Kodak UltraMax 400

Kodak UltraMax 400 is Kodak's consumer color negative film at ISO 400 — the faster sibling of Gold 200 in the mass-market lineup. UltraMax 400 has been continuously produced since the 1990s and remains one of the most-sold consumer film products globally. Distinctive warm palette like Gold 200 but with the speed needed for indoor available-light, action, and low-light snapshot work.

Key features

• ISO 400 rated; medium-coarse grain (visibly coarser than Portra 400)
• Warm palette like Gold 200
• Wide latitude (±2 stops)
• C-41 process
• Available in 35mm only
• Mass-market pricing — significantly cheaper than Portra 400

Workflow

• Box-speed exposure at EI 400; standard C-41
• Forgiving across lighting; suitable for mixed indoor/outdoor casual work
• Push to EI 800 acceptable for available-light situations
• Like Gold 200, slight overexposure produces richer midtones

Practical notes

• UltraMax 400 is the consumer action / low-light snapshot default — flash photography indoors, sports at moderate distance, vacation in mixed lighting
• The warm palette differs noticeably from professional alternatives (Portra 400 is more neutral)
• 35mm only — no 120, no sheet
• Cold storage extends shelf life

Related films

• Kodak Gold 200 — slower Kodak consumer alternative
• Kodak Portra 400 — professional alternative at same speed
• Fuji Superia 400 — discontinued Fuji consumer alternative