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If you have ever scrolled past a photo with warm, glowing skin, soft highlights and color that looks like a memory, there is a good chance it was shot on Kodak Portra 400. It is the color film that portrait and wedding photographers trust, and it has become a favorite of everyone picking up a film camera for the first time. Here is what Portra 400 is, why people love it and where to buy a roll.
What it is
Kodak Professional Portra 400 is a color negative film. In its technical data sheet, Kodak calls it the world's finest grain high speed color negative film. It is rated at a true ISO 400, and Kodak says it delivers spectacular skin tones plus exceptional color saturation over a wide range of lighting conditions.
Kodak recommends it for portrait and fashion photography, and also for nature, travel and outdoor work where the action is fast or the light cannot be controlled. That range is the secret to its popularity. Portra 400 is the roll you load when you do not know exactly what the day will bring.
The technology inside
Kodak lists a set of technologies behind the film, including KODAK VISION film technology borrowed from its motion picture films and micro structure optimized KODAK T-GRAIN emulsions. In plain terms, the benefits Kodak highlights are very fine grain for a 400 speed film, beautiful natural skin tones, optimized sharpness with distinct edges and fine detail, and extraordinary enlargement capability from a 35mm negative.
Kodak also calls Portra 400 ideal for scanning. That matters now, because most people get their film developed and scanned by a lab and then share the images digitally. A film that scans cleanly saves time and gives you better files to work with.
Formats
Portra 400 comes in 135, the standard 35mm cartridge, in 120 roll film for medium format cameras, and in sheet film for large format cameras. Kodak notes availability can differ from country to country. If you are not sure which format your camera takes, our guide to 35mm vs 120 film explains the difference.
Why it is cool
Speed and forgiveness. ISO 400 gives you enough sensitivity for overcast days, shade and indoor shots by a window, while still handling bright sun. Kodak specifies standard Process C-41 for development, the color negative process offered by most photo labs.
Then there is the look. Portra is built around skin tones, and the color stays natural rather than punchy. People, travel scenes and landscapes all come out looking warm and lived in. If you want to chase a film look on a digital camera, our guide to Fujifilm film simulations is a good place to start, but nothing quite replaces the real thing.
Shooting tips from the data sheet
- Storage: Kodak says to store unexposed film at 21°C (70°F) or lower in the original sealed package, and at 13°C (55°F) for extended periods.
- Warm up before opening: if you keep film in the fridge, let it reach room temperature before you open the package to avoid condensation.
- Light: Kodak recommends loading and unloading roll film cameras in subdued light.
- Process soon: develop the film as soon as possible after exposure.
- Tungsten light: for indoor tungsten light, Kodak's data sheet suggests an 80A filter with the film rated at ISO 100.
Who should buy it
Portra 400 suits anyone shooting people, from portraits to weddings to friends on a trip. It is a strong first color film for new film photographers because of its flexibility, and a reliable default for experienced shooters. If you want black and white instead, see our look at Kodak Tri-X 400.
Need a camera to put it in? Our list of film cameras you can still buy new covers easy options for 35mm.
Where to buy
Portra 400 is sold by camera stores and photo retailers in 135 and 120. Check the format against your camera before you order.
For more gear we love, browse our buying guides.
