Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA – Legendary Choice

Introduction

When it comes to timeless black and white photography, few films are as respected and beloved as Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA. This iconic film stock has been a favorite among beginners, hobbyists, and professional photographers for decades. Known for its fine grain, wide exposure latitude, and versatile ISO 400 speed, it has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable black and white films in the world. Whether you are capturing portraits, street photography, landscapes, or documentary work, this film delivers consistent results across a variety of lighting conditions.

 Why Choose Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA?

The Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA is designed for photographers who value both creative freedom and technical reliability. Here’s why it continues to stand out:

1. Versatile ISO 400 Speed – With a medium-high speed rating of 400 ASA, it performs excellently in daylight, low light, and artificial lighting, making it suitable for almost any shooting situation.
2. Wide Exposure Latitude – This film tolerates over- and underexposure better than most, giving photographers more flexibility during shooting and developing.
3. Fine Grain Structure – Its fine grain ensures sharp details without losing the classic film look that digital cameras cannot replicate.
4. Excellent Tonal Range – From deep blacks to subtle highlights, it produces smooth tonal transitions and rich contrast.
5. Push Processing Capabilities – One of the biggest advantages of Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA is that it can easily be pushed to ISO 1600 or even 3200 with excellent results. This makes it an excellent choice for low-light or action photography.

 The Legacy of Ilford HP5 Plus

Introduced as part of Ilford’s legendary film lineup, HP5 has a long history rooted in professional photography. For decades, it has been used in journalism, street photography, and fine art projects. The Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA is often compared to Kodak Tri-X 400, but many photographers prefer HP5 Plus for its smoother grain and greater flexibility when pushing or pulling.

According to Ilford Photo’s official site, HP5 Plus remains one of their most popular emulsions, particularly because of its reliability under varying conditions. Its consistency and forgiving exposure latitude make it ideal for students learning film photography as well as professionals shooting commercial or personal projects.

 Performance and Image Quality

Photographers choose Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA because it combines sharpness, contrast, and detail in a way that enhances storytelling.

• In Portraits – It captures skin tones with natural contrast, rendering subtle highlights and shadows beautifully.
• In Street Photography – Its ISO 400 rating makes it fast enough for handheld shooting in changing light, while the classic grain structure adds character.
• In Landscape Photography – It captures textures and details with excellent sharpness, creating dramatic skies and deep contrasts.
• In Documentary Work – Its wide latitude makes it dependable in unpredictable lighting conditions.

 Developing Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA

Another reason for its legendary status is how well it responds to different developing methods. The film can be processed using standard black and white chemistry, making it accessible to home developers and professionals alike.

• Popular Developers

  • Ilford ID-11  – Produces balanced tones and fine grain.
  • ADOX XT-3 Developer  – reliable and eco-friendly black and white film developer.
  • Paterson Universal Tank  – Ideal for processing HP5 Plus rolls at home.

The flexibility of Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA means you can push it up to ISO 1600 or 3200 for grainier, contrast-rich images or pull it down to ISO 200 for finer detail and softer tones.

 Product Details

• Film Type: Black & White Negative Film
• Format: 35mm (36 exposures)
• Speed: ISO 400 / ASA 400
• Grain: Fine
• Contrast: Medium to high, adjustable via development
• Push/Pull Range: 200 – 3200 ISO

 Recommended Uses

If you are wondering whether Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA is right for your photography, here are the most common applications:

• Street photography and urban scenes
• Portrait photography (studio or natural light)
• Documentary and reportage projects
• Fine art photography and exhibitions
• Low-light or indoor shooting (with push processing)

 Related Products You May Like

To get the most out of your Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA, pair it with these essentials from our store:

• Fomapan 100 B/W 35mm Bulk Film Roll – 100ft
• Paterson Film Clip Sets
• FOMA Fix P U1 Powder Fixer
• Kaiser Bulk Film Loader

 External Resources

• Ilford Photo – HP5 Plus Official Page
• Wikipedia – Film Photography

 Conclusion

The Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA is more than just a film roll – it’s a piece of photographic history. With its fine grain, flexibility, and ability to perform in almost any lighting situation, it remains a favorite for photographers who value reliability and creative expression. Whether you’re just starting your analog photography journey or you’re a seasoned professional, this film delivers the results you can trust.

Invest in Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA today and experience why it has stood the test of time as one of the most legendary black and white films ever made.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of film is Ilford HP5 Plus 400?

Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA is a black and white negative film known for its versatility and wide exposure latitude.

2. Is Ilford HP5 Plus suitable for beginners?

Yes, Ilford HP5 Plus is beginner-friendly due to its forgiving exposure range and consistent results in different lighting conditions.

3. Can Ilford HP5 Plus 400 be push processed?

Yes, Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film 400 ASA can be pushed up to ISO 1600 or 3200, making it ideal for low-light photography.

4. How many exposures are in a roll of Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm?

Each roll of Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm BW Film contains 36 exposures.

5. What photography styles is Ilford HP5 Plus best for?

It is excellent for street photography, portraits, documentary work, landscapes, and fine art photography.

6. Which developer works best with Ilford HP5 Plus?

Ilford HP5 Plus performs well with standard black and white developers such as Ilford ID-11 and similar chemistry.

7. Does Ilford HP5 Plus have fine grain?

Yes, it offers a fine grain structure for an ISO 400 film while maintaining strong contrast and detail.

8. Is Ilford HP5 Plus good for scanning and printing?

Yes, the negatives scan easily and print beautifully in the darkroom, making it suitable for both digital and traditional workflows.