The Ultimate Guide to Medium Format and 35mm Film Photography: Best Film Stocks & Shooting Tips
Medium Format & 35mm Film Photography:
There’s something about film, real film, that pulls you in and refuses to let go. The grain, the glow, the imperfections, they’re not flaws, but fingerprints of time. Scars that give an image soul. Long before digital sensors and instant previews, black and white 35mm film photography waited in quiet darkness, holding its breath for light and chemistry to spark its transformation. Those early frames, captured on silver halide, were more than images, they were echoes. Echoes that shaped memory, reframed truth, and became the blueprint for how we document the world.
For Nick Karagiannis, a passionate film photographer based in Australia, this process is sacred. To him, it’s not just about capturing a shot, it’s about respecting the ritual. It’s about understanding that behind every photograph is a moment worth slowing down for. Through his lens and in his darkroom in Sydney, Nick continues to honour the legacy of analog photography, showing that film isn’t a relic of the past, it’s the heartbeat of photography itself.
But Medium Format and 35mm film photography isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s a conscious choice in a digital world. A decision to slow down, to chase light instead of capturing pixels. It’s about trusting your eye, embracing the process, and letting failure teach you something beautiful. In every dust speck, scratch, or blown highlight lives the real magic of analog photography.
Across Australia, a growing movement of film photographers is keeping this magic alive. Among them is Nick Karagiannis, a passionate analog enthusiast based in Sydney, who’s spent years advocating for a return to hands-on photography. For Nick, film is more than a tool, it’s a philosophy. Whether developing at home or shooting on the streets of Sydney with a beloved medium format rig, his process is rooted in intention, patience, and curiosity.
From the high-contrast drama of black and white stocks to the soft pastels of Portra and the electric tones of slide film, each roll carries a distinct personality. You don’t just shoot with film, you collaborate with it. And with so many options out there, it helps to start with the classics.
This guide covers six legendary 35mm film stocks that every photographer, whether based in Sydney, exploring the outback, or documenting urban life in Australia, should consider. Whether you’re just beginning your analog journey or looking to experiment with new tones and textures, these film stocks offer the tools to bring your vision to life, frame by frame.,
Black & White Film Stocks
1
Kodak Tri-X 400 – The Timeless Classic
According to Karagiannis, Kodak Tri-X 400 is the defining black & white film—a staple for photojournalists, street photographers, and documentary storytellers since the 1950s. It offers deep blacks, bright highlights, and a strong contrast curve, making it a go-to for bold, dramatic imagery.
Best Uses:
High-contrast street photography
Classic documentary-style images
Low-light indoor photography
Shooting Tips:
Push it to ISO 1600 or 3200 for a gritty, raw look.
Works well in all lighting conditions, making it perfect for travel and reportage.
Developing in a high-acutance developer like Rodinal enhances edge contrast.
2
Ilford HP5 Plus – The Versatile All-Rounder
According to Nick Karagiannis, Ilford HP5 Plus (ISO 400) is a highly adaptable black & white film, balancing contrast and grain for a timeless documentary aesthetic. It’s slightly less contrasty than Tri-X but retains detail well, making it an excellent choice for push processing.
Best Uses:
Street photography and urban scenes
Documentary and reportage
Moody, high-contrast portraits
Shooting Tips:
Push it to ISO 800 or 1600 for deeper blacks and dramatic shadows.
Works well in cloudy or overcast conditions due to its tonal flexibility.
A red or yellow filter enhances sky contrast for landscapes.
3
Ilford Delta 3200 – The Ultimate Low-Light Film
According to Nick, For extreme low-light situations, the Ilford Delta 3200 is unmatched. It has a grainy yet atmospheric look, allowing you to shoot in near darkness without needing a flash. Concert photographers, night shooters, and indoor portrait artists rely on this film for dramatic tones and rich texture.
Best Uses:
Concert and music photography
Street photography at night
Low-light indoor portraits
Shooting Tips:
Use a fast lens (f/1.8 or wider) to maximize light intake
Embrace the grain, Delta 3200’s texture adds a cinematic quality.
Push to ISO 6400 for extreme low-light situations with high contrast.
Color Film Stocks
1
Kodak Portra – The Gold Standard for Natural Colors
According to Nick Karagiannis, Kodak Portra is the industry leader for portrait film, offering smooth skin tones, soft contrast, and warm, natural hues. It’s available in ISO 160, 400, and 800, with Portra 400 being the most popular due to its balance of fine grain and exposure flexibility.
Best Uses:
Portraits and weddings
Soft, cinematic street photography
Warm, nostalgic landscapes
Shooting Tips:
Expose the shadows to maintain highlight details.
Portra 400 is the most versatile, ISO 160 is lower contrast, and ISO 800 excels in low light.
Pair with an 85mm or 50mm lens for flattering subject rendering.
2
Fujifilm Velvia – Vivid Colors for Landscapes
According to Nick Karagiannis, If Kodak Portra is for portraits, Fujifilm Velvia is for landscapes. Known for its punchy saturation and ultra-sharp details, Velvia produces deep blues, rich greens, and fiery reds, making it a favorite for travel and nature photography.
Best Uses:
Vibrant landscapes and nature photography
Sunsets and golden hour shots
Architecture and cityscapes with strong colors
Shooting Tips:
Use a tripod, Velvia’s low ISO (50) requires longer exposures.
Shoot in golden hour to take advantage of warm tones.
Be cautious with overexposure; Velvia has a limited dynamic range.
Looking for a modern digital alternative with Fujifilm’s signature color science?
Discover the Fujifilm X100VI, featuring the new REALA ACE film simulation.
3
Cinestill 800T – The Film for Night Photography
According to Nick Karagiannis, Originally a motion picture film stock used in Hollywood, Cinestill 800T is tungsten-balanced, meaning it thrives in artificial lighting. With its signature red halations and cinematic glow, it’s ideal for night photography in neon-lit environments.
Best Uses:
Night photography and neon-lit scenes
Cinematic, moody street photography
Low-light indoor shots with artificial lighting
Shooting Tips:
Expect a blue tint in daylight; use an 85B filter to correct it.
Push it to ISO 1600 for even more dramatic lighting effects.
Embrace the halations, Cinestill 800T’s glowing highlights add a dreamy, filmic quality.
Choosing Between 35mm Film Photography & Medium Format
35mm Film Photography Cameras (Canon AE-1, Nikon F3, Leica M3):
- Compact and fast for street, travel, and action photography.
- There are more frames per roll (36 exposures) but slightly more grain.
- Easier to shoot handheld, ideal for fast-paced environments.
Read more about Nick’s approach in his detailed guide: Timeless Vintage Photography
Medium Format Cameras (Rolleiflex TLR, Hasselblad 500C/M):
- Larger negatives = sharper details and richer tones.
- Perfect for landscapes, studio work, and high-end portraiture.
- Fewer shots per roll (12-16 exposures) encourage more deliberate composition.
Read more about Nick’s approach in his detailed guide: Developing Film at Home
Pushing and Pulling Film: How to Get Creative with Exposure
If digital photography is all about precision, film photography leans into the unpredictable. One of the most expressive techniques in film is known as push and pull processing. It involves intentionally overexposing or underexposing your film during shooting and then adjusting the development time to match. It’s a hands-on way to add emotion, mood, and depth to your images.
Pushing film means rating it at a higher ISO than its box speed, then developing it for longer. This boosts contrast, increases grain, and gives your images a punchier, more dramatic look. For instance, if you shoot Ilford HP5 Plus at ISO 1600 instead of 400, the result is often darker shadows and a raw, gritty texture that works beautifully for low-light street photography or high-contrast scenes.
Pulling film works in the opposite direction. You rate the film at a lower ISO and reduce the development time. The result is lower contrast, smoother tones, and more shadow detail. Photographers often pull Kodak Portra 400 to ISO 200 to create a softer, pastel-like finish, which is ideal for portraits or gentle natural light.
This process isn’t just about technical adjustments. It’s a way to shape how your images feel. You can push film to create tension and intensity, or pull it to create calm and softness. The beauty of this technique is how it turns light and chemistry into creative tools.
Quick Tips for Push and Pull Success:
If you plan to push or pull a roll, shoot the entire roll at the same ISO so development can be consistent.
Always let your lab know what adjustments are needed. Mark rolls clearly with notes like “Push 2 stops” or “Pull 1 stop.”
Learn your stocks. Films like HP5 Plus and Kodak Tri-X respond well to pushing. Others, like Fujifilm Velvia, are best shot at their native ISO for best results.
Push and pull processing isn’t about fixing mistakes. It’s a creative decision that helps you capture the story the way you see it. The more you try it, the more confident you’ll become in using exposure to express a feeling, not just to get the correct light.
Film Photography Gear & Services in Sydney
When it comes to film photography in Sydney, few places are as trusted or well-loved as Georges Cameras. Located right in the heart of the city, this iconic shop has become a go-to hub for analog photographers across Australia, from hobbyists picking up their first roll of 35mm to professionals shooting medium format. Whether you’re looking for a classic Nikon F3, a reliable Pentax 67, or simply restocking your favorite film stock, Georges offers one of the most comprehensive selections of gear in the country.
Their inventory spans vintage and modern options, including 35mm and medium format film cameras, lenses, light meters, and essential accessories. For those blending film with digital, they also stock high-quality mirrorless and DSLR equipment—perfect for hybrid workflows.
But Georges isn’t just about gear—it’s about community and service. They provide in-house film development and high-resolution scanning, catering to both colour and black & white workflows. Their experienced team is known for being approachable and deeply knowledgeable, often taking the time to offer tailored advice or answer questions from photographers at all levels.
For Nick Karagiannis, a passionate analog photographer based in Sydney, shops like Georges Cameras play a vital role in keeping film culture alive in Australia. He often recommends the store to students, enthusiasts, and fellow creatives who are rediscovering the beauty of tactile photography. In a city as fast-paced as Sydney, Georges stands out as a rare space where photographers can slow down, explore, and reconnect with the craft.
Whether you’re gearing up for your first film shoot or refining your existing setup, Sydney’s analog scene—anchored by spots like Georges and voices like Nick Karagiannis—offers everything you need to keep the spirit of film photography thriving.
Located in the heart of Sydney, Georges Cameras is one of the city’s most established destinations for photography gear. Whether you’re shooting 35mm or medium format film, they offer a wide selection of cameras, lenses, film stocks, and accessories, as well as digital equipment for hybrid shooters.
Medium Format & 35mm Film Photography: Final Thoughts
Even now, films like Tri-X, HP5 Plus, and Delta 3200 hold onto that legacy, whispering their stories through grain and contrast. Then color arrived, not quietly, but bleeding in a riot. Portra, Velvia, Cinestill 800T, each one a different kind of dream, a different kind of truth, a different way to see the world.
Film stocks are characters in the stories we tell. Some are smooth, like a well-kept secret. Others are bold, dramatic, and loud. Some dance in light, others embrace the darkness. Becoming a pro in film is about understanding the unique qualities of each roll and how it transforms the world through your lens.
Classic Camera & Film Stock Reviews
Deep dive into iconic cameras & film reviews from the collection:
Cameras
Leica M3 – Legendary Rangefinder
Hasselblad 500CM Medium Format
Soviet Zenit Camera – Affordable Classic
Film Reviews
Kodak Tri-X 400 – The Timeless Classic
Kodak Portra – The Gold Standard for Natural Colors
Cinestill 800T – Film for Night Photography
Fujifilm Velvia – Vivid Colors for Landscapes
Ilford HP5 Plus – The Versatile All-Rounder
Ilford Delta 3200 – The Ultimate Low-Light Film
Film Photography Guides
Master your film photography skills camera reviews, film stock, and techniques:
Developing Film at Home – Step by Step
Nick Karagiannis on Film Photography Techniques
Nick Karagiannis – Vintage Film Collection
Nick Karagiannis' Film Photography Expertise
Nick specializes in:
Vintage Camera Collection & Restauration
Owning and maintaining a rare collection of film cameras, including classic 35mm SLRs, medium-format cameras, and rangefinders.
Modern Digital Camera Picks
Explore Nick Karagiannis’ top modern digital cameras, from the Sony A7 IV to Canon R5. Discover Sydney’s best tools for photographers and creators.
Nature & Landscape Photography
Documenting Australia's stunning natural landscapes and urban environments through carefully composed analog shots.
Film Photography Education
Writing blog tutorials on classic cameras, shooting techniques, and film stock comparisons to guide both beginners and professionals.
Blog & article
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