I know this sounds dramatic, but Kodak Ultramax 400 has become one of my favorite “go-to” films for casual shooting. It’s not the usual crowd-pleaser of Portra or Ektar, but its warmth and saturation really catch my eye.
I was skeptical at first because it’s often dismissed as a cheap everyday film, but after a few rolls, I’m hooked. The grain structure is a bit coarse, which gives a charming texture to street shots and portraits alike.
What’s great is its versatility — it performs well in varying light conditions, and the colors pop just enough without going overboard. For a film that’s easy to find and affordable, it punches way above its weight.
Here are some shots from my recent rolls — all shot on my trusty Pentax ME Super.
If you’ve never tried Ultramax, give it a shot! Sometimes the unexpected gems are the ones that surprise us the most.