Ilford Delta 3200
The darkness tamer — shoot handheld where other films cannot.
Tonal Palette
Moody, compressed tonality — atmospheric grain
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Ilford Photo (Harman Technology, UK) |
| Film Type | Black & white negative |
| ISO Speed | 3200 (nominal; true speed ~EI 1000–1250) |
| Process | Standard B&W (DD-X, Microphen, ID-11, etc.) |
| Grain | Coarse but structured — modern Core-Shell tabular grain |
| Exposure Latitude | Extremely wide (EI 400 to EI 25,000) |
| Contrast | Moderate |
| Available Formats | 35mm, 120 |
Reciprocity Failure Calculator
When exposures exceed one second, Delta 3200 requires additional time to compensate for reciprocity failure. While a high-speed film like Delta 3200 is rarely used for long exposures, the correction is important for astrophotography and other specialized applications.
Push & Pull Processing
Delta 3200 has an extraordinary range. Its true sensitivity is around EI 1000–1250, meaning at box speed (3200) the film is already being mildly pushed. Ilford states that good image quality is obtainable from EI 400 to EI 6400, and usable results extend even further. At lower EIs, it produces surprisingly smooth, fine-grained results.
| Rating | Effective ISO | Stops | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EI 400 | 400 | −3 | Surprisingly smooth; almost like a different film entirely |
| EI 800 | 800 | −2 | Fine grain for a fast film; excellent quality with soft tones |
| EI 1600 | 1600 | −1 | Near true speed; balanced grain and detail |
| EI 3200 | 3200 | 0 | Box speed — mild push from true speed; standard development |
| EI 6400 | 6400 | +1 | Noticeable grain; higher contrast; extend development ~15–20% |
| EI 12500 | 12500 | +2 | Heavy grain, blocked highlights; for extreme low-light only |
| EI 25000 | 25000 | +3 | Emergency use; very coarse grain with significant shadow loss |
Character & Personality
Grain
Coarse but structured grain. Delta 3200 uses Ilford's Core-Shell crystal technology (tabular grain), which produces a more organized grain pattern than simply pushing a slower film. In 35mm, the grain is chunky and very visible but has a pleasing quality when properly exposed. In 120, the grain is noticeably finer and more subtle. The modern tabular grain structure provides a more pleasant result than pushing traditional cubic-grain films to equivalent speeds.
Exposure Latitude
Extremely wide. Despite its high speed rating, Delta 3200 can be shot anywhere from EI 400 to EI 25,000. Ilford states that good image quality is obtainable from EI 400 to EI 6400. The true sensitivity is around EI 1000–1250, meaning at box speed (3200) the film is already being slightly pushed. This makes it remarkably flexible for a high-speed emulsion.
Tonal Character
Moderate contrast with smooth tonal transitions for a high-speed film. Shadow detail is retained well even at very high EIs. Highlights can blow out quickly at the highest push levels. The overall tonal rendering has a moody, atmospheric quality that makes Delta 3200 a favourite for evocative low-light work.
Best Suited For
- Concert and live music photography
- Night photography and street shooting after dark
- Indoor events (weddings, theatre) where flash is not permitted
- Sports under poor lighting conditions
- Astrophotography and night sky work
- Any situation requiring extremely fast shutter speeds in low light
Available Formats & Pricing
| Format | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| 35mm (36 exp) | ~$13–16 USD |
| 120 | ~$10–13 USD |
Prices are approximate and vary by retailer. Current as of early 2026.
Development Notes
Ilford DD-X is the recommended developer for optimal results with Delta 3200. Microphen provides slightly finer grain at high EIs. At EI 3200 (box speed), the film is already being mildly pushed from its true sensitivity — no special development adjustment is needed beyond following Ilford's standard times.
For EI 6400, extend development by about 15–20%. Avoid overdevelopment, which can cause excessive contrast and blocked highlights. Delta 3200 is more sensitive to development temperature variations than slower films, so precise temperature control is important. The film has a slight tendency to curl, especially in 35mm — handle carefully during drying.
Sources & Further Reading
Manufacturer Data
Sample Photos
Reviews & Resources
Shoot Delta 3200 with TLR Companion
TLR Companion is a free light meter app with built-in reciprocity correction for Delta 3200 and 21 other film stocks. Load it as your active film and the app will automatically correct your long exposures. Track every frame on your roll and never lose count again.