Kodak Max 800 – Inspired Lightroom Preset

Tim Martin

5 hours ago

Before and after comparison of a colorful carnival swing ride edited with the Kodak Max 800-inspired Lightroom preset, showcasing vibrant colors, bold contrast, and a nostalgic film look in Adobe Lightroom Classic.

Introduction

Ever wish your photos had that bold, punchy look of old-school film? The Kodak Max 800 – Inspired Lightroom Preset is here to revive those energetic tones. Inspired by one of Kodak’s most recognizable high-speed consumer films, this preset delivers vibrant colors, deep contrast, and a touch of nostalgic grit—perfect for capturing the world in motion, low light, or just with a little extra attitude.

Kodak Max 800 Characteristics
Lightroom Preset Details
Where to Purchase
Conclusion
FAQs

History of Kodak Max 800 Film

Kodak Max 800—also sold as Kodak Ultra Max 800—was one of the fastest color-negative consumer films in Kodak’s lineup. Introduced in the early 1990s, it was marketed as the go-to choice for casual shooters who required high-speed performance in challenging lighting conditions.

With an ISO of 800, the Max 800 stood out for its ability to freeze motion and capture scenes in low-light conditions, all while maintaining bright and punchy colors. It was especially popular for travel, action shots, indoor events, and snapshots where flash wasn’t always practical. And like many Kodak consumer films, it leaned into warm tones and saturated color, making memories feel vivid, even if the lighting wasn’t perfect.

While it’s no longer in production, the spirit of Kodak Max 800 lives on through presets that bring its distinctive look to digital photography.

Kodak Max 800 Film Characteristics

What makes Kodak Max 800 so unique? Let’s break it down:

High ISO 800 Speed: Great for low light, action, or spontaneous shooting without flash
Bold Color Saturation: Especially strong in reds, yellows, and blues, making images feel lively.
Moderate to Heavy Grain: Adds character and texture, especially in shadows and midtones.
Strong Contrast: Creates punchy results that feel dynamic and cinematic.
Flexible Exposure Latitude: Slight overexposure softened highlights without losing detail.

Lightroom Preset Details

The Kodak Max 800 – Inspired Lightroom Preset is built to bring the gritty charm and punchy colors of this classic film into your digital edits. It’s perfect for photographers who want strong character without heavy editing. Get the free preset here. Here’s what you can expect:

High-Contrast Punch: Boosts shadows and highlights for a dramatic look.
Vibrant Colors: Especially warm tones in red, orange, and yellow.
Subtle Grain Overlay: Recreates the textured, film-like feel of Max 800.
Enhanced Saturation: Keeps skin tones soft while making landscapes pop.

Conclusion

The Kodak Max 800 – Inspired Lightroom Preset isn’t just a nod to a classic film—it’s a full-on tribute. It channels that high-speed, high-impact energy that made Max 800 a favorite for casual photographers who wanted to capture life without missing a beat. And now, with this preset, you can bring that same bold, filmic quality to your digital images—no matter where or when you’re shooting.

Key Takeaways

Feature

Details

Film Inspiration

Kodak Max 800 analog film.

Color Profile

Warm, vibrant colors with bold saturation.

Texture & Grain

Moderate to heavy, adds texture and vintage film feel.

Best For

Travel, lifestyle, street, and indoor photography.

Contrast

High contrast with punchy shadows and highlights

Alternative Films

Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 800, Kodak Gold 200.

FAQs

Q: Does this preset work well for portraits?

A: Yes! This preset is built to recreate the colors, contrast, and grain structure typical of Kodak Max 800, giving your photos a bold and nostalgic look.

Q: How close is this preset to the real film?

A: While nothing replaces the real deal, this preset is built to recreate the colors, contrast, and grain structure typical of Kodak Max 800, giving your photos a bold and nostalgic look..