This article is about two of the most popular films, not only in our store, but in general. These are, of course, the Kodak ColorPlus 200 and the Fujicolor C200. What is the reason for the popularity of these films? Also because of the price. Both Kodak 200 and Fujicolor 200 are reasonably priced and do not disappoint the user. Both beginners and professionals shoot with them. At a relatively low cost - especially compared to films in the professional segment, which are more expensive and sometimes harder to buy - both films give a good stable result. That's why we most often recommend Kodak Colorplus 200 and Fujifilm C200 if you're buying your first film camera. Both are great value for money.
Let's take a closer look at them.
The Kodak 200 and the Fujicolor C200 are similar films in many ways. First, both films are color photographic material. Color film is in great demand by most users. The number of frames is 36. Second, they are, of course, 35 (35mm format films) - the most popular type with amateur photographers for more than fifty years. Third, their light sensitivity (ISO) is 200. ISO 200 is considered the "amateur" ISO because it is versatile and convenient in every way. ISO 100 might not be enough, 400 is a bit much for some brightly lit scenes, and the sensitivity of 200 is good in almost all situations. So you can shoot in bright sunshine and in more or less cloudy conditions. Also, both films are suitable for flash photography, because again, the ISO is small and will not give overexposures (too bright images). Fourth, the Kodak ColorPlus and Fujifilm C200 are developed using the most common and user-friendly process, C-41. This development process is the most standard for color films, and there is never a problem with it.
Portrait on Kodak ColorPlus 200. Photo: Leonid Polaroid
Portrait on Fujicolor C200. Photo: Daria Sorochinskaya.
So, Kodak ColorPlus 200 and Fujicolor C200 are the most suitable films for different situations. And also for completely different cameras. The presence of a DX code on the surface of the reel allows you to use both films in compact cameras that can read the DX code. But you can also put a Fuji C200 and a Kodak Colorplus in any mechanical point-and-shot with manual rewind. These cameras usually shoot on film with a sensitivity of 100 or 400, or both. ISO 200 will also work because it's a medium setting. Also, both Kodak and Fuji are great in full manual SLR film cameras. And, of course, both films can be put in autofocus DSLR film cameras with automatic settings and rewind.
Fuji C200 in daylight. Photo: Daria Sorochinskaya
Kodak 200 in the daylight. Photo: Leonid Polaroid
Now let's compare the Fuji C200 and the Kodak 200. What are their main differences?
The most important is the color reproduction of these amateur films. Kodak's ColorPlus is a warmer film with a predominance of yellow and red tones. Skin tones can go a bit red. It fits the stereotype of classic film, the colors that everyone associates with film photography. It's good for taking pictures when you travel to warm countries and you get lots of sunshine, sunrises, sunsets and light in general. The Fujifilm C200 is the opposite of Kodak. The film is made in Japan, and the Japanese have a different understanding of optimal color reproduction. The Fuji C200 is a cooler toned film with mostly blue and green tones dominating. It's especially good for landscapes, views and architecture, as it has pure color. But it is also suitable for portraits in general, if you like more "white" skin tones, without the warm hue like in Kodak. We're talking about a universal film, after all, so the Fujifilm 200 can be used in all situations.
Fujicolor C200 in "overcast" conditions. Photo: Daria Sorochinskaya
Kodak ColorPlus 200 in "overcast" shooting conditions. Photo: Leonid Polaroid.
The Kodak Color Plus 200 gives a richer image, perhaps due to its warm hue and slight yellowing. Whereas the Fuji C200 can appear slightly light, which is why the image from it may seem cooler. The Kodak is generally considered to be more contrasty compared to the Fuji. But these nuances are more about darker scenes where there is less light. In good sunlight, which is what the light sensitivity of the 200 is designed for, you'll get good color-saturated photos. Fuji and Kodak can also be used in low light conditions: in the evening or at dusk, for example. But keep in mind that in such a situation you will need a fast shutter speed on a mechanical camera or your compact film camera will take longer to expose than usual, so you will need a stop - a flat surface or a tripod. You can also shoot with a flash.
In fact, the best way to feel all these differences is to shoot the two films yourself. And it's even better if you shoot one after the other. There are even two camps in the film world - Fuji fans and Kodak fans, thanks in large part to these two films: so different in color and overall feel.
Which camp do you belong to? The choice is yours.
Kodak ColorPlus 200 with flash. Photo: Leonid Polaroid
Finally, a little film shooting tip. You can slightly adjust the shooting conditions using the properties of the Fujicolor C200 or Kodak ColorPlus 200. For example, you're shooting some winter scene that seems too cold in color. In that case, you can use the Kodak 200 to soften the overly cold tones. Or you can take the Fuji 200 and enhance the "cold" effect. The same will work with summer subjects.
You can always buy fresh Kodak Colorplus 200 and Fujifilm C200 film in our online-store. Check out these and other 35mm color films here.
