Ilford XP2 Super 400 B&W Film - 36exp

Choose Ilford XP2 Super 400 if you want black & white photography without needing specialist black & white development. Its biggest advantage is that it is processed using C-41 chemistry, the same process used for most colour negative films. This makes it particularly convenient for photographers who use commercial film labs. XP2 Super also offers exceptional exposure flexibility. Different frames on the same roll can be exposed at different effective speeds, giving you more freedom when moving between bright sunlight, shade and lower-light situations. The film’s fine grain and smooth tonal reproduction make it particularly attractive for photographers who prefer a cleaner, more refined black & white look rather than a heavily grainy traditional appearance.

Start at ISO 400. This is the simplest starting point and gives a good balance of detail, contrast and tonal range. Take advantage of its exposure latitude. XP2 Super can be exposed around EI 50–800 on the same roll and still receive normal C-41 processing. Try ISO 200 for generous exposure. Giving the film a little extra light can produce excellent shadow detail and smooth tones. Use ISO 800 when light levels fall. XP2 Super can handle underexposure better than many traditional films, making it useful for darker conditions. You do not normally need push processing between EI 50 and 800. Standard C-41 processing is generally used across this range. Meter for the important subject. Although the film is forgiving, careful exposure will still give you the best tonal range. Use coloured filters creatively. Yellow, orange or red filters can increase contrast in skies and landscapes. Remember that filters reduce the amount of light reaching the film. Great for mixed lighting. Its broad latitude makes it especially useful when moving quickly between sunlight, shade and interiors. Scan in black & white. Tell your lab you want monochrome scans to avoid unwanted colour casts in the final files. Process using C-41 only. XP2 Super is not a conventional silver-based black & white film and should be developed using the standard C-41 colour negative process.