How to Find Deals on Film in 2026

The ongoing costs of shooting film can feel nerve-wracking. Each frame, good or bad, may cost several dollars, especially when not developed or scanned at home.

The online photography community often learns about film prices from leaked announcements by Fujifilm, Kodak, and Harman/Ilford for distributors. While it’s easy for me to sympathize with the unpleasant feeling of having to pay more, I suggest taking a breath because such announcements do not directly affect the price we pay at the counter.

Shops set prices based on their stock, customer demand, and acquisition costs. Distributor prices are just a part of the acquisition costs, which also include shipping, stocking, staffing, currency exchange, tariffs, and profit margin.

It’s true that film prices have been going up. I’ve been tracking them since 2018. This graph shows a sharp price increase around the time of the pandemic. But the prices we pay today are still lower than what we paid in the 19990s — the peak of film photography proliferation!

Besides, panic buying is not a good money-saving strategy.

 ☝︎ Further reading: In an earlier post, “Film Photography in 2016 vs. 2026,” I share mine and others’ experiences during a transitional period of this medium.

Another issue often encoded in the frustration is the medium’s uncertain future. Will film photography become so expensive that no one could afford it, causing an exodus that demolishes it all?

In this article, I’ll share a few tips that can save you money on film with Film Price Trends (a web app built on top of film price data for the past 8 years) and discuss the state of film prices as of January 2026 — which should answer the question of whether film photography is doomed to become a hobby for the rich only!

In this article: The state of film prices as of January 2026. Looking at all the data on film prices since 2018, I think the current state of film affordability is optimistic. When’s the best time to buy? Which films will have the best deals? Recent data updates & caveats. Support this blog & get premium features with GOLD memberships!✪ Note: Film Price Trends, which is a focus of this article, is a freemium web app that interprets and displays film price data. You don’t need to download anything; it works like a regular web page.

Freemium means that certain features, like selecting your region, selecting a particular film’s price history, or viewing individual shop prices — as described in this article — are only available to GOLD members.

The Film Price Index, its historical graph, average prices for individual films, and the percentage change for each are available to all visitors (free).

Thank you for your support and understanding!

The state of film prices as of January 2026.

In the graph at the top of this article, I’ve highlighted some of the most affordable colour-negative film options: Kodak Pro Image 100 (which currently sells for $12.56 US per roll on average and is my current favourite colour-negative film deal), Kodak Kodacolor 100 ($11.90), Kodak Kodacolor 200 ($11.56), Kodak ColorPlus ($10.61 — the cheapest option in this category), and Lucky C200 ($11.50 — the new affordable option from China).

Lucky made the cheapest colour-negative film money can buy (at least in China, it currently is). But as tariffs, taxes, and shipping fees compound along its journey to the only store in the surveyed group that carries it. Because of that, Lucky C200 is not the cheapest film in North America, though it is still very close.

The future of Lucky C200 in North America and Europe, as well as of this basket of affordable colour-negative films, is always uncertain. But we can look at the past to learn where we’re standing and where film photography will be, given that its most important ingredient requires us to keep buying it.

Looking at all the data on film prices since 2018, I think the current state of film affordability is optimistic.

Despite price-hike announcements and online discussions about rising silver demand, the average price of film remained unchanged since the summer of 2025. This is reflected in the Film Price Index, which is currently at +0.1%.

While silver prices and manufacturer prices will eventually change things, an opposing force — competition — is growing quickly.

Lucky C200 may not be available in all regions, but the new German-made colour-negative film is becoming accessible globally. As mentioned in my review of the KONO Color 200, I’d use it daily without much hesitation. It comes under many names but brings an easily recognizable look.

Harman Phoenix 200 also sells for less now than it did in the summer at some shops.

Perhaps we’ll see more films enter the market in 2026, maybe even factory upgrades that allow them to discount our films (and pass those savings down) as was the case with Tri-X. Though, of course, that’s not guaranteed.

When’s the best time to buy?

The best time to buy is when the film you want is at its lowest price.

Film prices can vary by 30% or more between shops, regions, and brands — not just over time!

So, if you know when a particular film is at its cheapest, it’s a good time to snag a few rolls or sheets and benefit from those savings.

But to know the timing, you must remember film prices across nearly 300 options and several retailers (maybe in various currencies) for months or years and then update that knowledge regularly. I can’t do that, which is why I began writing those numbers down in 2018. Eventually, this project grew into Film Price Trends — the most active and accurate measure of global film affordability on the internet.

Using the Film Price Trends app, you can also observe film prices in your region over time. The data includes several shops examined in the US and a few more from the UK, the EU, Canada, and Hong Kong — all chosen for their excellent selection and standing in the community.

Whenever you notice the price for your chosen film or the film price index dips, it’s often a good time to buy.

For example, if you’re in the US, right now is the best time to buy Kodak Ultramax, as it has seen a considerable price decline since January 2023.

I would wait before spending on Fujifilm and Ilford films, as they have been getting pricier lately; however, they have been increasing in price in different ways: Ilford has been steadily adding a dollar or a few cents per roll per year, whereas Fujifilm has seen a large price increase after a significant dip back in 2025. Thus, I wouldn’t expect Ilford to drop prices anytime soon — but Fujifilm might.

🇨🇦 Tip for Canadians: one of the shops surveyed (The Camera Store) is selling Fujifilm slide film at a significant discount, which I would act on if I were looking for some Velvia or Provia!

As you can see, smart timing can save you quite a bit of money, even more so if you’re planning to buy several rolls or packs of film. It should also be evident that this timing is nuanced: it depends on the film and where you buy it.

Which films will have the best deals?

I think that a good deal implies a price that’s lower than usual. That could mean a discount at your favourite shop or a budget-friendly film that can do as much as its pricy alternatives for your project.

If you look at the percentage changes next to film names in the price averages table, some may be green and negative, implying that either the price for the film dropped everywhere or at one of the shops surveyed. You can then click that film name and find a shop with the lowest offered price.

Even if none of the listed shops are nearby, you can use these price averages as a general guide for what a fair price may be. But remember that taxes and shipping are not included in this data.

If you order the above table by price (click/tap “Price” on the top-right), you may find alternatives that better fit your budget. Click the film name to reveal links for reviews with samples and historical data graphs.

Recent data updates & caveats.

I’ve introduced major updates to the Film Price Trends app this month, including how it renders and collects the data. The biggest improvement has been the Film Price Index, which is a much more accurate and scientifically-sound method for measuring aggregate price changes than simple averages.

I’ve also added the ability to filter the data by region and film types. This can help you find the most relevant prices quicker. However, this fresh new change has a drawback:

The new Hong Kong and Canada regions may not accurately reflect the change in film prices during the current period. I suggest you use the $WRL (global) region until the next update (summer 2026).