In the realm of black and white photography, the choice of film can significantly impact the final image. Among the myriad options, Ilford FP4 Plus has cemented its position as a reliable, high-quality film stock. This review of Ilford FP4 Plus delves into the attributes of the film, exploring its grain, contrast, and overall image quality while drawing comparisons with other film stocks in the 100 to 125 ISO range.
Ilford FP4 Plus Overview:
Ilford FP4 Plus is a medium-speed film with an ISO rating of 125, making it a versatile choice for a variety of lighting conditions. Renowned for its fine grain, outstanding sharpness, and high acutance, FP4 Plus is a favorite among photographers seeking to capture images with a classic, timeless quality.
Grain Structure:
One of the defining characteristics of Ilford FP4 Plus is its remarkably fine grain. The tight grain structure contributes to the high-resolution capabilities of this film, rendering images with a level of detail that is often compared to higher-end, lower-speed films. This fine grain is a boon for photographers looking to achieve a smooth, clean look in their black and white images.
Contrast and Tonality:
FP4 Plus offers a rich tonal scale with a medium level of contrast. The film gracefully handles highlights and shadows, providing a wide tonal range that allows for the rendition of subtle details in both brighter and darker areas of the image. This balanced contrast also provides ample room for manipulation in post-processing, whether in the darkroom or digitally.
Overall Image Quality:
The overall image quality produced by FP4 Plus is nothing short of excellent. The sharpness, fine grain, and balanced contrast work in harmony to produce images that are both detailed and aesthetically pleasing. The film’s ability to render subtle tonal variations with clarity makes it a preferred choice for a multitude of photographic applications including portrait, landscape, and architectural photography.
Comparative Analysis:
When venturing into the 100 to 125 ISO range, several other film stocks vie for attention. Here’s how FP4 Plus stacks up against some of them:
Ilford FP4 Plus vs. Ilford Delta 100:
Ilford Delta 100 is another stellar offering from Ilford with a very fine grain structure, thanks to its tabular grain technology. While Delta 100 may have a slight edge in terms of grain, FP4 Plus offers a more classic look with a traditional grain structure and a different tonal rendition.
Ilford FP4 Plus vs. Kentmere 100:
Kentmere 100 is a more budget-friendly option compared to FP4 Plus. While it is a decent performer with reasonable sharpness and contrast, the finer grain and broader tonal range of FP4 Plus place it a notch higher in terms of image quality.
Ilford FP4 Plus vs. Kodak T-Max 100:
Kodak T-Max 100, known for its extremely fine grain and high sharpness, is a strong competitor. The choice between T-Max 100 and FP4 Plus may boil down to personal preference regarding tonal rendition and grain character.
Ilford FP4 Plus vs. Fomapan 100:
Fomapan 100 is a cost-effective film with a classic grain structure. However, FP4 Plus surpasses it in terms of sharpness, fine grain, and contrast, making FP4 Plus a superior choice for critical work.
Conclusion:
Ilford FP4 Plus stands out as a high-quality, reliable film stock that delivers consistently excellent results. Its fine grain, balanced contrast, and exceptional image quality make it a worthwhile choice for photographers looking to capture the world in a rich array of greys. When compared to other films in the 100 to 125 ISO range, FP4 Plus holds its own, offering a blend of traditional aesthetics and modern film technology. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or a newcomer to the analogue world, Ilford FP4 Plus is a film stock that promises to deliver, and it often exceeds expectations.