Kodak UltraMax 400 is one of those films I keep coming back to. It’s reliable, easy to shoot, and delivers colour that feels bold without being unpredictable.

If I’m heading out to shoot landscapes or nature in good light, this is often the film I reach for first.

What is Kodak UltraMax 400 film?

Kodak UltraMax 400 is a colour negative film with an ISO of 400, designed to be flexible and accessible for everyday shooting. It’s widely available and known for its bright colour palette and strong performance in natural light.

It’s a straightforward film that doesn’t require much effort to get good results from.

Colour and overall look

The standout feature of UltraMax 400 is its colour. Images come back vibrant, saturated, and lush, especially when shooting outdoors in daylight.

Greens feel full and lively, blues stay rich, and warmer tones have a noticeable pop without feeling harsh. The film has a slightly punchier look than Portra, which makes scenes feel energetic and alive—especially in summer light.

Shooting Kodak UltraMax 400 on campus in summer

Some of the sample photos from this roll were shot on the University of Toronto campus during the summer. Trees, grass, historic buildings, and open green spaces made it an ideal setting to see how UltraMax handles natural colour.

In bright daylight, the film really shines. Landscapes feel vivid and full, and scenes with lots of foliage benefit from the film’s strong colour response. It’s an easy film to walk around with and shoot casually, knowing the results will likely come back solid.

Grain and image quality

Grain is present but well controlled for a 400-speed film. In good light, it adds texture without distracting from the image.

The overall look feels clean but not overly polished, which suits everyday shooting and outdoor scenes well.

Best situations for Kodak UltraMax 400

This film works especially well for:

• Landscape photography

• Nature and foliage-heavy scenes

• Travel and walk-around shooting

• Bright daylight and summer conditions

If colour is a priority, UltraMax 400 delivers.

Final thoughts on Kodak UltraMax 400

Kodak UltraMax 400 is one of my favourite films for a reason. It’s easy to shoot, consistently delivers strong colour, and works especially well for landscapes and nature photography.

If you want a film that produces vibrant, lively images without much fuss, UltraMax 400 is a great choice.