Black-and-white photographic film Ilford HP5 PLUS by Ilford, medium-speed panchromatic negative film

Ilford HP5 PLUS is a black-and-white panchromatic negative film by Ilford, nominally rated at ISO 400. Designed as a medium-speed, medium-contrast film, it is suitable for varied lighting conditions and handheld shooting. The emulsion yields fine grain and sharp negatives, offers wide exposure latitude and responds well to push processing, allowing effective use at higher film speeds for action, documentary and general-purpose photography.

Advantages

HP5 PLUS combines high sensitivity with fine grain and consistent tonal separation, producing negatives that retain shadow detail and clear mid-tones. Its wide exposure latitude reduces the need for exact metering in mixed or low light, while its good response to push processing makes it flexible for higher effective speeds. The film is available in multiple formats and processes in standard black-and-white chemistry.

Suitable for

• Portrait photography in varied lighting
• Street and documentary photography
• Action and press-style photography
• Landscape and general-purpose black-and-white work

Key specifications

• Film type: Black-and-white panchromatic negative
• Nominal speed: ISO 400 (pushable to higher effective speeds)
• Contrast: Medium
• Grain: Fine for a high-speed emulsion
• Exposure latitude: Wide, suitable for varied lighting
• Processing: Standard black-and-white chemistry
• Available formats: 35mm, 120 roll film, sheet film variants

How to use

Load the film into a compatible camera in subdued light or a changing bag to avoid fogging. Meter for ISO 400 as a starting point; if needed, overexpose or underexpose within the film's latitude. Develop in standard black-and-white developers following Ilford's recommended times for HP5 PLUS or adjust times and agitation for push processing when shooting at higher effective speeds. Handle negatives carefully after processing and dry them in a dust-free environment before scanning or printing.

Usage recommendations

For handheld work and mixed lighting, start with ISO 400 and bracket exposures when possible to take advantage of HP5 PLUS's latitude. When push processing to EI 800–3200, consult developer-specific charts and increase development times gradually to retain shadow detail and control grain.