Recommended for Film Beginners! 3 Great First Films to Try 【Kodak Gold / Ultramax / Fuji】

You’ve bought a film camera, but not sure which film to start with?
Don’t worry — there are some classic, beginner-friendly films that are easy to use and hard to go wrong with.

In this article, we’ll introduce three films that are perfect for your very first roll.
Each one is reliable, forgiving, and a great way to begin your film photography journey.

1. Kodak Ultramax 400｜The most versatile and reliable choice

ISO 400, so it works well not only outdoors in bright light but also indoors and at dusk.

Slightly richer colors that give your photos a stronger look. A classic film that’s versatile and easy to use, even for beginners.

👉 If you’re unsure what to pick for your first roll, Ultramax 400 is the safest choice!
We even include a roll of this film with our cameras.

2. Kodak Gold 200｜Perfect for daytime snapshots

ISO 200, ideal for daytime outdoor shooting. Softer, warm colors that are great for travel and everyday snapshots.

A bit more affordable, making it easy to enjoy casually.
👉 If most of your shooting is in bright daylight, Gold 200 is a great option.

📌 Kodak Gold 200 vs. Ultramax 400
Gold 200 → Best for sunny outdoor shooting, with softer tones and slightly lower cost.
Ultramax 400 → A versatile all-rounder, easier to use in low-light situations.

👉 In short: choose Gold 200 if you mostly shoot outdoors, or Ultramax 400 if you want flexibility in many situations.

Fujifilm 400｜Fresh colors with a classic

Fuji look ISO 400, versatile enough for both daylight and indoor shooting. It has that signature Fuji color palette: fresh greens, balanced blues, and natural skin tones.

A great choice if you want photos that feel lively and bright.

👉 Perfect for travel and outdoor shots, especially where you want to capture vibrant scenery.

Summary｜When in doubt, start with Ultramax 400!

Mostly outdoors → Kodak Gold 200
Lively, fresh colors → Fujifilm 400
Wide range of situations, less chance of mistakes → Kodak Ultramax 400

👉 For beginners especially, Ultramax 400 is the most reassuring choice.
With this film, you can confidently shoot from bright daylight into the evening without worry.