As a film photographer who’s spent countless hours in the darkroom and even more time shooting with virtually every black and white film stock on the market, I can tell you that few debates get more heated than the Ilford FP4 vs HP5 discussion. These two films have been the backbone of my photography journey, and I’m excited to share everything I’ve discovered about them with you.
When I first started shooting film, I was overwhelmed by the choices. But time and again, I kept coming back to these two Ilford classics. There’s something magical about both FP4 and HP5 that keeps photographers reaching for them decade after decade. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down every aspect you need to know to make the right choice for your photography.
Quick Answer: Which One Should You Choose?
Before we dive deep into the nitty-gritty details, let me give you the quick answer based on my experience:
Choose Ilford FP4 Plus if:
- You shoot primarily in good lighting conditions
- You want fine grain and maximum sharpness
- You prefer higher contrast straight out of the camera
- You’re doing portrait, landscape, or studio work
- You don’t mind using a tripod for slower shutter speeds
Choose Ilford HP5 Plus if:
- You need versatility in various lighting conditions
- You want more exposure latitude and forgiveness
- You enjoy the classic grain structure
- You shoot street, documentary, or action photography
- You like the option to push your film to higher ISOs
Now, let me explain exactly why I make these recommendations and help you understand the subtle differences that make each film special.
Understanding the Basics: What Makes These Films Different?
When I first started comparing these films, I was surprised by how much there was to learn beyond just the ISO difference. Let me break down the fundamental characteristics that set these two apart.
Ilford FP4 Plus: The Precision Tool
Ilford FP4 Plus is rated at ISO 125, making it a medium-speed film that’s been around since the 1960s (with the Plus version coming in the 1990s). What I love about FP4 is its precision – this is a film that demands attention to detail but rewards you with stunning results.
Key Characteristics:
- ISO: 125
- Grain: Exceptionally fine and tight
- Contrast: Higher contrast straight out of the box
- Sharpness: Outstanding edge acuity
- Exposure Latitude: More limited, requires careful metering
- Best For: Controlled lighting situations, portraits, landscapes
I remember shooting FP4 for the first time on a bright sunny day in Melbourne. The way it rendered the architectural details was breathtaking – every line was crisp, every shadow had depth, and the highlights had this beautiful creamy quality that I’d never seen before.
Ilford HP5 Plus: The Versatile Workhorse
HP5 Plus, rated at ISO 400, is arguably Ilford’s most popular black and white film. Introduced in the 1970s and updated to HP5 Plus in the late 1980s, this film was Ilford’s answer to Kodak’s legendary Tri-X 400. And let me tell you, they knocked it out of the park.
Key Characteristics:
- ISO: 400
- Grain: More pronounced but beautiful
- Contrast: Lower contrast, flatter look (more flexible in post)
- Sharpness: Very good, though not quite as crisp as FP4
- Exposure Latitude: Extremely forgiving
- Best For: Variable lighting, street photography, action shots
What I discovered about HP5 is its incredible versatility. I’ve shot this film in everything from bright midday sun to dimly lit cafes, and it handles every situation with grace. The exposure latitude is unreal – I’ve made exposure mistakes that should have ruined shots, only to find perfectly usable images on my contact sheets.
Technical Deep Dive: The Science Behind the Magic
As someone who’s spent way too much time reading technical specifications and running my own film tests, I can tell you that understanding the technical differences helps explain why these films behave the way they do.
Grain Structure and Sharpness
One of the most obvious differences between FP4 and HP5 is the grain structure. FP4 produces noticeably finer grain, which contributes to its reputation for exceptional sharpness. When I examined my negatives under a magnifier, I was amazed at how tightly packed the silver halide crystals are in FP4 compared to HP5.
HP5, on the other hand, has larger grain that’s more visible, especially in 35mm format. But here’s the thing – this isn’t necessarily a drawback. Many photographers, myself included, love the character that HP5’s grain adds to images. It gives photos that classic “film look” that’s so popular right now.
Contrast and Tonal Range
This is where things get really interesting. FP4 has what I call “built-in contrast” – the negatives come out with deeper blacks and brighter whites right out of the development tank. I’ve found that FP4 has a shorter toe and a steeper straight-line portion on its characteristic curve, which translates to more contrast in the final image.
HP5, conversely, produces a flatter negative with more information in the shadows and highlights. Some photographers initially find this disappointing, but I’ve grown to love it. This lower contrast gives you more flexibility in the darkroom or during digital post-processing. You can always add contrast later, but you can’t easily recover detail that wasn’t captured in the first place.
Exposure Latitude: The Forgiveness Factor
If there’s one area where HP5 absolutely shines, it’s exposure latitude. I’ve tested both films extensively, and HP5 can handle exposure errors that would make FP4 unusable. HP5 has a longer toe on its characteristic curve, meaning it retains detail in the shadows even when underexposed.
FP4 is much less forgiving. I learned this the hard way early in my film journey. I was shooting FP4 on an overcast day and accidentally underexposed by a stop. The resulting negatives were thin and lacked detail in the shadows. Since then, I’ve become much more careful with my metering when using FP4.
Real-World Performance: My Field Tests
Theory is great, but nothing beats real-world experience. Let me share some specific situations where I’ve put both films to the test.
Portrait Photography Session
Last month, I set up a portrait session specifically to compare these two films. I used the same camera (Hasselblad 500cm), same lens (80mm Planar), same lighting setup, and shot both films back-to-back.
FP4 Results: The portraits shot on FP4 were stunning right out of the box. The skin tones had this beautiful smooth quality, and the fine details in eyelashes and skin texture were razor-sharp. The higher contrast gave the images a dramatic, almost cinematic quality that my clients loved.
HP5 Results: The HP5 portraits looked softer initially – less contrast, more mid-tone heavy. But when I scanned them and applied some basic contrast adjustments in post-processing, they came alive with a different kind of beauty. The grain structure added a timeless quality that reminded me of classic Hollywood portraits.
Verdict: For controlled studio portraits, I slightly prefer FP4 for its immediate impact, but HP5 gives you more flexibility if you like to experiment with different looks in post-processing.
Street Photography Adventure
I took both films on a street photography trip to New York City last fall, shooting in everything from bright sunlight to dim subway stations.
FP4 Challenges: FP4 struggled in the subway and indoor markets. Even at f/2.8, I was getting shutter speeds of 1/15s or slower, which resulted in some motion blur. On the streets in bright sunlight, however, it was magnificent – the architectural details were incredible.
HP5 Performance: HP5 handled everything I threw at it. In bright sun, I could shoot at f/8 and still get fast shutter speeds. In the subway, I could push it to 1600 ISO and get usable images. The exposure latitude meant I could quickly meter and shoot without worrying about perfect exposure every time.
Verdict: For street photography and documentary work, HP5 is my clear winner. The versatility and forgiveness make it perfect for capturing fleeting moments.
Landscape Photography Test
I spent a weekend in the mountains shooting landscapes with both films, using a tripod for all exposures to eliminate variables.
FP4 Strengths: The detail in landscape shots on FP4 is breathtaking. Every tree, every rock, every cloud formation is rendered with incredible clarity. The fine grain means you can make large prints without worrying about grain becoming distracting.
HP5 Characteristics: HP5 landscapes have a different quality – the grain adds texture and atmosphere, especially in black and white conversions of cloudy skies. The slightly lower contrast means you retain more detail in both bright skies and shadowed valleys.
Verdict: For large format landscapes where detail is paramount, FP4 has the edge. For 35mm landscapes where you want a more atmospheric look, HP5 might be preferable.
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Pushing and Pulling: Expanding Your Creative Options
One area where these films differ significantly is their response to push and pull processing. As someone who loves experimenting with different development techniques, this has been a fascinating area to explore.
Pushing FP4 Plus
FP4 can be pushed, but it’s not as forgiving as HP5. I’ve successfully pushed FP4 to ISO 400 with good results, but beyond that, the contrast becomes excessive and the grain starts to look harsh.
When I push FP4, I typically increase development time by about 50% for a one-stop push. The results are interesting – you get the fine grain of FP4 but with the speed of HP5, though with higher contrast.
Pushing HP5 Plus
This is where HP5 truly shines. I’ve pushed HP5 to 1600, 3200, and even 6400 ISO with varying degrees of success. At 1600, the results are fantastic – you get beautiful, pronounced grain and excellent shadow detail.
What I discovered about pushing HP5 is that it actually becomes more contrasty, which can be a creative advantage. For my night photography work, I often push HP5 to 1600 and love the results – the grain adds character, and the increased contrast gives images a dramatic quality.
Pulling Both Films
Pulling (shooting at lower ISO and reducing development) works well with both films, though I find HP5 responds better. Pulling HP5 to 200 ISO gives you incredibly fine grain and lower contrast, which can be great for high-key portraits or bright scenes.
FP4 can be pulled to 64 or 50 ISO, resulting in almost impossibly fine grain, but you need to be very careful with exposure as the latitude becomes even more limited.
Development Considerations: Getting the Most from Your Films
The developer you choose can dramatically affect how these films look. Through years of experimentation, I’ve found some combinations that work particularly well.
Best Developers for FP4 Plus
Ilford ID-11 (or Kodak D-76): This is my go-to for FP4 when I want maximum sharpness and fine grain. The results are clean and detailed, perfect for technical photography.
Rodinal 1+50: If I want to emphasize FP4’s sharpness even further, I’ll use Rodinal. The acutance is incredible, though grain becomes more pronounced. I love this combination for architectural photography.
HC-110: Dilution B gives FP4 a beautiful tonality with slightly more pronounced grain than ID-11 but less than Rodinal. It’s a great all-around developer for FP4.
Best Developers for HP5 Plus
Ilford ID-11: HP5 in ID-11 produces beautiful, smooth tones with moderate grain. This is my standard combination for general photography.
Rodinal 1+25: When I want that classic, gritty HP5 look, I reach for Rodinal. The grain becomes more pronounced, and the sharpness increases dramatically. Perfect for street photography.
DD-X: This is my choice when pushing HP5. It keeps the grain relatively fine even at high ISOs and maintains excellent shadow detail.
Cost and Availability: Practical Considerations
Let’s talk about the practical side of things. Both films are readily available, but there are some differences to consider.
Price Comparison
Based on current prices (November 2025):
- FP4 Plus 35mm 36-exposure: Approximately $8-10 per roll
- HP5 Plus 35mm 36-exposure: Approximately $9-11 per roll
The difference is minimal, so cost shouldn’t be a major factor in your decision.
Availability
Both films are widely available from major photography retailers, online stores, and even some local camera shops. HP5 tends to be more commonly stocked due to its popularity, but I’ve never had trouble finding FP4 when I need it.
Making Your Choice: A Decision Framework
After all this testing and experience, I’ve developed a framework to help photographers choose between these two excellent films. Ask yourself these questions:
1. What’s your primary subject matter?
- Portraits, landscapes, studio work: FP4 Plus
- Street, documentary, action: HP5 Plus
2. What lighting conditions do you typically shoot in?
- Controlled, good lighting: FP4 Plus
- Variable, challenging lighting: HP5 Plus
3. What’s your experience level?
- Experienced, precise metering: FP4 Plus
- Beginner, want forgiveness: HP5 Plus
4. What look are you going for?
- Fine detail, high contrast: FP4 Plus
- Classic grain, flexible processing: HP5 Plus
5. What format do you shoot?
- Large format, technical photography: FP4 Plus
- 35mm, handheld photography: HP5 Plus
My Personal Journey with Both Films
I want to share a bit about my personal journey with these films because I think it might help you understand why both have a place in my camera bag.
When I first started shooting film seriously, I used almost exclusively HP5 Plus. It was forgiving, versatile, and gave me consistent results even when my technique wasn’t perfect. As I grew more confident in my metering and technique, I started experimenting with FP4.
At first, I found FP4 frustrating. It seemed less forgiving, and I ruined several rolls through poor exposure. But as I learned to work with it rather than against it, I began to appreciate its unique qualities. Now, I find myself reaching for FP4 when I want maximum sharpness and fine grain, especially for portraits and landscapes.
These days, I always have both films in my refrigerator. HP5 for when I need versatility and forgiveness, FP4 for when I want precision and fine detail. They’re different tools for different jobs, and understanding when to use each has made me a better photographer.
Also Read: 50mm vs 24mm Lens
Pro Tips for Getting the Best Results
After shooting hundreds of rolls of both films, I’ve learned some tricks that can help you get the most from either choice:
For FP4 Plus:
- Use a tripod whenever possible – the slower speed means slower shutter speeds
- Meter carefully – expose for the shadows and let the highlights fall where they may
- Consider pull processing in very bright conditions to tame contrast
- Use ID-11 or D-76 for the finest grain and best sharpness
- Shoot in good light – this film really shines when you have adequate illumination
For HP5 Plus:
- Don’t be afraid to push – this film handles pushing beautifully
- Expose for the shadows – the latitude will take care of the highlights
- Experiment with different developers – Rodinal for grit, ID-11 for smoothness
- Try stand development for interesting effects and maximum shadow detail
- Embrace the grain – it’s part of what makes HP5 special
FAQ: Ilford FP4 vs HP5
Can I use FP4 in low light if I have a tripod?
Yes, you can absolutely use FP4 in low light with a tripod. I’ve shot FP4 at night with exposures lasting several seconds, and the results can be stunning. Just be aware that you’ll need to deal with reciprocity failure for exposures longer than a few seconds.
Is HP5 too grainy for large prints?
Not necessarily. While HP5 has more grain than FP4, it’s still relatively fine-grained for a 400-speed film. I’ve made 16×20 prints from HP5 35mm negatives that look beautiful. The grain adds character and doesn’t become distracting at reasonable viewing distances.
Which film is better for beginners?
I almost always recommend HP5 for beginners. The exposure latitude and forgiveness make it much easier to get good results while you’re learning. FP4 requires more precise technique and can be frustrating for newcomers to film photography.
Can I push FP4 like I can push HP5?
You can push FP4, but not as aggressively as HP5. I’ve found that pushing FP4 to 400 ISO works well, but beyond that, the contrast becomes excessive and the grain starts to look harsh. HP5 can be pushed to 1600 or even 3200 with excellent results.
Which film scans better?
Both films scan well, but they give different results. FP4 scans with higher contrast and finer grain, while HP5 scans with more mid-tone information and visible grain. I actually prefer scanning HP5 because the lower contrast gives me more flexibility in post-processing.
Is one film more archival than the other?
Both films are equally archival when processed and stored properly. Ilford’s black and white films are known for their excellent stability, and you can expect negatives from both FP4 and HP5 to last for decades when cared for correctly.
Final Thoughts: There’s No Wrong Choice
After all this testing, shooting, and analysis, what’s my final verdict? Honestly, there isn’t one. Both FP4 and HP5 are exceptional films that have earned their place in photography history.
The choice between them comes down to your specific needs, shooting style, and creative vision. FP4 is the precision tool for when you need maximum sharpness and fine grain. HP5 is the versatile workhorse that can handle anything you throw at it.
My advice? Try both. Shoot a roll of each in similar conditions and see which one speaks to you. Better yet, keep both in your camera bag and use each for what it does best. That’s what I do, and it’s served me well throughout my photography journey.
Remember, the best film is the one that helps you create the images you envision. Whether that’s FP4, HP5, or something else entirely, what matters most is that you’re out there shooting and enjoying the magical process of film photography.
Save this article for later reference! Film stocks and techniques are always evolving, and I update this comparison regularly as I discover new things about these wonderful films. Bookmark this page and check back often for the latest insights and tips.