Quick answer

Kodak VISION3 250D is a daylight-balanced color negative film for 16mm cameras, supplied on 100-foot reels. It suits bright interiors and daylight exteriors where you want fine grain, rich color, and wide latitude. If your project is mostly low light, a faster stock will serve you better.

What the 250D rating means in practice

The 250D name tells you two things: the film is balanced for daylight (5500K) and has a nominal exposure index of 250. In daylight, that means you can shoot at f/8 or f/11 in normal sun without stacking heavy ND. Indoors, you either add light or accept a slower shutter. The stock is designed to hold highlight detail in bright conditions while keeping shadow information usable, which is why it is popular for exteriors and window-lit scenes.

How 250D compares to faster and slower stocks

Compared with a 500T tungsten stock, 250D gives you finer grain and cleaner color in daylight, but you lose a stop of speed and need an 85 filter if you want to shoot under tungsten light. Compared with a 50D stock, 250D is more flexible in mixed or changing light and easier to hand-hold. The tradeoff is slightly more grain than 50D, though still very fine for 16mm. If your shoot is mostly controlled daylight, 250D is a safe default.

Scanning and post-production notes

VISION3 250D scans well because its grain structure is fine and its contrast is moderate. For 16mm, scan at 2K or 4K depending on your final output; 4K gives you more room to reframe and stabilize. The film has latitude, so you can rate it at 200 or 320 and adjust in development, but tell your lab what you did. Keep in mind that 100-foot reels give you roughly 2 minutes 45 seconds at 24 fps, so plan your shot list accordingly.

Storage and handling for consistent results

Store unexposed 16mm reels in a cool, dry place; a refrigerator is fine if you let the film come to room temperature before loading to avoid condensation. Once exposed, get the film to the lab promptly. On set, load and unload in subdued light and keep the magazine closed when not shooting. Dust is the enemy of 16mm, so clean your gate and magazines before each load.

Kodak VISION3 250D 16mm FAQ

Is 250D a tungsten or daylight film?

It is daylight-balanced (5500K). Under tungsten light you will need an 85 filter or you will get a blue cast. Use it outdoors or with daylight-balanced lighting.

Can I push or pull 250D?

Yes, many labs support pushing or pulling by one stop. Rate it at 200 for a slight pull or 320 for a push, and tell your lab. Test before a paid shoot to see how your lab handles it.

How long does a 100-foot reel last?

At 24 fps, a 100-foot reel runs about 2 minutes 45 seconds. At 25 fps it is slightly shorter. Plan your shot list around that run time.

Is 250D good for low light?

It is not a low-light stock. For night interiors or dark scenes, a 500T film will give you more speed and a tungsten balance. Choose 250D for daylight and bright interiors, not for night exteriors.

Product facts