Summer is here, the sun’s blazing, and that roll of expired Kodak in your crisper drawer is practically begging for a walk. If you’re ready to capture everything from pool days to road trips to humid porch hangs, here are five film stocks that thrive in summer light. Each one brings its own vibe, so whether you’re chasing sun flares or skin tones, we’ve got you covered.
Kodak Gold 200 — The Backyard Classic
There’s a reason everyone’s rediscovering Gold 200. It delivers a warm, vintage glow that flatters everything from sun-drenched skin to your uncle’s tube socks. The fine grain and natural saturation make it the ideal stock for mid-day sun, beach trips, and family BBQs. Affordable, forgiving, and available in 120 now too.
Best for: Portraits, travel, beach scenes
Why we love it: Soft contrast, easy to shoot, pure nostalgic energy
Kodak Ultramax 400 — The Summer Workhorse
Ultramax is the underdog hero of ISO 400 film. It gives you flexibility for day-to-evening shooting, rich color without overblown reds, and enough latitude to handle those unpredictable lighting shifts. It’s punchy, bold, and perfect for everything from street shooting to chaotic family vacations.
Best for: Golden hour, quick snapshots, handheld everything
Why we love it: Reliable, saturated, and won’t empty your wallet
Lomography 800 — The Golden Hour Gambler
Lomo 800 can be wild, but when it hits, it hits. Expect warm, bold color shifts, dreamy grain, and unexpected flare. This film stock thrives in soft light—think post-dinner sunsets, shady trails, or twinkly backyard parties. If you want your summer to look like a fever dream, this is the one.
Best for: Portraits, city nights, twilight vibes
Why we love it: Available in 35mm and 120, looks straight-up magical when rated at 400 or 640
Cinestill 50D — The Blue Sky Beast
Direct sunlight? Don’t hide. Embrace it. Cinestill 50D is daylight-balanced motion picture film turned still-friendly, and it loves harsh light. You’ll get incredible sharpness, bright colors, and cinematic contrast. Just make sure to rate it properly and avoid shade—this one is a sun-chaser.
Best for: Landscapes, stylized portraits, water scenes
Why we love it: The cleanest color palette of any daylight stock
LomoChrome Purple — When Summer Gets Weird
Too much green in your life? LomoChrome Purple flips nature on its head, swapping greens for deep purples and blues. This stock thrives in vibrant, high-light settings, turning average parks and yards into otherworldly spaces. Don’t overthink it—just shoot and see what happens.
Best for: Creative portraits, foliage, surreal landscapes
Why we love it: Makes boring spots look unforgettable
Send It. We’ll Treat It Right.
Whatever you shoot this summer, we’re here to develop it with care, scan it, and send it back looking 🔥. If you’re subscribed to our Film of the Month club, you might have even seen some of these recently.
Ready to shoot? Drop off or ship it our way. We’ll handle the rest.
