For black and white film aficionados, Ilford HP5+ stands tall. It’s versatile, accommodating photographers of various styles and levels. Available in 35mm, 120, and large format variants, this film has proven itself time and again. Let’s dive deep into its characteristics, compare it to other Ilford favorites, and check its grain, tone, and contrast.
Tonality of Ilford HP5+:
HP5+ boasts a rich tonality, presenting a diverse range of grays. This makes it a top choice for different subjects and light settings. Its even gradation in mid-tones captures scenes beautifully, offering a generous exposure latitude.
Grain Structure of HP5+:
HP5+ finds a sweet spot between being too fine and too gritty. Its grain adds a vintage touch to photos without blurring finer details. It’s not as subtle as the Ilford Delta 400 but strikes a chord with portrait and street photography lovers.
Ilford HP5+ Contrast:
Ilford HP5+ has a balanced contrast, delivering deep blacks and luminous whites. It captures details in both shadows and bright areas. While it’s less stark than Ilford’s FP4 Plus or Kentmere 400, you can always tweak its contrast in the development phase or post-editing, highlighting its adaptability.
Is It Worth Your Money?
Although HP5+ is a tad cheaper than the Ilford Delta series, recent price surges might make some photographers reconsider. However, considering its quality and adaptability, it remains a strong contender in the black and white film landscape.
Pairing with Ilford Ilfotec DD-X Developer:
To get the most out of HP5+, we recommend pairing it with the Ilford Ilfotec DD-X developer. This duo can enhance grain fineness and boost sharpness, especially if you push the film to 1600 ISO.
In Conclusion:
Ilford HP5+ is a staple in the black and white film world, celebrated for its flexibility and wide latitude. It promises consistent outputs in diverse scenarios. However, the price rise might sway some towards cheaper alternatives such as Kentmere 400. Still, for those who value aesthetics and dependability, HP5+ remains an iconic pick for black and white photography.