Kodak UltraMax 400 3-Pack vs Single Roll: Which to Buy?
By PhotoLounge | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Buying Guides
Deciding between the Kodak UltraMax 400 3-pack and single roll? We break down cost, convenience, and use cases to help you choose the right 35mm color film option.
Quick answer
Buy the Kodak UltraMax 400 3-pack if you shoot regularly and want the best per-roll price. Choose a single roll if you're trying the film for the first time or only need a few frames.
Why the 3-pack saves you money
The Kodak UltraMax 400 3-pack is priced at USD 20.45, which works out to about USD 6.82 per roll. A single roll costs USD 7.93. That's a saving of roughly USD 1.11 per roll when you buy in a pack. If you shoot several rolls a month, the 3-pack adds up to real savings without any change in film quality.
When a single roll makes more sense
A single roll is the smarter choice if you have never shot UltraMax 400 before and want to test its color rendition, grain, and exposure latitude before committing to a pack. It's also ideal for one-off projects, travel where you pack light, or when you need just one roll to finish a shoot. The single roll gives you flexibility without leftover film.
Both options share the same film stock
Whether you buy the 3-pack or a single roll, you get the exact same Kodak UltraMax 400 emulsion: a daylight-balanced C-41 color negative film with ISO 400/27°, fine grain, rich saturation, and wide exposure latitude. The choice is purely about quantity and price, not film characteristics.
Decision rules: 3-pack vs single roll
- Shoot more than 2 rolls per month: Buy the 3-pack. You'll save over USD 3 per pack compared to buying singles, and you'll always have a spare roll ready.
- Trying UltraMax 400 for the first time: Start with one single roll. Test it in your camera and lighting conditions before investing in a multi-pack.
- Need film for a single event or trip: A single roll is enough. You avoid carrying extra film that may expire before your next shoot.
- Budget-conscious but shoot irregularly: The 3-pack still offers the best per-roll value. Store unused rolls in a cool, dark place; they keep well for months. Check the expiration date on the 3-pack to ensure you can use all rolls before they expire.
Product facts
- Kodak UltraMax 400 Color Negative Film - 3 Pack, 35mm Roll Film, 36 Exposures (ISO 400): Kodak UltraMax 400 3-pack includes three 35mm rolls, 36 exposures each, at a catalog price of USD 20.45. This pack brings the per-roll cost down, making it the economical choice for regular shooters.
Kodak UltraMax 400 Color Negative Film - 3 Pack, 35mm Roll Film, 36 Exposures (ISO 400) - Kodak UltraMax 400 Color Negative Film - 35mm Roll Film, 36 Exposures (ISO 400): A single Kodak UltraMax 400 35mm roll, 36 exposures, is priced at USD 7.93. The single roll is ideal for testing the film or for occasional use when you don't need a full pack.
Kodak UltraMax 400 Color Negative Film - 35mm Roll Film, 36 Exposures (ISO 400)
Which option fits you?
Best for
- Regular shooters who want the lowest cost per roll
- Photographers who already know and like UltraMax 400
Not for
- First-time users who want to test the film with minimal investment
- One-off projects where a single roll is all you need
