Life, Captured in Ultramax 400
I have a new passion - film photography. Something that makes me feel eager like a child with a brand new toy. It all started earlier this year when I spontaneously bought a Kodak M35 Reusable Film Camera, a point-and-shoot 35mm film camera. I can't point out all the technicalities about it, but it's basically similar to a disposable camera. The difference? It allows its users to reuse it and experiment with analog films. It's a user-friendly camera for someone like me who's a neophyte in film photography.
Why Kodak Ultramax 400 (35mm)?
My Kodak M35 came with a free film of my choice. The camera shop asked me to choose from Kodak ColorPlus, Kodak Gold, Kodak Ultramax, and FujiFilm 200; I picked the Ultramax 400.
Ultramax 400 is a simple point-and-shoot film, which is great for beginners like me. Due to its 400 ISO, it's suitable for different lighting conditions. My choice isn't based on technical aspects, but on aesthetics. While each film has its own vibe, there's something about Ultramax 400 that I love. I love the grainy effect it offers, and its exposure in images, which is a delicate balance of light and dark. Compared to the other films, Ultramax 400 also gives off a more saturated outcome, which I like. Although it's flexible under bright and low-light setups, from experience, I think it performs better when there's enough light, such as on warm sunny days. This actually complements its warm color reproduction.
I've tried the film in outdoor settings, in varying lighting conditions. I find that it works really well in bright and well-lit areas, making it a great choice for landscape photography. I've seen photographers use it for capturing portraits, but I have yet to look into that. Obviously, I need more experience and playtime with my camera.
If you're a beginner in film photography like me, Ultramax 400 is a great choice. It's affordable, widely available, and easy to navigate. I can't say anything about its processing since I don't have a darkroom setup at home.
Falling in Love with Photography
As a child, I remember loathing being photographed. I would cry whenever a photographer was about to take my photos. I don't know why, and I always find it a funny memory. Growing up, particularly in my teens, I've been drawn to taking pictures. There's just something about photography that makes it timeless yet modern and relatable at the same time. I fell in love with capturing moments, portraits, and sceneries.
In college, my friends and I would plan our weekends for fun photoshoots. Despite not having fancy or proper cameras and other equipment, we had the best times bonding over the art of photography.
If you've been on this blog for years, you'd see some photos I took using my Samsung digital camera featuring my friends as my models. Speaking of digicam, mine still works. After 10 years! lol
Capturing Moments Beyond Ultramax 400
I recently purchased an AgfaPhoto Color 400 film and will be using it on my trip to Siargao soon. Moving forward, I'd like to explore and experiment with more films. For now, here are some fragments of my life captured in Ultramax 400.
The photos were taken this year in Samboan, Cebu, and El Nido, Palawan. All were processed by F8 Photo studio. F8 Photo offers cameras, film, underwater gear, and other photography equipment. They also process films and print photos. If you're in Cebu and need anything from F8, they're located at 2nd Floor, The Forum Building, Archbishop Reyes Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.
As we end this year soon, I hope 2025 has been treating you well. Cheers to life! And here's to capturing moments beyond pictures. 🥂🎉٩( ᐛ )۶
love lots,
Tin