Ilford FP4 Plus and HP5 Plus are two of the most popular black and white 35mm films from Ilford. But, it can often leave photographers pondering which one to choose. Both films have unique characteristics that make them ideal for different situations.
Ready to start shooting on black and white? We take a closer look at each film, what conditions are best for each one, along with some photos results from these Ilford favourites.
Ilford FP4 vs HP5
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the specifics, it's important to understand the fundamental differences between the two Ilford black and white films.
Ilford FP4 Plus: This film is known for its fine grain, moderate contrast, and slower speed. It’s rated at ISO 125, making it a great choice for well-lit conditions or situations where you have control over the lighting. FP4 delivers exceptional detail and smooth tonal gradations, making it a favourite for portraits, landscapes, and studio work. It was introduced in 1968, and is still a firm black and white favourite today.
Ilford HP5 Plus: On the other hand, HP5 is rated at ISO 400, making it a faster film with more sensitivity to light. It’s often chosen for low-light situations or when you need to shoot at higher shutter speeds. HP5 offers a classic, gritty black and white look with more pronounced grain, which many photographers find appealing for street photography, documentary work, and any scenario where capturing movement and action is crucial.
When to Choose Ilford FP4
Controlled Lighting Situations: If you’re working in a studio, shooting portraits, or any scenario where you have control over the lighting, FP4 is an excellent choice. Its finer grain and lower ISO will give you beautifully smooth images with lots of detail.
Landscapes and Architecture: FP4’s ability to capture fine detail makes it perfect for landscapes and architectural photography. The slower speed allows for longer exposures, which can be useful for creating stunning images with deep depth of field and minimal grain.
Bright, Sunny Days: When shooting outdoors in bright sunlight, the lower ISO of FP4 helps prevent overexposure and retains highlight details, delivering crisp, well-balanced images.
When Detail is Paramount: If your project requires a high level of detail, such as still life or product photography, FP4 will give you the clarity and precision you need.
When to Choose Ilford HP5
Low-Light Conditions: HP5’s higher ISO rating of 400 makes it much more versatile in low-light situations. Whether you’re shooting indoors without a flash or capturing nighttime scenes, HP5 can handle the challenge without needing to push the film excessively. Sarah, our co-founder who has been shooting on Ilford since the 80's says "the only downside of Ilford FP4 is that as a 125 iso if using outdoors in the depths of winter it may not have enough latitude for a good exposure. If I find myself in this situation, then I would use a higher ISO film such as Ilford HP5".
Street and Documentary Photography: For capturing the hustle and bustle of city streets, or documenting events as they unfold, HP5’s speed allows you to shoot handheld without worrying about camera shake or blur. The film’s grain structure adds character and a sense of authenticity to the images.
Action and Movement: If you’re photographing fast-moving subjects, whether it’s sports or wildlife, the faster shutter speeds facilitated by HP5’s higher ISO will help freeze motion and capture the decisive moment.
Pushing the Limits: HP5 is also known for its flexibility when it comes to pushing (increasing the film’s ISO during development). This makes it an excellent choice if you need to push to ISO 800, 1600, or even higher, giving you greater creative control in challenging lighting conditions.
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between FP4 and HP5 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and the conditions in which you’ll be shooting.
Here’s a quick summary to guide your choice:
Choose FP4 if you’re working in controlled lighting, need fine detail, or are shooting in bright conditions where slower shutter speeds are acceptable.
Choose HP5 if you’re shooting in low light, need faster shutter speeds, or want a film that can handle pushing well. It’s also a great choice if you like a grittier, more textured look in your black and white images.
Ilford FP4 Photo Examples
Ilford HP5 Photo Examples
Both Ilford FP4 and HP5 are exceptional films that have stood the test of time. Whether you prefer the smooth, refined look of FP4 or the versatile, gritty character of HP5, you can’t go wrong with either choice.
Your decision should be guided by the specific demands of your project and the creative effect you wish to achieve. Happy shooting!