Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film – Iconic Choice for Bold, Creative Photography

Introduction:

The Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film has long been celebrated by photographers worldwide for its versatility, reliability, and stunning black and white results. Whether you are an amateur enthusiast or a seasoned professional, this iconic medium format film offers exceptional performance that allows you to capture bold, creative images with impressive sharpness and contrast. In this article, we explore everything you need to know about the Ilford HP5+ 120 400 ASA BW Film — from its features, benefits, ideal usage, to tips on getting the best results.

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Why Choose Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film?

The Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film is a high-speed black and white film that is prized for its ability to deliver outstanding results even in challenging lighting conditions. With an ISO rating of 400, this film offers great flexibility for shooting indoors, outdoors, or in low light without sacrificing image quality. Its fine grain and wide exposure latitude give photographers freedom to experiment with different exposures and development techniques.

• ISO 400 speed allows for fast shutter speeds and handheld shooting
• Fine grain structure ensures clean, detailed images
• Wide exposure latitude makes it forgiving in varied lighting conditions
• Classic tonality with rich blacks and bright whites

Photographers who use Ilford HP5+ 120 400 ASA BW Film consistently praise its ability to capture scenes with a timeless quality that digital cameras often struggle to replicate.

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Technical Specifications of Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film

Here are the essential specs of the Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film to help you understand its capabilities:

• Film type: Black and White negative film
• Format: 120 medium format roll
• ISO/ASA: 400 (pushable to 3200)
• Grain: Classic fine grain, enhanced sharpness
• Exposure latitude: Wide, up to ±2 stops
• Recommended developer: Ilford ID-11, D-76, or similar

This film is designed to be flexible and durable, making it a reliable choice for street photography, portraiture, landscapes, and documentary work. You can also push process it to ISO 800, 1600, or even 3200 to capture fast-moving subjects or extremely low-light situations.

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How to Use Ilford HP5+ 120 400 ASA BW Film for Best Results

To make the most of your Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film, here are some useful tips:

1. Choose the Right Camera

The 120 film format is designed for medium format cameras such as the Mamiya RZ67, Pentax 67, and Hasselblad 500 series. These cameras deliver excellent resolution and detail, making your black and white images truly stand out.

2. Experiment with Exposure

Thanks to its wide exposure latitude, the Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film allows you to push or pull exposures. For more contrast, try underexposing slightly; for softer images, slightly overexpose. Pushing the film during development can help you achieve grainier, moodier photos.

3. Develop with Compatible Chemicals

For optimal image quality, use Ilford’s recommended developers such as Ilford ID-11 or D-76. These chemicals enhance sharpness and contrast, maintaining the classic look that HP5+ users love.

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Advantages of Using Ilford HP5+ 120 400 ASA B&W Film

Exceptional Image Quality

One of the biggest reasons photographers keep coming back to the Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film is the exceptional image quality it delivers. The film’s fine grain structure combined with its ability to capture a broad tonal range creates photographs with deep blacks and clean highlights.

Versatility

Whether shooting portraits, street scenes, or landscapes, this film adapts well to almost any scenario. Its ISO 400 rating makes it suitable for various lighting conditions without needing constant adjustment.

Push Processing Friendly

The Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film can be pushed up to ISO 3200 with minimal loss in image quality, making it a favorite for photographers who work in low light or want a grittier aesthetic.

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Who Should Use Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film?

The Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film is perfect for:

• Professional photographers who want consistent, high-quality black and white images
• Enthusiasts exploring medium format photography
• Street photographers needing a fast film for dynamic environments
• Portrait artists seeking rich tonal gradation and detail
• Film photography students learning about exposure latitude and development techniques.

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Where to Buy and How to Store Your Film

You can purchase authentic Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film from trusted photography suppliers like Onestopphoto.in, or specialized film retailers. For more local options, check out our Onestopphoto.in film collection.

Storage tips: Store your film in a cool, dry place, ideally refrigerated at 2–4°C to maintain freshness. Avoid exposure to heat and humidity to prevent degradation.

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Useful Link For knowledge

• Learn more about Ilford HP5+ Film on Ilford’s Official Website
• How to develop HP5+ film yourself with guides from Film Photography Project

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Internal Links May Be You Like:

• Explore our range of Film Developing Tank
• Check out Black & White Film Developing Kits

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Conclusion

If you want a classic, reliable, and versatile black and white film, the Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film remains an iconic choice for bold, creative photography. Its exceptional tonal range, push processing flexibility, and consistent results make it a favorite among professionals and hobbyists alike. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or street scenes, this film will deliver stunning, timeless images with every roll.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Ilford HP5+ 120 400 ASA BW Film

1. What is Ilford HP5 plus 120 400 ASA BW Film best used for?

Ilford HP5+ 120 400 ASA BW Film is ideal for street photography, portraits, landscapes, documentary work, and low-light shooting. Its ISO 400 speed and wide exposure latitude make it extremely versatile for both controlled and unpredictable lighting conditions.

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2. Can Ilford HP5+ 120 film be push processed?

Yes, Ilford HP5+ 120 400 ASA BW Film is highly push-processing friendly. It can be pushed to ISO 800, 1600, or even 3200 with excellent results, making it a popular choice for night photography and indoor shooting.

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3. Does Ilford HP5+ 120 film have fine grain?

While HP5+ has a classic grain structure, it remains well-controlled and pleasing, especially in medium format. The grain becomes more pronounced when push-processed, which many photographers love for a gritty, cinematic look.

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4. Which developer works best with Ilford HP5+ 120 film?

Ilford recommends developers such as Ilford ID-11, Kodak D-76, Ilford Microphen, and Ilford HC. These developers enhance sharpness, tonal range, and contrast while maintaining the film’s classic black and white character.

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5. Is Ilford HP5+ 120 suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Thanks to its wide exposure latitude and forgiving nature, Ilford HP5+ 120 400 ASA BW Film is an excellent choice for beginners learning medium format photography and film development techniques.

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6. How many exposures do you get on a roll of Ilford HP5+ 120 film?

The number of exposures depends on your camera:

• 6×4.5 cm: 16 frames
• 6×6 cm: 12 frames
• 6×7 cm: 10 frames
• 6×9 cm: 8 frames

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7. How should Ilford HP5+ 120 film be stored?

To preserve freshness, store Ilford HP5+ 120 film in a cool, dry place, preferably refrigerated at 2–4°C. Always keep it sealed and allow it to reach room temperature before loading into your camera.

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8. Is Ilford HP5 plus 120 film still relevant in 2025?

Yes. Ilford HP5+ remains one of the most popular and trusted black and white films in 2025 due to its reliability, availability, and timeless image quality. It continues to be widely used by professionals, artists, and film photography enthusiasts worldwide.