Black-and-white film Ilford XP2 SUPER — medium-format/35mm negative photographic film

Ilford XP2 SUPER is a black-and-white negative photographic film designed to be processed in standard C-41 colour chemistry. Available for 35mm and medium-format (120) cameras, this ISO 400 film delivers fine grain, sharp detail and high contrast while offering the practical convenience of conventional colour lab workflows. Its wide exposure latitude makes XP2 SUPER suitable for varied lighting conditions and scenes with broad dynamic range.

Advantages

XP2 SUPER combines the tonal qualities of traditional black-and-white film with the accessibility of C-41 processing used for colour negatives. The film produces well-defined highlights and consistent midtones, with a fine grain structure for sharp images. High effective speed (ISO 400) and broad exposure latitude allow for flexible shooting across different lighting situations and simplify meter and exposure decisions.

Suitable for

• Street and documentary photography
• Portraits in mixed or natural light
• Outdoor landscapes with variable contrast
• Studio work where C-41 lab processing is preferred
• Travel and general-purpose everyday shooting

Key specifications

• Film type: Black-and-white negative film processed in colour C-41 chemistry
• Speed: ISO 400
• Grain: Fine grain structure for sharp detail
• Contrast: High contrast with well-defined highlights
• Exposure latitude: Wide, tolerant of over- and under-exposure
• Formats: Available in 35mm and 120 medium-format rolls

How to use

Load Ilford XP2 SUPER into your 35mm or medium-format camera according to the camera manufacturer’s instructions. Meter and expose for ISO 400 or adjust exposure as desired to control contrast and grain (pushing or pulling may affect tonality). After shooting, submit the film for C-41 colour negative processing at a lab that accepts black-and-white films processed in C-41 chemistry. Once processed and scanned or printed, evaluate results and adjust exposure or development choices on subsequent rolls as needed.

Usage recommendations

For best results, use standard C-41 processing at reputable labs; handle the film carefully to avoid scratches and keep negatives clean. When shooting scenes with very bright highlights, consider slight exposure compensation to preserve highlight detail, and when working in low light use appropriate stabilization or faster lenses to reduce motion blur.