Ilford HP5 Plus 400
The photojournalist's film — forgiving, pushable, and timeless.
Tonal Palette
Neutral, smooth grayscale — even tonal distribution
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Ilford Photo (Harman Technology, UK) |
| Film Type | Black & white negative |
| ISO Speed | 400 |
| Process | Standard B&W (D-76, ID-11, HC-110, Ilfotec, Rodinal, etc.) |
| Grain | Medium — classic cubic crystal structure with organic texture |
| Exposure Latitude | Wide (~12 stops of usable dynamic range) |
| Contrast | Medium |
| Available Formats | 35mm, 120, 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, bulk |
Reciprocity Failure Calculator
When exposures exceed one second, HP5 Plus requires additional time to compensate for reciprocity failure. The correction formula below uses the exponent published in Ilford's technical data sheet.
Push & Pull Processing
HP5 Plus is legendary for its push processing capability. It can be rated from EI 200 all the way up to EI 3200 with adjusted development, making it one of the most versatile B&W films for unpredictable lighting conditions.
| Rating | Effective ISO | Stops | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EI 100 | 100 | −2 | Very fine grain, lower contrast; ideal for bright conditions |
| EI 200 | 200 | −1 | Finer grain, smooth tones; great for controlled lighting |
| EI 400 | 400 | 0 | Box speed — classic HP5 Plus look |
| EI 800 | 800 | +1 | Slight grain increase; excellent results, very common push |
| EI 1600 | 1600 | +2 | Visible grain with gritty character; still very usable |
| EI 3200 | 3200 | +3 | Heavy grain, high contrast; dramatic photojournalistic look |
Character & Personality
Grain
Medium grain with a classic cubic crystal structure. HP5 Plus uses traditional cubic grain emulsion, which produces an organic, textured look that is the epitome of classic black and white photography. In 35mm, the grain is quite pronounced and characterful. In 120 format, grain becomes subtle and almost unnoticeable. The grain adds to the film's timeless photojournalistic aesthetic.
Exposure Latitude
Exceptionally wide — approximately 12 stops of usable dynamic range. HP5 Plus is one of the most forgiving B&W films available. It tolerates significant overexposure and underexposure gracefully, which makes it an excellent choice for beginners and situations where lighting is unpredictable. The film responds extremely well to push processing and can be rated from EI 200 up to EI 3200 with adjusted development.
Tonal Character
Neutral to slightly warm tonal rendering with medium contrast that reproduces a full range of tones from deep blacks to bright whites. The tonal curve is smooth and gradual, avoiding the harshness some higher-contrast B&W films exhibit. Highlights roll off gently rather than clipping abruptly, making HP5 Plus forgiving in high-contrast scenes.
Best Suited For
- Street photography and photojournalism
- Documentary and travel photography
- Sports and action (thanks to ISO 400 speed)
- Indoor available light photography
- Push processing for low-light situations
- General all-purpose B&W shooting
Available Formats & Pricing
| Format | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| 35mm (36 exp) | ~$11–13 USD |
| 120 | ~$8–10 USD |
| 4x5 (25 sheets) | ~$45–55 USD |
| 35mm bulk (100ft) | Available |
Prices are approximate and vary by retailer. Current as of early 2026.
Development Notes
HP5 Plus is extremely versatile in development and works well with virtually any B&W developer. Standard development in ID-11 or D-76 at 1:1 dilution yields classic results with smooth tonal gradations. HC-110 dilution B provides slightly more contrast for a punchier look. Rodinal at 1:50 emphasizes the grain for an artistic, textured aesthetic.
For push processing to EI 1600–3200, increase development time by 50–100% depending on the developer. Temperature tolerance is forgiving — slight deviations from 20°C/68°F are not catastrophic, making HP5 Plus an excellent film for home development beginners.
Sources & Further Reading
Manufacturer Data
Sample Photos
Reviews & Resources
Shoot HP5 Plus with TLR Companion
TLR Companion is a free light meter app with built-in reciprocity correction for HP5 Plus 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.