There are times when even the biggest online megastores don’t have everything we are looking for. This is true with photography film, especially now when mainstream are films losing their productions.
Here are the best choices in buying film online; for both mainstream and special film runs. You’ll find international shopping, and a range of 35mm, medium and large format films. Some also provide accessories and chemicals, making a one-stop shop for enthusiasts.
Large Choice
Parallax Photographic Coop
If you’re looking for a simple place online to buy your film, look no further. The PPC has all the usual suspects across black and white, and color; TRI-X, Fomapan, HP5, Superia and Cinestill.
This one, based and created in London came in 2016 by a few friends with a like minded mentality and passion for analog photography. They also sell equipment to get your film photography on track and organized.
Fotoimpex
Fotoimpex are a Berlin based one-stop-shop for all analog photography and processing/developing needs. This is a great place to get analog film, from infrared to MINOX Spy Film (yes I had to look as well).
It’s a great option for those in Europe, but they ship internationally. If you’re in the area, go get some advice from the knowledgeable staff, and drop off a film in the meantime.
Film Photography Store
Here you’ll find one of the largest places to buy film on the net. They provide film of all sizes, ranging from 35mm, through medium and even large format. On top of that, they have 8mm video camera, expired, and specialist orthochromatic films.
This is one stop shop for all darkroom needs; chemicals or otherwise. They even make their own short batch films (‘Monster’ is the current one) which is a little pricey, but you wont find it anywhere else. Check out their blog, youtube channel and podcasts from their site.
FreeStyle Photo
If there was one site that sold all mainstream AND revolution film stock, this is the place. They have over 300 B&W films and another 120 in color. They have all film sizes, and even dry glass plates for large formats. For the frugal, this is the place to buy bulk film and cut/load it yourself at home.
These guys have been going since 1946, and do a great job at helping photographers out. Great advice comes from their like-minded, photography loving staff. But their range speaks for itself.
Specialist Films
Ferrania
Ferrania was born in Italy in 1920, a film business created from leftover stock from WWI. They created film until 2010; a lack of demand for film finally sank the company. However, their story doesn’t end there - they opened their doors again in 2013. Nicola Baldini and Marco Pagni picked them up and focused on one product; the Scotch Chrome Color.
Now, they still produce one film, but a B&W variant - the P30. Deep in shadows, punchy in the highlights. Come here to support a start-up, and hopefully see more from them in the future.
Japan Camera Hunter
You’ve heard the name, and realized that Bellamy sells some amazing cameras from the East - but don’t miss the film. My first film was a gift, and I never looked back for all street photography needs.
The site sells one film, but in 35mm and medium format (120). The Streetpan 400 is a black and white, said to be “Contrasty and full of character”. This versatile panchromatic film is great for dawn, dusk and winter photography.
Lomography
Lomography is the fun revival of vintage soviet cameras, such as the LC-A+. They have been inventing and renewing 35mm, 120 and 110 film. They are the only company I can think of that makes 110 films, needing it for their own Diana and Fisheye baby range.
This is where you come for the strange and interesting experimental films - the ones that render your images in purple and black. They not only have color nailed down; they make attractive B&W, namely Ghost, Babylon and now Metropolis. They ship all over, but don’t get caught out over the shipping or added-after-the-price tax on each item.
KEH
KEH might only sell 15 films, but they are a wide enough range for all analog shooters. You’ll find Neopan and Ilford for medium format, with a few fun Lomography ones thrown in for good measure. Cinestill and TMax for 35 mm, with a few more films from lomography. The one large format film is the Ektar 100 at 4x5.
“KEH is the original reseller of professional, collectible, and everyday gear for camera lovers everywhere.” They started in 1979, and have one store in Georgia, from where they ship out their orders to those in North America.
CatLABS
CatLABS might only sell a handful of films, but these are the most sought after and not easily found. The Kodak Gold and Fujifilm slide 120 film range are by far the most common. They have a few others, such as the Pancro B&W. They even have their own ISO 320 CatLABS black and white for 35mm.
If you're looking for large format film, you’ll find two here. The X FILM 80 MKII BW is their own Negative Film, and the Bergger Print Film. Both come in 4x5 and 8x10 formats.
ADOX
Adox was the first film photochemical factory in the world, opening in 1860. Their KB 14 and KB 17 films put them on the map. Nowadays, as other companies liquidate, and films discontinue, ADOX are keeping the would-be-lost recipes and films alive.
The site is very minimal, only selling 1 8mm video film and 5 different 35mm films. The Scala 50 ISO film is a great black and white slide film. They also house chemicals, photo paper and a few other items, so you can grab a few things together.
Local Shops
Going local is the best bet for speed, and getting questions answered quickly by a professional. In large cities these are always dotted around, and never had a problem with finding somewhere in Europe. You’ll also save a buck on post and packaging.
Use Google maps in conjunction with Google Translate to get the best options. Failing that, look up camera and photography groups on Facebook or blogs that can help give an address or a contact. They might not have what you want, but they will have a few color and monochromatic choices across 35 and 120.