Why I’ll Always Choose 800 ISO Film
Why I’ll Always Choose 800 ISO Film
(Even when the light says I shouldn’t)
Most people treat 800 ISO film like a last resort. A “just in case” option for low light or night shoots. But for me? 800 is the default. It’s not a backup plan—it’s the whole plan.
If I could only shoot one speed for the rest of my life, it’d be 800. No hesitation.
Here’s why:
1. It’s Built for the Real World
The truth is, not every scene is golden hour. Not every shoot gives you clean, soft light and wide-open spaces. Most of the time, I’m chasing light that’s disappearing, or dealing with weird shadows, or trying to make something out of harsh mid-day contrast.
800-speed film shows up where the others tap out.
It gives me just enough speed to shoot handheld indoors or in shade, but still enough flexibility to meter creatively outdoors without blowing everything out. It’s that sweet spot between control and chaos.
2. It Has Character—The Good Kind
There’s something about the grain structure and tonal depth of a good 800 film (especially Portra 800 or Candido 800) that just hits.
More contrast, but not crushed.
More grain, but not distracting.
Just enough edge to feel alive, without losing subtlety.
It’s not smooth. It’s not “perfect.” But it’s honest—and that matters more to me than clean scans or pixel-peeping sharpness.
3. Pushability Is Power
You ever try pushing Portra 400 two stops and pretend it looks “fine”? It doesn’t. The color falls apart, the highlights get angry, and the image feels like it’s trying too hard.
Push 800 to 1600? Still fire.
Push it to 3200? It’s gnarly, but usable—especially if you’re leaning into a moodier look.
800 gives you options. It doesn’t punish you for pushing. It dares you to.
4. It Forces Better Decisions
When you’re shooting with 800, you can’t just lazily stop down and hope your meter saves you. You’ve got to think.
Is this moment worth the shot?
Can I brace enough to shoot 1/30 and not botch it?
Should I rate this at 640 and risk the shadows?
That constant tension makes you more aware, more present, and more intentional. It sharpens your instincts—and that’s worth way more than playing it safe at ISO 100.
5. It Matches My Pace
I don’t always shoot slow. I don’t always shoot fast. I shoot how I feel. And 800-speed film is the only one that consistently keeps up.
Whether it’s chasing fleeting moments in the street, or making portraits in shifting indoor light, it doesn’t box me in. It adapts. It flexes. It moves.
Final Thought
I get it—there’s a time and place for every film speed. 100 has its place. 400 is the crowd favorite. But for me, 800 is where the magic lives. It’s moody, flexible, a little wild, and unapologetically imperfect.
And if that doesn’t describe how I like to shoot—I don’t know what does.
So yeah, I’ll keep reaching for 800. Every time. Because it doesn’t just expose my scenes—it reflects my style.
Stay gritty. Stay fast.
— Brendan
