If you’re a film photographer, you’ve likely faced the dilemma of choosing between Ilford’s two most popular black and white films: XP2 and HP5. As someone who’s shot countless rolls of both over the years, I can tell you that while they both bear the prestigious Ilford name, they offer vastly different experiences and results. In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision for your photography.
A Brief Introduction to Ilford
Before diving into the specifics of XP2 and HP5, let’s talk about Ilford as a brand. Ilford Photo has been a cornerstone of black and white photography since 1879. Their commitment to quality and consistency has made them a favorite among film photographers worldwide. I’ve been using Ilford films since I first picked up a film camera, and their reliability has never let me down.
Understanding Ilford XP2
Ilford XP2 Super is a chromogenic black and white film, which means it’s essentially a color film without the color dyes. What makes XP2 unique is that it can be developed in standard C-41 color negative chemistry, the same process used for color films. This characteristic opens up some interesting possibilities that we’ll explore.
Key Specifications of XP2
- ISO: 400 (but with incredible exposure latitude)
- Format: Available in 35mm and 120 formats
- Development: C-41 color process
- Grain: Very fine for its speed
- Base: Clear acetate (not orange like color films)
I remember my first time shooting XP2. I was on a trip to New York City, and I wanted to capture the urban landscape without worrying about finding a specialized black and white lab. The convenience of being able to drop it off at any one-hour photo lab was a game-changer for me at the time.
Understanding Ilford HP5
Ilford HP5 Plus is a traditional black and white film that uses silver halide crystals to create images. It requires standard black and white chemistry for development, such as Ilford’s own ID-11, D-76, or other popular developers like HC-110.
Key Specifications of HP5
- ISO: 400 (but can be pushed to higher speeds)
- Format: Available in 35mm, 120, and sheet formats
- Development: Standard black and white process
- Grain: Medium grain, characteristic of traditional films
- Base: Clear acetate
HP5 was my go-to film for years when I was developing my own film in my bathroom-turned-darkroom. There’s something magical about watching an image appear on the film in the developing tank that never gets old.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how do these two films stack up against each other?
ISO and Exposure Latitude
XP2: Rated at ISO 400, XP2 has an incredible exposure latitude that allows it to be shot anywhere from ISO 50 to ISO 800 with excellent results. I’ve even pushed it to 1600 in a pinch and was surprised by the usable results. This latitude makes it extremely forgiving in tricky lighting situations.
HP5: Also rated at ISO 400, HP5 has good exposure latitude but not quite as forgiving as XP2. It can be exposed at EI 200 to 800 with good results, and it’s known for its ability to be pushed to higher speeds (EI 1600 or even 3200) when developed accordingly.
I discovered HP5’s pushing capabilities during a nighttime photography workshop. When I accidentally underexposed a roll by two stops, my instructor suggested pushing it in development. The results were grainy but beautifully detailed, and I’ve been experimenting with pushing HP5 ever since.
Grain Structure and Sharpness
XP2: XP2 produces very fine grain for a 400-speed film. The grain structure is more uniform and less noticeable than in traditional films, giving images a smoother appearance. Sharpness is excellent, especially when scanned properly.
HP5: HP5 has a more pronounced grain structure that many photographers find appealing and “classic.” The grain is visible but not objectionable at box speed, and it becomes more prominent when pushed. Sharpness is excellent, with a characteristic “bite” that many associate with traditional black and white photography.
In my experience, if you’re looking for that smooth, almost grainless look that mimics digital photography, XP2 is your best bet. But if you want that classic film grain that adds texture and character to your images, HP5 delivers in spades.
Tonal Range and Contrast
XP2: XP2 produces a long, smooth tonal range with excellent shadow detail and highlight retention. The contrast is generally lower and more forgiving than HP5 straight out of the camera. This can be adjusted in scanning or printing, but the film’s natural tendency is toward a gentler tonal transition.
HP5: HP5 offers a classic black and white tonal range with good separation in the mid-tones. It tends to produce higher contrast images with more punch straight out of the camera. This can be moderated with development techniques, but HP5 naturally has more contrast than XP2.
I’ve found that XP2 excels in high-contrast situations where you want to preserve detail in both highlights and shadows. On a bright sunny day at the beach, XP2 saved me from blown-out skies while still maintaining detail in the dark rocks.
Development Process
XP2: The biggest advantage of XP2 is its ability to be developed in C-41 chemistry. This means you can get it developed at virtually any photo lab, drugstore, or supermarket that still processes color film. The development process is standardized and consistent, which means predictable results regardless of where you get it developed.
HP5: HP5 requires traditional black and white development. This means you either need to develop it yourself or find a lab that specializes in black and white processing. While this might seem like a disadvantage, it actually offers more control over the final look of your images through choice of developer, development time, and technique.
When I was traveling through Europe last December, I exclusively shot XP2 because I knew I could find C-41 processing in any major city. But when I’m at home with access to my darkroom, I almost always reach for HP5 because I love experimenting with different developers to achieve different looks.
Scanning Considerations
XP2: Because XP2 is developed in C-41 chemistry, it has a neutral base (not orange like color negative films). This makes scanning relatively straightforward, as you don’t need to apply an orange mask correction. The film scans well with minimal adjustments needed.
HP5: HP5 also has a clear base, making it easy to scan. However, because it’s a traditional black and white film, the negative density can vary more depending on development, which might require more adjustments during scanning.
I’ve found that both films scan well, but XP2 tends to be more forgiving if you’re using an automated scanning service or less sophisticated scanning equipment.
Price and Availability
XP2: XP2 is generally priced slightly higher than HP5, reflecting its specialized nature. It’s widely available both online and in physical camera stores that stock film.
HP5: HP5 is typically more affordable than XP2 and is one of the most widely available black and white films on the market. Its popularity means it’s rarely out of stock, even during film shortages.
When I’m stocking up on film, I usually buy more HP5 than XP2 simply because it’s more economical, and I go through it faster since I develop it myself.
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Real-World Shooting Scenarios
To give you a better idea of how these films perform in different situations, here are some scenarios where one might outshine the other:
Portrait Photography
For portraits, I’ve found that XP2’s fine grain and smooth tonal transitions produce beautiful skin tones. The lower contrast is flattering for most subjects, and the ability to get it processed anywhere makes it convenient for on-location shoots.
HP5, on the other hand, can produce stunning portraits with more character and texture. The slightly higher contrast can be especially effective for dramatic, high-contrast portraits, particularly when paired with the right lighting.
Landscape Photography
For landscapes, it really depends on the conditions. In bright, high-contrast situations, XP2’s ability to retain highlight detail while still capturing shadow information makes it an excellent choice. I’ve captured some beautiful landscapes with XP2 where the sky was bright but I still had detail in the foreground.
HP5 excels in softer, more diffused light where its inherent contrast can create depth and dimension. On overcast days, HP5 can produce moody, atmospheric landscapes that XP2 might render too flat.
Street Photography
Both films are excellent for street photography, but for different reasons. XP2’s exposure latitude makes it forgiving in rapidly changing light conditions common in urban environments. The ability to drop it off at any lab for processing is also convenient for street photographers on the go.
HP5’s classic look and grain structure give street images that timeless quality many photographers seek. Its ability to be pushed to higher speeds also makes it suitable for low-light street photography.
Low-Light Photography
In low-light situations, HP5 has the edge due to its excellent pushing capabilities. I’ve shot HP5 at EI 3200 with beautiful, grainy results that capture the atmosphere of dimly lit scenes.
While XP2 can be rated at higher speeds, it doesn’t respond as well to pushing as HP5 does. If you’re planning to do a lot of low-light photography, HP5 is probably the better choice.
Personal Experiences with Both Films
Over the years, I’ve shot countless rolls of both XP2 and HP5 in various conditions. Here are some of my personal observations:
I discovered XP2 when I was living in a small town with no darkroom access. The ability to shoot black and white but get it processed at the local drugstore was revolutionary for me at the time. I shot a whole documentary project on XP2, and the convenience factor alone made it worth it.
That said, there’s something special about HP5 that keeps me coming back. Maybe it’s the ritual of developing it myself, or perhaps it’s the way the grain renders in a print. There’s a certain magic to HP5 that’s hard to quantify but easy to see in the final images.
One of my most memorable photography experiences was shooting a jazz festival with both films. I loaded XP2 in one camera and HP5 in another, shooting the same scenes with both. The results were fascinating: XP2 captured the smooth, flowing lines of the musicians with its fine grain, while HP5 rendered the same scenes with more texture and contrast, emphasizing the dramatic lighting of the venue.
Pros and Cons Summary
Ilford XP2
Pros:
- Can be developed in C-41 chemistry (widely available)
- Extremely forgiving exposure latitude
- Very fine grain for a 400-speed film
- Smooth tonal transitions
- Easy to scan
Cons:
- Less control over final look (dependent on lab processing)
- Not ideal for pushing to high speeds
- Slightly more expensive than HP5
- Some photographers find the look too “clean” or “digital”
Ilford HP5
Pros:
- Classic black and white look with beautiful grain structure
- Excellent pushing capabilities
- More control over final look through development choices
- Generally more affordable
- Available in sheet format for large format photographers
Cons:
- Requires specialized black and white processing
- Less exposure latitude than XP2
- More noticeable grain (can be a pro or con depending on preference)
- Not as convenient for travelers or those without darkroom access
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Which Film Should You Choose?
After all this comparison, you might be wondering which film is right for you. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Choose XP2 if:
- You want the convenience of C-41 processing
- You’re traveling and won’t have access to a darkroom
- You prefer a smoother, less grainy look
- You often shoot in high-contrast situations
- You’re new to film photography and want something forgiving
Choose HP5 if:
- You develop your own film or have access to a black and white lab
- You love the classic look of traditional black and white film
- You often shoot in low light and want to push your film
- You want more control over the final appearance of your images
- You appreciate the aesthetic of visible grain
Of course, there’s no reason you can’t shoot both! Many photographers (myself included) keep both films in their fridge and choose based on the specific requirements of each shoot.
FAQ
Can I develop XP2 in black and white chemistry?
Yes, you can develop XP2 in standard black and white developers, but the results will be different from C-41 development. The contrast will be higher, and the grain structure may change. I’ve tried this once out of curiosity, and while the results were interesting, I prefer the look of XP2 developed in C-41 chemistry.
Can I push HP5 like XP2?
HP5 responds much better to pushing than XP2. While XP2 can be exposed at higher EI values, HP5 is specifically designed to be pushed to higher speeds with good results. I’ve regularly pushed HP5 to EI 1600 and even 3200 with beautiful, grainy results.
Which film is better for scanning?
Both films scan well due to their clear bases, but XP2 might be slightly easier for beginners because it has less contrast and more consistent density. HP5 can produce excellent scans but might require more adjustments depending on development.
Which film is more archival?
Both films are considered archival when processed and stored properly. However, traditional black and white films like HP5 are generally considered more stable over very long periods (decades) compared to chromogenic films like XP2. For most practical purposes, this shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Can I mix XP2 and HP5 in the same project?
Absolutely! Many photographers use both films in the same project, taking advantage of each film’s strengths for different scenes. I’ve done this several times, and while the films look different, that difference can be used creatively to emphasize different aspects of a story.
Conclusion
After shooting both films extensively, I can tell you that there’s no clear winner in the Ilford XP2 vs HP5 debate. They’re both excellent films that serve different purposes and produce different aesthetics.
XP2 is the convenient, versatile choice that produces smooth, fine-grained images with incredible exposure latitude. It’s perfect for those who want to shoot black and white without the hassle of specialized processing.
HP5 is the classic, traditional choice that produces beautiful, grainy images with excellent pushability. It’s perfect for those who want more control over their final images and appreciate the ritual of black and white development.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both for yourself. Buy a roll of each, shoot them in similar conditions, and see which one speaks to you. That’s the beauty of film photography—there’s no right or wrong, only what works for your vision and your style.
Before you go, make sure to bookmark this page for future reference as I update it with new sample images and techniques as I continue to shoot with both films. And if you found this comparison helpful, check out my other articles on black and white film photography, where I dive deep into developing techniques, scanning tips, and more film comparisons.
Happy shooting!