Zhao Zhenguo, Author at i35mm

Fujicolor C200 Color Negative Film

Fuji C200 continues to be produced and is priced very affordably, making it a highly popular choice among film enthusiasts. Its fresh and elegant style is widely appreciated, although its consumer-grade film tolerates underexposure less well than professional-grade film, which can result in the loss of dark details. Nevertheless, the distinct taste of color negative film, including Fuji C200’s unique character, sets it apart from digital cameras. Interestingly, C200 is particularly adept at capturing clouds with layers, which I have found challenging to achieve with digital cameras. Furthermore, its resolution in sunlight is impressive, making it an excellent choice for summer photography, as it can capture delicate and warm details with ease.

It’s a great all around film for everyday shooting.  Great vividness across the entire spectrum, including vibrant reds, blues and yellows. Sharp depiction of all aspects of the subject from over all from to textural details. Beautiful, natural skin-tones rendition. Fine grain for a medium-speed film, providing consistently high quality even in enlargements. Accurate color reproduction even under fluorescent lights.

Best Budget Film
35mm format, ASA 200
Color print film
4 rolls of 24 exposures
CN-16 or C-41 processing

FUJICOLOR NATURA 1600 35MM FILM Advanced Film

FUJICOLOR NATURA 1600 35MM FILM +leica z2x

This film is exclusively available for purchase in Japan. It boasts an ISO rating of 1600, which can be expanded to 3200, making it quite impressive. The fact that film can achieve such high speeds is a blessing for lenses with small apertures.

Moonlight camera with moonlight film

The Fuji Natura camera, which is equipped with a 24mm lens and an f/1.9 aperture, is ideal for low-light situations, and it can automatically adjust to ISO 3200 when used with the Natura ISO 1600 film. This film can be used with any camera, either at ISO 1600 or 3200.

Indoor film

This film is well-suited for indoor and outdoor photography, particularly when used with pocket cameras, which tend to have smaller apertures. I often use this ISO 1600 film with my pocket camera for shooting at night or in low-light indoor settings.

Noise

To be honest, the grain of this ISO 1600 color film is not excessive, especially in low-light conditions. I actually like the grain, as it adds character to the images and is different from digital noise, which is often considered a nuisance. Additionally, Fuji has done an excellent job of managing the grain, resulting in a clean and textured look.

Color

Digital high ISO settings can often result in loss of color accuracy or saturation, but this is not a problem with film. The colors on the Fuji Natura 1600 film are vibrant and beautiful, with fewer visible grains under sunlight. The film performs well in both indoor and outdoor settings, producing vivid and lasting colors.

Film Format:	35 mm
Film Type:	Color Negative Film
ISO:	1600
Development:	C41 Color Negative Processing
Exposures:	36
The Fujifilm Natura 1600 35mm film is perfect for shooters who are looking for a reliable 35mm high speed film.

Lomography x-pro 200

Novel Aromas

In the decade when traditional film production declined and many companies went bankrupt in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Lomography, a trendy form of photography, became immensely popular among young people worldwide. However, it was not until around 2012, when photography filters and a deluge of Lomo-style apps flooded the market for smartphones, that Lomography’s rampant growth was truly challenged.

Today, people can easily switch to various Lomo filters on their phones, without realizing that the exaggerated colors they admire actually come from Lomo film. Few people now seem to intentionally experiment with Lomo film, except for software engineers who need to simulate Lomo effects.

Warm Currents in the Air

What defines true Lomo photography? My conclusion is that at least one of the following must be present: a plastic camera body, expired film, or cross-processed slide film. Lomo cameras have cute plastic bodies that leak light and can use pinhole or plastic lenses to produce unexpectedly artistic effects. Expired color film can also create vintage or surreal colors, and some Lomo enthusiasts enjoy collecting various expired rolls. All slide film can actually be cross-processed, and this process yields an astonishing impact on contrast, grain, and colors, giving rise to a unique artistic effect.

Lomography X-Pro 200 is a slide film that can be processed as a color negative (C-41) film, producing true Lomo photography. The film’s name, X-Pro, indicates that cross-processing is required to achieve Lomo effects. The cross-processed X-Pro 200 yields a healthy skin tone, rich teal, aged indigo, rough grain, and countless other emotional sensations that defy description.

Perfect Artworks or Perfect Feelings

Sadly, Lomography X-Pro 200 is now difficult to find, and if it is discontinued, it will be a great loss for many Lomo enthusiasts who cherish this film.

Stock up on the Lomography X-Pro Slide 200 135 format slide film for whacked out colors, huge contrast and insane saturation.
Film Type:	attribute_value_Color Slide Film
ISO:	200
DX code	No:
Development:	attribute_value_Cross Processing - C-41, Regular Processing - E6
Exposures:	12
Pack Size:	3

Kentmere Pan 400 Black and White Film

ISO 400 black and white film is a popular choice for capturing human subjects due to its high tolerance and larger grains. Kodak Tri-X 400 has gained a devoted following for its ability to handle push processing, allowing it to be used at ISO 800 or even pushed to ISO 3200. However, Kentmere 400, the film we are discussing today, is best used at its rated ISO 400 and should not be pushed beyond that. Its pricing reflects this recommendation.

Regarding Kentmere’s contrast, the film’s manufacturer remains a mystery, with some speculating it could be Ilford due to their shared UK base. Nonetheless, Ilford’s PAN 400 is considered to be of superior quality compared to Kentmere. Kentmere struggles with low-light situations and tends to produce deep blacks, leading to an overall high contrast look that can make images appear harsh, particularly when shooting with high contrast lenses or in high contrast scenes. Personally, I find it best to avoid using Kentmere in bright noon sunlight.

On the other hand, Kentmere 400 performs exceptionally well for indoor and subway portraits, creating a clean, bright look reminiscent of its white packaging. It appears to have a built-in half-stop yellow filter effect and also handles foggy weather with ease.

Master Photographer Frank Horvat and leica

You will fall in love with his work just by looking at it

Looking at Frank Horvat’s work always gives one a relaxed and spontaneous feeling. Whether it is commercial work or street work, it exudes a spirit of euphoria and optimism. And this spirit is not built by relying on clean backgrounds and telling circumstances, but rather capturing a moment when the characters shine. He does not shoot surprisingly like other photographers, nor does he shoot seriously like some photographers, simply put, you will fall in love with his work at first glance.

I think it is difficult to introduce Frank Horvat in a sentence or two, or in an article, because he is a fashion photographer who is also very good in the field of street photography and is also famous for photographing club girls. Sometimes photographers don’t know how to be themselves.

Frank Horvat has taken a lot of black and white photos, but also a lot of color photos. But from his black and white photos I see more or “open”, no excessive sense of obstinacy, are naturally emitting a kind of optimistic calmness. This is perhaps the secret of his longevity. You can see that he was a very cheerful man.

Leica in Babylon Berlin Season 4

Babylon Berlin has reached the fourth season, a lot of night scenes, indoor light sources, certainly used Leica film lenses …… This is a very careful about photography episodes. Already to the fourth, very good oh, full of details. The first episode showed a Leica camera, and flash.

Contax g2 Planar 45mm f2 Black&White

Brand Name	CONTAX
Filter Size	46MM
Focus Type	AUTOFOCUS (CAMERA MOTOR)
Lens Mount	CONTAX G
Lens Type	STANDARD / NORMAL
Max Focal Length	45MM
Min Focal Length	45MM

Leica M6

I’ve always cherished Leica cameras for their blend of beauty and utility, and the Leica M6 stands out as a masterpiece. It’s intuitive, reliable, and—for me—the heart of my collection alongside the M3, M2, and CL.

Metering Magic

In film photography, exposure is everything. The M6’s built-in TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering system is a revelation—precise and stable, reading light off the shutter curtain with uncanny accuracy. Forget the “Sunny 16” rule’s guesswork; this camera gives me confidence to nail every shot, especially when transitioning from digital to film. It’s a trusted ally for capturing fleeting moments without second-guessing.

Iconic Design

The M6’s look is pure Leica: sleek lines, a bold red dot, and a choice of silver TTL or black Classic finishes. I started with the silver TTL, but the black body’s mystique won me over—its understated elegance keeps my focus on the frame. At 580g (body only), it’s hefty yet balanced, a tactile reminder of German craftsmanship.

A Personal Passion

My Leica journey began with the groundbreaking M3, moved to the compact CL, and peaked with the M6. That red dot isn’t just a logo—it’s a symbol of my devotion to photography’s art. After a decade with these cameras, the M6 remains my go-to for its blend of legacy and function.

Tech Note:

Metering: TTL, center-weighted
Shutter: 1s to 1/1000s, mechanical
Weight: 580g (body)
Price (2024): ~$2,500-$3,500 used

Author: Zhao Zhenguo