5 Unique & Experimental Film Stocks You Need to Try! by Samantha Stortecky

Written by Samantha Stortecky

One of my favorite aspects of film photography is the huge amount of film stocks available on the market today. Whether you are looking for professional films, something inexpensive for everyday pictures, or even something crazy with scratches and light leaks on it, film can cater to all your needs.

Experimenting with crazy and fun film stocks is wonderful, especially in the beginning when you first start shooting film. Experimental film stocks also make great gifts for the film photographers in your life.

I find that being able to try out different film stocks and use fun and unexpected film can refine your craft and push your art out of the box.

So, today, I am sharing with you five unique and experimental film stocks I think you should give a try!

And if you want to learn more about experimental film photography, check out these resources here.

1. Psychedelic Blues 400

This is an experimental film stock I shot about 2 years ago when I visited a pumpkin patch. It was one of my very first attempts at developing film on my own and was such a cool and fun experience.

I take pictures every year at our local pumpkin patch, and I wanted to do something way out of the box, which is why I chose Psychedelic Blues 400.

This 35mm film is pre-fogged, creating light leaks all over each image. You’ll see strong streaks of yellow, red, and/or green color throughout your frame. And no image is the same, so you are guaranteed a unique experience no matter what role of film you are shooting from them.

Such a fun film to shoot with if you are looking for those bright and colorful light leaks!

And if you want to try creating your own light leaks on film, check out this post.

Find Psychedelic Blues film at psychblues.com.

2. CineStill 50D

CineStill 50D has been high on my list for a while, and I’m so excited to say I just shot my first roll of it!

I see so many people on Instagram sharing their images they’ve shot on CineStill 50D and 800, and I just love the way it looks.

There are such beautiful tones to the film, and it reminds me a lot of Kodak Portra 160. This is a film stock you should try!

Available in 35mm or 120, CineStill 50D is converted into still film from motion picture film, giving your images a beautifully cinematic quality.

The colors are often a little bit muted with a warm and green tint. Being a 50 speed film, it loves light and will get muddy if underexposed.

Find CineStill 50D on Amazon.

3. dubblefilm Apollo

I’ve been eyeing the dubble film stocks for so long, and I think their APOLLO film stock is the one I might try first. It gives such a warm ’60s vibe to it, and I am totally here for it!

You’ll usually notice more of a pastel color palette from dubblefilm APOLLO with subtle yellow or blue tones. The shadows tend to get a deep purple color. It’s warm colors create such a vintage feel!

(Also note that dubblefilms are only available in 35mm.)

Dubblefilm APOLLO seems like the perfect film stock to shoot when you are at the beach or somewhere where it’s sunny and colorful.

I myself am hoping to take it for a little walk around our downtown area to capture all the beautiful buildings and architecture!

If you’re looking for red and yellow tones, Amber D400 is a great film to try as well.

Find dubblefilm APOLLO at dubblefilm.com or at Adorama.

4. Lomography Berlin Kino 400

I’m not a huge connoisseur of black and white film. I found my love with Ilford Delta 3200, and I’ve pretty much stuck with that throughout my whole film journey.

But I won’t lie, I am completely in love with the Lomography Berlin Kino 400.

This film was modeled after old German films and really does a great job of bringing that aesthetic to life. It also has some impressive contrast, and, if you know me, you know I’m a huge sucker for those deep contrasty black and white images.

It has some gorgeous grain while still retaining detail, and it comes in both 35mm and 120.

Definitely on my list to try!

Find Lomography Berlin Kino 400 at lomography.com or at Adorama.

5. Revolog Streak 200

And last, but certainly not least, is this beautiful streaky film from Revolog.

Very much like dubblefilm, Revolog has so many different 35mm experimental film stocks to choose from, but I personally have my eye on their Revolog Streak 200 color negative film.

It has a colorful lines, scratched effect that cover the entire frame. It really gives it a grungy textured appearance to the image. The streak effect will be quite strong on the darker parts of your image and much more subtle (sometimes almost invisible) on the brighter portions.

I cannot wait to try it out. It’s the perfect film stock to liven up your images!

Find Revolog Streak 200 at revolog.net or at Adorama.

Well, friends, that’s it for me. I hope that you enjoyed this list and that it has motivated you to splurge on some fun film stocks and to go out there and experiment!

Have you ever shot any of these film stocks on this list or do you have any other fun, unique, and experimental film stocks that you use yourself? Let me know in the comments below so we can chat all about fun film together!

Thank you so much, Samantha! Samantha is a regular contributor here at Shoot It With Film, and you can check out her other articles here, including and how to shoot Kodak Portra 400 and Intro to Disposable Cameras: The Fujifilm Quicksnap and the Kodak FunSaver.

You can also check out more of Samantha’s work on her website and Instagram.

Please share your favorite experimental film stock below in the comments, and let us know any questions you have!

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Samantha Stortecky

Samantha Stortecky is a regular contributor for Shoot It With Film. Find her other articles here, such as How to Shoot Kodak Portra 400 and Intro to Disposable Cameras: The Fujifilm Quicksnap and the Kodak FunSaver.

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