Black-and-white photographic film Ilford FP4 PLUS by Ilford, medium-speed panchromatic sheet/roll film

Ilford FP4 PLUS is a black-and-white panchromatic photographic film offered in sheet and roll formats. Rated at ISO 125, this medium-speed film is engineered for fine grain, high sharpness and a broad tonal range. It is suitable for studio and outdoor work and accepts standard black-and-white chemistry and processes. Available in 35mm, 120 roll and sheet sizes, FP4 PLUS provides reliable exposure latitude and consistent results for enlargement and detailed reproduction.

Advantages

FP4 PLUS delivers very fine grain structure and high acutance, producing images with clear edge definition and excellent enlargement potential. The film’s medium speed (ISO 125) balances detail resolution with practical exposure requirements. It exhibits robust exposure tolerance, allowing effective use across varied lighting conditions and enabling flexibility when metering or bracketing. The panchromatic emulsion reproduces a wide tonal scale, supporting nuanced grayscale transitions and faithful rendering of textures.

Suitable for

• Studio portraiture where fine detail and smooth tones are required
• Landscape and architecture photography needing high resolution and large prints
• General analogue photography and documentary work in varied lighting
• Enlargement and archival black-and-white prints

Key specifications

• Film type: Black-and-white, panchromatic emulsion
• Speed: ISO 125 (medium speed)
• Grain: Very fine grain structure for high detail
• Sharpness: High acutance for clear edge rendering
• Exposure latitude: Wide tolerance for over- and under-exposure
• Formats available: 35mm, 120 roll, and sheet film
• Processing: Standard black-and-white chemical processing

How to use

Load the film according to the format and camera instructions, taking care to avoid light leaks when handling unprocessed film. Meter for ISO 125 as a starting point; adjust exposure according to scene contrast or personal preference for highlight and shadow rendering. Process the film using standard black-and-white developers and recommended agitation or development times to achieve intended contrast and grain characteristics. After development, fix, wash and dry the negatives following usual archival practices.

Usage recommendations

For highest detail and tonal control, use FP4 PLUS with moderate developer strength and consistent development times. When planning enlargements, favour careful focusing and low-grain developers; for greater shadow detail, consider slight overexposure or longer development tailored to your chosen chemistry. Store unprocessed film in a cool, dry place and refrigerate for extended storage, bringing to room temperature before use.