Best Film and Cameras for Travel Photography in 2025
Travel photography on film is about more than documenting destinations. It’s about capturing the mood, culture, and fleeting moments that make each place unique. Film adds a tactile, timeless quality to your images, transforming landscapes, streets, and portraits into lasting works of art.
Why Film is Ideal for Travel Photography
Film encourages careful observation, intentional composition, and thoughtful use of light. Each frame counts, forcing you to slow down and truly engage with your surroundings. The result is images with depth, texture, and atmosphere—qualities that digital often struggles to replicate.
Choosing the Right Film for Travel Shots
Kodak Ektar 100 – Vibrant colors and fine detail for landscapes, city streets, and bright outdoor scenes.
Kodak Portra 400 – Soft, natural tones with excellent latitude for portraits and mixed-light situations.
Fujifilm Pro 400H – Balanced colors and versatility for varied lighting conditions.
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 – Black & white classic with strong contrast for streets, architecture, and dramatic scenery.
Kodak Tri-X 400 – Timeless B&W with cinematic depth for impactful travel storytelling.
Sasha Personick, Mexico, 2025 | Shot on Kodak Portra 400, Developed & Scanned by NICE
Best Cameras for Travel Photography
Choosing the right camera depends on your travel style, destinations, and preferred film format:
Medium Format Cameras – Hasselblad 500C/M or Mamiya 7 for ultra-high resolution, perfect for landscapes, architecture, and detailed portraits.
35mm Cameras – Nikon FM2, Canon AE-1, or Leica M6 for portability and flexibility, ideal for street photography and spontaneous moments.
Rangefinder Cameras – Leica and Voigtländer models excel at compact, discreet shooting while maintaining high image quality.
Point-and-Shoot Film Cameras – Contax T2 or Olympus XA for travel convenience, lightweight carry, and surprising sharpness.
Bring a small selection of lenses, line wide-angle for landscapes, 50mm primes for street and environmental portraits, and a sturdy tripod for low-light or long-exposure scenarios.
Essential Tips for Shooting Travel Photography on Film
Plan, but Stay Flexible – Iconic landmarks are great, but candid moments often yield the most compelling shots.
Observe Light and Color – Film reacts beautifully to natural light, especially during golden hour. Pay attention to shadows, reflections, and contrasts.
Travel Light – Limit gear to one camera body and a few lenses. Prioritize portability and ease of handling.
Frame Your Story – Composition, perspective, and context are key. Capture the energy, culture, and spirit of the location.
Protect Your Film – Keep film safe from humidity, heat, and rough handling. Develop negatives promptly when possible.
Josh Goldberg, Greece, 2025 | Developed & Scanned by NICE
Making Travel Memories on Film
Travel photography on film turns every frame into a deliberate, lasting record of your journey. With the right film stock, camera, and careful attention to light and composition, you can create images that capture not only the places you visit but the atmosphere, culture, and mood of your travels. Explore these curated film stocks and cameras at NICE Film Club to elevate your travel photography into an art form that stands the test of time.
Ready to develop your roll? Check out our Film & Darkroom Services.
Thanks for being here.
— The NFC Team
