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Kodak Ultramax 400 - Film Review

Ultramax 400
film index
Rating
Rated 3 out of 5
TDR Rating
Rated 4 out of 5
TypeC-41 Negative
Brand Kodak
ISO400
Format35mm
Price
$ $ $
Saturation
+ + + + +
Latitude
+ + + + +
GrainFine - Coarse
+ + + + +

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Kodak Ultramax 400 is one of the most popular and versatile 35mm color-negative films on the market – and one of our absolute favorites here at The Darkroom Lab. Not only is Ultramax 400 extremely affordable compared to pro-grade film like Kodak Portra 400, but it also delivers consistently great results across a wide range of cameras and shooting conditions. We develop, scan, and print a lot of Ultramax 400, and it remains one of our go-to color films for everyday photography.

Ultramax 400 is especially loved for point and shoot cameras thanks to its forgiving exposure latitude, rich saturation, and medium to high contrast, but we also shoot it regularly in our SLRs. With its ISO 400 speed, this film performs well in both bright sunlight and low-light environments. It handles overexposure beautifully, making it an excellent beginner film, and it also looks great with on-camera flash – something that many point and shoot film photographers rely on.

Like most Kodak color negative film, Ultramax 400 has a warm, pleasing color palette that makes it ideal for portraits, family photos, street photography, and travel. Its strong saturation and reliable contrast also make it a great choice for landscapes and outdoor scenes. While its grain is more noticeable than that of professional films, the grain structure is still very good looking and adds to the classic Kodak aesthetic many film shooters love.

Why We Recommend Kodak Ultramax 400:

  • Affordable alternative to Portra 400

  • Excellent exposure latitude – great for beginners

  • Versatile ISO 400 for daylight and low-light shooting

  • Looks great with flash

  • Warm Kodak tones perfect for portraits

  • Saturated color ideal for landscapes

  • Fantastic for point-and-shoot cameras and SLRs

  • One of the most developed films at The Darkroom Lab

Overall, Kodak Ultramax 400 is one of the best budget-friendly 35mm color films available today. Whether you’re new to film photography or a seasoned shooter looking for dependable everyday film stock, Ultramax 400 delivers consistent, vibrant results at a great price. We highly recommend giving it a try.

For sale here – 35mm

User Reviews

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4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5
4.5 out of 5 stars (based on 17 reviews)
Excellent53%
Very good41%
Average6%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

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Surprisingly Good

Rated 4 out of 5
May 7, 2025

I wasn’t expecting too much from Ultramax, but was pleasantly surprised. At its best, it produces sharp, characterful images without too much grain. It’s color reproduction is natural, but with primary colors that pop without becoming gaudy. I don’t much see it as a cheaper alternative to Portra. Rather, it reminds me of Ektar. Like many films, it really struggles on gray/gloomy days at which point it loses much of its vibrance. Otherwise, I’d take this over Gold any day.

Will Ryan

Response from The Darkroom Photo Lab

Thanks for the review! Love hearing how Ultramax inspired you – it’s such a great film for capturing everyday moments. Can’t wait to see what you shoot next!

Kodak the best

Rated 5 out of 5
February 17, 2025

i use Kodak film for many years

for me it always works out great good colors

i can always trust Kodak and its other products and older 35mm cameras made by Kodak

its just a much better film and no green unwanted tints or colors

Eddy

Amazing, Accessible, Affordable

Rated 5 out of 5
September 14, 2024

This is my go-to film because it is affordable and produces great, consistent results roll after roll. Shooting on my Nikon FG-20 photos achieve a nice level of graininess and in my perspective can seem to pick up on the hues of the season you shoot in (warm tones in spring & summer, cooler tones in fall & winter). This was one of the first films I ever used and I plan to keep coming back to it for years to come!

Alta