Eastman Kodak Ektacolor Pro 400 120 Film: What to Expect
By Austin Camera | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Product Reviews
Get the facts on Kodak Ektacolor Pro 400 120 film: its color, grain, and best uses for medium format photography. Honest advice from Austin Camera.
Quick answer
Kodak Ektacolor Pro 400 is a professional-grade 120 color negative film with rich, saturated colors and fine grain. It handles varied lighting well thanks to its ISO 400 speed, making it a solid choice for portraits, commercial work, and fine art on medium format.
Who should consider this film?
This film suits photographers who want vibrant, accurate color reproduction in medium format without pushing into higher-speed territory. Its fine grain structure means it can handle moderate enlargement, which is helpful for commercial or fine art prints. However, if you need extreme speed for low light or action, you might prefer a faster emulsion like Kodak Portra 800.
What are the trade-offs?
At ISO 400, Ektacolor Pro 400 is versatile but not the fastest color negative film in 120. In very dim conditions without flash or a tripod, you may need to push-process or switch to a higher ISO film. Also, because it's a professional-grade film, it requires consistent cold storage and careful handling to maintain its color balance—not ideal for casual or unpredictable shooting conditions.
Frequently asked questions
- How does the color look compared to Kodak Portra?
- Ektacolor Pro 400 is designed for richer, more saturated colors and higher contrast than Portra's muted, pastel palette. It's closer to the look of Ektar but with a finer grain structure.
- Can I push or pull this film?
- Yes, but it's not designed for extreme pushing. One stop (to 800) is manageable with acceptable contrast and grain increase. Two stops or more may introduce color shifts and noticeable grain. For consistent results, rate it at box speed. Stick to ISO 400 for best color and grain.
- What developer should I use?
- Standard C-41 chemistry works perfectly. No special developer is required. Any reputable lab or home C-41 kit will produce good results.
- Is this film good for scanning?
- Yes. The fine grain and balanced contrast make it easy to scan with minimal dust or scratch issues. Colors scan well with most dedicated film scanners or DSLR scanning setups.
- How should I store it?
- Keep it refrigerated (around 40°F / 4°C) for long-term storage. Let the film warm to room temperature for at least an hour before loading to avoid condensation. Freezing is fine for years of storage, but allow several hours to thaw in the fridge first. Always let refrigerated film warm up before opening the canister.
Product facts
- New! Eastman Kodak Ektacolor Pro 400 Negative Film - 120 Film - 5 Pack: Capture vibrant color photography with Eastman Kodak Ektacolor Pro 400 Negative Film. This professional-grade 120 format film delivers rich, saturated colors and fine grain structure ideal for portrait, commercial, and fine art work. You get vivid, punchy colors straight from the lab, which reduces the need for heavy color correction in post.
New! Eastman Kodak Ektacolor Pro 400 Negative Film - 120 Film - 5 Pack - New! Eastman Kodak Ektacolor Pro 400 Negative Film - 120 Film - 5 Pack: With an ISO 400 speed, it performs excellently in varied lighting conditions while maintaining exceptional color accuracy and contrast. This makes it a reliable everyday film for medium format—bright sun, overcast, or indoor window light all produce consistent results.
- New! Eastman Kodak Ektacolor Pro 400 Negative Film - 120 Film - 5 Pack: This 5-pack provides ample film for your creative projects. Buying a 5-pack saves per-roll cost and ensures you have consistent emulsion for a series of shots.
