Ilford PAN F plus 135 36 Exp – ISO 50 Super Fine Detail

Introduction:

When it comes to precision, clarity, and breathtaking detail in black and white photography, the Ilford PAN F plus 135 36 Exp remains one of the most trusted films among analog photographers. Known for its ultra-fine grain structure and rich tonal depth, this film is designed for those who appreciate sharpness and subtle gradations of gray. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or still-life projects, the Ilford PAN F plus 135 36 Exp consistently delivers professional-quality results.

What Makes Ilford PAN F Plus 135 36 Exp. Special?

The hallmark of the Ilford PAN F plus 135 36 Exp is its ISO 50 rating, which allows for outstanding image quality with extremely fine detail. This makes it ideal for large-scale enlargements, ensuring photographers can print big without losing clarity.

Key Features at a Glance

• Film Type: Black & White Negative
• Format: 35mm (135) – 36 exposures per roll
• Speed: ISO 50/18°
• Grain: Ultra fine, perfect for enlargements
• Contrast: High with smooth tonal range
• Best For: Landscapes, architecture, fine art, still life, and controlled lighting

By choosing the Ilford PAN F plus 135 36 Exp, you’re investing in a film stock that prioritizes detail and dynamic range—perfect for both beginners experimenting with slow-speed film and professionals seeking consistent quality.

Performance and Image Quality

The Ilford PAN F plus 135 36 Exp is renowned for its sharpness and tonality. Thanks to its slow ISO speed, the film produces:

• Unmatched Fine Detail: The film captures textures, edges, and intricate details that faster films often miss.
• Smooth Tonal Transitions: Perfect for creating subtle shades of gray, from deep blacks to bright highlights.
• High Resolution Prints: Especially suitable for darkroom enlargements and high-quality scans.

Many photographers describe the results as “classic black and white,” with a timeless look that remains faithful to the analog tradition.

Best Uses of Ilford PAN F Plus 135 36 Exp

Because of its slow ISO speed, Ilford PAN F plus 135 36 Exp performs best in bright daylight or controlled studio lighting. Here are some recommended scenarios:

1. Landscape Photography – Capture crisp details in rocks, trees, and skies with beautiful tonal range.
2. Portraiture – Delivers smooth skin tones and elegant contrast without overwhelming grain.
3. Architectural Shots – Perfect for rendering fine textures like stone, metal, and glass.
4. Fine Art Photography – Ideal for projects where tonal quality and detail matter most.
5. Studio Work – With controlled lighting, it ensures consistency and clarity.

For handheld shooting in low light, a tripod or longer exposure is recommended.

Developing the Ilford PAN F Plus 135 36 Exp

One of the strengths of Ilford PAN F plus 135 36 Exp is its compatibility with a wide range of black and white film developers. It works especially well with fine-grain developers like Ilford Perceptol or Ilford ID-11, which maximize detail and sharpness.

Some recommended options:

• Ilford ID-11 Developer 
• ADOX NEUTOL Liquid NE 1000 ml
• FOMA Fix P U1 – Powder Fixer 

Processing times vary depending on the chosen developer, but Ilford provides detailed technical information on their official website. For reference, check the Ilford PAN F Plus technical data sheet.

Comparisons with Other Ilford Films

If you’re wondering how Ilford PAN F plus 135 36 Exp compares to other Ilford films:

• Ilford HP5 Plus 400 – Higher ISO, more versatile in low light, but grainier.
• Ilford FP4 Plus 125 – A mid-speed film with fine grain, but not as sharp as PAN F.
• Ilford Delta 100 Professional – Also fine-grained, but offers a different tonal curve.

For ultimate detail and smooth tonal transitions, Ilford PAN F plus 135 36 Exp remains unmatched.

Why Choose Ilford PAN F Plus 135 36 Exp?

1. Professional-Level Sharpness – For photographers who demand detail in every shot.
2. Versatility in Printing & Scanning – Produces negatives that scan beautifully and print with remarkable depth.
3. Timeless Aesthetic – A classic look in black and white film that remains highly sought after.
4. Trusted Brand – Ilford has been producing photographic film since 1879, making them one of the most reliable names in analog photography.

Tips for Shooting with Ilford PAN F Plus 135 36 Exp

• Use a tripod for stability in low light or long exposures.
• Pair with yellow, orange, or red filters for stunning contrast in skies and landscapes.
• Experiment with long-exposure photography, as the film’s fine grain is perfect for capturing motion blur.
• Store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.

Some Useful Link(Onestopphoto.in Store)

• Ilford Kentmere 400ft Roll – 35mm x 30.5m Bulk Film
• Paterson PTP 115 Universal Film Developing Tank with Two Reels
• Kaiser Film Leader Retriever

Authoritative Resources

• Ilford Photo Official Website
• Film Photography on Wikipedia
• Analog Community Resource – Emulsive

Conclusion

The Ilford PAN F plus 135 36 Exp stands as a gold standard for photographers who demand ultra-fine grain, sharpness, and a wide tonal range. It is not a film for every situation, but when used under the right lighting conditions, it produces images of breathtaking quality. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a passionate film enthusiast, the Ilford PAN F plus 135 36 Exp deserves a place in your film collection.

By combining fine detail, classic tonality, and Ilford’s legacy of quality, this film is more than just a tool—it’s an artistic partner that helps you create timeless black and white photographs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Ilford PAN F Plus 135 36 Exp Film used for?
Ilford PAN F Plus 135 36 Exp – ISO 50 Super Fine Detail film is ideal for fine art, landscape, studio, and product photography where extreme sharpness and detail are desired.

2. What makes Ilford PAN F Plus Film special?
This film offers exceptionally fine grain, superb resolution, and high edge contrast, making it perfect for enlargements and professional black & white work.

3. What is the ISO rating of Ilford PAN F Plus 135 36 Exp Film?
It has a native ISO 50 sensitivity, which helps capture smooth tonal transitions and crisp details under good lighting conditions.

4. Is Ilford PAN F Plus 135 suitable for beginners?
While it’s primarily favored by professionals, beginners who want to explore fine-grain B&W photography can also enjoy learning with this film.

5. What lighting conditions are best for Ilford PAN F Plus Film?
The Ilford PAN F Plus 135 36 Exp Film performs best in bright daylight or controlled studio lighting due to its low ISO speed.

6. Can Ilford PAN F Plus 135 Film be pushed or pulled?
Yes, it can be pushed to ISO 100 or pulled to ISO 25, though the best image quality and tonal range are achieved at ISO 50.

7. Which developer works best with Ilford PAN F Plus 135 36 Exp Film?
Recommended developers include Ilford ID-11, Perceptol, and Kodak D-76, which enhance its smooth tonal gradation and micro-contrast.

8. What kind of results can I expect from Ilford PAN F Plus Film?
Expect sharp, high-contrast black and white negatives with extremely fine grain—ideal for enlargements up to exhibition size.

9. Is Ilford PAN F Plus 135 36 Exp compatible with all 35mm cameras?
Yes, this 35mm film fits all standard film cameras, including SLRs, rangefinders, and compact point-and-shoot models.

10. How should I store Ilford PAN F Plus 135 36 Exp Film?
Store it in a cool, dry place or refrigerate before use to preserve its sensitivity and prevent fogging over time.