First Impressions of Candido 400 on the Nikon F80

Film Review + Sample Shots

Last month I had the chance to run my first roll of Candido 400 through a Nikon F80, paired with a trio of Nikkor lenses: the AF-S 50mm, 35mm, and 85mm. It was also my first time shooting with the F80, and overall, I came away from the experience pleasantly surprised—not just with the camera’s intuitive feel, but with how this lesser-known film stock handled a bright spring day by the water.

First Impressions: The Vintage Vibe

Candido 400 delivers what I’d describe as an unapologetically nostalgic look. The tones are warm, a little soft around the edges, and they lend a kind of subtle, retro atmosphere that doesn’t feel overly stylised. Compared to some of the punchier consumer stocks like Kodak UltraMax 400, Candido has a more subdued palette that really flatters late afternoon light and early blossoms.

In the shots featured in this blog post—from moored boats along the Thames to the energy of a crowded riverside terrace—you can see how the film adds a muted charm without flattening the contrast. There’s still depth and clarity in the shadows, and the highlights roll off quite gently.

Working With the Scans

After getting the negatives developed and scanned at the lab, I noticed one thing right away: the blues were slightly off. Skies leaned too cyan, and shadows had a hint of magenta, which felt a bit unnatural. I did some minor corrections in Lightroom, mostly adjusting the blue curve to neutralise things. Once balanced, the color profile became much more pleasing—closer to the “vintage postcard” aesthetic that this film seems to aim for.

If you’re particular about color rendering, I’d suggest being prepared to do a bit of post work. Nothing major—just enough to polish the tones and ensure the image feels cohesive.

Performance Notes

Grain: It’s present but fine—more texture than noise. Especially on the 50mm and 85mm, the grain adds character without overwhelming detail.

Latitude: Midtones are where this film shines. Shadows retain a surprising amount of detail for a 400-speed film, but highlights can blow if you’re not careful in strong sunlight.

Skin Tones: Warm and a bit pink-leaning. Great for casual portraits, though perhaps less ideal for studio-style precision.

Final Thoughts

Candido 400 may not have the name recognition of Kodak or Fuji, but for photographers looking for a stock that delivers personality and a sense of timelessness, it's a fun one to experiment with. Paired with the Nikon F80—which was a dream to shoot with, by the way—the film gave me exactly the kind of soft, romantic imagery I was hoping for.

Would I shoot it again? Absolutely. Especially for quiet urban scenes, spring outings, or anything where mood matters more than clinical accuracy.

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