Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is one of the most dependable and versatile black and white films ever made. For decades it has been trusted by documentary photographers, street shooters, portrait artists and landscape photographers alike.
But how does it really perform in everyday conditions?
In this review, I’m not repeating lab data. I’m looking at HP5 from a practical photographer’s perspective — how it behaves in overcast light, woodland shadows, textured landscapes and contrast-heavy scenes. If you’re considering shooting HP5 Plus 400, this guide will give you the clarity you need.
What Is Ilford HP5 Plus 400?
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is a high-speed black and white negative film available in 35mm and 120 format. Rated at ISO 400, it’s designed to handle a wide range of lighting conditions while maintaining strong tonal separation and forgiving exposure latitude.
Technical Overview:
- ISO: 400
- Formats: 35mm, 120
- Grain: Classic, moderate
- Contrast: Balanced at box speed
- Latitude: Excellent
It has long been considered Ilford’s answer to Kodak Tri-X 400 — but HP5 has developed its own identity over time.
Grain Structure and Tonal Character
Grain
HP5 has what many describe as “classic film grain.” It isn’t ultra-fine like FP4+, nor is it aggressively gritty by default. At box speed, the grain is present but controlled. It adds texture without overwhelming detail.
In medium format, grain becomes almost painterly. In 35mm, it’s expressive but not chaotic.
Tonality
Where HP5 truly excels is tonal balance. Midtones are rich and smooth, shadows retain detail when exposed correctly, and highlights roll off gently rather than clipping abruptly.
For photographers working in woodland or under typical British overcast skies, that tonal flexibility is extremely valuable.
Real-World Performance in Natural Light
HP5 performs particularly well in:
- Overcast conditions
- Woodland and shaded areas
- Late afternoon light
- Mixed lighting environments
It copes gracefully with subtle contrast. In scenes where digital sensors might feel flat, HP5 introduces depth through tonal separation and grain character.
In harsher light, it still maintains highlight detail provided exposure is measured carefully.
Exposure Latitude – Why HP5 Is So Forgiving
One of HP5’s biggest strengths is its latitude.
You can:
- Slightly overexpose for smoother negatives
- Slightly underexpose and recover detail in development
- Meter loosely in fast-changing light
This makes HP5 particularly appealing for:
- Street photography
- Documentary-style work
- Handheld shooting
- Beginners learning film exposure
It is difficult to “ruin” a roll of HP5 unless exposure errors are extreme.
Development Options and Look Variations
HP5 responds noticeably to different developers.
ID-11 / D-76
Produces a classic, balanced result with controlled grain and moderate contrast.
HC-110
Adds edge contrast and slightly more punch to midtones. Excellent for texture-rich scenes.
XTOL
Smoother grain and slightly cleaner tonal transitions.
Each combination subtly shifts the aesthetic. HP5 is stable enough to experiment with.
Pushing HP5 – Expanding Creative Range
One of the reasons HP5 remains so popular is how well it handles push processing.
Shooting at ISO 800 or even 1600 increases contrast and grain presence, creating mood and intensity without completely sacrificing detail.
If you’re interested in that specific look, I’ve created a detailed guide here:
👉 Ilford HP5 Plus 400 Pushed to 800: A Practical and Creative Guide
https://fineartpics.co.uk/ilford-hp5-400-to-800
That article dives deeper into how pushing alters tonal structure and atmosphere.
HP5 vs Other Black & White Films
HP5 vs Kodak Tri-X 400
- Tri-X tends to feel slightly grittier and more contrast-heavy.
- HP5 is slightly smoother and more forgiving.
HP5 vs FP4+
- FP4+ has finer grain and lower ISO.
- HP5 offers more flexibility in lower light.
HP5 vs Kentmere 400
- Kentmere is budget-friendly but less refined in tonal transitions.
- HP5 feels more balanced and dependable overall.
Best Uses for Ilford HP5 Plus 400
HP5 is genuinely versatile, but it shines in:
Landscape Photography
Particularly in textured environments — woodland, stone walls, fields and subtle skies.
Street Photography
Its speed and forgiving nature make it reliable in unpredictable situations.
Portrait Work
Balanced midtones and soft highlight roll-off flatter skin tones.
Is Ilford HP5 Plus 400 Film Good for Beginners?
Yes — arguably one of the best black and white films to start with.
Because it:
- Handles exposure mistakes gracefully
- Works well in varied lighting
- Delivers consistent, predictable results
It builds confidence quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HP5 better than Tri-X?
That depends on preference. HP5 feels slightly smoother and more forgiving, while Tri-X leans into contrast and grit.
Can I shoot HP5 at 800?
Yes. It handles ISO 800 extremely well with appropriate development. For a full guide to pushing HP5 to 800, read this detailed article.
Does HP5 scan well?
Very well. Its tonal structure translates cleanly into digital workflows.
Final Verdict – Is HP5 Worth Shooting?
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 remains one of the most adaptable black and white films available today. It offers a balance of grain, contrast and latitude that suits both beginners and experienced photographers.
If you want a film that can handle overcast light, shifting weather, woodland detail and push processing experimentation — HP5 is a dependable choice.
For photographers building confidence with black and white film, it’s difficult to find a more reliable starting point.
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