Ilford FP4 Plus 120 B&W Film

Choose Ilford FP4 Plus in 120 format when image quality, fine detail and smooth tonal reproduction are more important than maximum film speed. Compared with faster films such as HP5 Plus 400, FP4 Plus offers finer grain and a cleaner, more detailed appearance, making it especially attractive for carefully composed photographs, portraits and landscapes. The larger 120 negative enhances these qualities even further. Fine textures, facial detail, architecture and subtle changes in light can all be recorded with excellent clarity. Its ISO 125 speed is also ideal for photographers who enjoy working deliberately with a tripod, studio lighting or good natural daylight. For photographers planning large prints, darkroom enlargements or high-resolution scans, FP4 Plus is an excellent medium-format black & white choice.

Start at ISO 125. Box speed provides an excellent balance of shadow detail, tonal range and fine grain. Use it in good light. FP4 Plus performs particularly well outdoors in daylight or under controlled studio lighting. Give the shadows enough exposure. Accurate exposure helps preserve useful information in darker areas and produces easier-to-print or scan negatives. Try EI 80 or 100 for generous exposure. Giving the film slightly more light can produce excellent shadow detail, particularly for portraits and landscapes. EI 50–200 is practical with suitable development. If you deliberately rate the film differently, tell your lab so development can be adjusted where necessary. Use a tripod when light levels fall. ISO 125 may require slower shutter speeds in overcast conditions, shade or interiors. Take advantage of smaller apertures. FP4 Plus works particularly well for tripod-based landscapes and architecture where f/8, f/11 or smaller may be desirable. Focus carefully. The large 120 negative records a great deal of detail, so accurate focus is especially important for portraits and close subjects. Remember frame count depends on your camera. A 120 roll produces different numbers of photographs depending on whether your camera shoots 6×4.5, 6×6, 6×7, 6×9 or another format. Experiment with coloured filters. Yellow, orange and red filters can darken blue skies and increase tonal separation in black & white photography. Remember to compensate for the filter factor. Scan at high resolution. Fine grain and medium-format detail make FP4 Plus especially rewarding when professionally scanned. Ilford FP4 Plus requires conventional black & white development.