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Candido Film is Basically CineStill, But for Less Money

Chris Gampat
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Last updated on 02/27/2026
02/27/2026
6 Mins read
Two vintage cameras, film rolls, and boxes on a table with an open magazine and a yellow Kodak container.
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For a while, I was looking for something that isn’t as expensive as what CineStill does. Make no mistake, they deliver a look that can’t be mimicked digitally unless you do some work in Photoshop or you ask AI to do it. If you’re asking AI to do it for you, then you’ve got some major problems with your own creativity. We all have to admit, they really do deserve quite a bit of credit and merit in the face of everyone trying to not pay for the film experience or who says that film is useless these days. But they’re pretty expensive, and that’s where Candido is working to step in.

Sort of like Cinestill, Candido takes three film emulsions in 35mm. There are ISO 200, ISO 400, and ISO 800 film speed options. That’s different from CineStill 50D, 400D, and 800T films — all of which the Phoblographer is the only large mainstream photography publication to have done full independent reviews of. Candido also doesn’t have a black and white option yet either.

Similar to CineStill, Candido film is Kodak Vision film with the remjet layer removed. Removing this layer lets photographers develop the film with a standard C41 darkroom process. It also adds a red layer of halation in the images that’s signature to the CineStill look. We’ve interviewed tons of photographers here that use the film to make stunning and dreamy images that we haven’t seen digital photographers make. Just look at the work of Tarik Tosun, Onur Kurt, Alex Medvik, etc.

To clarify of what we’re talking about the halation, this is different from the red marks that CineStill film is known for having. And from what we’re seeing from the folks over at Blue Moon Camera and Machine, the film seems even more refined. Depending on who you are as a photographer, that can be either a great or a bad thing.

Candido goes for $15.75 a roll right now. Considering the results that I see, I think that it’s very much worth the price.

Candido 200

Here are the specs from the Blue Moon camera page. If you’re interested in purchasing this film from them, please click this link.

All images are courtesy of Annie Buckles and Zeb Andrews; and used with expressed permission.

Candido 200 is an ISO 200 color negative film.  It is based on a Kodak 200T motion picture film stock that has had the remjet layer removed for easy processing in standard C-41 chemistry.  Candido 200T is a tungsten-balanced film that will produce natural colors under the warm cast of incandescent or tungsten lighting.  In daylight conditions Candido 200 will have a cooler, bluish cast to its color palette.

The Candido Collective’s goal with this film is to offer high quality film stocks at affordable prices for analog photographers to enjoy.  They describe Candido 200 in the following way,

Unleash your creativity and infuse your photography with vibrant and vivid colors using Candido200 Color Film. Crafted for passionate photography enthusiasts like you, this versatile film is the perfect companion to capture stunning images across a wide range of lighting conditions, making it ideal for all your daytime shooting adventures. Say goodbye to dull and lifeless photos and embrace the magic of this film as it elevates your shots with exceptional contrast and fine detailing.

Designed to be your trusted ally, Candido200 Color Film beautifully handles bright sunsets, early sunrises, and vibrant ocean landscapes, allowing you to preserve your jaw-dropping memories in all their glory. Whether you’re exploring new places or cherishing the joy of unforgettable moments, this film ensures every frame becomes a cherished keepsake for a lifetime.

Our 200 ISO photography film strikes the perfect balance between fine grain and intense colors, making it an excellent choice for a diverse range of photography styles. From breathtaking landscapes to captivating portraits and dynamic street photography, this film empowers you to create art that truly impresses.

Embrace the trend that’s taking the world by storm – film photography. With Candido’s color film, you can elevate your social media profiles, exuding an authentic and charming aura that will leave your audience in awe. Immerse yourself in the summery vibes as your images come alive with vivid hues and an enchanting nostalgic touch.

This film is more than just an accessory; it’s a game-changer for your photography journey. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting, our accessible film ensures that everyone can capture moments they’ll cherish forever. Discover the joy of creating your own visual stories and savor each click with the unmatched quality of Candido color film.

This is a single roll of 35mm film with 36 exposures.

A lone tree stands in a green field under a cloudy sky with distant rolling hills.
Rolling green hills under a cloudy sky with sunlight filtering through the clouds.
Person with long red hair holds a potted plant while standing on a quiet, tree-lined street.
Smooth black pebbles cover a beach as waves from the sea wash gently onto the shore under sunlight.
Person in a hooded jacket and knit hat stands outside in foggy, snowy weather, looking at the camera.
Footprints in wet sand lead toward rocky cliffs on a cloudy beach.
A person stands on a snowy, rocky ridge in thick fog next to a solitary tree, pointing into the mist.

Candido 400

Here are the specs from the Blue Moon camera page. If you’re interested in purchasing this film from them, please click this link.

All images are courtesy of Annie Buckles and Zeb Andrews; and used with expressed permission.

Candido 400 is an ISO 400 color negative film.  It is based on a motion picture film stock that has had the remjet layer removed for easy processing in standard C-41 chemistry.  The Candido Collective’s goal with this film is to offer high quality film stocks at affordable prices for analog photographers to enjoy.  They describe Candido 400 in the following way,

The ultimate companion for capturing your most cherished moments in stunning detail and vibrant colors. Whether you’re chasing bright sunsets, early sunrises, or the mesmerizing beauty of the ocean, this film is designed to deliver exceptional results every time.

With its slightly higher ISO, Candido’s color film excels in low-light conditions, preserving those unforgettable late-night parties and keeping the energy of the dance floor alive in your photos. No matter the setting, indoors or outdoors, this film ensures your shots retain their natural charm while adding a delightful grainy touch that film enthusiasts adore.

In this era where film photography is making a powerful comeback, Candido’s color film empowers you to create authentic, eye-catching, and summery vibes on your social media profiles. Your pictures will look ten times better, showcasing the true essence of your experiences.

Are you eager to level up your film photography game? Look no further. This accessible and user-friendly film is perfect for both seasoned photographers and newcomers, enabling everyone to preserve their precious memories in a timeless and nostalgic way. Each shot will tell a unique story, allowing you to rediscover your favorite spots in town and relish every moment captured through Candido’s color film.

Embrace the magic of film photography, immerse yourself in the world of vibrant colors, and make your memories everlasting with the help of Candido’s color film. The days of mundane snapshots are over; now, you have the power to turn your everyday adventures into cherished masterpieces!

This is a single roll of 35mm film with 36 exposures.

Pink and white camellia flowers with lush green leaves, one flower has unique red and white marbled petals.
Red and white tulips blooming beside mossy stone steps in front of houses and bushes.
Close-up of pink flower petals with soft focus and blurred green and red background.
Waterfall cascading into a rocky canyon surrounded by cliffs and sparse vegetation.
Rolling green hills under a cloudy sky with sunlight filtering through the clouds.
A lone tree stands in a green field under a cloudy sky with distant rolling hills.

Candido 800

Here are is the description from the Blue Moon camera page. If you’re interested in purchasing this film from them, please click this link.

All images are courtesy of Annie Buckles and Zeb Andrews; and used with expressed permission.

“Candido 800 Colour Negative hails from the Candido Collective’s portfolio of color negative 35mm films. It has been developed from the Kodak Vision3 500T motion picture film, which is tungsten balanced for use under incandescent lighting. This film is balanced for a distinct cold color cast to neutralize the warm color temperature of incandescent or tungsten lighting. In addition, Candido 800 has had the remjet layer removed making it compatible with photo lab C-41 processing machines, and therefore accessible to a larger audience of still film photographers.

Similar to the Kodak Vision3 films, Candido 800 is characterized by its fine grain, soft contrast, and natural color saturation. This makes it versatile for a range of applications including portraiture, landscape, cityscape, product photography, and more. It is forgiving of overexposure but less so for underexposure. This film is rated at ISO 800, providing extra speed without the need for development compensation.”

A small waterfall flows into a river, framed by a tree with yellow leaves and misty forest in the background.
A person with glasses uses a camera on a tripod near a waterfall in a forested area.
A man with glasses sits indoors at night, with blurred city lights visible in the background.
A woman with red hair smiles softly, looking up, with blurry warm lights in the background.
A small, decorated Christmas tree with red and white lights stands in a dimly lit room.
Four people view framed photos on a red wall in a gallery; one points at the display.
A person stands on rocky terrain above a water pool, with their legs reflected in the water.

candido candido 800 cinestill halation tungsten
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Chris Gampat is the Editor in Chief, Founder, and Publisher of the Phoblographer. He provides oversight to all of the daily tasks, including editorial, administrative, and advertising work. Chris's editorial work includes not only editing and scheduling articles but also writing them himself. He's the author of various product guides, educational pieces, product reviews, and interviews with photographers. He's fascinated by how photographers create, considering the fact that he's legally blind./ HIGHLIGHTS: Chris used to work in Men's lifestyle and tech. He's a veteran technology writer, editor, and reviewer with more than 15 years experience. He's also a Photographer that has had his share of bylines and viral projects like "Secret Order of the Slice." PAST BYLINES: Gear Patrol, PC Mag, Geek.com, Digital Photo Pro, Resource Magazine, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, IGN, PDN, and others. EXPERIENCE: Chris Gampat began working in tech and art journalism both in 2008. He started at PCMag, Magnum Photos, and Geek.com. He founded the Phoblographer in 2009 after working at places like PDN and Photography Bay. He left his day job as the Social Media Content Developer at B&H Photo in the early 2010s. Since then, he's evolved as a publisher using AI ethically, coming up with ethical ways to bring in affiliate income, and preaching the word of diversity in the photo industry. His background and work has spread to non-profits like American Photographic Arts where he's done work to get photographers various benefits. His skills are in SEO, app development, content planning, ethics management, photography, Wordpress, and other things. EDUCATION: Chris graduated Magna Cum Laude from Adelphi University with a degree in Communications in Journalism in 2009. Since then, he's learned and adapted to various things in the fields of social media, SEO, app development, e-commerce development, HTML, etc. FAVORITE SUBJECT TO PHOTOGRAPH: Chris enjoys creating conceptual work that makes people stare at his photos. But he doesn't get to do much of this because of the high demand of photography content. / BEST PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Don't do it in post-production when you can do it in-camera.
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