the true to life colors of Portra.
Pro Tip: Pair it with a 35mm film camera that has manual ISO settings to get the most out of its dynamic range. Slight overexposure can bring out even richer colors and reduce visible grain.

2. FujiFilm 400

Fujifilm, Atlanta, Canon AE-1 via user maryrobinson on lomography.com

Why it’s great: FujiFilm 400 is a versatile and vibrant option for film photographers seeking affordable 35mm color film with higher ISO capabilities. It is known for its cooler tones, punchy greens, and vivid reds, making it ideal for a variety of shooting scenarios. While it doesn’t match the finesse of Fuji Pro 400H (now discontinued), it offers a similar aesthetic at a fraction of the price.

Price Range: Around $10–13 per roll.
Best Use: Everyday film photography, street scenes, nature shots, and portraits. Its ISO 400 rating allows it to handle a mix of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to low light.
Comparison: Fujicolor 400 lacks the nuanced color rendition and fine grain of premium stocks like Fuji Pro 400H or Kodak Portra 400. However, it provides bold colors and consistent performance, making it an excellent option for photographers who want a reliable film for casual or experimental shooting. This is a great film to buy if you are a beginner and want to get a ton of practice in at an affordable price.
Pro Tip: Slight overexposure (by 1/3 to 1 stop) can soften its highlights and bring out more detail in the shadows. This technique also enhances its already rich color palette, giving images a slightly dreamy quality to the 35mm film.

3. Ilford HP5 Plus 400

Hp5, Canada, Lomo LC-Wide via user akula on lomography.com

Why it’s great: For those more interested in black and white film photography, Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is a great choice. Its high speed ISO 400 rating makes it versatile for various lighting conditions, and its grain structure adds a very timeless classic aesthetic to your images. It’s often compared to Kodak Tri-X 400, another legendary black and white stock, but comes at a more affordable price point with a less punchy look and feel.

Price Range: Around $9–14 per roll.
Best Use: Low light conditions, street photography, and fine art projects. Its flexibility makes it suitable for both handheld shooting in dim light and studio setups with controlled lighting.
Detailed Comparison: Compared to Kodak Tri-X 400, HP5 Plus has a slightly softer grain structure and a more muted contrast profile. While Tri-X is known for its rich, punchy blacks and sharp highlights, HP5 offers a more forgiving dynamic range that’s better for beginners or those experimenting with pushing film. Make no mistake this feel can absolutely be used for professional project, especially if you lean in to its muted contrast profile.
Pro Tip: Push it to ISO 800 or 1600 for added contrast and moodiness in low light if that is more the look you’re after. Its versatility means the 35mm film performs well even under challenging lighting conditions, making it a reliable choice for dynamic shooting environments.

4. Kodak Ultramax 400

Ultramax, France, Lomo LC-Wide, via buckshot on tomography.com

Why it’s great: Ultramax 400 is often overshadowed by its more expensive siblings, but this film stock delivers fantastic results for its price. With its higher ISO, it’s ideal for a variety of settings, from sunny beaches to dimly lit interiors. It shares some similarities with Kodak Portra 400, particularly in its balanced color rendition, but lacks the professional grade finesse (ever so slightly).

Price Range: Around $10–14 per roll.
Best Use: Travel photography, portraits, and general purpose shooting. Its ISO 400 rating makes it flexible enough to handle mixed lighting situations with ease.
Detailed Comparison: While Portra 400 excels in subtle tonal transitions and produces remarkably consistent results across lighting conditions, Ultramax 400 has more noticeable grain and a slightly warmer tone. However, it’s an excellent substitute for everyday shooting where budget is a concern. In my experience, with a tiny bit of post correction this 35mm film has enough latitude to emulate the neutral tones of Portra if that’s what you’re after.
Pro Tip: Its high ISO makes it forgiving for beginners experimenting with exposure settings. Try using it in overcast weather or mixed indoor lighting to see how its color balance adapts.

5. Kentmere 400

Kentmere, Yashica AF-J via user davidobrien on lomography.com

Why it’s great: Manufactured by Ilford, Kentmere 400 is a hidden gem for those seeking affordable black and white film. While it has a slightly lower dynamic range compared to Ilford HP5 Plus, its fine grain and contrast make it rally good for dramatic compositions. It’s a fantastic entry point into black and white photography without the premium price tag of more well known stocks.

Price Range: Around $6–9 per roll.
Best Use: Street photography, architectural shots, and portraits on 35mm. Its tonal range is ideal for creating striking contrasts and bold compositions.
Detailed Comparison: Kentmere 400 offers a sharper, more contrast heavy look than HP5 Plus, but it lacks the same level of exposure latitude. This makes it better suited for photographers who are comfortable with precise exposure control. Compared to Tri-X 400, it feels more aggressive in its contrast but comes at a fraction of the cost.
Pro Tip: Experiment with high contrast lighting scenarios to create dramatic images. Pushing this film to ISO 800 can add grit and texture for an rougher film look.

Final Thoughts

Shooting on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on quality. The five film stocks listed above are excellent choices for any 35mm film photography enthusiast looking to save money while still producing stunning images. If you're looking to save even more money consider thinks like bulk buying and loading the film into canisters yourself, or buying and shooting expired film.

As always be sure to visit nicefilmclub.com for all your film development and scanning needs.

5 Film Stocks to Buy on a Budget