Kodak Portra 400 | Guide for the color negative film

The Kodak Portra 400 is a color negative film. In 2010, the Portra 400 NC and VC were combined into this film. The film is mainly aimed at professional users, so the price level is also higher.

Kodak Portra 400 is a highly sensitive color film with a fine grain. Due to its natural reproduction of skin tones and its pleasant color saturation, it is well suited for portrait and fashion photography, but also as a good choice for landscape and travel photography. In terms of color saturation, it ranks between the Portra 400 NC and the 400 VC or Ektar 100. In terms of sharpness, it ranks above the Kodak Portra 160.

The Portra 400 is based on Kodak VISION technology. It has a sensitivity of ISO 400, but can also be pushed by a few stops.

Formats

The Portra 400 is available as 35mm film, roll film (120 and 220), and for 4×5 and 8×10 large format cameras. The 35mm film holds 36 images and is DX encoded. How many images fit on a roll of medium format film depends on the camera.

To maintain the best possible quality of unexposed film material, long-term storage in a dry and cool place is recommended. Humidity and high temperatures can cause the material to become damaged or discolored. Therefore, it is important to store the film material in a place that is protected from these conditions.

However, if the film has already been exposed, it is advisable to have it developed as soon as possible.

Developing the Kodak Portra 400

When it comes to developing the Kodak Portra 400, it is important to have it developed in a professional lab that has mastered the C-41 process. This process is standardized and offered by most labs around the world. Using the C-41 process ensures that the film is developed optimally and that the full potential of the color film is realized. It is also possible to develop the film yourself at home, but this requires some experience and knowledge of chemical development.

After developing the Kodak Portra 400, you get the captured images in the form of film strips. It is then possible to digitize the negatives or make photographic prints from them. Many laboratories also offer the creation of prints of the images in various sizes as an additional service directly during development. To digitize the film strips easily and quickly, a scanner can be used. There are various devices for digitizing negatives that vary in functions and quality and are suitable for different budgets.