Quick answer
Choose Ilford HP5 Plus 400 for versatility in variable light and fast action; choose FP4 Plus for finer grain and maximum sharpness in controlled or bright conditions.
Speed and exposure latitude
HP5 Plus 400's ISO 400 speed handles indoor, overcast, and fast-moving subjects without flash, while FP4 Plus at ISO 125 excels in bright daylight or with a tripod. Both films offer wide exposure latitude, so you can push or pull development to compensate for metering errors or creative intent.
Grain and sharpness
FP4 Plus delivers noticeably finer grain and higher sharpness, making it ideal for large prints or scanning. HP5 Plus 400 has more visible grain, which many photographers prefer for a classic documentary look. The trade-off is speed versus resolution.
Format availability
Both films are available in 35mm, 120 roll, and sheet film. This makes them equally suitable for medium format and large format work, though the grain differences become more apparent on larger negatives.
How to choose between HP5 Plus 400 and FP4 Plus
- Lighting conditions: HP5 Plus 400 handles low light and mixed conditions; FP4 Plus needs bright light or a tripod.
- Grain preference: FP4 Plus offers finer grain for crisp, clean images; HP5 Plus 400 gives a grittier, classic look.
- Subject motion: HP5 Plus 400's faster speed freezes action better; FP4 Plus may blur moving subjects in dim light.
Product facts
-
ILFORD HP5 PLUS 400 35mm film x 36 exp: High Speed ISO 400, great results in varied lighting conditions, wide exposure latitude. You can shoot indoors, in overcast weather, or capture movement without a flash, and still recover detail in shadows and highlights.
ILFORD HP5 PLUS 400 35mm film x 36 exp
-
Ilford FP4+ 120 film: Medium Speed ISO 125, fine grain, high sharpness, robust exposure tolerance. Ideal for bright-light scenes and tripod work where you want maximum detail and minimal grain in prints or scans.
Ilford FP4+ 120 film
Which film fits you?
Best for
- Photographers who shoot in variable light or want to freeze motion without flash
- Those who appreciate a classic, slightly gritty black-and-white look
Not ideal for
- Shooters who demand the finest grain and maximum sharpness in every frame
- Situations where you can always control lighting or use a tripod