My Favorite Black-and-White Film Stocks
BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY | COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
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My Favorite Black-and-White Film Stocks and How I Use Them
As a photographer, I’ve always been drawn to the unique qualities of black-and-white film. Each film stock has its own personality, and over the years, I’ve honed my preference for a select few that consistently deliver the results I love. Here’s a breakdown of my favorite black-and-white film stocks, what makes them special, and how I use them in my work.
Ilford HP5 Plus: High-Speed Flexibility for Action and Low Light
Ilford HP5 Plus is a high-speed, fine-grain black-and-white film perfect for situations requiring fast shutter speeds or low-light conditions. With an ISO of 400, it’s my go-to choice for street photography and travel, or situations I need extra versatility. Also my favorite when I am uncertain of what the lighting conditions will be, or where I will have limited control over lighting.
Key Properties of Ilford HP5 Plus
High Speed (ISO 400): Perfect for low-light photography and action shots.
Fine Grain: Despite its high speed, it offers good image detail.
Medium Contrast: Balanced tonal range with good shadow and highlight detail.
Push Processing Capability: Can be pushed to higher ISO speeds for greater flexibility in low-light situations.
My Typical Uses
Street Photography: Great for candid shots in diverse lighting conditions.
Available Light Photography: Perfect for shooting in indoor or low-light environments.
HP5 Plus is the film I turn to when I need to adapt quickly to changing conditions without sacrificing image quality. Its ability to handle push processing and still deliver solid results in various lighting scenarios makes it an essential part of my kit.
Ilford Delta 400: Sharper, Cleaner, and Highly Versatile
Ilford Delta 400 is a high-speed film known for its excellent sharpness, fine grain, and T-grain technology. Rated at ISO 400, it delivers crisp, high-quality results across a wide range of lighting conditions, which is why it’s a staple for my work, whether I’m capturing portraits or fast-moving subjects.
Key Properties of Ilford Delta 400
ISO 400: Offers a solid balance between speed and image quality.
T-Grain Structure: Produces exceptional sharpness and fine detail.
Wide Exposure Latitude: Can be pushed or pulled during development for creative flexibility.
Core-Shell Emulsion Technology: Results in fine grain and superior sharpness.
My Typical Uses
General Photography: Ideal for everyday shooting, from landscapes to street photography.
Action Photography: Great for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Fine Art Photography: Provides the sharpness and detail I need for high-resolution prints.
Delta 400’s versatility and outstanding sharpness make it a go-to for many of my professional and creative photography projects.
Kodak Tri-X 400: Classic Grain and Timeless Aesthetic
Kodak Tri-X 400 is one of the most iconic black-and-white films, known for its distinctive grain and rich tonal range. With an ISO of 400, it excels in low-light conditions and fast shutter-speed situations, making it my favorite for street photography and action shots that need that raw, gritty look.
Key Properties of Kodak Tri-X 400
Distinctive Grain: Gives images a raw, textured look that adds character.
Exposure Latitude: Offers flexibility in a range of lighting conditions.
Push-Processing Capability: Can be pushed to higher ISOs for low-light environments.
Rich Tonality: Delivers deep blacks and smooth gray transitions.
My Typical Uses
Candid Photography: The grain and tonal range are perfect for capturing candid moments.
Low-Light Photography: Can be pushed to higher ISOs for shooting in dimly lit settings.
Action Photography: Great for capturing motion while maintaining detail.
Documentary Photography: Its versatility makes it a go-to for capturing authentic moments.
Tri-X is one of those films that creates timeless, classic images. Whether I’m shooting a street scene or a portrait, the grain and tonality bring an unmatched character to every shot.
Ilford FP4 Plus: Timeless Quality with Impressive Detail
Ilford FP4 Plus is a medium-speed black-and-white film with a fine grain structure and superb sharpness, making it perfect for anyone looking for excellent image quality in a wide variety of shooting conditions. Rated at ISO 125, FP4 Plus is ideal for both outdoor and indoor shooting, particularly when I want to capture intricate details.
Key Properties of Ilford FP4 Plus
ISO 125: Works well in a wide range of lighting conditions.
Fine Grain: Ideal for large enlargements without losing detail.
High Acutance: Provides excellent edge definition and sharpness.
Classic Tonality: Offers a rich range of black-and-white tones, ideal for portraits and landscapes.
My Typical Uses
Portrait B&W Photography: I love FP4 for portraits.
Large Format Photography: Perfect for capturing fine detail in large formats.
Scanning: Works well for digital reproduction due to its fine grain.
Technical Photography: Used when needing high-resolution images, such as small mechanical parts and medical imaging.
FP4 Plus is my go-to film when I need precision and quality. Its fine grain and rich tonality are perfect for creating sharp, detailed images, whether I’m working on a personal project or a professional shoot.
Conclusion
As a commercial photographer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I rely on a variety of black-and-white film stocks for my work, particularly when shooting portraits and product photography for local businesses in the West Michigan area.
Each of these black-and-white films has its own distinct character and purpose, and depending on the situation and input from the client, I choose the one that best fits the creative vision we have for the project. Whether I need the raw texture of Kodak Tri-X 400 or the sharp detail of Ilford Delta 400, these films allow me to push my creative boundaries while delivering high-quality results. If you’re exploring black-and-white film, I highly recommend experimenting with these stocks to see how they can enhance your photography. And if you do, I’d love to see what you are capturing! Connect with me on Instagram or reach out directly from the contact page.
Scope of Work
Portrait Photography
Product Photography
Location Photography
Commercial Photography
Photographer
Project Location
Grand Rapids, Michigan | West Michigan
Client Info
Client Names Withheld
