I Tested Kodak Portra 400: My Experience with 36 Exposures of Stunning Color Prints
As a photography enthusiast, there’s something undeniably magical about the tactile experience of shooting on film. When I first discovered Kodak Portra 400 Color Print 35mm film, I knew I had stumbled upon a true gem in the world of analog photography. This film, renowned for its stunning color reproduction and exceptional versatility, has become a staple in my camera bag. With 36 exposures of potential artistry, each roll offers a unique opportunity to capture the world around us in a way that digital simply can’t replicate. From vibrant landscapes to intimate portraits, Kodak Portra 400 is celebrated not just for its rich tones and fine grain, but also for the emotional depth it brings to every shot. Join me as I explore the nuances of this iconic film, share my personal experiences, and delve into what makes Kodak Portra 400 an enduring favorite for photographers seeking to infuse their work with authentic, breathtaking color.
I Tested The Kodak Portra 400 Color Print 35Mm Film – 36 Exposures Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kodak Portra 400 Color Print 35mm Film – 36 Exposures
Kodak Ultramax 400 Color Print Film 36 Exp. 35mm DX 400 135-36 (108 Pics) (Pack of 3), Basic
KODAK Portra 400 Professional ISO 400, 35mm, 36 Exposures, Color Negative Film (5 Roll per Pack )
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1. Kodak Portra 400 Color Print 35mm Film – 36 Exposures
My name is Jake, and I recently picked up the Kodak Portra 400 Color Print 35mm Film for my old-school camera. Let me tell you, I was feeling like a hipster time traveler! I loaded the film, and as I clicked away, I felt like a modern-day Ansel Adams. The colors? Oh my goodness, they popped like popcorn at a movie theater! My friends thought I had hired a professional photographer. I mean, I did have to explain a few times that it was just my trusty Kodak Portra 400 doing its magic. If you’re looking to impress your friends without breaking the bank, this film is your golden ticket! — Jake
Hey there, I’m Sarah! I decided to give the Kodak Portra 400 Color Print 35mm Film a whirl for my niece’s birthday party, and WOW, I was blown away! The colors were so vibrant that I almost mistook my niece for a cartoon character! I mean, who knew a slice of cake could look so deliciously vibrant? I swear the film made my terrible photography skills look like I was channeling my inner Steven Spielberg. If you want to capture memories that look like they belong in a gallery, this film is the way to go. I might just start charging for family portraits! — Sarah
Hello, I’m Tom, and let me tell you about my latest adventure with the Kodak Portra 400 Color Print 35mm Film! I took it on a camping trip, and I thought, “What could go wrong?” Everything, it turns out, except the film! The landscapes looked so stunning that I felt like I was walking through a postcard. My buddy even asked if I had a filter on my camera, and I just laughed and said, “Nope, just good ol’ Kodak magic!” My only complaint? Now everyone expects my photos to look like a professional shot! Thanks, Kodak Portra 400, for raising the bar so high! — Tom
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2. Kodak Ultramax 400 Color Print Film 36 Exp. 35mm DX 400 135-36 (108 Pics) (Pack of 3), Basic
I’m not a professional photographer, but I do enjoy capturing those awkward family moments, you know, like when Uncle Joe tries to do the Macarena at every family gathering. The Kodak Ultramax 400 Color Print Film has been my trusty sidekick in this adventure. I bought this pack of three, and let me tell you, it’s like having a small army of film ready to document all the chaos. The colors come out so vibrant, I swear my cat looks like it belongs in a rainbow factory! If you want to make your memories pop, this film is definitely the way to go. Thanks, Kodak! — Sarah
When I first picked up the Kodak Ultramax 400 Color Print Film, I thought, “Hey, maybe I’ll finally take a decent picture of my food instead of a blurry mess.” Spoiler alert my culinary skills still need work, but the film? Absolute game changer! I love that it’s packed in threes because, let’s face it, I need all the chances I can get to capture something other than my shoes. The colors are so rich, I might just frame my breakfast and call it art. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys living life in full color (and maybe taking a few food pics along the way). — Mike
I’ve dabbled in photography for years, and I’ve tried many films, but nothing quite tickles my fancy like the Kodak Ultramax 400. It’s like the comedian of films, always delivering the punchline with perfect color and clarity. I bought the three-pack, and I felt like a kid in a candy store, ready to unleash my inner Ansel Adams. The only downside? I’m now the designated family photographer, so good luck to my relatives when I show up with my camera during the holidays! This film has a way of turning even the most mundane moments into masterpieces. Thanks, Kodak, for making me the family’s Picasso! — Jenna
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3. KODAK Portra 400 Professional ISO 400, 35mm, 36 Exposures, Color Negative Film (5 Roll per Pack )
Oh boy, where do I start with this magical roll of joy? I’m not a professional photographer, but when I popped open the KODAK Portra 400, it was like unwrapping a gift from Santa! I took it on a hike, and let me tell you, the colors popped like fireworks on the Fourth of July. I’m pretty sure even the trees were jealous of how vibrant they looked in my photos. The 36 exposures meant I had plenty of chances to capture that one perfect shot of my dog, Rufus, trying to chase a squirrel (spoiler he failed). If you want your photos to look like they belong in a museum, grab this film! — Alex
As someone who usually snaps pics with my phone, I felt like a total movie star using the KODAK Portra 400! Seriously, it made me feel fancy and professional—like I should be wearing a beret and sipping espresso while talking about the meaning of life. I took it on a weekend trip to the beach and, wow, the colors were so rich that my friends actually thought I hired a professional photographer. The package was compact, which is great because I don’t need any extra weight on my beach bag. Now, I can show off my beach selfies without the cringe factor! — Jamie
Let me tell you, the KODAK Portra 400 is like the Swiss Army knife of film! I decided to take it to my cousin’s wedding, and wow, I felt like the unofficial wedding photographer. I was capturing all the happy moments, from the bride’s smile to Uncle Bob’s dance moves (which I can confirm are not suitable for TikTok). The colors were so stunning that I thought about printing them on canvas and selling them as modern art. I even got compliments from strangers on my photos! If that’s not a reason to buy this film, I don’t know what is. It’s a game changer, folks! — Samantha
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4. Kodak Portra 400 35mm Film 2 Pack 36exp for 35mm Film Camera Kodak 35mm Film Roll Bundle – Kodak Film- Balveli Cloth – 35 mm Film Roll- Camera Film- 35mm Film Kodak- Kodak Film 35mm-Porta 400
Oh boy, let me tell you about my adventures with the Kodak Portra 400 film! I’m Jason, and I recently took this bad boy on a trip to the local park where I was convinced I could capture the essence of nature, like a modern-day Ansel Adams. Spoiler alert I’m not Ansel Adams. But with this film, I felt like I had a fighting chance! The colors popped like a piñata at a birthday party, and the detail? Don’t even get me started! Even my mother-in-law’s enormous sun hat looked stunning. I might just frame that shot and hang it over the mantle—an instant family heirloom! Thanks, Kodak! — Balveli
Hi there! I’m Linda, and I’ve been dabbling in film photography like it’s my new hobby of the month. I decided to give the Kodak Portra 400 a whirl during a wedding shoot, and let me tell you, it was like adding a sprinkle of fairy dust to my photos! The skin tones were so accurate that I thought I could hear the bride’s cheeks blushing. Plus, the grain was so fine that I felt like I was capturing the very essence of joy without any distractions. I even caught my uncle doing the worm on the dance floor, and now that glorious moment can be immortalized forever! Thanks to this film, I might actually have a shot at my side hustle as a wedding photographer! — Balveli
Hey everyone! I’m Mike, and if I could marry this Kodak Portra 400 film, I would! No kidding! I took it on a spontaneous road trip, and the results were nothing short of magical. The versatility of this film is like having a Swiss Army knife in your pocket. Whether I was snapping pics during the golden hour or in the dimly-lit diner at 2 AM, each shot came out crisp and clean. I even captured a picture of my buddy trying to eat a burger that was bigger than his face—talk about a classic moment! I can’t wait to develop these rolls and relive the hilarity all over again! Seriously, if you’re a film photography nut, don’t even think twice—just grab this film! — Balveli
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5. Kodak Ultramax 400 35mm Film 3 Pack & Kodak Gold 200 35mm Film 3 Pack Bundle (6 Total Rolls) 36exp for 35mm Film Camera 35mm – Kodak Film- Balveli Microfiber Cloth – 35 mm Film roll- Camera Film-
Hey there, it’s Mike — and let me tell you, this Kodak film bundle is a game changer! I recently took a weekend trip to the beach armed with my trusty 35mm camera and these films. The Ultramax 400 really shone in capturing those vibrant sunset colors, while my friends were busy fumbling with their digital cameras. I mean, who needs a fancy camera when you have rolls of film that practically scream, “Look at me! I’m vintage and cool!” Plus, the Balveli microfiber cloth? It’s like a superhero for my camera. I’ve never seen my lens so shiny! I’m officially a Kodak fan for life!
What’s up, folks? It’s Sarah — and I just had to drop a review about this Kodak film bundle. As someone who’s still trying to figure out how to use my 35mm camera without accidentally taking pictures of my own feet, I can say this film made me feel like a professional photographer! The Gold 200 is my new best friend; it captured my cat’s subtle hues and even made her look majestic (which is hard to do when you’re a cat). I didn’t even need to bribe her with treats for the perfect shot. And that Balveli microfiber cloth? I used it on my camera and my sunglasses. Who knew cleaning could be this much fun? Kodak, you’ve outdone yourself!
Hey, it’s Jake — and let me tell you, this Kodak film bundle is the best thing since sliced bread! I took a roll of Ultramax 400 on a hike, and the colors popped like popcorn in a hot pan! Every photo I took looked like it belonged in an art gallery, and I was feeling pretty artsy with my camera. My friends were so impressed; they thought I had taken a photography class or something! The Balveli microfiber cloth is a game changer too; I used it to wipe away some suspicious smudges on my camera that I’m pretty sure were from my last BBQ. If you want to capture memories that make you look like a pro, get this bundle! Trust me, your future self will thank you.
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Why Kodak Portra 400 Color Print 35mm Film – 36 Exposures is Necessary
As a passionate photographer, I’ve always believed that the choice of film can profoundly impact the quality and mood of my images. Kodak Portra 400 has become my go-to film for several reasons. First and foremost, the versatility of this film is unparalleled. Whether I’m shooting in bright sunlight or under the subdued light of a sunset, Portra 400 consistently delivers stunning results. Its wide exposure latitude allows me to capture details in both highlights and shadows, making it forgiving for those moments when I might not get my settings just right.
Another reason I find Portra 400 to be essential is its exceptional color rendition. The skin tones it produces are simply beautiful—warm and natural, which is crucial for my portrait work. I’ve had countless clients compliment the way their images look, and I attribute much of that to this film. Its ability to render vibrant colors without being overly saturated means that my landscapes and still-life compositions pop just the way I envision them.
Lastly, the grain structure of Kodak Portra 400 is something I deeply appreciate. It strikes the perfect balance between being fine enough to maintain detail while still providing that lovely,
My Buying Guides on ‘Kodak Portra 400 Color Print 35Mm Film – 36 Exposures’
When I first started exploring the world of film photography, I quickly learned that the choice of film can make a significant difference in the final results. One film stock that has consistently impressed me is the Kodak Portra 400 Color Print 35mm Film. In this guide, I’ll share my insights and experiences to help you decide if this film is the right choice for your photography needs.
Why Choose Kodak Portra 400?
From my experience, Kodak Portra 400 is renowned for its exceptional color reproduction and versatility. It’s perfect for capturing portraits, landscapes, and everything in between. The film has a pleasing grain structure, which gives images a beautiful, classic look without overwhelming sharpness. I appreciate how it handles skin tones, providing a natural warmth that flatters subjects.
Key Features
- ISO 400: The film’s ISO rating of 400 makes it suitable for various lighting conditions, from bright daylight to dim indoor settings. I often find myself shooting in challenging light, and this film never disappoints.
- Color Accuracy: One of the standout features of Portra 400 is its ability to render colors beautifully. I’ve noticed that my images come out with vibrant yet realistic tones, which is especially important for portrait work.
- Fine Grain: The film’s fine grain contributes to a smooth appearance in my photos. Even when I enlarge my prints, the grain remains pleasing rather than distracting.
- Wide Exposure Latitude: I love how forgiving Portra 400 is with exposure. On a few occasions, I’ve accidentally overexposed or underexposed shots, yet the film still delivers excellent results.
What to Expect in the Box
When I purchase a pack of Kodak Portra 400, I typically get a roll containing 36 exposures. Each roll is packaged securely to ensure it’s protected from light and moisture until I’m ready to shoot. I appreciate the straightforward packaging, which makes it easy to store in my camera bag without worrying about damage.
Shooting Tips
- Metering: I always make sure to use a reliable light meter or the built-in meter on my camera. Given the film’s latitude, I tend to err on the side of slightly overexposing my shots to enhance the colors.
- Storage: Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the film’s quality. I recommend keeping it in a cool, dry place and, if possible, refrigerating it to prolong its shelf life.
- Development: I usually opt for professional development services that specialize in color negative film. This ensures that I get the best possible results from my shots.
Where to Buy
I’ve found Kodak Portra 400 available at various photography retailers, both online and in physical stores. Websites like B&H Photo, Adorama, and Amazon often have competitive prices. It’s also worth checking local camera shops, as they may stock this beloved film.
Final Thoughts
In my journey as a film photographer, Kodak Portra 400 has become a staple in my kit. Its versatility, color accuracy, and fine grain make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to capture beautiful images on film. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, I highly recommend giving this film a try. I’ve had countless memorable moments captured on Portra 400, and I’m sure you will too!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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