Having used Kodak Gold 200 in my 35mm cameras for many years, it was a great pleasure for me that this film became available again in 120 format. This allowed me to use my medium format cameras to shoot with this beautiful classic from Kodak.

Gran Canaria. Kodak Gold 200/120. Mamiya 6MF. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.

This film sits nicely between the Ektar 100 and Portra series and has a color reproduction that is somewhat different from these. Ektar 100 is the first choice if you like saturated colors and super fine grain and sharpness. Technically, Ektar 100 is the "best" color film on the market. Gold 200 has (as the name indicates) twice as high sensitivity as Ektar 100. The colors are a bit more "retro" and not as technically correct as Ektar 100. This can also be applied in comparison with Portra 160 and 400. Many analog photographers of today seek a "vintage" expression and the Gold 200 should be the first choice. To me, who has photographed with Kodak color film since the mid-1980s, Gold 200 has the classic and recognizable "Kodak look« that I experienced the first times I put a roll of Kodak film in my camera. Gold 200 has a slightly more visible grain than Ektar 100 and Portra 160 (which appear practically grain-free when making images from 120 film.) Thus, the analogue feel becomes slightly more prominent, compared to e.g. Ektar 100 which can be experienced as a bit "clinical".

What are the benefits of Gold 200?

The film has a sensitivity index of ISO 200, which means that in many situations you can shoot handheld with a medium format camera. At the same time, grain is avoided for highlights, which can be the case with films that have a higher ISO. Naturally, one could wish for such a film with a sensitivity of ISO 400 (such as Kodak Ultramax 400), but then you would experience a noticeable increase in grain compared to Gold 200. However, for 35mm photography, Ultramax 400 would be a good option when you need film with a higher sensitivity than the Gold 200 can offer.

High quality at a moderate price

One advantage of Gold 200 that should be mentioned is that it is sold at a price that is significantly lower than the Ektar and Portra films from Kodak. This makes it an attractive alternative for analogue photographers who must constantly assess the costs of materials. Although Gold 200 is not developed to the same standards as the films in the professional series, you can still expect high image quality and stable product quality. The images you create with the Gold 200 can easily be used in assignments where professional quality results are required.

I would recommend normal exposure to Gold 200 (ie ISO 200). Negative color film certainly tolerates well that you overexpose. Underexposure, however is not recommended. With underexposure you will most likely experience reduced shadow detail. Gold 200 should be developed in the standard C41 process. After developing the film, you can take your negatives into a darkroom to create color enlargements or digitize with a scanner or camera for further digital post-production.

The photos presented with this article were photographed with the Kodak Gold 200/120 at Gran Canaria in December 2022. All photos were taken with a Mamiya 6MF camera (in 6x6-format) and the lenses Sekor 50/4 (wide angle) and 75/3.5 (normal lens.)

Kodak Gold 200 can be purchased from most photo retailers in the Nordic countries.

Have you tried Gold 200 in 120 format yourself? Feel free to share your experiences in the comment field below!!