•Article updated on April 30, 2023 at 3:40 AM GMT
Ilford HP5 400 120 Film Review: Classic Film for Black and White Photography
If you're a fan of film photography, you may already be familiar with Ilford as a trusted brand for black and white films. Ilford's HP5 400 120 film is a popular choice for those looking for a medium contrast, wide exposure latitude film that can respond well to push processing.
Ilford HP5 400 is a film that has been around since the 1980s, and it's still a popular choice today. It's a versatile film that works well in a variety of lighting conditions and can be used for a range of subjects. Whether you're shooting landscapes, portraits, or street photography, this film can handle it.
One of the standout features of Ilford HP5 400 is its wide exposure latitude. This means it can handle a range of exposures and still produce good results. This is particularly helpful when shooting in situations where the lighting is tricky or when you're unsure of the best exposure settings. With HP5 400, you can have a bit of flexibility when it comes to exposure, which can be helpful for capturing the shot you want.
Another great feature of this film is its medium contrast. This can give your images a classic look, with a range of tones from deep black to bright white. The medium contrast is particularly helpful when shooting portraits, as it can help bring out details in faces without being overly harsh.
But one of the best things about Ilford HP5 400 is its ability to respond well to push processing. Push processing is a technique where you intentionally overexpose the film and then develop it longer than normal to compensate for the overexposure. This can give your images a unique look, with more contrast and grain. HP5 400 is known for responding well to this technique, which can be particularly helpful in low light situations where you may not have the option to use a slower film.
Ilford HP5 400 comes in a 120 format and is edge numbered from 1 to 19. This means that each roll of film has 19 exposures, which can be a bit limiting for some photographers. However, it's also a good way to encourage more thoughtful, deliberate shooting. Instead of firing off shots indiscriminately, you'll need to consider each shot carefully to make the most of the limited exposures.
In terms of customer reviews, Ilford HP5 400 has a solid 4.8 out of 5 stars with 678 reviews. Customers rave about the film's versatility, with many commenting on its ability to handle a range of lighting conditions. There are also plenty of comments about the film's classic look, with one reviewer describing it as "the film that all other black and white films want to be when they grow up."
Overall, Ilford HP5 400 is a classic film that is still popular today for good reason. Its wide exposure latitude, medium contrast, and ability to respond well to push processing make it a versatile film that can handle a range of shooting situations. While the limited number of exposures per roll may be a drawback for some, the film's overall quality and popularity make it a great option for black and white film photographers.
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