There’s a problem in the film photography world: it’s all too damn expensive. And when you buy film, you’re sometimes not getting what you want. I remember walking into Kubu’s in Brooklyn, which everyone swore by. However, they tried to sell me expired film, didn’t discount the price, and didn’t even put it in storage. There are times when lots of folks have had the same issues with B&H and Adorama both. With over 14 years of experience, we’re sharing some of the more ethical places to buy film in America.
A Statement Before This Guide on Where to Buy Film
We’re formerly affiliates of B&H, but stopped working with them for various ethical reasons. We’re currently affiliates of Adorama, but also recognize that folks might not think that they’re great. Over the years, we’ve used Amazon. Some photographers will say that’s worse. But the thing is that lots of small camera shops sell film on Amazon. So you’re taking advantage of Amazon Prime while also helping a small business. A quick search for Kodak Portra 400 on Amazon, then looking at who supplies it shows a ton of smaller camera shops. Don’t totally write them off, but don’t necessarily make them your first choice.
To comply with our own ethics here, we’re purposely not linking to brands that we have affiliate relationships with. However, we’ve worked with most of these brands over the years. And we can recommend them for sure.
Fotocare
Here in NYC, Fotocare has always been a smaller photo retailer. When B&H and Adorama aren’t open, they typically are. But they’re better known for their rentals. A quick search for film on their website shows that some of their prices beat the bigger shops. We’ve been to their shop in Manhattan many times and know that they store their film in the fridge. So every time you buy it, you know it’s fresh.
Blue Moon Camera
We’re over the moon for Blue Moon Camera and we’ve worked with them a few times. They process all the Phoblographer’s film and we’ve partnered with them on contests before. Based in Portland, Oregon they specialize in vintage film cameras and lenses. The customer service is incredible as well. I seriously can’t sing the praises of this company enough.
Freestyle Photo
Freestyle has been a go-to for so many analog film photographers for years. They’ve got pretty much everything that you could possibly need or want. If you took the analog sections of the bigger stores, expanded them, and made them their own shops, Freestyle would be it. I recommend subscribing to their newsletter.
Atlanta Film Co
Started by Bill Manning who did the Studio C-41 Podcast, this is a great place to get very affordable film right now. They specialize in ECN-2 processing, which is movie film. But they cut it to 35mm. The cost of this film is apparently not as much for suppliers, too! As a result, it’s so much cheaper than lots of the other stuff on the market. Go pick some up.
Photodom NYC
Based in NYC, PhotoDom is a studio, processing space, and darkroom. Additionally, it’s a space to buy film from. Their prices are lower in some cases to the bigger brands. And because it’s important to know, they’re a Black-owned business. The Phoblographer is a Certified Minority Owned Business here in NY, so I’ve got to support a fellow small business owner.
Brooklyn Instant Film Initiative
Brooklyn Instant Film Initiative is black-woman owned and run. They often also do really fun things like pre-expose film then sell it. The results are really stellar and very fun for most of us that want to get creative. If you’re in the NYC area, they’ll also most likely deliver it to you personally.
Lomography
Some folks like to meme on them, but Lomography is an awesome place to buy film. They make their own, of course. And often, it’s similar stock to the bigger brands but more affordable. If you can get some before the stock runs out, go do it.