If you’re looking for ultra-vibrant colors, crisp details, and the finest grain of any color negative film, Kodak Ektar 100 is the film for you. Known for its bold saturation and sharpness, Ektar is a favorite among landscape, travel, and commercial photographers who want a film that pops!
In this blog, we’ll explore what makes Ektar unique, how to shoot it for the best results, and why it’s one of the best films for scanning. Plus, we’ll share real-world example images from Brooktree Film Lab so you can see how it performs in different lighting conditions!
What Makes Kodak Ektar 100 Stand Out?
Ektar 100 is Kodak’s lowest-grain color negative film, offering exceptional detail and rich colors. Unlike Portra, which is known for soft and natural tones, Ektar leans into punchy saturation and deep contrast, making it a favorite for capturing stunning landscapes and bright, vivid scenes.
Key Features of Kodak Ektar 100:
– Ultra-Fine Grain – The sharpest and smoothest color negative film available.
– Bold & Vibrant Colors – Deep blues, rich reds, and intense greens.
– High Contrast & Sharpness – Makes details pop, especially in daylight.
– Ideal for Scanning – Produces crisp, high-resolution scans with minimal noise.
– ISO 100 – Best for bright outdoor conditions but can be used creatively in the shade.
Shooting Kodak Ektar 100: What to Expect
Ektar’s bold colors and sharp contrast make it a fantastic film for landscapes, travel, and commercial work, but it requires careful exposure to avoid losing details in the shadows.
Best Lighting Conditions for Ektar
Ektar thrives in bright light, making it perfect for:
- Sunny landscapes – Big blue skies and colorful scenery.
- Outdoor portraits (with care) – Ideal for deep, rich skin tones when exposed properly.
- Street photography – Crisp details and bold color contrast.
Overexposing vs. Underexposing Ektar
Unlike Portra, which has a softer tonal curve, Ektar is less forgiving with underexposure. To get the best results, meter for the shadows and consider overexposing slightly.
| Exposure | Result |
|---|---|
| Box Speed (ISO 100) | Bold colors, strong contrast, and deep blacks. |
| Overexposed (ISO 50) | Smoother tones, slightly reduced contrast, and richer highlights. |
| Underexposed (ISO 200) | Increased contrast but may lose shadow detail. |
How Ektar 100 Compares to Other Kodak Films
If you’re debating between Ektar and other popular Kodak color films, here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | Kodak Ektar 100 | Kodak Portra 160 | Kodak Gold 200 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturation | High | Medium | Medium |
| Grain | Extremely fine | Fine | More noticeable |
| Contrast | High | Low-Medium | Medium |
| Best For | Landscapes, travel, commercial | Portraits, weddings, lifestyle | Everyday snapshots, vintage look |
| Forgiveness | Low – needs accurate metering | High – handles overexposure well | Moderate – versatile and easy to shoot |
Developing and Scanning Kodak Ektar 100
At Brooktree Film Lab, we love developing Ektar because it produces some of the sharpest and cleanest scans of any color film.
Why Ektar Scans So Well
– Extremely fine grain – Perfect for large prints or high-resolution digital files.
– Rich color data – Scans beautifully with minimal need for adjustments.
– Deep blacks and high contrast – Creates a polished, professional look.
Things to Keep in Mind When Scanning/Editing
- Ektar’s strong contrast can sometimes exaggerate color casts. Proper color correction during scanning ensures balanced skin tones and true-to-life colors.
- It’s not the best film for white skin tones. If you’re shooting portraits, consider warming up the tones slightly in post-production. They may tint a bit reddish.
Final Thoughts: Is Kodak Ektar 100 Right for You?
If you love bold colors, crisp detail, and ultra-fine grain, Kodak Ektar 100 is one of the best films you can shoot. It’s perfect for landscapes, travel, and street photography, but it requires precise exposure to get the best results.
Would you like to try Ektar for yourself? Send your rolls to us at Brooktree Film Lab, and we’ll make sure you get the best scans possible!
