Kodak Gold 200
The quintessential warm, golden film — nostalgia in every frame
Color Palette
Golden, nostalgic warmth — the classic Kodak look
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Eastman Kodak (USA) |
| Film Type | Color negative |
| ISO Speed | 200 |
| Process | C-41 |
| Grain | Medium — noticeable in 35mm, fine at standard print sizes |
| Exposure Latitude | Good — 2 stops under to 3 stops over |
| Color Palette | Warm, golden — heavy yellow and magenta tones, saturated |
| Available Formats | 35mm, 120 |
Reciprocity Failure Calculator
When exposures exceed one second, Kodak Gold 200 requires additional time to compensate for reciprocity failure. Note that color negative films generally have less published reciprocity data than B&W films.
Push & Pull Processing
Kodak Gold 200 is designed as a consumer film and performs best at box speed. Push processing is not recommended as grain and contrast increase rapidly. Overexposing by one stop produces warmer, more saturated results that many photographers prefer.
| Rating | Effective ISO | Stops | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pull −2 | 50 | −2 | Very soft, low contrast — not commonly done |
| Pull −1 | 100 | −1 | Smoother tones, enhanced warmth |
| Box Speed | 200 | 0 | Normal development |
| Push +1 | 400 | +1 | Noticeable grain increase, punchier contrast |
| Push +2 | 800 | +2 | Heavy grain, harsh highlights — not recommended |
| Push +3 | 1600 | +3 | Extreme grain, significant quality loss |
Character & Personality
Grain
Medium grain that is noticeable in 35mm enlargements but fine for standard print sizes. The Print Grain Index (PGI) of 44 means grain is not visible at 4x6 prints but becomes evident in larger prints. The grain has a warm, organic quality consistent with the overall Kodak Gold aesthetic — it adds to the nostalgic feel rather than detracting from it.
Exposure Latitude
Good — handles 2 stops of underexposure to 3 stops of overexposure gracefully. Kodak Gold 200 is a forgiving consumer film that works well in point-and-shoot cameras with imprecise metering. Overexposure tends to produce warmer, more saturated results, which many photographers intentionally exploit for the enhanced "golden" look.
Color Palette
Strong warm cast with heavy yellow and magenta tones. This is the quintessential "Kodak look" — warm, golden, nostalgic. Colors are saturated and punchy, with a bias toward warm tones that gives images a sun-kissed quality. Contrast is moderate. The warmth is most pronounced in daylight conditions and is baked into the emulsion — it cannot be fully corrected out without losing the film's character. The "Kodak Gold look" has become one of the most imitated color profiles in digital photography.
Best Suited For
- Everyday snapshots and casual photography
- Outdoor and daylight photography
- Travel and vacation photography
- Point-and-shoot cameras
- Beginners learning film photography
- Anyone chasing the nostalgic warm "Kodak Gold" look
Available Formats & Pricing
| Format | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| 35mm (36 exp) | ~$9-12 USD |
| 120 (5-pack) | ~$45-55 USD |
Prices are approximate and vary by retailer. One of the most affordable color films available. Current as of early 2026.
Development Notes
Standard C-41 processing at any lab. Very tolerant of minor development variations. The warm cast is baked into the emulsion and cannot be fully corrected out without losing the film's character. Scans well on consumer scanners, and the strong color cast is easy for auto-correction algorithms to handle. Not recommended for push processing, as grain and contrast increase rapidly. Now available in 120 format as "Professional Gold 200," which is unusual for a consumer film and opens up medium format shooting possibilities.
Sources & Further Reading
Manufacturer Data
Sample Photos
Reviews & Resources
Shoot Kodak Gold 200 with TLR Companion
TLR Companion is a free light meter app with built-in reciprocity correction for Kodak Gold 200 and 21 other film stocks. Meter your exposures accurately with camera-specific settings for 48 TLR cameras.