Ilford has been around the block a time or two. Ilford FP4 can draw its origins all the way back to 1935. Of course, it’s been through some iteration since then. The current version, FP4 Plus has been around since 1990. What’s so great about this film that it’s still around and thriving? Let’s get into that.
Ilford FP4 Plus is a fine-grained, cubic grain film. Ilford says FP4+ delivers “medium contrast and outstanding sharpness.” It is an ISO 125 black and white film with great exposure latitude. FP4 is readily available in both 120 and 35mm formats as well as large format sheet film. How does all of that translate in the real world? Rather well.
Pros
- Timeless, classic look
- Produces sharp images with a fine, classic grain structure
- Affordable and easy to find
- Flexible for push and pull development
- Wide exposure latitude
Cons
- Not quite as fine/smooth grained as T-grain films like Delta 100 (This is a subjective con)
Ilford FP4 Plus — Old school cool
The old-school cubic grain of Ilford FP4+ lends itself well to creating timeless and classic-looking images. While it may not be as smooth and fine as films like Ilford’s own Delta 100, there’s something to be said for the look of its grain.
The image above was shot at a photo convention back in 2018. However, with the period-dressed model, it could easily pass for a much older photo. That’s part of this film’s appeal.
It’s hard to quantify what else about Ilford FP4 Plus makes it look so great. Perhaps it’s the combination of that grain with its smooth tonal transitions. Maybe it’s got something to do with how the film renders contrast. While it’s hard to pin down exactly, it’s easy to see that Ilford FP4+ does all of those things well.
Ilford FP4 — Exposure characteristics
When it comes to exposure latitude, Ilford FP4 Plus has it in spades. This film handles highlight and shadow retention quite well for a black and white film. In addition, FP4 takes well to push and pull processing in the lab. I’ve seen it be pushed as high as ISO 1600 and pulled to ISO 32. While I’ve only shot it at box speed, I would like to experiment with it at ISO 400. It would be interesting to see how it looks with a bit more emphasized grain and contrast.
Tonal characteristics
In addition to being so flexible, Ilford FP4+ handles tonal transitions beautifully. Gradations from deep black tones to bright whites are handled smoothly. Also, there’s a richness to the mid-tones with FP4 that is hard to beat. This is another characteristic that makes it so versatile. It’s great for portraits and architecture. Also, it’s quite nice for classic-looking landscapes as well.
Developing Ilford FP4 Plus
Ilford FP4 Plus continues its versatility when it comes to development as well. The Yashica Mat images in this review were developed in Ilfosol 3. This developer rendered great sharpness and contrast. The RB67 and Spotmatic images were done with Cinestill’s DF96 monobath. I’m also very pleased with the sharpness and contrast in these images.
One only needs to look at FP4 in the Massive Dev Chart app to see how many possibilities there are for development. You can scroll through the list forever, and that’s not accounting for the different ways to push and pull the film. If you like to experiment with your development, FP4+ will certainly allow it.
Ilford FP4 Plus — Film character that will leave you longing for more
I’ve shot a fair few rolls of FP4+ over the last few years. Every time I finish my scans, I tell myself I need to use FP4+ more often. I’ve shot everything from portraits to architecture, to landscapes with it, and I’m always thrilled with the results. This film has a real character that can’t be denied.
While Delta 100 may be a better choice for landscapes, I find that FP4+ lends its character well to them. Especially if you’re in the mood for a classic-looking photo. It may be a little slow for street photography, but I find it excellent for architecture. Particularly when photographing older structures. All in all, Ilford FP4 Plus is a super versatile film that oozes character. I highly recommend giving it a try!
Author’s Note: All 35mm images were scanned with the Plustek Opticfilm 8200I Ai. All medium format 120 images were scanned with an Epson V550.
A beloved film
Great photo! It is certainly a classic that’s hard to beat.
FP4 is wonderful film. Too slow for street photography? Some of the finest street/travel photography was shot on Kodachrome 25 and 64, so I wouldn’t sweat the FP4. Still worried? Trent Parke used FP4 pushed to 800 to great effect, so rest easy. FP4 is probably the best “go to” film made. Pick up a brick!
Very fair points! I do love me some FP4. It just looks right. I’ll have to try pushing it to 800 some time and learn more about Trent Parke. Thanks for the comment!
I’ve used FP4 in 35mm format since 1997 and have alway been delighted with the smooth grain, sharpness and tonality. I also like the fact that in using Ilford products, I’m supporting a British company and British jobs. Kodak is fine, I’ve used Tri-X et al and been eminently satisfied. However, I’ve always been drawn to lower iso films. My boyfriend has just bought me a Rolleicord Va circa 1962 and I’ve bought 10 rolls of FP4 to use with it. Of course digital Johnny can up his iso to half a million and pick out the individual whiskers on… Read more »