Black-and-white film Ilford HP5 PLUS 35mm (general-purpose high-speed B&W film)

Ilford HP5 PLUS 35mm is a high-speed panchromatic black-and-white film intended for general-purpose photography. Nominally rated at ISO 400, this 35mm roll film offers wide exposure latitude, usable grain structure and reliable performance in varied lighting conditions. The film produces sharp negatives with medium contrast suitable for portraits, street scenes, documentary work and low-light situations. HP5 PLUS is compatible with standard black-and-white development processes and responds well to push processing for higher effective speeds.

Advantages

HP5 PLUS combines high speed and wide exposure latitude to deliver consistent results across a range of lighting conditions. The film yields good shadow detail and well-separated mid-tones while maintaining a grain structure that balances sharpness and texture. It is formulated for predictable push processing, allowing effective use at higher film speeds while preserving usable detail. Available in 35mm format, HP5 PLUS is convenient for handheld and action photography.

Suitable for

• Portrait photography in natural and mixed light
• Street and documentary photography
• Low-light and indoor shooting without flash
• Action and press-style photography
• Push processing to higher effective ISOs (e.g., EI 800–3200)

Key specifications

• Film type: Panchromatic black-and-white negative film
• Format: 35mm roll film
• Nominal sensitivity: ISO 400
• Contrast: Medium
• Latitude: Wide exposure latitude for varied lighting
• Grain: Balanced grain structure for sharpness and texture
• Development: Compatible with standard B&W developers and push processing

How to use

Load the 35mm roll into a compatible 35mm camera following the camera manufacturer’s instructions. Meter for ISO 400 as a starting point, and adjust exposure or choose push processing when shooting in low light. Develop the film using a recommended black-and-white developer and development times appropriate to the chosen effective film speed and developer. Follow standard agitation and temperature control practices to achieve consistent negatives.

Usage recommendations

For general-purpose shooting, expose at ISO 400 and develop according to Ilford or your developer manufacturer’s published time/temperature guide. For low-light or action scenes, consider pushing to EI 800–3200 with corresponding development adjustments; use ILFORD MICROPHEN or equivalent to retain good shadow detail and maintain grain separation. Store unprocessed film in a cool, dry place to preserve sensitivity and image quality.