UltraMax 400
7 photographs · 1 article
Most photographed in Mount Rainier National Park
- ISOThe film’s rated sensitivity to light. A higher number like 400 copes better with low light and overcast days; a lower number is finer-grained but wants brighter conditions.
- 400
- ProcessThe lab chemistry the film is developed in. C-41 is standard color negative, E-6 is color slide, B&W is black-and-white, and ECN-2 is motion-picture film — it decides which labs can process the roll.
- C-41
- Available inThe formats the manufacturer sells this stock in — 35mm, medium-format 120, or large-format sheets — which tells you what cameras can shoot it.
- 35mm
- Exposure latitudeHow much room you have to miss the “correct” exposure and still get a usable frame. A wide latitude tolerates over- or under-exposure by a stop or more; color negative films are especially forgiving of overexposure.
- Wide−1 to +3 stops
- AvailabilityWhether the film is still in production. Stocks get discontinued surprisingly often — and once a beloved film is gone, the remaining rolls can turn scarce and pricey, making it a sought-after collector’s item.
- In production
Character
Overview
Kodak UltraMax 400 is a versatile, consumer-grade color negative film known for its affordability, ease of use, and reliable performance in a wide range of shooting conditions. With an ISO rating of 400, it offers enough sensitivity for both daylight and lower-light environments, making it a popular choice for everyday photography, travel, street scenes, and casual portraits.
The film is characterized by warm color reproduction, noticeable but pleasing grain, and strong exposure latitude, allowing it to retain detail even when slightly overexposed. Photographers often praise UltraMax 400 for its vibrant colors, natural skin tones, and forgiving nature, making it especially suitable for beginners and those seeking a classic film aesthetic. While it may not deliver the fine grain or color accuracy of premium professional films, its balance of image quality, flexibility, and value has made it one of Kodak's most enduring and widely used film stocks.
