Lomography Color Negative 800
The budget high-speed option for low-light color shooting
Color Palette
Natural, mild saturation — versatile high-speed
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Lomography (Austria) |
| Film Type | Color negative |
| ISO Speed | 800 |
| Process | C-41 |
| Grain | Moderate — good for ISO 800, relatively fine and organized |
| Exposure Latitude | Good — flexible in variable lighting |
| Color Palette | Natural, neutral — mild saturation without halation effects |
| Available Formats | 35mm, 120 |
Reciprocity Failure Calculator
When exposures exceed one second, Lomography Color Negative 800 requires additional time to compensate for reciprocity failure. Note that Lomography does not publish official reciprocity data, so this exponent is estimated.
Push & Pull Processing
Lomography Color Negative 800 is already a fast film, so push processing is uncommon. Some photographers rate it at EI 400-600 for slightly overexposed, smoother results with reduced grain. The native speed of 800 provides sufficient flexibility for most low-light situations.
| Rating | Effective ISO | Stops | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pull −2 | 200 | −2 | Much smoother, reduced grain — good in bright light |
| Pull −1 | 400 | −1 | Smoother results, popular overexposure strategy |
| Box Speed | 800 | 0 | Normal development |
| Push +1 | 1600 | +1 | Increased grain and contrast |
| Push +2 | 3200 | +2 | Heavy grain, significant contrast boost |
| Push +3 | 6400 | +3 | Extreme grain — emergency use only |
Character & Personality
Grain
Moderate grain with good low-light performance. The grain is more noticeable than the Lomography 400-speed variant but has a pleasing quality. Despite the high sensitivity, the grain structure remains relatively fine and organized, delivering sharp and smooth images for an ISO 800 film. The grain adds a filmic texture without becoming distracting.
Exposure Latitude
Good. The high speed provides flexibility in challenging lighting conditions. The film handles both indoor and outdoor shooting well, with sufficient latitude for point-and-shoot cameras and cameras with basic metering systems. The flexibility of ISO 800 makes it a practical choice for unpredictable lighting situations.
Color Palette
Natural color reproduction with mild saturation and contrast. Compared to CineStill 800T, Lomography 800 produces more neutral colors without the tungsten balance or halation effects. Skin tones are generally natural but can lean slightly pink or red under certain lighting conditions. The overall look is more restrained and conventional than Lomography's 400-speed offering, which tends to be punchier and more saturated.
Best Suited For
- Low-light photography on a budget
- Indoor and event photography
- Street photography after dark
- Travel in variable or dim lighting conditions
- Any situation requiring ISO 800 without the specialty look of CineStill 800T
- Handheld shooting in challenging light
Available Formats & Pricing
| Format | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| 35mm (3-pack) | ~$30-40 USD (~$10-13 per roll) |
| 120 (single) | ~$10-14 USD |
The cheapest ISO 800 color negative film available. Frequently out of stock due to high demand. Current as of early 2026.
Development Notes
Standard C-41 processing at any lab. No special handling required. The moderate grain is consistent and predictable. Some photographers rate it at EI 400-600 for slightly overexposed, smoother results. Not commonly push processed, as the native speed is already quite high. Demand frequently outpaces supply, so check the Lomography shop and third-party retailers for current availability. Some photographers report it may be a rebadged or modified version of an existing emulsion, though Lomography has not disclosed the manufacturing source.
Sources & Further Reading
Manufacturer Data
- Lomography Color Negative 800 Product Page (manufacturer)
Sample Photos
Reviews & Resources
- The Darkroom — Lomography CN 800 Review (lab review)
- Analog.Cafe — Lomography CN 800 Review (community review)
Shoot Lomography Color Negative 800 with TLR Companion
TLR Companion is a free light meter app with built-in reciprocity correction for Lomography Color Negative 800 and 21 other film stocks. Meter your exposures accurately with camera-specific settings for 48 TLR cameras.