Black and white film has a magic all its own. Whether you’re new to analog photography or rediscovering the darkroom after years away, shooting in monochrome brings a level of depth, emotion, and artistry that’s hard to match. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best black and white film for your style?
In this guide, I’ll break down some of the most popular and reliable black and white film stocks available today — from legendary classics to budget-friendly sleepers — and help you decide which one is right for your creative goals.
Table of Contents
Why Shoot Black and White Film?
Before we dive into specific film stocks, let’s look at why so many photographers (including professionals) still reach for black and white film today:
- Timeless Aesthetic: Monochrome images naturally emphasize texture, shape, and contrast, often making them feel more powerful and emotive.
- Focus on Light and Composition: Without color to distract, you learn to “see in light” — understanding shadows, highlights, and dynamic range.
- Creative Control: Black and white film is highly forgiving, especially when push/pull processing or experimenting with exposure.
- Darkroom Flexibility: B&W film is generally easier to develop at home and offers more latitude in the printing stage.
At a Glance: The Best Black and White Film Stocks
| Film Stock | ISO | Grain | Contrast | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ilford HP5 Plus | 400 | Medium | Medium | Street, documentary, all-around use |
| Kodak Tri-X 400 | 400 | Pronounced | High | Gritty street, bold portraits |
| Ilford Delta 100 | 100 | Fine | High | Fine art, landscapes, studio work |
| Fomapan 400 | 400 | Coarse | Medium | Budget-friendly experimentation |
| Kentmere 100/400 | 100/400 | Medium | Medium | Beginners, students, affordable choice |
1. Ilford HP5 Plus 400 – The Workhorse
Ilford HP5 Plus is beloved by pros and beginners alike for one big reason: flexibility. With an ISO of 400, it handles a wide range of lighting situations, and its forgiving exposure latitude makes it ideal for push processing — even up to ISO 1600 without losing detail.
- Look: Classic, balanced contrast with moderate grain.
- Strengths: Excellent for handheld street shooting, portraits, and low light.
- Why Choose It? If you’re not sure where to start, HP5 is one of the best black and white films for learning and growing.
📷 Pro Tip: Push HP5 to ISO 800 or 1600 for added contrast and mood in low light.
2. Kodak Tri-X 400 – Bold and Beautiful
A true legend, Kodak Tri-X 400 has been around since the 1950s. It’s known for its gritty aesthetic, rich blacks, and punchy highlights. It’s particularly popular among documentary and street photographers for its raw, dramatic look.
- Look: Strong contrast, visible grain that adds character.
- Strengths: Great for high-energy scenes, storytelling, and emotional imagery.
- Why Choose It? If you love the look of classic Magnum or LIFE photography, Tri-X delivers that timeless feel.
📷 Fun Fact: Henri Cartier-Bresson and Sebastião Salgado both favored Tri-X.
3. Ilford Delta 100 – Super Fine Detail
For those seeking high resolution and ultra-smooth tonality, Ilford Delta 100 is a dream. It’s best used in controlled lighting or bright daylight situations where detail matters most.
- Look: Extremely fine grain, crisp tonal range.
- Strengths: Ideal for landscapes, architecture, still life, and large prints.
- Why Choose It? If you’re shooting for sharpness and control, Delta 100 is among the best black and white filmsfor fine art applications.
📷 Pair Delta 100 with a tripod and yellow or red filter to enhance skies and midtone separation.
4. Fomapan 400 – The Budget Classic
If you’re just experimenting or shooting for fun, Fomapan 400 from the Czech company Foma Bohemia offers a lot of charm for a fraction of the cost. The grain is a bit rougher, but that can add a vintage feel many photographers love.
- Look: Slightly lower contrast, noticeable grain.
- Strengths: Affordable, great for bulk shooting or creative projects.
- Why Choose It? Perfect for students, experimental work, or casual everyday photography.
📷 Best results come from rating it at ISO 200 and developing carefully to reduce contrast.
5. Kentmere 100 & 400 – Reliable and Affordable
Produced by Ilford as a budget alternative, Kentmere films are consistent, easy to develop, and surprisingly good in quality for their price.
- Look: Neutral contrast, medium grain.
- Strengths: General use, beginners, practice rolls.
- Why Choose It? Great entry point into black and white film photography without sacrificing too much quality.
📷 Kentmere 400 is especially good for testing new cameras or lenses.
Tips for Shooting Black and White Film
Shooting monochrome isn’t just about removing color — it’s about learning to see differently. Here are a few quick tips to get the most out of any black and white film:
- Meter for Shadows: Most B&W films have more highlight latitude, so expose for the shadows to keep detail.
- Use Filters: A yellow, orange, or red filter can enhance contrast and skies dramatically.
- Experiment with Push/Pull: Want more contrast or shooting in low light? Try push processing by rating the film at a higher ISO.
- Develop at Home: Black and white film is easy and cost-effective to develop yourself — and super rewarding!
Choosing the Right Film for You
Still not sure which one’s right for you? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Best All-Rounder: Ilford HP5 Plus
- Best for High Contrast & Mood: Kodak Tri-X
- Best for Detail & Tonality: Ilford Delta 100
- Best on a Budget: Fomapan 400 or Kentmere 400
- Best for Beginners: Kentmere or HP5
The truth is, the best black and white film is the one that fits your style and makes you want to shoot more. Each roll you shoot teaches you something new — about light, composition, and your own creative vision.
Final Thoughts
Black and white film photography is more than just a nostalgic choice — it’s a powerful artistic tool that emphasizes emotion, storytelling, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re chasing grainy street shots or silky landscapes, there’s a B&W film out there for you. Shopping for Film? check out Analogue Wonderlands tips and advice.
So grab a roll, load your camera, and see the world in shades of grey. The more you shoot, the more you’ll discover which film speaks your visual language. ✍️🎞📷
Explore My Black and White Film Photography Journey
Black and white film photography has been a huge part of my creative journey, and I love sharing what I’ve learned along the way. Whether it’s experimenting with different film stocks, pushing ISO limits, or capturing the perfect tones, I’ve written about my experiences to help fellow photographers get the most out of their film. Below, you’ll find a collection of my blog posts covering everything from in-depth film reviews to hands-on developing tips. Take a look, and I hope you find something that sparks your own passion for monochrome photography!
| Blog Post Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Your Ultimate Guide to Black and White Photographic Film | Comprehensive Guide to Black and White Photographic Film |
| My Honest Potsdam 100 Review Will Shock You! | In-Depth Review of Potsdam 100 Black and White Film |
| 21 Inspiring Black and White Photos: Timeless Elegance | Collection of Inspiring Black and White Photographs |
| Easy 9 Step Guide to Developing Black and White Film | Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Black and White Film at Home |
| Watership Down: 5 Black and White Film Images to Calm You | Black and White Film Photography at Watership Down |
| About my 1st Black and White Film Photography Book | Journey of Creating My First Black and White Film Photography Book |
| Master Pushing Ilford HP5 400 to 800: An Empowering Guide | Guide to Pushing Ilford HP5 400 Film to 800 ISO |
| Black and White Photography – 10 Powerful Perspectives | Exploring Different Perspectives in Black and White Photography |
| Kentmere Pan 400: Unleash Creativity in Street Photography | Using Kentmere Pan 400 Film for Creative Street Photography |
| Rollei Ortho 25 Plus – Embracing the Black and White Beauty | Embracing the Aesthetic of Rollei Ortho 25 Plus Black and White Film |
| Remarkable D-Day 80 Black and White Photos You Need to See | Captivating D-Day 80th Anniversary Black and White Photographs |
📣 What’s Your Favorite Black and White Film?
Drop a comment below and let us know your go-to film stock, I’d love to see what you’re creating.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions: Best Black and White Film
1. What is the best black and white film for beginners?
For beginners, Ilford HP5 Plus 400 and Kentmere 400 are great starting points. They’re forgiving in exposure, easy to develop, and relatively affordable — perfect for learning how film responds to light.
2. Which black and white film has the finest grain?
If you’re looking for super fine detail, Ilford Delta 100 and Kodak T-Max 100 offer ultra-fine grain and excellent sharpness, making them ideal for landscapes, studio work, and large prints.
3. Can I push black and white film to a higher ISO?
Yes! Many black and white films, especially Ilford HP5 and Kodak Tri-X, are highly pushable. You can rate them at ISO 800 or even 1600 and develop accordingly for added contrast and grain.
4. What’s the best black and white film for street photography?
Kodak Tri-X 400 and Ilford HP5 Plus 400 are both top choices for street photography. They perform well in variable lighting, offer rich contrast, and deliver that classic documentary look.
5. Is black and white film easier to develop at home?
Yes — black and white film is generally easier and more forgiving to develop at home than color film. All you need is a basic developing tank, chemicals like Ilford ID-11 or Rodinal, and some patience.
6. Can I scan black and white film at home?
Absolutely. Flatbed scanners like the Epson V600 or dedicated film scanners work great. For best results, scan as 16-bit grayscale TIFFs and adjust contrast and tones during post-processing if needed.
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