HP5 Plus is a fast black and white film. It is ideal for action, available light and general purpose photography. It is designed to give optimum results under most lighting conditions and when processed in a wide range of developers. HP5 Plus is rated at ISO 400/27 when exposed to daylight. HP5 Plus has the fine grain, good edge contrast and sharpness required to give excellent image quality. These characteristics give prints with outstanding brightness and a full tonal range. HP5 Plus, though, is more than an ISO 400/27 film. By extending development with some developers, for example ILFORD ILFOTEC HC and ILFORD MICROPHEN, it is possible to use meter settings up to EI 3200/36. This makes HP5 Plus the ideal film for all photography where factors such as poor lighting and moving subjects demand greatest emulsion sensitivity. HP5 Plus is compatible with all current processing systems including those which give the standard short fixing and washing times. There is no need to change standard processing techniques when switching to HP5 Plus, or any other ISO 400/27 film. HP5 Plus is very robust during processing, giving excellent results under most conditions, and will also tolerate processing conditions that are less than ideal. HP5 Plus 35mm film is supplied in DX Coded cassettes, so the film speed of ISO 400/27 is set automatically on automatic 35mm cameras. These cassettes are very strong and have the end caps firmly fixed to the body. This ensures the caps remain in position during rough handling. The combination of the tangential style cassette and the film's low friction characteristics allows the film to advance easily, thus saving battery wear. The base tint of HP5 Plus enables easy print contrast assessment on a light box. For easy negative identification, it also has bold frame numbering for whole frames and letters to indicate half frame numbering.
HP5 Plus is a fast black and white film. It is ideal for action, available light and general purpose photography. It is designed to give optimum results under most lighting conditions and when processed in a wide range of developers. HP5 Plus is rated at ISO 400/27 when exposed to daylight. HP5 Plus has the fine grain, good edge contrast and sharpness required to give excellent image quality. These characteristics give prints with outstanding brightness and a full tonal range. HP5 Plus, though, is more than an ISO 400/27 film. By extending development with some developers, for example ILFORD ILFOTEC HC and ILFORD MICROPHEN, it is possible to use meter settings up to EI 3200/36. This makes HP5 Plus the ideal film for all photography where factors such as poor lighting and moving subjects demand greatest emulsion sensitivity. HP5 Plus is compatible with all current processing systems including those which give the standard short fixing and washing times. There is no need to change standard processing techniques when switching to HP5 Plus, or any other ISO 400/27 film. HP5 Plus is very robust during processing, giving excellent results under most conditions, and will also tolerate processing conditions that are less than ideal. HP5 Plus 35mm film is supplied in DX Coded cassettes, so the film speed of ISO 400/27 is set automatically on automatic 35mm cameras. These cassettes are very strong and have the end caps firmly fixed to the body. This ensures the caps remain in position during rough handling. The combination of the tangential style cassette and the film's low friction characteristics allows the film to advance easily, thus saving battery wear. The base tint of HP5 Plus enables easy print contrast assessment on a light box. For easy negative identification, it also has bold frame numbering for whole frames and letters to indicate half frame numbering.
HP5 Plus is a fast black and white film. It is ideal for action, available light and general purpose photography. It is designed to give optimum results under most lighting conditions and when processed in a wide range of developers. HP5 Plus is rated at ISO 400/27 when exposed to daylight. HP5 Plus has the fine grain, good edge contrast and sharpness required to give excellent image quality. These characteristics give prints with outstanding brightness and a full tonal range. HP5 Plus, though, is more than an ISO 400/27 film. By extending development with some developers, for example ILFORD ILFOTEC HC and ILFORD MICROPHEN, it is possible to use meter settings up to EI 3200/36. This makes HP5 Plus the ideal film for all photography where factors such as poor lighting and moving subjects demand greatest emulsion sensitivity. HP5 Plus is compatible with all current processing systems including those which give the standard short fixing and washing times. There is no need to change standard processing techniques when switching to HP5 Plus, or any other ISO 400/27 film. HP5 Plus is very robust during processing, giving excellent results under most conditions, and will also tolerate processing conditions that are less than ideal. HP5 Plus 35mm film is supplied in DX Coded cassettes, so the film speed of ISO 400/27 is set automatically on automatic 35mm cameras. These cassettes are very strong and have the end caps firmly fixed to the body. This ensures the caps remain in position during rough handling. The combination of the tangential style cassette and the film's low friction characteristics allows the film to advance easily, thus saving battery wear. The base tint of HP5 Plus enables easy print contrast assessment on a light box. For easy negative identification, it also has bold frame numbering for whole frames and letters to indicate half frame numbering.
HP5 Plus is a fast black and white film. It is ideal for action, available light and general purpose photography. It is designed to give optimum results under most lighting conditions and when processed in a wide range of developers. HP5 Plus is rated at ISO 400/27 when exposed to daylight. HP5 Plus has the fine grain, good edge contrast and sharpness required to give excellent image quality. These characteristics give prints with outstanding brightness and a full tonal range. HP5 Plus, though, is more than an ISO 400/27 film. By extending development with some developers, for example ILFORD ILFOTEC HC and ILFORD MICROPHEN, it is possible to use meter settings up to EI 3200/36. This makes HP5 Plus the ideal film for all photography where factors such as poor lighting and moving subjects demand greatest emulsion sensitivity. HP5 Plus is compatible with all current processing systems including those which give the standard short fixing and washing times. There is no need to change standard processing techniques when switching to HP5 Plus, or any other ISO 400/27 film. HP5 Plus is very robust during processing, giving excellent results under most conditions, and will also tolerate processing conditions that are less than ideal. HP5 Plus 35mm film is supplied in DX Coded cassettes, so the film speed of ISO 400/27 is set automatically on automatic 35mm cameras. These cassettes are very strong and have the end caps firmly fixed to the body. This ensures the caps remain in position during rough handling. The combination of the tangential style cassette and the film's low friction characteristics allows the film to advance easily, thus saving battery wear. The base tint of HP5 Plus enables easy print contrast assessment on a light box. For easy negative identification, it also has bold frame numbering for whole frames and letters to indicate half frame numbering.
Last updated at 04/05/2026 02:42:06
Ilford 8x20" Ulf Hp5+ Sheet Film, 25 Sheet Box, New, Just Expired 2024
Free delivery
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originally posted on analoguewonderland.co.uk
Ilford HP5 120 is a superb medium format film with a very wide latitude. In fact, it has wider latitude than the 400asa film in the Delta range, making it ideal for contrasty scenes, handheld work in darker conditions and action shots. Personally, I also find the grain structure more attractive than that of the Delta range, as a real traditional look can be achieved with this film. Of course the grain structure takes on a finer appearance when using 120 rather than 35mm. Under or over exposure by a couple of stops can easily be corrected in the print.My only minor criticism is that the frame numbers on the backing paper are not clear enough for some vintage cameras. Harman reduced the amount of ink because of the problem with the numbers appearing on the images of ... MoreIlford HP5 120 is a superb medium format film with a very wide latitude. In fact, it has wider latitude than the 400asa film in the Delta range, making it ideal for contrasty scenes, handheld work in darker conditions and action shots. Personally, I also find the grain structure more attractive than that of the Delta range, as a real traditional look can be achieved with this film. Of course the grain structure takes on a finer appearance when using 120 rather than 35mm. Under or over exposure by a couple of stops can easily be corrected in the print.My only minor criticism is that the frame numbers on the backing paper are not clear enough for some vintage cameras. Harman reduced the amount of ink because of the problem with the numbers appearing on the images of older films. When a film goes like this, it is traditionally known as "stale". But (according to C.I. Jacobson) this is actually caused by a chemical reaction of the ink and emulsion over time, and the answer is not to use less ink, but the right kind of ink.However, very clear frame numbers are not needed for many, more sophisticated, cameras, and Ilford HP5 is well worth every penny for such users. Definitely a five star film.
originally posted on analoguewonderland.co.uk
I am a sports photographer mainly rugby and wanted to mark my local clubs promotion match by shooting some pictures alongside my digital shots. I'd used HP5 as my standard in the past and thought this would be a good fit at this time of year (April) for some 'context' shots rather than the fast action. I used Nikon F90x from early 90s and had fun selecting how I used the 36 exposures over several hours. A satisfying skill that really focuses your mind! Very happy with results which I shared with the club, players and fans. Everyone loves it. Will do from time to time. Grain is tight, even and the contrast is good. Probably switch to Delta 3200 for deep winter and floodlit games.
originally posted on analoguewonderland.co.uk
There's no doubt that HP5+ is a top-quality film stock from a manufacturer with excellent quality control standards. There's no chance of experiencing the uneven emulsion problems you occasionally get with some smaller manufacturers. HP5+ has excellent exposure latitude, it pushes well even to EI3200, and it's British; honestly, what's not to like?However, it's a film with which I have something of a love-hate relationship. I love it for all those things but the grain. It's a mushy soup of a film. If it weren't for that grain, I'd never look at another film stock again.But just when I think I've got over it and think that it's not so bad, I see a Tri-X shot and reality bites. Sorry, HP5+, you have grain only a mother could love.Of course, if you don't mind the ... MoreThere's no doubt that HP5+ is a top-quality film stock from a manufacturer with excellent quality control standards. There's no chance of experiencing the uneven emulsion problems you occasionally get with some smaller manufacturers. HP5+ has excellent exposure latitude, it pushes well even to EI3200, and it's British; honestly, what's not to like?However, it's a film with which I have something of a love-hate relationship. I love it for all those things but the grain. It's a mushy soup of a film. If it weren't for that grain, I'd never look at another film stock again.But just when I think I've got over it and think that it's not so bad, I see a Tri-X shot and reality bites. Sorry, HP5+, you have grain only a mother could love.Of course, if you don't mind the grain, then fill your boots. You won't go wrong with HP5+!
| EI 400/27 | ILFOTEC DD-X |
| EI 800/30 | ILFOTEC DD-X |
| EI 1600/33 | ILFOTEC DD-X |
| Finest grain | ILFOTEC DD-X |
| Maximum Sharpness | ILFOSOL 3 |
Ilford 8x20" Ulf Hp5+ Sheet Film, 25 Sheet Box, New, Just Expired 2024
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Ilford HP5 120 is a superb medium format film with a very wide latitude. In fact, it has wider latitude than the 400asa film in the Delta range, making it ideal for contrasty scenes, handheld work in darker conditions and action shots. Personally, I also find the grain structure more attractive than that of the Delta range, as a real traditional look can be achieved with this film. Of course the grain structure takes on a finer appearance when using 120 rather than 35mm. Under or over exposure by a couple of stops can easily be corrected in the print.My only minor criticism is that the frame numbers on the backing paper are not clear enough for some vintage cameras. Harman reduced the amount of ink because of the problem with the numbers appearing on the images of ... MoreIlford HP5 120 is a superb medium format film with a very wide latitude. In fact, it has wider latitude than the 400asa film in the Delta range, making it ideal for contrasty scenes, handheld work in darker conditions and action shots. Personally, I also find the grain structure more attractive than that of the Delta range, as a real traditional look can be achieved with this film. Of course the grain structure takes on a finer appearance when using 120 rather than 35mm. Under or over exposure by a couple of stops can easily be corrected in the print.My only minor criticism is that the frame numbers on the backing paper are not clear enough for some vintage cameras. Harman reduced the amount of ink because of the problem with the numbers appearing on the images of older films. When a film goes like this, it is traditionally known as "stale". But (according to C.I. Jacobson) this is actually caused by a chemical reaction of the ink and emulsion over time, and the answer is not to use less ink, but the right kind of ink.However, very clear frame numbers are not needed for many, more sophisticated, cameras, and Ilford HP5 is well worth every penny for such users. Definitely a five star film.
I am a sports photographer mainly rugby and wanted to mark my local clubs promotion match by shooting some pictures alongside my digital shots. I'd used HP5 as my standard in the past and thought this would be a good fit at this time of year (April) for some 'context' shots rather than the fast action. I used Nikon F90x from early 90s and had fun selecting how I used the 36 exposures over several hours. A satisfying skill that really focuses your mind! Very happy with results which I shared with the club, players and fans. Everyone loves it. Will do from time to time. Grain is tight, even and the contrast is good. Probably switch to Delta 3200 for deep winter and floodlit games.
There's no doubt that HP5+ is a top-quality film stock from a manufacturer with excellent quality control standards. There's no chance of experiencing the uneven emulsion problems you occasionally get with some smaller manufacturers. HP5+ has excellent exposure latitude, it pushes well even to EI3200, and it's British; honestly, what's not to like?However, it's a film with which I have something of a love-hate relationship. I love it for all those things but the grain. It's a mushy soup of a film. If it weren't for that grain, I'd never look at another film stock again.But just when I think I've got over it and think that it's not so bad, I see a Tri-X shot and reality bites. Sorry, HP5+, you have grain only a mother could love.Of course, if you don't mind the ... MoreThere's no doubt that HP5+ is a top-quality film stock from a manufacturer with excellent quality control standards. There's no chance of experiencing the uneven emulsion problems you occasionally get with some smaller manufacturers. HP5+ has excellent exposure latitude, it pushes well even to EI3200, and it's British; honestly, what's not to like?However, it's a film with which I have something of a love-hate relationship. I love it for all those things but the grain. It's a mushy soup of a film. If it weren't for that grain, I'd never look at another film stock again.But just when I think I've got over it and think that it's not so bad, I see a Tri-X shot and reality bites. Sorry, HP5+, you have grain only a mother could love.Of course, if you don't mind the grain, then fill your boots. You won't go wrong with HP5+!
The vast majority of the commentary about HP5 talks about how great a film it is for pushing, i.e. shooting at a higher ISO and the extending development. It's not often that pulling, shooting at a lower ISO than box speed, and reducing development time is mentioned. For me, that's why this is such a versatile film. When the light allows, I like to shoot at 200 ISO with it. I love the tones and appearance of less grain and that means, I could use just one film for almost all circumstances. It does reduce the contrast so be prepared to dial it back in, if you like more, but that's not usually a big problem. For the 'wet' darkroom, it makes the negs a little easier to handle, in my view. I've included a couple of 120 photos shot at 200.
It's like that little black dress or black levi 501 jeans. You can wear them anywhere, weddings or funerals, and just accessorize appropriately. HP5+ is just a brilliant all rounder and my default film in 35mm, 120 and 4x5. I tend to pull it a stop (rate at 200) and developer in D23 but over the years I've stewed it in all sorts of developer. Basically you can abuse it quite a bit and get useable negatives.Samples are from weird cameras I'm trying out as usual: An Ilford Envoy Wide Angle from the 1950s (6x9) and a Tomiyama 6x17.Downside is that it isn't the finest grain or sharpest film. If you need that go with Delta 400 or 100.(Maybe not the 501s at your own wedding.)
Do you have any idea how many photographers over the past 75 years have relied on a ISO 400 B&W film? Photojournalists were still using 120 film quite a lot through early '70s. I'm not longer a photojournalist, but I started with 35mm Tri-X and later switched to HP5, even before it added the Plus. The Ilford films are superb and versatile, and HP5, from lower speed ratings to pushing a stop or two, is a sharp film with a fine grain pattern. I use it for portraits, because I try to stick with natural light, and HP5 gives me greater freedom in lower-light situations without sacrificing quality. I process my own film and make exhibition prints up to 11x14 from 120 HP5. No reason to change.
No film or developer is magic. The better you know your materials, the more they'll do for you. I am past my days of trying out every possible film and developer combination. For me, HP5 Plus is an exceptionally fine and versatile film.My principal large format work is on-location, natural light portraiture -- including indoors. HP5 has the combination of speed, consistency, reliability, long range, response to development, and fine grain that suits my work, and at a competitive price. Landscape photographers and others who print very large may choose a slower, finer-grained film. My prints do not exceed 11x14, so, depending on cropping, the magnification is within 3.5x; grain is not an issue. (In fact, I use HP5 in 645 and am more than comfortable with its very ... MoreNo film or developer is magic. The better you know your materials, the more they'll do for you. I am past my days of trying out every possible film and developer combination. For me, HP5 Plus is an exceptionally fine and versatile film.My principal large format work is on-location, natural light portraiture -- including indoors. HP5 has the combination of speed, consistency, reliability, long range, response to development, and fine grain that suits my work, and at a competitive price. Landscape photographers and others who print very large may choose a slower, finer-grained film. My prints do not exceed 11x14, so, depending on cropping, the magnification is within 3.5x; grain is not an issue. (In fact, I use HP5 in 645 and am more than comfortable with its very fine grain in an 11x14.)I need to be able to make portraits in lighting from extra-long-range to very flat. In flat lighting with short-range subjects, I find an EI of 800 with additional development to yield an excellent negative. In very long-range situations (e.g., 10-14 stops), I usually use EI 200 and use compensating development to tame the high values, combined with print flashing as needed.
I have used a lot of b&w films for 35mm & 120, but HP5 is my favorite. I have shot Tri-x for decades, tried Kentmere and Fomopan. They are all good films, but I love the consistency and grain, and contrast of Ilford HP5. I normally use Ilfosol 3 to process it, great negatives. I do prefer the 400 speed to help with some of my slower Nikon lenses, but it still produces sharp negatives. I sometimes use Tri-x for a retro look, different grain look, does nice for some subjects. However, the best overall is Ilford HP5. I suggest getting a film and using it for 10 rolls in different settings to really the feel of it. HP5 will not let you down.
I recently purchased a Leica M7, because I decided to get back into film. I bought an Epson V850 Pro scanner and using wet-mount scans, I realized how much better some of the images from my negatives and slides looked when compared to their digital counterparts. My digital camera is a Leica Q3, so my comparison was quite fair. I've only run a few tests so far with HP5 Plus. The first was at box speed developed in D76 1:1, which was a bit grainy and rather dull. The next test was the same type film developed at box speed in Xtol 1:1 and that was quite a bit nicer, but still a pretty flat. My current roll will be the same, but this time with a yellow filter. The image displayed below was shot with my Leica M7 and a Leica Summicron 50mm lens using only a B+W UV filter. ... MoreI recently purchased a Leica M7, because I decided to get back into film. I bought an Epson V850 Pro scanner and using wet-mount scans, I realized how much better some of the images from my negatives and slides looked when compared to their digital counterparts. My digital camera is a Leica Q3, so my comparison was quite fair. I've only run a few tests so far with HP5 Plus. The first was at box speed developed in D76 1:1, which was a bit grainy and rather dull. The next test was the same type film developed at box speed in Xtol 1:1 and that was quite a bit nicer, but still a pretty flat. My current roll will be the same, but this time with a yellow filter. The image displayed below was shot with my Leica M7 and a Leica Summicron 50mm lens using only a B+W UV filter. This picture was taken in Bryant park, NYC, NY on June 30th, 2024. I believe I will end up sticking with HP5, but for now I am trying to adjust my workflow for the best predictable outcome. I hope this somehow helps others work through their own adventure. Pleaser note that I am giving this film only 4 stars, but I believe the film will do better when I arrive at a different workflow. Good luck all!
After years of studio work, I try to keep to natural light now. That means occasions indoors when the light levels require slow shutter speeds with the 4x5. HP5 gives me an extra stop or two over FP4 in these cases, which can save the day. It's also great in direct sunlight, where I generally rate it at 200 or so, due to the contrast, which I can tame, in very long-range subjects, with special development in divided D-23. On a really flat day or under similar lighting indoors, I'll push it to 800 and get a beautiful tonal range. I print up to 11x14, sometimes cropping significantly. Grain with HP5? It's a non-issue in my book. I stay with HP5 for speed and quality.
| EI 400/27 | ILFOTEC DD-X |
| EI 800/30 | ILFOTEC DD-X |
| EI 1600/33 | ILFOTEC DD-X |
| Finest grain | ILFOTEC DD-X |
| Maximum Sharpness | ILFOSOL 3 |
