Expired & Exposed: Kodak Portra 400

This edition of Expired & Exposed I’m exploring a well-known stock than even the newest of users have possibly experimented with; Portra 400 by Kodak is still manufactured today, and a go-to for many professionals. _{yes, some professional photographers still shoot with film.}

After having some mixed results with vintage, expired B&W films recently I decided add a splash of color to my feed 🌈

Let’s see some results!

<sub>Click for larger image
I don’t attempt many self portraits. This one taken on the 2nd floor of a cluttered antique store in Knoxville, TN.



Click for larger image
Fairly warm image, taken on a very sunny photo-walk



Click for larger image
I think we’ve got some light fall off here; also a bit cool overall. I’d assume the extended bellows on the C330 will claim responsibly for the vignetting. This is a photos I’d throw thru some digital post production to clean up.



Click for larger image



Click for larger image
Oh boy, she’s cute when she’s serious. Just kidding. She’s cute all the time. Crystal clear focus, wonderful portrait. Best negative out of the bunch. Colors are close to spot-on, containing warm creamy skin tones and rich contrast.</sub>

Colors are bold but overall muted. Kodak produced two types of Portra in earlier years labeled VC (Vivid Color) and NC (Neutral Color), coming in somewhere in the middle, I’ve used the ‘current’ version Portra 400. The colors pop nicely, but muted enough that it doesn’t look like an child puked the taste of the rainbow 🌈

Do you have a favorite? Why?

Tech specs

Check it out here nerds 🤓

Developing Process

I took this roll to Thompson Photo (Local Lab) - using an Agfa automated machine C41.

Ease of use

So there’s no such thing as the “best”, or “perfect” film - everyone has their own tastes regarding color-tones, grain, etc. However, I’d call this a fantastic all-around-film.

A true ISO 400 this film can be used in bright sunlight/ or indoor. I haven’t tried any nighttime street- scenes as of late but I’m sure this could handle without too much difficulty.

When this film was first introduced, they heavily branded and marketed it as being fantastic for scanning. These scans do not disappoint, and there probably isn’t a single image that I disliked. Of course, scanning is a far more technical process, and many of us who scan know this isn’t always so straightforward. But no matter what, you should know that Kodak Portra 400 is also so popular because it is one of the most forgiving films still around today.

I chose to expose this film at ISO 200 and developed for 320 (request to the lab). This way I could grab a bit more light. Shooting in direct daylight; not the shade if possible. If I had a pair of reflectors, I would have brought those with me too. I’d recommend using a flash - which is often balanced to daylight and can give your images an extra pop. Shooting during the Golden Hour or Twilight/dusk will probably earn you the best results. Although I was not able to do that with this roll.

Wrap up

Speed - I shoot a stop or two down to intentionally overexpose my images. Generally, I’m most pleased with my images slightly overexposed rather than under - results in lack of detail and muddy shadows.

Color - muted yet bold.

Clarity - Kodak says this is due to things like their “Proprietary DIR Couplers, Micro-Structure Optimized T-Grain Emulsions, and Targeted Advanced Development Accelerators”. I’m not going to pretend to know what that means, nor do I care. So, while #grainisgood some might opt out because you won’t find much here.

Overall is film is very forgiving- I recommend shooting for slightly overexposed. Too afraid to develop yourself? Do what I did and support a local business!

Whether indoor or outdoors, portraits or landscapes - you’ll get some fantastic frames with Kodak Portra 400. So pick up some Portra and see what you can make with it. I don’t think you’ll regret it.





Note: These images were taken by myself and have not been edited in any way. Shot with merely a Mamiya C330, Developed, Scanned, and Uploaded. I give myself (and you) the opportunity to discover what each film has to offer.

Hey, my name is Tang. 👋

Most people know me for being a bus dweller - I converted a school bus into a custom RV, but I’m also a film photographer, dreadlocked Legolas, and a dad to a dog named Hobo. Right now, I'm experimenting with vintage cameras and expired film, learning how to mountain bike, and sharing my adventures along the way.

Check out my last Film Preview - this one is mysterious

First time on my blog? Say hi below. 🤙