ILFORD FP4 125 - Film Review

As a long time HP5 shooter this film came as a pleasant surprise. It has the same (if not more) attitude than HP5 but a gritty contrast and grain. It looks amazing and reminded me more of large format photography than 120. It has that old school ‘film look’…. if that makes sense. I just wish they make it with an ISO of 400 vs the 125.

This is one of my favorite portrait films. It tends to have really nice whites and blacks. The mid-tones seem to flow a little better in harsh lighting conditions for me. I tend to use this film when I know I might take portraits in harsh lighting. in gray Skys or more mellow lighting I tend to reach for a trix400 or hp5.

This is one of my go-tos from Ilford I enjoy the latitude, the clarity, and the intensity. I highly recommend this film for any black-and-white project you have in mind. I always have mine developed as a positive. The results are indescribable.

I started using FP-4 back in the late 70’s. I’ve used a smorgasbord of developers with it but stayed with Rodinal and ASA 100 or 64 for overcast days and it’s always been superb as to shadow content, no blocked highlights and tonal range 2nd to none. A great film that I hope continues forever.

Absolutely bulletproof film. Holds highlights & shadow details. Strong contrast but still has nice mid tones. Has enough of that classic B&W grit but cleaner than Tri-X or HP5+. Spectacular film for harsh sun & it can be bulk rolled for a great price. Lays flat for scanning as well.

This film was one of the first black and white films I tried, when coming back to film in general. Shot at box speed, it has pleasant grain, and (to me) beautiful tone, especially in sunlight. Forgiving, and produced great results.