As a photographer who’s spent countless hours in the darkroom and even more time shooting with both Ilford Delta and HP5 films, I’m excited to share my comprehensive comparison of these two iconic black and white films. If you’ve ever stood in the camera store wondering which roll to grab, you’re not alone – I’ve been there too!
Introduction: The Great Black and White Debate
When I first returned to film photography after years of shooting digital, I was overwhelmed by the choices. Ilford alone offers multiple black and white films, but two consistently stood out: the Delta series and HP5+. At first glance, they seem similar – both are excellent black and white films from a respected manufacturer. But as I discovered through countless rolls of film and hours of testing, these films have distinct personalities that can dramatically affect your final images.
I’ll admit, I initially assumed that because Delta had “Professional” in its name, it must be inherently better. Oh, how wrong I was! Through my journey of testing both films extensively, I’ve learned that neither is “better” – they’re just different tools for different creative visions. Let me break down everything you need to know to make an informed choice for your photography.
Understanding the Core Differences: Technology Meets Tradition
The Science Behind the Films
What really fascinates me about these films is how their underlying technology affects their performance. Ilford HP5+ uses what I’d call “classic” emulsion technology – it’s the result of decades of refinement and evolution. This traditional approach gives HP5+ its characteristic forgiving nature and that classic black and white look many of us love.
On the other hand, Ilford Delta 400 represents the modern approach to film emulsion. It uses Ilford’s proprietary Core-Shell™ crystal growth technology (and no, this isn’t the same as Kodak’s T-Grain, despite what some might tell you). This advanced technology allows for more precise control over the crystal structure, resulting in those finer grains and cleaner images Delta is known for.
What This Means for Your Photography?
When I’m out shooting, these technological differences translate to real-world performance. HP5+ feels like that reliable friend who’s always got your back – it’s forgiving if I mess up my exposure settings, and it consistently delivers that classic film look I sometimes crave. Delta 400, meanwhile, is more like that precision instrument that rewards careful technique with stunningly detailed images.
Grain Structure: The Heart of the Matter
HP5+: The Classic Grain Character
I remember the first time I really examined HP5+ negatives under a loupe. The grain structure reminded me of why I fell in love with film photography in the first place. HP5+ has that beautiful, visible grain that gives images character and texture. It’s not overwhelmingly coarse, but it’s definitely present and adds to that authentic film aesthetic.
What I’ve discovered through my testing is that HP5+’s grain tends to be slightly larger and less uniformly distributed across the frame. This might sound like a negative, but in practice, it contributes to that organic, classic look that many photographers (myself included) find so appealing. When I’m shooting street photography or portraits where I want that timeless feel, HP5+’s grain structure is often my go-to choice.
Delta 400: The Modern Approach to Grain
Delta 400’s grain structure is where the modern technology really shines. When I first switched from HP5+ to Delta, I was amazed at how much finer the grain appeared, even though both are rated at ISO 400. Under magnification, Delta’s grains are smaller, more uniform, and more tightly packed together.
This finer grain structure means that when I’m making larger prints or scanning at high resolutions, Delta 400 maintains its clarity better than HP5+. I’ve made 16×20 prints from both films, and while HP5+ looks great, Delta 400 simply holds more detail at larger sizes. The grain is still visible (it’s film, after all), but it’s more refined and less distracting.
Real-World Grain Comparison
In my side-by-side tests, shooting both films with identical settings on the same camera (my trusty Hasselblad 500CM), the difference in grain becomes apparent even without magnification. HP5+ images have that classic “film look” with visible grain that adds texture, while Delta 400 images appear cleaner and more refined.
Interestingly, when I’ve pushed both films to higher ISOs (HP5+ to 1600 from its native 400, Delta 3200 to 1600), I discovered something surprising: HP5+ maintains relatively good grain structure even when pushed two stops, while Delta 3200 (designed for high speed) shows significantly more grain. This counterintuitive result shows that grain performance isn’t just about the emulsion technology – it’s about how the film was designed to perform.
Sharpness and Detail: Capturing the World Precisely
The Sharpness Factor
Sharpness is one of those areas where expectations don’t always match reality. Based on the finer grain, I initially assumed Delta 400 would be significantly sharper than HP5+ in all situations. However, my real-world testing revealed a more nuanced picture.
Under ideal conditions – perfect exposure, optimal development, and careful focusing – Delta 400 does indeed produce images with exceptional sharpness. The finer grain structure allows for more precise rendering of fine details, making it excellent for architectural photography, landscape work, and any situation where capturing every detail matters.
However, I’ve found that HP5+ has its own sharpness character that can be equally appealing in the right context. While it may not resolve the finest details quite as well as Delta 400, HP5+ often produces images that appear subjectively sharper due to its higher contrast. The increased micro-contrast can make edges stand out more, giving the impression of greater sharpness even when the actual detail resolution is slightly less.
Also Read: Canon 90D vs 250D
Detail in Shadows and Highlights
This is where Delta 400 really shows its strength, and it’s become one of my favorite aspects of this film. Through my testing, I’ve consistently found that Delta 400 captures significantly more detail in both shadows and highlights compared to HP5+.
I remember shooting a landscape scene with deep shadows in the foreground and bright clouds in the sky. When I developed both films, the Delta 400 negative showed beautiful detail in the shadow areas that were nearly black on the HP5+ negative. Similarly, the highlight areas in the Delta 400 negative retained subtle gradations that were blown out on the HP5+.
This extended tonal range makes Delta 400 particularly valuable for high-contrast scenes or when I’m shooting in challenging lighting conditions. It gives me more flexibility in the darkroom or during post-processing to extract the full range of tones from the negative.
The Practical Implications
So what does this mean for your photography? If you’re the type of photographer who loves making large prints or values the ability to see every tiny detail in your images, Delta 400 is likely the better choice. Its combination of fine grain and excellent sharpness makes it ideal for technical photography, architectural work, or any situation where maximum detail is desired.
However, if you’re shooting for smaller formats (like sharing online or making smaller prints), or if you prefer that classic film look where sharpness is good but not clinical, HP5+ serves beautifully. I’ve found that for many of my personal projects, the slightly softer sharpness of HP5+ actually contributes to a more pleasing, organic look that I prefer.
Exposure Latitude: Forgiveness vs Precision
HP5+: The Forgiving Friend
If there’s one area where HP5+ truly shines, it’s exposure latitude. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been in rapidly changing lighting conditions or simply made an error in my exposure settings, only to be saved by HP5+’s remarkable tolerance for over- and under-exposure.
HP5+ can handle exposure errors of up to two stops in either direction and still produce usable results. I’ve accidentally underexposed HP5+ by two stops in low light conditions, and while the results weren’t ideal, they were certainly salvageable. Similarly, I’ve overexposed it by a stop and a half in bright conditions, and the highlights retained detail rather than blocking up completely.
This forgiveness makes HP5+ an excellent choice for:
- Beginners who are still mastering exposure
- Street photographers dealing with rapidly changing light
- Documentary photographers who need to capture moments without time for careful metering
- Anyone shooting in unpredictable lighting conditions
Delta 400: The Precision Instrument
Delta 400, by contrast, demands more precision. Through my testing, I’ve found that it has significantly less exposure latitude than HP5+ – perhaps only about one stop in either direction before image quality noticeably degrades.
This isn’t necessarily a negative, but it is something to be aware of. When I shoot with Delta 400, I find myself being more careful with my exposures, often taking multiple readings and double-checking my settings. This extra care almost always pays off in the final image quality, but it does require more attention during the shooting process.
The reduced exposure latitude means Delta 400 is better suited for:
- Experienced photographers who are confident in their exposure skills
- Studio work where lighting can be carefully controlled
- Landscape photography where there’s time to meter carefully
- Any situation where maximum image quality is the priority
My Personal Experience with Exposure Errors
I’ll share a personal story that really drove this difference home for me. Last year, I was shooting a documentary project and accidentally loaded Delta 400 when I thought I had loaded HP5+. I was shooting in rapidly changing conditions and didn’t realize my mistake until I got to the darkroom.
The first few frames were exposed perfectly and looked stunning. But as the light changed, some frames were underexposed by about a stop and a half. While the HP5+ I usually use would have handled this gracefully, the Delta 400 negatives showed significant loss of shadow detail and increased grain in these underexposed frames.
It was a valuable lesson that reinforced for me how important it is to match the film to the shooting conditions and my own working style.
Contrast and Tonal Range: The Look of the Film
HP5+: Higher Contrast, Classic Look
One of the first things I noticed when I started comparing these films is that HP5+ produces images with noticeably higher contrast than Delta 400. This isn’t to say that HP5+ is excessively contrasty – rather, it has that classic black and white look where blacks are deep and whites are bright, with a relatively compressed mid-tone range.
This higher contrast can be incredibly effective for certain types of photography. When I’m shooting portraits, I find that HP5+ often produces more striking images with deeper blacks and more specular highlights. The increased contrast can add drama and impact to images that might look somewhat flat with lower contrast films.
Similarly, for street photography, HP5+’s contrast helps subjects stand out from their backgrounds, creating more graphic and impactful images. I’ve found that on overcast days when the light is flat, HP5+ can still produce images with good contrast and visual interest.
Delta 400: Smooth Tonal Gradations
Delta 400, by contrast, offers a smoother tonal range with more gradual transitions between shadows, mid-tones, and highlights. This lower overall contrast means that Delta 400 can capture subtle tonal variations that might be lost with HP5+.
In my landscape photography, I’ve found that Delta 400 excels at capturing the subtle variations in tone that occur in nature. A misty morning scene, for example, will retain all the delicate gradations between different shades of gray, creating a more nuanced and three-dimensional image.
This extended tonal range also makes Delta 400 more versatile in high-contrast situations. While HP5+ might block up shadows or blow out highlights in scenes with extreme contrast, Delta 400 often retains detail throughout the entire tonal range.
The Darkroom Experience
As someone who still enjoys traditional darkroom printing, I’ve found that these contrast differences significantly affect my printing process. HP5+ negatives often print more easily with standard filters, producing good contrast with relatively little manipulation. The higher contrast is already built into the negative, so I can focus on other aspects of the print.
Delta 400 negatives, with their lower contrast, often require more careful manipulation in the darkroom. I might need to use higher contrast filters or employ dodging and burning techniques to achieve the desired print contrast. However, the advantage is that I have more control over the final contrast of the image – I can choose to print with low contrast for a soft, ethereal look or increase the contrast for a more dramatic effect.
Pushing and Pulling: Flexibility in Processing
HP5+: The Pushable Champion
If there’s one area where HP5+ truly excels, it’s in its ability to be pushed to higher ISOs. I’ve pushed HP5+ to EI 1600 (two stops over its rated 400) with excellent results, and I know photographers who’ve successfully pushed it even further.
When I push HP5+, I find that the grain increases but remains manageable, and the contrast goes up, which can actually be beneficial in low-light situations. The images maintain their characteristic look and feel, just with more grain and contrast.
This pushability makes HP5+ an incredibly versatile film. I can load it in my camera for bright daylight shooting, and if I suddenly find myself in a dimly lit interior, I can simply change my metering and push the film accordingly. This flexibility is invaluable for documentary and travel photography where lighting conditions can change rapidly.
Delta 400: Controlled Flexibility
Delta 400 can also be pushed, but it requires more care and precision. Ilford rates it as pushable to EI 3200, which is quite impressive for a 400-speed film. However, in my experience, pushing Delta 400 requires more careful development control to avoid excessive contrast and grain.
When I push Delta 400, I find that the grain increases more noticeably than with HP5+, and the contrast can become quite high if not carefully controlled. However, the images maintain their characteristic sharpness and detail, even at higher ISOs.
Delta 400 also pulls well, which can be useful in bright conditions where you want to maintain highlight detail. I’ve pulled it to EI 200 with good results, finding that the lower contrast can be beneficial in high-contrast scenes.
Development Considerations
The development process for these films differs significantly, reflecting their different technologies. HP5+ is relatively forgiving of development errors – small variations in time, temperature, or agitation don’t dramatically affect the final results.
Delta 400, however, requires more precise development control. The times need to be accurate, the temperature consistent, and agitation carefully controlled. I’ve found that using a water bath to maintain consistent temperature and a timer for precise development times makes a significant difference with Delta 400.
This precision requirement extends to fixing as well – Delta 400 requires longer fixing times than HP5+ to ensure complete removal of unexposed silver halides. I typically fix Delta 400 for about twice as long as HP5+ to ensure archival stability.
Practical Applications: Which Film for Which Situation?
Portrait Photography
For portrait photography, I find myself reaching for different films depending on the look I’m trying to achieve. If I want classic, high-contrast portraits with deep blacks and bright highlights, HP5+ is often my choice. The higher contrast can add drama to portraits, and the visible grain adds character without being overwhelming.
However, if I’m shooting portraits where I want to capture subtle skin tones and delicate gradations, Delta 400 is my preferred choice. Its lower contrast and finer grain produce smoother skin tones and more detailed textures. I particularly like Delta 400 for environmental portraits where I want to capture both the subject and their surroundings with equal clarity.
Landscape Photography
In landscape photography, Delta 400 has become my go-to film. The combination of fine grain, excellent sharpness, and wide tonal range makes it ideal for capturing the subtle details and tonal variations in nature. I’ve found that Delta 400 excels at rendering textures like tree bark, rock formations, and water surfaces with remarkable clarity.
That said, HP5+ can produce stunning landscape images with a more graphic, high-contrast look. On days with dramatic lighting, HP5+’s higher contrast can actually enhance the mood of the landscape, creating more striking images.
Street Photography
For street photography, I find myself gravitating toward HP5+ for several reasons. First, its higher exposure latitude gives me more confidence when shooting rapidly changing scenes. Second, the higher contrast helps subjects stand out from their backgrounds. Third, the classic grain structure adds to the documentary feel of street photography.
However, when I’m shooting street scenes with lots of subtle detail or in high-contrast lighting, Delta 400 can capture more of the scene’s complexity. I’ve used Delta 400 successfully for street photography, but I find myself being more careful with exposure and composition.
Documentary and Photojournalism
This is where HP5+ truly shines for me. Its combination of high exposure latitude, good pushability, and classic look makes it perfect for documentary work. I can load HP5+ in my camera and have confidence that it will handle whatever lighting conditions I encounter.
I’ve used HP5+ for several documentary projects, and it has never let me down. Even when I’ve made exposure errors or encountered rapidly changing light, HP5+ has delivered usable negatives that capture the essence of the moment.
Fine Art and Personal Work
For my personal fine art work, I find myself using both films depending on the project. When I’m working on projects that require maximum detail and tonal range, Delta 400 is my choice. Its ability to capture subtle gradations and fine details makes it ideal for the careful, contemplative work that characterizes much of my fine art photography.
However, when I’m working on projects where I want a more classic, graphic look, HP5+ serves beautifully. The higher contrast and visible grain can add emotional impact to images that might feel too clinical with Delta 400.
Cost Considerations: Value for Money
Price Comparison
As of November 2025, there’s a slight price difference between these films. HP5+ typically costs around $5.19 per 120 roll, while Delta 400 costs about $6.19 per 120 roll. That’s a difference of about $1 per roll, which can add up if you’re shooting large quantities.
For the occasional shooter, this difference might not be significant. But if you’re shooting professionally or working on large projects, the cost difference could influence your decision. Over the course of shooting 100 rolls, you’d save about $100 by choosing HP5+ over Delta 400.
Value Proposition
However, cost shouldn’t be the only consideration. The real question is which film provides better value for your specific needs. If Delta 400’s finer grain and wider tonal range save you time in post-processing or allow you to create images that HP5+ couldn’t match, then the extra cost might be justified.
Conversely, if HP5+’s exposure latitude saves you from losing shots due to exposure errors, then its value could far exceed its lower price point. I’ve certainly had situations where HP5+ saved a shoot that would have been lost with a less forgiving film.
My Personal Journey with Both Films
Learning Curve
When I first started shooting film again, I primarily used HP5+. Its forgiving nature gave me confidence as I was relearning exposure and development techniques. I could make mistakes and still get usable results, which was crucial for rebuilding my skills.
As I became more confident in my technical abilities, I began experimenting with Delta 400. The transition was challenging at first – I had to be more precise with my exposures and development, and I initially struggled with the lower contrast. But as I learned to work with Delta 400 rather than against it, I began to appreciate its unique qualities.
Current Preferences
Today, I find myself using both films regularly, depending on the project and my creative vision. For documentary work, travel photography, and situations where I need maximum flexibility, HP5+ is often my choice. For fine art work, architectural photography, and situations where maximum detail is required, Delta 400 is my preferred film.
I’ve learned that neither film is “better” than the other – they’re simply different tools for different creative visions. The key is understanding their characteristics and choosing the right one for each situation.
Also Read: Olympus 40-150 vs Panasonic 45-150
Pro Tips for Getting the Best Results In 2025
For HP5+ Users
- Embrace the grain: HP5+’s grain is part of its character. Instead of fighting it, learn to use it creatively in your images.
- Take advantage of exposure latitude: Don’t be afraid to shoot in challenging lighting conditions. HP5+ can handle more exposure error than you might think.
- Experiment with pushing: Try pushing HP5+ to different ISOs to see how it affects the look of your images. I’ve found that EI 800 often provides a nice balance of speed and quality.
- Use high-contrast developers: Developers like Ilford DD-X or Kodak HC-110 can enhance HP5+’s natural contrast and sharpness.
- Print for the grain: When making darkroom prints, use slightly higher contrast filters to make the most of HP5+’s grain structure.
For Delta 400 Users
- Be precise with exposure: Use a good light meter and take multiple readings. Delta 400 rewards careful exposure technique.
- Control development carefully: Pay attention to time, temperature, and agitation. Small variations can significantly affect the results.
- Extend fixing times: Fix Delta 400 for at least twice as long as HP5+ to ensure complete removal of unexposed silver halides.
- Use low-contrast developers: Developers like Ilford Microphen can help maintain Delta 400’s fine grain and wide tonal range.
- Embrace the tonal range: When printing or scanning, take advantage of Delta 400’s wide tonal range by carefully adjusting shadow and highlight detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which film is better for beginners?
For beginners, I generally recommend HP5+. Its wider exposure latitude means you can make more mistakes and still get usable results. As you gain confidence and experience, you can then experiment with Delta 400.
Can I push both films to higher ISOs?
Yes, both films can be pushed, but they behave differently. HP5+ pushes more gracefully, maintaining its character even at higher ISOs. Delta 400 can be pushed further technically, but the grain increases more noticeably.
Which film is better for large prints?
Delta 400 is generally better for large prints due to its finer grain structure and wider tonal range. However, HP5+ can also produce excellent large prints, especially if you prefer its grain structure and higher contrast.
Do I need different developers for each film?
Not necessarily, but different developers can enhance each film’s characteristics. For HP5+, I like Ilford DD-X for enhanced sharpness and contrast. For Delta 400, I prefer Ilford Microphen for fine grain and smooth tonality.
Which film scans better?
Both films scan well, but they produce different results. Delta 400 typically produces cleaner scans with more detail, while HP5+ scans with more visible grain and higher contrast. The “better” scan depends on your aesthetic preferences.
Can I mix these films in the same project?
Absolutely! I’ve done this successfully in several projects. The key is to use each film where its characteristics serve the image best. Just be prepared for different scanning and printing requirements.
Conclusion: Making Your Choice
After years of shooting with both Ilford Delta and HP5 films, I’ve come to appreciate each for its unique qualities. Neither is universally “better” – they’re simply different tools for different creative visions.
If you’re looking for a forgiving, versatile film with classic grain and higher contrast, HP5+ is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited to documentary work, street photography, and situations where lighting conditions are unpredictable.
If you prefer a film with finer grain, wider tonal range, and exceptional sharpness, Delta 400 is the way to go. It excels in landscape photography, fine art work, and situations where maximum detail is required.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both films yourself. Load some rolls, go shooting, and see which one speaks to your creative vision. After all, the best film is the one that helps you create the images you envision.