The Kodak Look on Sony: Comparing Gold (V1 & V2) and Ultra Max 400 Simulations

This is a short comparison between multiple Kodak film recipes.

You may have noticed that I created two versions of the Kodak Gold film recipe, and you might be curious about the reason behind this. In this article, I will provide a brief comparison between the two Kodak Gold versions, and the newly updated Kodak Ultra Max 400.

Kodak Gold film recipe - beach at sunset

Film photography is inherently less predictable than digital photography. Various factors—such as film storage conditions, light exposure, development processes, scanner, and the chemicals used—can significantly affect the final results. Even when shooting the same film stock in identical settings, you may find that colors vary due to differences in development techniques at various labs. This variability was particularly evident with Kodak Gold, where the same film stock sometimes produced entirely different looks. To address this, I developed two versions of Kodak Gold: one with a nostalgic feel and slightly magenta skies, and another that features vibrant colors with teal-tinted skies.

When crafting these film simulations, I analyze references from photographers and labs worldwide to replicate the most sought-after looks. Unlike digital photography—which delivers consistent results regardless of handling—film often yields surprises. That’s why I’ve created multiple versions of certain recipes, offering greater creative flexibility. Alongside this new iteration, I’ve also refined the Kodak Ultra Max 400, adding a touch more warmth. Below, I’ll compare all three film recipes and break down their key differences.

Kodak Gold V2 vs Kodak Gold V1 vs Kodak Ultra Max 400

Straight out of camera JPEGs

When placed side by side, Kodak Gold V2 has more vibrancy & warm, and shifts the blues noticeably toward teal. Kodak V1, on the other hand, leans toward a more natural base but carries a subtle, nostalgic magenta tint. Meanwhile, Kodak Ultra Max 400 strikes a balance as the most neutral of the three, delivering a softly desaturated yet warm look that adapts to different scenes.

Do you want to know how I switch so easily between these 3 film simulations? Watch these tutorials to learn the basics of Sony film simulations.

Kodak V2 - Kodak V1 - Kodak Ultra Max 400

Kodak Gold V2 is likely to become a favorite thanks to its golden–teal color palette. It leans into that “almost edited” look—rich, punchy, and reminiscent of the popular Kodak Vision3 200T film stock.  However, it's essential not to overlook its predecessor.

Kodak V2 - Kodak V1 - Kodak Ultra Max 400

Kodak Gold V1 has long been a go-to for many users, and it’ll likely stay in the top five. While it’s not as bold as V2, it offers a more natural, film-like look with a subtle magenta nostalgia that’s hard to beat.

👉 Try this one for free!

Kodak V2 - Kodak V1 - Kodak Ultra Max 400

Kodak UltraMax 400 shares some similarities with both Gold V1, but takes a slightly different route: softer colors with rich shadows. The blues aren’t as pronounced and deep as in Gold V1, but that simplicity is part of its charm. And I'd say that the Kodak Ultra Max 400 is one of the best choices for starting out with the film simulations. Also a fine option for those who find beauty in simplicity.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you want your images to pop with warmth and punch, Kodak Gold V2 is your pick. Prefer something subdued and nostalgic? Go with V1. And if you’re after a neutral, reliable all-rounder, UltraMax 400 won’t disappoint.

I'll create extensive articles on each of them, so be sure to subscribe to receive notifications when they are published!

Thank you for reading!

Subscribe to get notified!