Buying guide
Best film for night photography
Five films for night and low light, chosen for how they hold colour and grain after dark.
01 ISO 800 · Color negative · Coarse · Wide · $$$
Tungsten-balanced with halation around highlights: neon signs and street lamps glow.
02 ISO 800 · Color negative · Medium · Wide · $$$
Warm, reliable colour at ISO 800 with pleasing grain.
03 ISO 1600 · Color negative · Coarse · Moderate · $$$
A cult natural-light film that keeps colour deep into the evening.
04 ISO 3200 · Black & white · Very coarse · Wide · $$
ISO 3200 B&W with real atmosphere; grain becomes part of the picture.
05 ISO 3200 · Black & white · Coarse · Wide · $$
A punchier, higher-contrast ISO 3200 for night streets and concerts.
FAQ
What is the best film for night photography?
CineStill 800T for colour under artificial light, Ilford Delta 3200 for black and white. Meter for the shadows and do not be afraid of grain.
Do I need to push the film?
Often yes: rate ISO 800 at 1600 and develop accordingly. Pushing adds contrast and grain, which usually helps night work.
Colour or black and white at night?
Colour for neon and mixed city light, black and white for contrast and speed without colour casts.