Trying different rolls of film is one of the exciting aspects of film photography, and it’s common knowledge that the cost of film at the moment has risen sharply (like most things!). To help you stay within your budget, we have compiled a list of affordable film options that still deliver great results. It's usually best to buy a mulitple pack to kee the average price per roll down!
Our top four recommendations are listed below:
Kentmere Pan 400
If you're a beginner looking for a budget-friendly option and like black & white, the Kentmere Pan 400 is a good choice. At an average price of £4 for a roll of 24 frames, this monochrome film is a great starting point that seems to always be in stock on film stockist's websites. Kentmere is a reliable brand (part of Illford!). This film is forgiving when it comes to exposure and has good shadow and highlight detail. Even though it has noticeable grain, it's a great option for those who want to experiment and be creative with their photos.
Kodak ColorPlus 200
As film prices continue to rise, Kodak's ColorPlus 200 has been a solid budget-friendly choice. For an average price of £8-12 per roll (look out for offers!), this film stock has a soft and muted tone that captures a classic vintage 90s aesthetic that is popular with most people. For this film, good lighting is essential to showcase its full potential. Whether it is from natural sunlight or your camera flash, it can have difficulty highlighting details in low-light situations.
Ilford FP4 / FP4+
Ilford FP4 (now FP4+) is a versatile film that can produce good results even when underexposed by two stops or overexposed by up to six stops. It's known for preserving fine details well and has a sharp look, though its granularity may not be as fine as modern T-Grain emulsions. The overall tonality of the film enhances its sharpness and it's typically sold for around £7.
AgfaFoto APX 400
AgfaFoto APX 400 is a versatile and high-quality black and white film that usually costs around £6. It performs well in low light conditions, preserving highlights and can also be pushed to ISO 1600 during development. It's a great choice for those interested in exploring other options beyond popular choices like Ilford's HP5 400.
Links above will direct you to Amazon but if you're based in the UK we would definitely recommend having a look at Analogue Wonderland.
