Ilford Pan F Plus is a film that commands a special place in the world of black and white photography, especially among low ISO film stocks. This detailed review explores the nuances of Pan F Plus, comparing it to other low ISO films and its close relative, Ilford FP4 Plus.
Ilford Pan F Plus – An Overview
Ilford Pan F Plus is a 50 ISO black and white film, renowned for its incredibly fine grain and high resolution. It’s a film that offers exceptional sharpness and detail, making it a top choice for photographers who prioritise image quality, particularly in well-lit conditions or when using slow, deliberate photographic techniques.
Grain and Sharpness
The most striking feature of Pan F Plus is its ultra-fine grain structure. When compared to higher ISO films, the grain is almost imperceptible, which is a significant advantage for large prints or when a clean, smooth look is desired. The sharpness is equally impressive, capturing intricate details that can be lost with films having a more prominent grain.
Contrast and Tonality
Pan F Plus exhibits a high contrast while maintaining excellent tonal range. This makes it particularly suitable for images where you want stark differences between the lights and darks, yet it still retains subtlety in the mid-tones. The contrast can be controlled somewhat in development, allowing for a degree of customisation based on the photographer’s preferences.
Comparison with Other Low ISO Film Stocks
Compared to other low ISO films like Kodak’s T-Max 100 or Fuji’s Acros II, Pan F Plus holds its own with its superior fine grain and sharpness. While T-Max 100 and Acros II also offer fine grains and high resolutions, Pan F Plus tends to have a slightly higher contrast, giving it an edge in creating more dramatic images.
Comparison with Ilford FP4 Plus
FP4 Plus, rated at 125 ISO, is another favourite among black and white photographers. When compared to Pan F Plus, FP4 Plus has a slightly more noticeable grain and is less sharp, but offers more versatility in varied lighting conditions due to its higher ISO. FP4 Plus also has a bit more latitude, which can be forgiving for exposure variations. For photographers looking for a balance between fine grain and flexibility in different lighting scenarios, FP4 Plus is an excellent choice.
Ideal Use Cases
Pan F Plus excels in controlled lighting environments or where maximum detail is required. It’s ideal for studio work, landscapes on bright days, and architectural photography. Its low ISO makes it less suitable for low light or fast-moving subjects, unless paired with a fast lens or used in long exposure scenarios.
Development Considerations
To get the most out of Pan F Plus, careful development is key. It responds well to a variety of developers, but for maximum sharpness and fine grain, developers like Ilford Perceptol or Ilfotec DD-X can be particularly effective. However, it’s less forgiving of development errors compared to higher ISO films, so precision in processing is important.
Conclusion
Ilford Pan F Plus is a film stock that excels in clarity, grain resolution, and contrast, making it a superb choice for photographers who demand the highest image quality in their black and white work. While its low ISO requires more light or slower shutter speeds, the results can be striking, with an almost digital-like smoothness in the grain. It’s less versatile in varied lighting compared to FP4 Plus, but for those special projects where detail and sharpness are paramount, Pan F Plus is unmatched. Whether for fine art, detailed landscapes, or high-resolution studio work, Pan F Plus is a film that promises and delivers exceptional quality.