Written by Raufan Yusup
Over the past year, we’ve seen a pretty massive release of new film photography products. From both camera makers and film manufacturers. New cameras, new film stocks, indie projects… there’s a lot happening. And I expect the same this year, too.
Sure, not every release is a hit. But personally, I try to see any movement in film photography as a good sign. If we want this medium to stay alive, someone has to support it (by giving it a try, giving constructive feedback, critiques, etc). So I take my role simply as a user, to give new products a fair try, then share an honest take based on my own experience.
This time, I decided to test a new color film from Ilford: Ilfocolor Vivid 400. To be honest, my expectations weren’t very high. I didn’t have a great first impression of their previous release, Ilfocolor VintageTone 400. The colors and overall character just not my cup of a tea. Because of that, I went into this test feeling a bit skeptical.
Find Ilfocolor Vivid 400 on eBay.
Ilfocolor Vivid 400: Results & First Impressions
Overall, I’m genuinely satisfied with the results. I can easily see myself using this film more in the future, especially in specific conditions like sunrise or sunset, where golden light and greenery really dominate the scene.
The contrast is punchy perfectly, the grain is quite well controlled, and the colors feel balanced overall. I also tried pushing the film by one to two stops, and it handled it surprisingly well. It feels quite forgiving.
In terms of character, it actually reminds me a bit of Kodak Ektar 100. But considering it comes at roughly half the price, that comparison feels even more impressive. I paid ¥2,300 (around $14.57) for a roll. Based on my first test, if I’m ever craving an Ektar-like look without paying Ektar prices, this is likely where I’ll start.
Ilfocolor Vivid 400 Strengths & Weaknesses
For me, the biggest strength of this film is its contrast. Because of that, it really shines in the right lighting, think directional light rather than flat or overly harsh conditions.
The film leans into warm, with a slightly yellowish tone that adds a pleasant mood, especially to the subject I’ve been toward lately: landscapes. Even when shooting into strong backlight or dealing with flare, it holds onto detail in both highlights and shadows surprisingly well. It doesn’t blow out easily, which tells me the exposure latitude is pretty solid.
Considering the price sits close to Kodak Gold 200, this feels like a true “point-anywhere” stock. It’s consistent, forgiving, and easy to use, perfect for walks, family outings, or casual everyday shooting.
On the flip side, those strengths fade when the light gets flat or harsh. In midday sun, shadows and highlights fall apart much more quickly, and the images can feel a bit washed out. Even when I used the same settings that worked beautifully at sunset.
Because of that, I think this film clearly benefits from open shade, soft light, or golden hour, rather than bright, flat, and contrastless daylight.
What’s the Verdict?
Overall, Ilfocolor Vivid 400 feels like a fun and genuinely solid film stock. It offers a warm look, forgiving exposure latitude, and strong performance in soft light, all at roughly half the price of Ektar 100.
It really comes alive with long shadows and gentle afternoon or early sunrise/sunset light. For the price, I honestly think it’s worth it, and one I’ll happily keep in rotation.
Thank you so much, Raufan! Raufan is a regular contributor here at Shoot It With Film, and you can check out his other articles here, such as New Lucky 200 Film Review: Color, Latitude, and Low-Light Performance and Harman Phoenix I vs Phoenix II Film Comparison: Is the New Version Better?.
You can also check out more of his work on Substack, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.
Leave your questions about Ilfocolor Vivid 400 film below in the comments, and you can pick some up for yourself on eBay.
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