A Guide to Shooting with Kodak UltraMax 400 Film

Shooting with Kodak UltraMax 400 film can create stunning results, if you know what settings and techniques to use. Explore tips to help you get the most out of your rolls of Kodak UltraMax, including information on exposure settings, subject matter and fun ways to experiment.

(c) Paul McKay | Kodak UltraMax 400

Select the Right Exposure Settings

The correct exposure setting for your photos will depend on a few factors such as lighting conditions and the type of camera you are using.

Whenever possible it’s best to choose the same exposure setting that the film is rated at. This will ensure you get as natural and detailed photos as possible. Generally, Kodak UltraMax 400 is best used with an ISO setting of 400 and depending on your lighting situation, a shutter speed of 1/125th to 1/250th of a second will be perfect.

Check out this beginner’s guide if you need more information about ISO, and different types of cameras.

Choose the Right Subject Matter and Lighting

All films have a unique look and you will find that different situations sometimes suit one film over another.

When it comes to Kodak UltraMax, this film is great in the sunshine, it brings out the rich vibrant colours and allows your photos to pop, so avoid shooting in low-light conditions (unless you have a flash) or areas without much colour contrast.

Shoot Multiple Exposures on One Frame

Another technique you can use when shooting with the Kodak UltraMax 400 is to take multiple exposures on one frame. This allows you to get creative and play around with exposure settings, as each subsequent photograph will be taken using a different setting. Be sure to move your camera slightly between each shot for the best results.

We have a guide here to help you get creative with double exposures.

(c) FlyFlowFilm | Kodak UltraMax 400

Experiment with Different Camera Lenses and Filters

Another great way to experiment with Kodak UltraMax 400 is to play around with different lenses and filters, and types of film camera.

Different lenses can produce a wide variety of effects that can add extra dimensions of personality to your photos. Filters can also be used to help control or reduce light, or even some of the sharper edges, depending on the type of filter you use.

Try using a close-up lens for your portraits for an amazing bokeh effect.

Or maybe you have a fisheye camera or lens that you can play with to take fun photos with.

(c) Karen Freer | Lomography Fisheye Camera | Kodak UltraMax 400

We hope this has given you a bit of help getting started with Kodak UltraMax, if you have any questions leave them in the comment section below.

We are also frequently asked whether Ultramax is better than Gold - click on that link to find out more!