Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp – Legendary Professional Black & White Film

Introduction:

If you are passionate about traditional film photography and want a film stock that delivers consistently stunning results, the Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp is a trusted choice. This film has earned legendary status among analog photographers for its fine grain, excellent sharpness, and versatile exposure latitude. Whether you are shooting landscapes, portraits, architecture, or street photography, this black and white film provides classic tones that stand the test of time.

What is Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp?

The Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp is a medium-speed, ISO 125 black and white negative film designed for 35mm cameras. Manufactured by Ilford Photo—a company renowned for its commitment to traditional darkroom photography—FP4 Plus combines classic film aesthetics with modern emulsion technology.

It is favored by film enthusiasts and professionals alike because it delivers:

• ISO 125 speed – balancing detail and flexibility.

• Extremely fine grain – perfect for enlargements and high-quality prints.

• Outstanding sharpness – bringing out details in textures and edges.

• Wide exposure latitude – forgiving for both overexposure and underexposure.

Key Features of Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp

1. Fine Grain and High Resolution
   The Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp is ideal for photographers who want maximum detail. Its fine grain structure makes it perfect for large-format printing without loss of quality.

2. Versatile ISO 125 Speed
   ISO 125 provides a balance between sharpness and adaptability. While it performs beautifully in daylight conditions, with careful metering and pushing/pulling in development, it also works in mixed lighting.

3. Exceptional Tonal Range
   The film is known for its wide dynamic range, producing smooth gradations between shadows, mid-tones, and highlights. This makes the Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp particularly effective for portraits and landscape work.

4. Flexible Development Options
   FP4 Plus can be processed in standard black-and-white chemistry. Whether you use Ilford ID-11, Ilfotec DD-X, or other popular developers, the results are consistently professional.

5. Archival Quality
   Negatives created on Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp are long-lasting when properly stored, making it a reliable film for photographers who want to preserve their work for decades.

Why Choose Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp?

• Classic Aesthetic: The film offers the timeless look that digital filters struggle to replicate.

• Reliability: From beginners to professionals, this film consistently delivers.

• Darkroom Friendly: Its negatives print beautifully on variable contrast papers like FOTOIMPEX Easy Print RC 312.

• Professional Results: Used by documentary, portrait, and fine-art photographers around the world.

Best Uses for Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp.

1. Portrait Photography – Smooth skin tones and flattering mid-tones make it excellent for character-rich portraits.

2. Landscape Photography – Sharpness and fine grain ensure every detail in nature scenes is preserved.

3. Architectural Photography – High resolution and contrast help bring out textures in stone, brick, and metal.

4. Street Photography – Its forgiving latitude makes it suitable for changing light conditions in outdoor environments.

Comparison with Other Ilford Films

• Ilford HP5 Plus (ISO 400): Faster and better for low light or action shots, but with more noticeable grain compared to the Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp.

• Ilford Pan F Plus (ISO 50): Provides ultra-fine grain but requires more light; FP4 Plus is more versatile for general use.

This makes the Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp a perfect middle ground, offering fine grain with better flexibility than slower films.

Development and Darkroom Tips

To get the best from Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp:

• Use fresh developer for consistent contrast and tonal reproduction.

• Experiment with push/pull processing – FP4 Plus can be pushed to ISO 200 or pulled down to ISO 64 for creative control.

• Pair with archival fixers like FOMA Fix P U1 to ensure negatives last.

• Print on quality papers such as Ilford Direct Positive Paper FB for rich, archival prints.

Internal Links for Related Products

If you’re shooting with Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp., you might also need:

• Paterson Universal Tank with Two Reels – for developing your rolls.

• Kaiser Changing Bag 15.7”x 16.9” – for safe film loading in any environment.

• Foma Multigrade Filter Set – for precision darkroom printing.

External Authoritative Resources

• Ilford FP4 Plus Technical Data Sheet – official specifications from Ilford.

• Wikipedia – Black and White Film Photography – learn more about traditional photography.

Conclusion

The Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp is more than just a film stock—it’s a creative tool trusted by generations of photographers. With its fine grain, exceptional sharpness, and versatile exposure latitude, it remains one of the best black and white films available today. Whether you are a beginner exploring film for the first time or a seasoned photographer producing professional-quality prints, this film guarantees reliable and beautiful results.

If you are looking to capture timeless photographs with a classic touch, the Ilford FP4 plus 135mm 36 Exp should definitely be in your camera bag.