Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Printing Film 35mm ISO 400 36 Poses 2-Pack
Quick take
Ilford HP5 Plus is a high-speed 35mm black-and-white film rated ISO 400, aimed at crisp, fine-grain negatives across everyday lighting and action-oriented scenes. This 2-pack includes two rolls with 36 exposures each. If you want a forgiving, general-purpose B&W film that can also handle push-processing up to higher effective speeds, HP5 Plus is an easy value-minded choice.
Pros and cons
Pros
- ISO 400 rating helps with lower light and faster subjects without needing to slow down.
- Designed for sharp negatives with fine grain and medium-contrast character.
- Two rolls included, so you can shoot a trip or test a workflow with less planning.
- Buyer feedback repeatedly mentions crisp black-and-white results and reliable development outcomes.
Cons
- It is a physical 35mm film format, so you need a compatible camera and a darkroom or processing setup.
- This listing is not water resistant, so you will need to protect the film during handling and shooting.
- There is limited public detail in the buyer snippets about edge-case performance (like very specific lighting or developer combinations).
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence for this film is broadly positive, with themes focused on image quality, ease of getting good exposure, and consistency through development. Multiple snippets describe crisp, sharp black-and-white (and pleasing tonality) after processing, and at least a couple of comments frame HP5 Plus as a dependable “go-to” film for trips and regular shooting.
It is worth noting that the review snippets do not provide much detail about technical negatives such as grain levels, staining, or consistent failures, so the overall buyer pattern points to reliability and good results, but the evidence for performance in highly specific scenarios is limited.
What this film is best for
HP5 Plus is formulated as a medium-contrast black-and-white film with a high-speed ISO 400 baseline. That combination is especially attractive if you want one roll that can cover a lot of ground, from daylight street scenes to indoor or overcast conditions where you would otherwise need more light.
- Action and press-style photography: The ISO 400 speed gives you flexibility when shutter speed matters.
- General-purpose B&W: The film is characterized for sharpness and fine grain across lighting conditions.
- Creative “push” opportunities: The film is set up so that faster effective speeds are achievable with appropriate development (for example, pushing up to EI 3200/36 with Ilford MICROPHEN is referenced in the product description).
Key specs that affect your purchase
Format, speed, and capacity
- Film format: 35mm (135)
- ISO: nominally ISO 400, with a stated practical range up to ISO 3200
- Frames per roll: 36 exposures
- Bundle: 2 rolls (2-pack)
What “printing film” means for your workflow
This is black-and-white, so it is intended for traditional photographic processing rather than digital capture. If you plan to develop and print yourself, HP5 Plus is a familiar kind of film to match with common black-and-white developer routines. If you use a lab, you will typically just need to communicate the film type (35mm B&W, ISO 400) and any intended push or pull processing.
Pros and cons in plain terms
Why people buy HP5 Plus
- Image character you can count on: The film is designed for sharpness and fine grain, with medium contrast that tends to suit a wide range of subjects.
- Flexibility: ISO 400 gives you a practical starting point for mixed lighting, and the film’s push potential can help when conditions force your hand.
- Good value as a 2-pack: Two rolls let you shoot longer before committing to an entirely new film stock.
The tradeoffs to consider
- It is not a “digital” option: You need the right camera and processing workflow to realize the results.
- Performance depends on technique: Like most films, outcome quality will be influenced by exposure and development choices. Buyer snippets that mention discoloration or exposure issues also point toward handling and process variables rather than film inherent problems, but the overall takeaway is that good negatives still require solid fundamentals.
Who should buy it
Choose this 2-pack if you want a reliable 35mm black-and-white film that:
- Works as a general-purpose stock (street, travel, portraits, landscapes).
- Helps you maintain shutter speed in lower light or faster-moving scenes.
- Fits a “shoot, develop, learn” routine because it is commonly used and easy to integrate into typical B&W processes.
Who should avoid it
HP5 Plus may not be the best fit if:
- You do not have access to a lab or darkroom workflow for 35mm film.
- You specifically need a different format (for example, not 35mm) or different speed characteristics.
- You are looking for water-resistant film for wet or heavily protected environments (this film is not rated as water resistant).
Verdict
Ilford HP5 Plus is a strong, straightforward pick for photographers who want a versatile ISO 400 black-and-white film in 35mm with a reputation for sharp, fine-grain negatives. The biggest buying caveat is the obvious one: it is physical film, so your success depends on getting the exposure and development handled correctly. If you are building a dependable B&W kit, this 2-pack offers a practical amount of film to keep shooting without constant restocking.
FAQ
Is Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm ISO 400 good for beginners?
It is often chosen as a general-purpose film because ISO 400 provides flexibility across lighting, and the black-and-white results described in buyer snippets emphasize crisp, well-developed negatives. Still, you will need to nail exposure and follow a consistent development routine to get the best outcomes.
How many exposures are in this 2-pack?
This bundle includes 2 rolls, and each roll has 36 exposures.
Can HP5 Plus be pushed to higher effective speeds?
The product description references that higher effective speeds are achievable with appropriate development, including push processing up to EI 3200/36 with Ilford MICROPHEN. If you plan to push, confirm your exact development approach for your intended results.
What camera types is this film compatible with?
It is 35mm (135) black-and-white film, so it is compatible with cameras that accept 35mm film.
Does this film come as color or black and white?
It is black-and-white film.
Specifications
| Product Title | Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Printing Film 35mm ISO 400 36 Poses 2-Pack |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Film Photography > Film |
| Brand | Ilford |
| Manufacturer | Ilford |
| Model Name | HP5 Plus |
| Model Number | 1574577 |
| Screen Size | 35 Millimeters |
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 2.4 ounces |
| 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 | 2 |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Not Smart Home Compatible |
| Iso Range | 400-3200 |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Light Sensitivity | ISO 400-3200 |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| File Format | 35mm |
| Media Type | PhysicalMedia |
| Unit Count | 72 Count |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 1574577 |
Available variants
Size
- 2-Pack
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