Kodak UltraMax 400
The do-everything consumer film with punchy Kodak color
Color Palette
Bright, punchy, vibrant — bold Kodak saturation
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Eastman Kodak (USA) |
| Film Type | Color negative |
| ISO Speed | 400 |
| Process | C-41 |
| Grain | Medium — classic Kodak aesthetic, PGI 46 |
| Exposure Latitude | Moderate — best with reasonably accurate exposure |
| Color Palette | Warm, vibrant — higher saturation than Gold 200 |
| Available Formats | 35mm only |
Reciprocity Failure Calculator
When exposures exceed one second, Kodak UltraMax 400 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
UltraMax 400 is designed for box speed shooting. It tolerates a modest push to EI 800 but is not recommended for push processing beyond one stop. Some photographers rate it at EI 200 for slightly overexposed, smoother results with enhanced warmth.
| Rating | Effective ISO | Stops | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pull −2 | 100 | −2 | Very smooth, softer saturation — good for harsh light |
| Pull −1 | 200 | −1 | Smoother, warmer — a popular overexposure strategy |
| Box Speed | 400 | 0 | Normal development |
| Push +1 | 800 | +1 | Moderate grain increase, punchier contrast |
| Push +2 | 1600 | +2 | Heavy grain, harsh highlights — not recommended |
| Push +3 | 3200 | +3 | Extreme grain and contrast loss — avoid |
Character & Personality
Grain
Medium grain with the classic Kodak aesthetic. The PGI of 46 is slightly grainier than Gold 200 (PGI 44), but still produces a pleasant, warm grain pattern. The grain is visible in 35mm enlargements but adds to the Kodak film character that many photographers seek. It has an organic quality rather than harsh digital noise.
Exposure Latitude
Moderate. Less forgiving than Portra 400 or Gold 200. Overexposure by more than 1-2 stops can produce harsh, blown highlights, while underexposure beyond 1 stop leads to color shifts. Best results come from reasonably accurate exposure, though the film is more tolerant than slide film. For a consumer film, it handles everyday shooting situations well.
Color Palette
Bright, punchy, vibrant colors with noticeable warmth. UltraMax delivers the signature warm Kodak color palette with higher saturation than Gold 200. Skin tones are natural and pleasing. The vibrancy and warmth make it a favorite for casual color photography. More saturated than Gold 200 but less refined than Portra 400 — it sits comfortably between the two as the consumer 400-speed option in Kodak's lineup.
Best Suited For
- Everyday all-purpose color photography
- Outdoor and indoor casual shooting
- Travel photography in variable conditions
- Events and gatherings with flash
- Point-and-shoot cameras — ideal ISO for most autoexposure systems
- A single versatile roll for any situation
Available Formats & Pricing
| Format | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| 35mm (36 exp) | ~$12-17 USD |
| 35mm (24 exp, 3-pack) | ~$25-30 USD |
Prices are approximate and vary by retailer. 35mm only — no medium format available. Current as of early 2026.
Development Notes
Standard C-41 processing at any lab. Not recommended for push processing beyond one stop. The warm color cast is consistent and part of the look — embrace it rather than correcting it out. Scans well on consumer and professional scanners. Some photographers rate it at EI 200 for slightly overexposed, smoother results. Recently received new packaging in 2025 alongside the Kodacolor product line updates.
Sources & Further Reading
Manufacturer Data
Sample Photos
Reviews & Resources
Shoot Kodak UltraMax 400 with TLR Companion
TLR Companion is a free light meter app with built-in reciprocity correction for Kodak UltraMax 400 and 21 other film stocks. Meter your exposures accurately with camera-specific settings for 48 TLR cameras.