Black-and-white photographic film Ilford PAN F PLUS — 35mm / medium format options not specified

Ilford PAN F PLUS is a black-and-white silver-halide photographic film rated at ISO 50, offered by Ilford for photographers who prioritise extremely fine grain and high resolution. Available in 35mm and 120 roll formats, PAN F PLUS is formulated to deliver exceptional sharpness, wide tonal range and excellent detail rendition when used with standard B&W developing and darkroom printing workflows. Because of its low ISO, this film is intended for controlled lighting or tripod work where fine detail and minimal grain are required.

Advantages

PAN F PLUS provides exceptionally fine grain and outstanding resolving power, enabling large enlargements with clear tonality and minimal softness. Its low ISO rating allows for extended exposure latitude in carefully controlled exposures and supports very fine shadow and highlight separation. The film is compatible with common black-and-white chemistry and darkroom processes, and can be developed to yield higher contrast for technical or copying applications without compromising detail.

Suitable for

• Studio portraiture and controlled lighting portrait work
• Landscape and architectural photography where fine detail matters
• Still-life, product and reproduction work
• Scientific, technical, and copying applications requiring high resolution
• Large-format style enlargements from 35mm or medium-format negatives

Key specifications

• ISO sensitivity: 50
• Film type: Black-and-white silver-halide negative film
• Grain: Exceptionally fine
• Resolution: Outstanding resolving power and sharpness
• Available formats: 35mm and 120 roll film
• Processing: Standard black-and-white development and darkroom printing compatible

How to use

Load the film into the camera according to the camera manufacturer's instructions and expose at ISO 50. Use a tripod or controlled lighting to take advantage of the film's low sensitivity and fine grain. Meter carefully for highlight and shadow detail; bracket exposures where necessary. Develop using standard black-and-white developers and follow recommended times and temperatures for desired contrast and tonal response. For higher contrast or technical reproduction, adjust development (e.g., increased development time or contrast-enhancing developers) while monitoring grain and detail retention. After development, proceed with standard fixing, washing, and drying before printing or scanning.

Usage recommendations

For best results, use PAN F PLUS in situations with stable lighting or when using a tripod. When planning large enlargements, ensure careful focusing, precise exposure, and gentle development to preserve tonal range and fine detail. If a higher contrast is required for copying or technical work, increase development cautiously to avoid apparent loss of shadow detail.