Pushing and Pulling Film Explained (With Real Examples)
Pushing and pulling film means shooting your film at a different ISO than the box speed and having your lab adjust development to match. Push film to handle low light and get more contrast. Pull film for bright conditions and finer grain. Here’s how to do it, what results to expect, and how to tell your lab exactly what you need.
What Is Pushing Film?
Pushing film means rating it at a higher ISO and having your lab develop it for longer to compensate. For example, shooting Kodak Portra 400 at ISO 800 is a one-stop push.
When to Push Film:
- Low light scenes
- Indoor photography
- Night street photography
- Gritty, high-contrast aesthetic
What Is Pulling Film?
Pulling film is the opposite of pushing. You shoot at a lower ISO than the box speed and reduce development time.
When to Pull Film:
- Bright outdoor settings
- High-contrast lighting
- Softer, more pastel tones
- When highlights matter more than shadows
Push vs Pull: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Push Film | Pull Film |
|---|---|---|
| ISO | Higher than box speed | Lower than box speed |
| Development | Longer | Shorter |
| Contrast | Increased | Decreased |
| Grain | More noticeable | Finer |
| Use Case | Low light, drama | Harsh light, soft tones |
| Example | Tri-X 400 shot at 1600 (Push +2) | Portra 400 shot at 200 (Pull -1) |
How to Push or Pull Film Correctly
Tips for shooting:
- Set your camera ISO to your desired exposure index (EI)
- Keep the entire roll shot at that ISO
- Add a note for your lab (like “Push +2 stops” or “Shot at ISO 100, Pull -1”)
Pro Tip:
Pushing and pulling affects the entire roll. Don’t mix exposures unless you’re bulk loading.
Film Stocks That Handle Pushing Well
Best Film for Pushing:
- Kodak Tri-X 400 (up to 3200)
- Ilford HP5+ (up to 1600 or 3200)
- CineStill 800T (great at 1600)
Best Film for Pulling:
- Kodak Portra 400
- Fuji Pro 400H (RIP, but still in people’s fridges)
- Ektar 100 for lower contrast pastel looks
What to Tell Your Film Lab (So They Don’t Hate You)
DO:
- Write “Push +1” or “Pulled -2” clearly on your order
- Tell us what ISO you shot at
- Include any notes in your online order or email
DON’T:
- Say “I overexposed a stop” without context
- Use phrases like “rated it differently” without explaining
Is Pushing or Pulling Film Worth It?
Yes. It’s a creative tool that lets you get the results you want with the film you already have. You can shoot indoors with daylight film, get moodier tones, and experiment with how grain and contrast affect your vibe.
Final Thoughts on Pushing and Pulling Film
Whether you’re correcting exposure, chasing a specific look, or just experimenting, pushing and pulling film is one of the most accessible techniques for analog photographers. Just don’t forget to tell your lab what you did.
Ready to push some film?
Brooktree Film Lab offers expert processing for pushed and pulled film, plus high-res scans that show every detail. Just tell us your settings and we’ll handle the rest.
