How to Choose Film for Your Camera

Your primary considerations when buying film are where you'll be shooting and what you want to do with the pictures. This information allows you to choose the correct film speed, listed as ASA or ISO on the package.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide whether you want photographs or slides, color or black-and-white. Many professional photographers prefer slides because they have rich color saturation and minimal graininess. Black-and-white delivers striking images with stark textures.

2. Choose a film size that is appropriate for your camera. Most cameras use 35 mm (or 135) film, though cartridge-film cameras need 24 mm Advanced Photo System (APS) film. Roll-film cameras use 120 or 220; large-format, hooded view cameras use single sheets of film for each exposure (4 by 5 inches and up).

3. Understand how film speed works. Fast speeds pick up rapid action and work well in low-light situations. Slower speeds produce richer colors and greater contrast, but you'll need bright light and a steady hand. Film speed is indicated by an ISO number (how sensitive a film is to light compared to a standard from the International Standards Organization). The faster the film, the more sensitive.

4. Choose a slow speed (25 to 64 ASA) if you want minimal graininess and colors that punch, but only if you'll be photographing in the bright sunlight. Slow speeds are excellent for close-ups, still shots and photos you plan to enlarge. You may need a tripod to steady the camera with slow film.

5. Select a medium speed (100 to 200 ASA) if you want an all-purpose film that delivers clear colors and images outdoors, or indoors with a flash.

6. Opt for 400 speed if you'll be photographing action shots or if you'll be in low-light conditions, such as cloudy days or indoors without a flash. Zoom lenses require the use of higher-speed films (400 ASA and up).

7. Get 800-speed film if you're photographing very fast action or shots with dim light. This is ideal for a fireworks show, twilight or a candlelit dinner. Speeds above 800 (1,000 to 3,200 ASA) are considered professional speeds.

8. Use slide film for appropriate light if you prefer slides to photos: daylight for indoors, or tungsten light for flash photography.

9. Look for store-brand films to save money unless you plan on making significant enlargements or publishing your work.

10. Store film in a cool, dry place with good ventilation, such as a refrigerator, and get it developed as soon as the roll is finished. Never expose film to heat or direct sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• The techniques used at same-day film developers often result in grainy pictures with dull colors. Choose a store that has someone monitoring the developing process--this person can make adjustments to optimize color and contrast.
• Kodak still manufactures 110 film (a size used in older cameras). Search online for companies that sell other discontinued films.
• When traveling, never pack film in your checked luggage: The powerful X-rays used to scan checked luggage may destroy the film. Keep it in a mesh bag and at security checkpoints, ask personnel to hand-check your film if it is 800 speed or higher.