KODAK GOLD

Today, we’re having a quick look at Kodak Gold—and full disclosure, it’s not exactly one of my favorites. That’s just my take, though! You might absolutely adore it, and that’s fair enough—film’s a personal thing. Kodak Gold’s been around forever, popping up in various versions over the years, and it’s got a bit of a reputation. It’s never been the cheapest option out there, nor has it ever been the absolute best, so it’s always sat in this weird middle ground. Back in the day, if I wanted to splash out, I’d go for a high-end film, and if I was just testing the waters, I’d grab something bargain-basement. Kodak Gold? It didn’t quite fit either slot for me. That said, it’s got its fans—and these days, it’s even picking up a bit of a cult following. Let’s dive in.

So, what’s Kodak Gold all about? It’s a color negative film, usually clocking in at 200 ISO—though older variants like Kodak Gold 400 existed too. It’s got this warm, golden-tone look—hence the name—that leans into reds and yellows, giving it a sunny, nostalgic feel. That’s probably why it was such a hit with the point-and-shoot crowd back in the ‘90s. Think family holidays, weddings, birthdays—those everyday moments people wanted to capture without much fuss. It paired nicely with those compact cameras Grandma used to whip out at gatherings—decent enough results, no tinkering required. Compared to something like Kodak 400 Max, though, I always felt the latter had a slight edge—better grain, more punch. Gold’s grain can get a bit chunky, and the colors, while warm, don’t always feel as refined as the premium stuff like Ektar or Portra.

But here’s where it gets interesting: Kodak Gold’s got a loyal crew these days. That retro vibe—slightly muted, a touch grainy—has turned it into a darling for folks chasing that lo-fi, vintage aesthetic. It’s not trying to be perfect, and maybe that’s the appeal. In good light, it can churn out some charming, sun-soaked shots—think golden-hour picnics or beach days. In flatter conditions, though, it can feel a bit meh—colors lose some zip, and the contrast doesn’t always hold up. For me, it’s never been a go-to, but I get why it’s stuck around. It’s familiar, it’s accessible, and it’s got that Kodak name that people trust.

Price-wise, it’s crept up lately—like everything in film world. If you’re keen to give it a whirl, you can grab some on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/43Xw2RP. But if you’re looking for a better deal—or just something a bit more exciting—I’d point you to this eBay seller instead. They’ve got Kodak Gold plus a heap of other great, interesting films at prices that won’t sting as much: https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/northernfilm. And when you’re ready to process those rolls, these folks are brilliant for developing and scanning—always spot-on: https://www.analoguefilms.co.uk.

So, Kodak Gold—not my cup of tea, but it’s got its place. It’s the film equivalent of a comfy old sweater—nothing flashy, but it does the job for plenty of shooters. Are you a fan? Maybe you’ve got a soft spot for its quirky charm—let me know down below. I’m curious to hear if it’s won you over where it’s left me cold. Stick around for more film takes, and thanks for watching!