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Ilford HP5 Plus 400 Film Review
A thorough, honest review of Ilford HP5 Plus 400, the classic black and white film. We break down who it's for, how it performs, and how it compares to Kodak Tri-X and other films.
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Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is a versatile, forgiving black and white film that delivers classic, slightly grainy images with a wide exposure latitude. It's a top choice for street, documentary, and everyday shooting, and it pushes well to 800 or 1600. While it may not have the ultra-fine grain of modern tabular films, its character and reliability make it a favorite among film photographers. If you're after a timeless look and don't mind a little grain, HP5 Plus is a must-try.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Wide exposure latitude, forgiving of overexposure
- Pushes well to 800, 1600, even 3200 with acceptable results
- Classic, pleasing grain structure that many photographers love
- Excellent availability in 35mm, 120, and sheet formats
- Consistent quality and reliable development with standard chemistry
- Grain is more visible than modern tabular-grain films like Delta 400
- Not the sharpest film at box speed, especially in 35mm
- Slightly less contrast than some alternatives, may require contrast adjustments in printing or scanning
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is one of the most beloved black and white films on the market, and for good reason. It has been a staple for decades, trusted by professionals and hobbyists alike. In this review, we dig into what makes HP5 Plus special, who it suits best, and how it stacks up against its closest rivals. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to give you a clear picture.
Design and Build: A Classic Emulsion with Modern Consistency
HP5 Plus is a traditional cubic-grain film, not a modern tabular-grain film like Ilford's Delta series. This means it has a classic look with visible grain, but it also offers a wide exposure latitude and forgiving development. The film base is sturdy, and the 35mm cassette is reliable, though some users prefer the metal cassettes of other brands for easier reloading. The film is available in 35mm, 120, and sheet formats, making it versatile for any camera system.
Performance: Image Quality and Exposure Latitude
At box speed (ISO 400), HP5 Plus delivers a pleasing tonal range with moderate contrast. The grain is evident but not overwhelming, and it contributes to a timeless aesthetic. The film handles overexposure exceptionally well; you can overexpose by two or three stops and still retain highlight detail. This makes it a great choice for shooting in variable lighting without worrying about metering perfectly.
When pushed to 800 or 1600, HP5 Plus gains contrast and grain, but the results remain very usable. Many photographers push it to 3200 for low-light work, though you'll need to accept more pronounced grain and a loss of shadow detail. For those who enjoy experimenting, HP5 Plus is a forgiving canvas.
Ease of Use: Loading, Shooting, and Development
HP5 Plus is a joy to use in the field. It loads easily in most cameras, and its wide latitude means you don't have to be a metering perfectionist. Development is straightforward with standard developers like D-76 or ID-11. The film is also available in a variety of pack sizes, from single rolls to bulk rolls for those who self-roll.
Cleaning and Storage: Keeping Your Film Fresh
Like all films, HP5 Plus should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally in a refrigerator if you plan to keep it for a long time. Before development, handle the film carefully to avoid fingerprints and dust. After development, store negatives in protective sleeves to keep them clean and scratch-free. Proper storage ensures your negatives last for decades.
Common Buyer Complaints: What to Watch Out For
Some photographers find the grain too pronounced for their taste, especially when compared to Delta 400 or T-Max 400. Others note that HP5 Plus can have a slightly flat contrast, requiring a contrast filter or adjustment in post. A few users have reported occasional issues with the 35mm cassette, such as light leaks, but these are rare. Overall, complaints are few and far between.
Comparison to Alternatives: How Does It Stack Up?
Compared to Kodak Tri-X 400, HP5 Plus is often seen as slightly less contrasty and a touch grainier, but some prefer its smoother tonal transitions. Ilford Delta 400 offers finer grain and sharper edges but has less exposure latitude and doesn't push as well. Kodak T-Max 400 is another fine-grain option but is more expensive. Fomapan 400 is cheaper but less consistent and has a more pronounced grain. For most photographers, HP5 Plus strikes the best balance of cost, quality, and versatility.
Value: Is It Worth the Price?
HP5 Plus is reasonably priced for a premium black and white film, and its versatility makes it a great value. It's often available in multi-packs, which can save money. When you consider its forgiving nature and the ability to push it, it's a film that can handle a wide range of projects, from casual snapshots to serious fine art. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.
Final Verdict
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is a fantastic all-around black and white film that has earned its reputation. It's not the sharpest or finest-grained film, but its character and flexibility make it a joy to shoot. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, HP5 Plus is a film you should try. If you want a classic look and don't mind a little grain, it's hard to go wrong.
Specs that matter
| Film Type | Black and White Negative |
| ISO | 400 (pushable to 3200) |
| Formats Available | 35mm, 120, 4x5, 8x10 |
| Base | Triacetate (35mm), Polyester (120) |
| Exposure Count | 36 exposures (35mm), 12 (120) |
| Development | Standard B&W chemistry (D-76, ID-11, HC-110, etc.) |
You want a reliable, classic black and white film that handles a variety of lighting conditions and is forgiving of exposure mistakes. You appreciate a bit of grain and a timeless look, and you might want to push the film for low-light situations.
You need ultra-fine grain and maximum sharpness for large prints or commercial work. You prefer a modern, tabular-grain film like Ilford Delta 400 or Kodak T-Max 400. You are on a very tight budget and want the cheapest film possible.
Questions before you buy
Is Ilford HP5 Plus 400 good for beginners?
Yes, HP5 Plus is an excellent choice for beginners. Its wide exposure latitude means you can make exposure errors and still get usable negatives. It's also forgiving in development, and it's widely available. Many photography courses recommend it as a first black and white film.
How does HP5 Plus compare to Kodak Tri-X 400?
Both are classic 400-speed films with similar characteristics. HP5 Plus tends to have slightly less inherent contrast and a bit more grain, while Tri-X has a slightly punchier contrast and a different grain pattern. Some photographers prefer one over the other for skin tones or push processing. Both are excellent, and the choice often comes down to personal preference.
Can I push Ilford HP5 Plus to 1600 or 3200?
Yes, HP5 Plus pushes very well. At 1600, you get increased contrast and grain, but the results are still very usable. At 3200, grain becomes more pronounced, but many photographers use it for low-light street photography. Just remember to adjust development times accordingly and tell your lab if you're sending it out.
What is the best developer for HP5 Plus?
HP5 Plus works well with many standard developers. Ilford recommends ID-11 or Ilfosol 3, but D-76, HC-110, and Rodinal are also popular. For pushing, you might use Microphen or DD-X. Experiment to find the combination that gives you the look you want.
Is HP5 Plus available in 120 roll film?
Yes, HP5 Plus is available in 120 format, which is great for medium format cameras. It's also available in sheet film sizes like 4x5 and 8x10 for large format photography.
