The Best 35mm Film Stocks for Summer

Summer is in full swing—and it's one of the most inspiring seasons for film photography. With long golden hours, vibrant landscapes, and endless outdoor moments worth capturing, it’s no wonder so many favorite frames come from this time of year.

Fun fact: Many 35mm film cameras struggle in cold weather. Two years ago, I invested in my first cold-resistant film body and took it skiing. Last year, I upgraded to a Nikon F3 before heading to Iceland. It was a blissful change from my early days trying to shoot with my OM-1 on a snowy beach. Many of these older metal beauties will jam, but for those of us who aren't able (or willing) to invest in a second camera, it's a non issue during summer!

If you're like me, the warmer weather makes it easier to fall back in love with film. Whether you're road-tripping, heading to the lake, or just spending golden hour in your neighborhood, these 35mm film stocks are some of the best 35mm film stocks for Summer photography: 🎞 Kodak Gold 200: Affordable and forgiving, Kodak Gold delivers a warm, nostalgic glow that’s perfect for bright daylight. Priced around $9 (depending on your shop), it's a great go-to stock for everyday shooting—think picnics, barbecues, and road trips. Psst: Swap in Kodak ColorPlus 200, if you don't see Gold. Expect higher saturation at the same great price.

Diner morning before an afternoon at the swimming hole. Shot on Kodak Gold 200.

🎞 Kodak Ektar 100: If you're looking for rich color and sharp detail, Ektar 100 is hard to beat. With high saturation and fine grain, it’s ideal for vivid summer scenes like boardwalks, flower gardens, and tropical landscapes. A little light goes a long way with this one.

Brand shot - Topo Chico. Shot on Kodak Ektar 100.

🎞 Kodak Portra 160: Portra 160 is subtle and smooth, with delicate tones that shine in the forest or mountains. It handles shadows beautifully, making it a great pick for shaded trails, quiet mornings, and those magical low-light pockets of summer.

Equinox Mountain, Manchester, VT. Shot on Kodak Portra 160.

...I guess this has turned into a plug for Kodak? (It's not. At least not an official one, anyway.)

This August, I’ll be in Vermont for client work and plan to bring a few of these film stocks along. Do you have a favorite film stock for summer? I'd love to hear, I’m always on the lookout for new ones to test!