Dubblefilm: let the film have a say

Sometimes you know exactly how you want a photograph to look. Sometimes you want to leave room for something unexpected. Dubblefilm gives that uncertainty a starting point: unusual colours, shifting tones and light-leak effects. Choosing a roll becomes the first creative decision of the shoot.

At Obscura, we carry the full range of currently available Dubblefilm films. Here is what makes each one different, and where you might begin.

A brand from Barcelona

Dubblefilm launched in late 2017 with two special-effects films, in collaboration with the Dubble mobile app. Its own range grew to include more films and cameras, and its first physical shop opened in Barcelona in March 2024. The brand also has its own processing lab, Dubblelab. Source: Dubblefilm – About us

The films take different approaches. Some shift the colour across the whole frame; others introduce changing patches of colour. Solar uses pre-exposed light effects. The look starts on the negative, while lighting, exposure and scanning all help determine the final result. Dubblefilm’s own Bubblegum guide discusses how exposure and scanner colour correction can change the effect. Bubblegum guide · Solar’s pre-exposed effects

The films at a glance

All the 35mm films below are listed as 36-exposure rolls on their official product pages. ISO 200 and 400 indicate separate versions.

Official sources for the table are linked in the descriptions below and in the research notes at the end of this document.

Apollo, Bubblegum and Pacific: choose a palette

Apollo brings a warm overall look in bright conditions, with deep blue shadows and yellowish highlights in contrasty scenes. It could be a good starting point if you want to explore a distinctive colour palette. Apollo 200 · Apollo 400

Bubblegum adds pinkish, pastel tones. Think portraits, pale walls and summer scenes. The official page identifies Kodak Ultramax as the base of Bubblegum 400; that detail should not be assumed to apply to every Dubblefilm product. Bubblegum 200 · Bubblegum 400

Pacific pairs sepia and orange dark tones with strong blues. A scene with open sky, water or a prominent blue surface could be an interesting place to start. Pacific 200 · Pacific 400

Jelly, Solar and Stereo: room for surprise

Jelly introduces changing gradients of multiple colours. The 400 version’s description also mentions areas that remain untinted. Where the colour lands becomes part of the experiment. Jelly 200 · Jelly 400

Solar New Generation uses pre-exposed flares, bursts and streaks of light. Their placement is unpredictable, making this an interesting choice when you are happy for the film to influence the composition. Solar 200 · Solar 400

Stereo New Generation changes colour over the length of the roll. It begins with a strong red tint, gradually moving towards blue. You could build a sequence around that progression, revisiting the same face or place as the colour changes. Stereo 200 · Stereo 400

Treat and Glitch: two different directions

Treat 400 uses Kodak Vision 250D with its remjet layer removed. Dubblefilm rates it at ISO 400 and specifies C-41 processing. It is daylight-balanced and can produce halation around bright light sources. The brand also warns of possible marks on the first frame and light leaks on the first two or three. Treat: official specifications

Glitch 200 is a black-and-white film with effects recalling analogue television interference and VHS tracking errors. It is an option for deliberately textured images. It requires conventional black-and-white processing, so identify it clearly when handing it to your lab. Glitch: official specifications

Also in medium format

Apollo, Bubblegum and Pacific are also listed in 120 format. All three are ISO 200 films for C-41 processing. Here, 120 names the film format; the number of photographs depends on the camera and frame size. Apollo 120 · Bubblegum 120 · Pacific 120

Your first roll

We suggest starting at box speed. Try a few different lighting conditions and keep brief notes. That will help you learn how the film behaves with your camera and chosen scanning workflow.

Let the lab know you are using an effects film and want to preserve its intentional colour shifts. Dubblefilm’s Bubblegum guide explains that exposure and scanning choices can make the effect more subdued. Dubblefilm: Bubblegum insight

Choose the film that makes you imagine a photograph: a pink-toned portrait, an orange shadow, a sequence moving from red to blue. You will find the film at Obscura. The next roll will take it from there.