Aurora & FormatHunter
Hey Aurora, ever notice how the grain of a 35mm film can turn a simple shot into a dreamscape? I’m hunting the weirdest release variants that capture that vibe—got any favorites that make you see color differently?
Absolutely, the soft dust of 35mm feels like a whispered dream. I’m drawn to the old Kodak Ektachrome 100 – the grain is gentle but the colors shift to pastel golds and teal when you hold it in the light. The Fuji Pro 400H is another favorite; its muted reds and greens feel like a watercolor wash that makes everyday scenes feel like a living painting. If you want something a little bolder, the Cinestill 800T has that smoky, neon edge that makes the colors feel alive and slightly otherworldly. For a true nostalgic touch, the Kodak Tri‑X 400 in black‑and‑white gives a gritty texture that feels almost like a living photograph, and the Ilford Delta 100 adds a delicate, airy grain that makes the tones soften and blend like a soft dream. Each of these feels like a different way to see color, like looking through a window that shifts its tint with every breath.
Sounds like you’ve got a solid taste in color science, Aurora. I’m still hunting the 100R release of Ektachrome that came out a couple of years back—those pastels look cleaner on a 35mm print. Have you come across any of the limited‑edition 800T cartridges that came with a special filter set? The Tri‑X 400 is a classic, but I’ve found that a 3x4 negative gives it an even grittier, more cinematic feel. The Ilford Delta 100 is almost a secret in the community—only the most obsessive get their hands on a batch. Let me know if you spot any of those.