Ilford 1574577 HP5 Plus, Black and White Print Film, 35 mm, ISO 400, 36 Exposures (Pack of 3)
Quick take
Ilford HP5 Plus is a 35 mm black-and-white film rated ISO 400, designed for sharp results and medium contrast across everyday lighting conditions. It’s especially appealing if you want a film that’s forgiving and works well when you experiment with push processing. The main catch is cost, so absolute beginners on a tight budget may want a cheaper learning film first.
Pros and cons
Pros
- ISO 400 speed makes it practical for handheld shooting in mixed daylight and indoor situations.
- Wide exposure latitude and medium contrast are useful for general-purpose photography.
- Formulated to respond well to push processing (film speeds up to EI 3200/36 can be achieved with Ilford Microphen developer).
- Buyers consistently describe it as a solid “baseline” black-and-white film for learning and regular shooting.
Cons
- It’s typically priced higher than some entry-level black-and-white films, which can matter if you’re shooting a lot while learning.
- Being a 35 mm ISO 400 film, it may not be the best fit if you specifically need a different speed (for example, much slower for bright, low-noise work) for your current workflow.
- You still need a compatible 35 mm camera and proper black-and-white development to get results.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is strong that HP5 Plus is an easy, reliable black-and-white film choice. Many comments emphasize that it delivers dependable results across common lighting scenarios, and several people call it a good “standard” or baseline film for getting started with film photography. A recurring theme is that it pairs well with development experience, with particular appreciation for how approachable it feels for beginners who are learning exposure and processing.
There is also some feedback that the film can look grainier than expected, which is a normal tradeoff many monochrome photographers accept, but it may be a deciding factor if you’re sensitive to visible grain. Overall, the review pattern points to consistency, convenience, and strong developer responsiveness, with the main downside being value for shoppers who compare pricing against cheaper alternatives.
What this film is for
HP5 Plus is a high-speed black-and-white negative film, nominally rated at ISO 400 (35 mm format, 36 exposures per roll). It’s intended for general photography and is especially suited for action and press-style shooting, where you want a higher ISO speed to help maintain faster shutter speeds. If you often shoot in changing conditions, handheld scenarios, or environments with mixed lighting, ISO 400 is a practical middle ground.
Key features that matter in real shooting
Exposure latitude and contrast behavior
The film is described as having a wide exposure latitude with medium contrast. In practice, that usually translates to a more forgiving experience when your exposure is not perfectly dialed in, which is valuable for learning and for day-to-day shooting when conditions shift quickly.
Push processing support
HP5 Plus is formulated to respond well to push processing. The product guidance notes that film speeds up to EI 3200/36 are achievable with ILFORD Microphen developer while maintaining good shadow detail and separated mid-tones. If you like the look that comes from pushing film, or you need extra speed in low light, this is one of the main reasons shoppers choose HP5 Plus over more limited emulsions.
Sharpness and grain
HP5 Plus is positioned to produce negatives with outstanding sharpness and fine grain under all lighting conditions. At the same time, some buyers explicitly mention that it can appear grainy. If you want the least noticeable grain possible, you may prefer a slower ISO film or a different emulsion designed for smoother tonality.
Pros and cons in plain terms
Pros
- Versatile ISO 400 speed: useful for handheld and mixed lighting, with stronger performance than slower films in lower light.
- Forgiving handling: wide exposure latitude makes it easier to get usable negatives even when conditions are imperfect.
- Works for experimentation: push-processing responsiveness is a big plus if you want creative flexibility.
- Trusted “standard” reputation: buyers frequently describe it as a baseline film for film photography.
Cons
- Cost can be a factor: some shoppers compare it unfavorably to cheaper brands, especially when learning and burning through rolls.
- Grain visibility may bother some photographers: if you dislike pronounced grain, this may not be your favorite look.
- Best results require development: it’s not a point-and-shoot convenience product, you’ll need black-and-white development and a workflow that matches your camera system.
Who should buy HP5 Plus?
- Beginners learning film exposure and development: the wide latitude and forgiving reputation make it a practical first-choice film to build confidence.
- Photographers who shoot a variety of scenes: daylight, overcast, indoor, and action-oriented subjects benefit from ISO 400 flexibility.
- Those interested in push processing: it’s designed to respond well when you need extra speed and a different tonal character.
- People who want a dependable standard: if you want a film you can repeatedly rely on, HP5 Plus is a common pick.
Who should consider something else?
- Budget-focused shooters: if you’re trying to minimize cost per roll while you practice heavily, a cheaper learning film may stretch your budget.
- Grain-averse photographers: if visible grain is your top priority to reduce, compare with slower or finer-grain emulsions.
- Those who need a different ISO target: if your shooting style is consistently bright and you want to avoid higher grain, ISO 400 might be more than you need.
Price and availability
Availability is listed as in stock, and the film is sold as a pack of three 35 mm rolls, each with 36 exposures. For the most up-to-date cost per pack and current availability, check the listing here: Buy on Amazon.
Bottom line
Ilford HP5 Plus is a strong all-around ISO 400 black-and-white film for everyday shooting, action, and experimenting with push processing. It’s particularly well-suited to photographers who want a forgiving, dependable “standard” and don’t mind that the look can include noticeable grain. If you’re learning film or building a reliable go-to emulsion, it’s an easy recommendation.
FAQs
Is Ilford HP5 Plus ISO 400 a good film for beginners?
It’s widely regarded as an approachable black-and-white film, largely because ISO 400 is versatile and the emulsion is described as having wide exposure latitude. That combination tends to help beginners get usable results while learning exposure and development.
Can HP5 Plus be pushed, and what speed is it designed to handle?
HP5 Plus is formulated to respond well to push processing. Guidance notes that film speeds up to EI 3200/36 are achievable when using ILFORD Microphen developer, while aiming to keep shadow detail and mid-tone separation.
Does HP5 Plus produce a lot of grain?
HP5 Plus is positioned for sharpness and fine grain, but some buyers describe the film as grainy. If you want the smoothest possible look, consider comparing grain characteristics across different ISO speeds and emulsions.
What format and exposure count is this film?
This is 35 mm (also referred to as 135) black-and-white print film, with 36 exposures per roll. The pack includes three rolls.
Is this film compatible with all cameras?
It’s made for 35 mm cameras that accept 35 mm film. As a manual exposure film, you’ll want a camera and workflow that supports 35 mm black-and-white shooting and development.
Specifications
| Product Title | Ilford 1574577 HP5 Plus, Black and White Print Film, 35 mm, ISO 400, 36 Exposures (Pack of 3) |
|---|---|
| Category | Office Products > Office Electronics > Printers & Accessories > Printer Parts & Accessories > Printer Ink & Toner > Inkjet Ink Cartridges |
| Brand | Ilford |
| Manufacturer | Ilford |
| Model Name | 1987690 |
| Model Number | 1987690 |
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 0.15 Pounds |
| Film Color | Black and White |
| Film Format | 135 |
| Exposure Count | 36 |
| Compatible Devices | Camera |
| ISO Equivalent | 400 |
| Lighting Type | Daylight |
| Film Development Process | Black and White |
| Compatible Camera Film Format Type | 35mm |
| Roll Quantity | 3 |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Not Smart Home Compatible |
| Iso Range | ISO 400 |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Light Sensitivity | ISO 400 |
| Minimum Shutter Speed | 0.008 |
| Exposure Control Type | Manual |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| File Format | 135 |
| Media Type | ProductImage |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00019498987694 |
Available variants
Size
- 3 pack
- 1-Pack
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