Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film – Powerful Pro Quality

Introduction to Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film

When it comes to professional-quality black and white photography, the Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film stands out as one of the most versatile and reliable options for medium format photographers. Known for its fine grain, wide exposure latitude, and exceptional tonal range, this film is the perfect choice for photographers who want to capture sharp, detailed, and timeless black and white images. Whether you are working in the studio, shooting portraits, or exploring landscapes, the Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film delivers consistent results that never fail to impress.

Why Choose Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film?

The Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film has earned its reputation among film photographers worldwide because of its unique combination of speed and quality. At ISO 400, it offers the perfect balance between sensitivity and fine grain, giving you flexibility in various lighting conditions without sacrificing image sharpness.

Key benefits of this film include:

• ISO 400 Speed – Ideal for a wide range of lighting conditions, from bright daylight to low-light scenarios.

• Fine Grain – Provides smooth tones and exceptional detail, even when enlarging prints.

• Wide Exposure Latitude – Forgiving film stock that retains detail in both shadows and highlights.

• Excellent Sharpness – Perfect for capturing crisp edges and subtle textures.

• True Black & White Character – Produces rich contrast and deep blacks, enhancing the emotional depth of your photography.

With the Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film, photographers can confidently explore creative opportunities without worrying about losing image quality.

Ideal Uses of Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film

The versatility of Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film makes it suitable for various genres of photography:

1. Portrait Photography – Smooth skin tones, subtle contrasts, and natural detail make it a favorite among portrait photographers.

2. Street Photography – ISO 400 allows handheld shooting in dynamic, ever-changing urban environments.

3. Landscape Photography – Wide dynamic range ensures you capture every detail from bright skies to deep shadows.

4. Documentary & Photojournalism – Reliable results and sharp detail make it an excellent choice for storytelling.

5. Fine Art Photography – Rich contrast and filmic depth give your work a timeless, gallery-ready look.

No matter the subject, the Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film ensures you get stunning results with a professional finish.

Darkroom & Scanning Performance

Film photographers appreciate the Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film for its outstanding performance during both traditional darkroom printing and digital scanning.

• Darkroom Printing – Responds beautifully to different developers, allowing you to control contrast and tonal quality.

• Scanning – Produces clean, detailed negatives that are easy to digitize with minimal post-processing.

• Archival Quality – Long-lasting negatives make it ideal for preserving your work for decades.

This film is also compatible with a wide range of developers, including Ilford’s own chemistry, making it easy to achieve the look you want.

Technical Specifications

• Film Type: Black & White Negative

• Format: 120 Medium Format

• ISO: 400

• Grain: Fine

• Contrast: Medium to High, depending on developer choice

• Latitude: Wide, excellent push/pull potential

• Processing: Standard B&W developers (e.g., Ilford ID-11, Ilfotec DD-X, Microphen)

The Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film also allows for push processing up to ISO 1600, making it a reliable option for low-light photography without excessive grain.

Comparison with Other Ilford Films

Ilford produces a wide range of black and white films, each with unique characteristics. Compared to other popular choices:

• Ilford HP5 Plus 400 – Another ISO 400 film but with a classic grain structure, better for gritty, documentary-style images.

• Ilford Delta 100 Professional – Much finer grain but requires more light, ideal for high-resolution landscapes or studio work.

• Ilford Delta 3200 – Designed for extreme low-light conditions but with more noticeable grain.

If you want a balance between versatility, fine grain, and speed, the Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film is the perfect middle ground.

Why Medium Format Photographers Love It

Medium format cameras demand film that can maximize their resolution and tonal depth. The Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film excels in this area by providing negatives large enough for high-quality enlargements, detailed scans, and fine art prints. Photographers consistently praise its:

• Smooth tonal gradations for natural-looking images.

• Flexible ISO range that adapts to different environments.

• Professional consistency for both beginners and seasoned film shooters.

Tips for Shooting with Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film

To get the best out of your Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film, keep these tips in mind:

1. Meter for the Shadows – This film has excellent highlight retention, so prioritize shadow details.

2. Experiment with Developers – Ilfotec DD-X will give fine grain and smooth tones, while Microphen enhances speed and contrast.

3. Try Push Processing – Extend flexibility by pushing to ISO 800 or 1600 in low light.

4. Scan Carefully – Use a good-quality film scanner to capture all tonal details.

5. Store Properly – Keep film in a cool, dry place before use and refrigerate for longer storage.

Conclusion

The Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film is more than just a film stock—it’s a trusted companion for photographers who want flexibility, reliability, and timeless black and white imagery. With its fine grain, exceptional sharpness, and versatile ISO 400 rating, it delivers consistent results across multiple genres of photography. Whether you are shooting portraits, landscapes, or creative fine art projects, this film ensures your work carries the depth, mood, and character that only true black and white film can provide.

If you are serious about medium format photography, the Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film is a must-have in your collection.

Some Useful Link From Our Store :

• Black & White Films Collection – Explore more B&W films for all formats.

• Darkroom Chemicals – Developers, fixers, and toners for Ilford films.

• Film Developing Tanks – Essential gear for home developing.

• Color Films Collection – 

Explore More:

• Ilford Photo Official Website – Learn more about Ilford’s film range.

• Ilford Delta 400 Data Sheet (PDF) – Technical information and recommendations.

• Analog Photography User Group – Community for film photographers worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film best used for?
A1: Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film is perfect for medium format photographers who want fine detail, smooth tonal range, and excellent performance in both studio and outdoor shoots.

Q2: What ISO speed does Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film have?
A2: This film has an ISO rating of 400, making it highly versatile for different lighting conditions.

Q3: Can I push or pull Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film during development?
A3: Yes, Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film can be pushed or pulled depending on your creative needs. Many photographers push it to ISO 800 or pull to ISO 200 with good results.

Q4: What format is Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film available in?
A4: This product is specifically designed for 120 medium format cameras, offering superior resolution and dynamic range compared to 35mm film.

Q5: What kind of results can I expect from Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film?
A5: Expect sharp images with fine grain, smooth contrast, and a wide tonal range, making it ideal for portraits, landscapes, and street photography.

Q6: How should I store this Film?
A6: Keep the film in a cool, dry place. For long-term storage, refrigeration is recommended to preserve quality.

Q7: Is Ilford Delta DP 400 120 BW Film suitable for beginners?
A7: Yes! Its wide exposure latitude and forgiving nature make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced photographers.