The Best Fujifilm 400 Films for 35mm Photography

The Fujifilm 400 series has become one of the most recognisable names in 35mm film history, loved by film photographers all over the world. But how good are Fujifilm 400 rolls really? Today, we will explore the history of Fuji 400 films and see what makes each one so special! 

The history of the Fuji 400 film series

Let's briefly talk about their history. Fujifilm created a wide range of 400 ISO films, and although most of them are now discontinued, it's still worth knowing how great they were when film photography was at its peak.

These include the new Fujifilm 400, Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400, Fujifilm Superia Venus 400, Fujifilm Fujicolor Industrial 400, Fujifilm Superia Premium 400, Super HR 400, True Definition 400, and the famous Fuji Pro400H, even the film inside the Quick Snap disposable camera is also ISO 400! I remember the Superia x-tra 400 being the most common film was I was younger,  along with Industrial 400 ((業) 記録用 力ラーフィルム 400)

We are going to introduce some of the most famous Fujifilm 400 stocks, though not all of them. We've been gathering as many sample images as possible, thanks to Amus who is a huge fan of Fujifilm, we now have most of the photos ready. Let's roll! 

Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400

One of the most common ISO 400 films from Fuji, Superia X-TRA 400 was officially discontinued in April, 2024. The film is known for its bold colours, excellent contrast and fine grain, If you look closely, you'll also notice a subtle magenta tint that gives Superia 400 its signature look. It's a great choice for travel, family and street photography. 

It's a real shame that this film has been discontinued, although there are rumours that Fuji may reproduce it, there has not been an official announcement yet.

Though we still have some expired Superia X-TRA 400 in our shop, if you'd like to try this film, feel free to check it out.

Superia X-TRA 400 delivers beautiful colours (shot by Emily Chau)

Fujifilm Superia Venus 400

This is quite a mysterious film, the famous Venus series that you rarely see in Europe, as it was produced exclusively for the Asian market. You may have heard of its brother sibling Venus 800, but Venus 400 has better grain control.

Compared to Superia X-TRA 400, Venus 400 is softer, less contrasty, smoother colour transitions and flatter skin tones, it's perfect for portrait photography. Thanks to the ability to create such beautiful skin tones, the film was given the name "Venus"

Superia Venus 400 was discontinued in 2008, the last batch carried an expiration date of 2023. Let's take a look at some sample images shot on this beautiful film.

Fujifilm Venus 400 (shot by Amus Tse)

Fujifilm Superia Premium 400

Next up is another film that is only sold in the Japanese market (yes... we really do love Japan!). This Fujifilm Superia Premium truly earns its title "Premium" thanks to its sharp details, fine grain and rich and saturated colour, many consider it one of the best 400 speed films Fuji ever made. 

Because of its rich colour rendering, Premium 400 leans more on the reddish side (not just magenta), it makes it less ideal for portraiture, which is why often portrait photographers look else. But if you enjoy punchy colour and big contrast, you will definitely fall for it and never look back! 

Superia Premium 400 shows vibrant tones (shot by Jimmy)

Fujifilm Pro 400H

The Fuji Pro400H is a legendary professional film. As the predecessor of Fuji Pro400, the "H" version is well known for its pastel tones, wide dynamic range and soft highlight, especially its pinky tint in the white, making it perfectly suited to the needs of wedding photography. Because of this, it became the top choice not only among wedding but portrait shooters.

Though it was discontinued in 2024 (120 version), many photographers continue to shoot the Fujifilm Pro400H for its dreamy rendering and subtle grain. The last time I shot was also in 2024 and I fell in love with its pink and skin-friendly tone, which is something I don't think any digital simulations can truly replicate. Also, when the film is scanned on a Fuji Frontier scanner (SP3000 or SP500), you get the ultimate Pro400H colour that many wedding photographers adore.

Since its discontinuation, Kodak Portra 400 and Portra 800 have become the closest alternatives.

Shooting Pro400H at ISO 320 gives you softer and lighter skin tones 

(shot by Jimmy)

Photo by Amus Tse

Fujifilm Industrial 400 (業 記録用 力ラーフィルム 400)

Fujifilm Industrial 400 was originally designed as a budget colour negative film for journalists and commercial photographers to document everyday scenes, that is why it carries the name "industrial".

And because it was affordable, it became popular across Asia among hobbyists and casual shooters who are in love with its natural colours, balanced contrast and fine grain, offering a classic "Fuji look" with smooth greens and clean tones. It almost feels like a flatter version of Kodak Colorplus 200. I still remember buying it in 2009 for HKD 20 (appro £2), it was perfect as a cheap test roll.

Industrial 400 was discontinued around 2010, and so far there’s been no indication from Fujifilm that it will return.

Fujifilm Industrial 400 is loved for its "clear green" look 

(Photos by Amus Tse)

Fujifilm 400

The new Fujifilm 400 and Fujifilm 200 were released in 2023 after they discontinued their popular Fuji color c200. The new Fujifilm 400 is said to be identical to Kodak Ultramax 400, (35mmc, 2023). I've shot a few rolls of Fujifilm 400 and I found that the Fuji version is slightly warmer than Ultramax 400, learning toward the classic Fuji look.

Fujifilm 400 sample images, shot by Emily Chau

Other Fujifilm 400

Beyond the more famous ISO 400 films, there are a few lesser-known options. For example, the film used in Fuji QuickSnap disposable cameras appears to be similar to Superia X-TRA 400, offering reliable colours and exposure for everyday shooting. Also the True Definition 400 film, which was discontinued in 2013, appears to be a film that was sold in the US market.

Conclusion 

Fujifilm, as a great company as Kodak in the analogue era, had a remarkable history. According to Wikipedia, Fujifilm produced more than 60 different films over the years. After reaching its peak, Fujifilm gradually shifted focus to digital cameras. It left Kodak, the company that still produces different films, blooming and dancing in the analogue industry, keeping a variety of films alive.

Most of Fuji's films have been discontinued, but if you would like to try expired 35mm film, you can get it easily for quite decent prices. 

Also, many photographers prefer to ship film to be developed at trusted labs for consistent quality and accurate colour. If you want to get the classic Fuji look, consider sending your film to a lab that uses Fuji Frontier scanners (us!) Just remember to lower the ISO setting on your camera when shooting expired film for the best results.

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