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Some films are made for sunshine. CineStill 800T is made for the hours after it. Neon signs, street lamps, restaurant interiors and late trains are where this film comes alive, and that night time look has made it one of the most recognizable color films of the past decade. Here is what 800T actually is, how to expose it and who should load a roll.
What it is
CineStill 800Tungsten is an 800 speed, tungsten balanced color negative film for still cameras. CineStill says it is based on the same motion picture technology used by top cinematographers, and describes it as a film designed for difficult low light tungsten situations that is still flexible enough to use in many different kinds of light.
"Tungsten balanced" means the film's color is tuned for tungsten lighting rather than daylight. Under other light sources, the film produces its own distinctive color, which is a big part of the appeal.
The practical details, according to CineStill:
- Speed: 800, with push processing possible up to 3200.
- Processing: safe for standard C-41 lab machines, or for home developing with CineStill's own Cs41 kit.
- Workflow: optimized for a hybrid workflow and ideal for scanning, with a contrast curve that also suits optical printing on RA-4 paper when processed in C-41.
- Formats: sold as 35mm rolls of 36 exposures, among others.
How to expose it
CineStill gives unusually clear advice for this film. Treat it as an 800 speed film for C-41 processing, and push process when you need more speed, up to 3200. Its recommended exposure ranges are:
- No push: EI 200 to 1000
- 1 stop push: EI 800 to 2000
- 2 stop push: EI 1250 to 3200
- 3 stop push: EI 1600 to 3200, with added contrast
That first line is the key to the film's flexibility. Without any special processing, you can rate it anywhere from 200 to 1000 and still get a usable negative. If you are new to the idea of rating film at a higher speed and asking the lab to compensate, our guide to push processing film walks through how it works.
For daytime shooting, CineStill recommends an 85 filter and/or rating the film at 400 to 500.
Why it is cool
Most color films are designed for daylight, so night scenes shot on them can look muddy or overly orange. 800T flips that. City light that would normally look warm and murky tends to look clean, with cool shadows and glowing highlights. It turns ordinary streets into scenes that feel lifted from a film still.
It also rewards a simple setup. A fast lens and a steady hand are enough to shoot handheld after dark. Pair it with a bright compact or rangefinder from our list of the best compact cameras and you have a pocket night kit.
Storage and handling
CineStill asks that you load and unload the film in subdued light and store unexposed rolls in a refrigerator at 13°C (55°F) or lower, in the original sealed package. It also recommends processing exposed film promptly in C-41 chemistry to preserve latent image latitude and color. In short, buy what you will shoot, keep it cold and do not leave exposed rolls sitting in a drawer.
Lab or home?
Because 800T is safe for standard C-41 machines, most labs that develop color film can process it. If you would rather do it yourself, CineStill's Cs41 kit is designed for exactly this film and its sibling 50D, and it includes push and pull guidance in its instructions.
Who should buy it
Buy 800T if you shoot at night, indoors or anywhere lit by lamps rather than sun. It is a strong pick for concerts, city walks, restaurants and holiday lights. If you mostly shoot in daylight, start with a daylight film such as Kodak Portra 400, and choose 800T for the evenings. Not sure which format to buy? Our explainer on 35mm vs 120 film helps you decide.
Where to buy
CineStill sells 800T directly, and film shops stock it in single rolls and multipacks. Buying a multipack makes sense if you shoot regularly, as long as you have room in the fridge.
For more gear we love, browse our buying guides.
