We take a look at analogue film photography and explore the different kinds of Ilford film types. So, if you’re a fan of black and white film photos (and wondering where to buy black and white film), or if you have a vintage camera lying around, this blog will surely answer some questions and hopefully inspire you to create some remarkable photographs.
Does anyone still shoot 35mm film?
The answer is a simple “yes”. With a worldwide increase in analogue film sales, instant cameras are becoming all the more popular, and thanks to opportunistic hipsters rummaging through vintage stores in hopes of a precious find, it’s safe to say that film photography has made quite a notable comeback.
Film photography is unlike our everyday, fast-paced lives. Just grab an old 90’s point-and-shoot film camera and go out photographing for a day – you’ll find that taking your time and choosing your subject matter is all the more satisfying. There’s a hidden magic in taking your time to choose your subject matter, and waiting for it to develop – and when it has – the feeling of holding the print in your hand will seal the deal.
We hope this inspires you to try your hand at this honest art form.
Ilford B&W Film
This brings us to one of the world’s leading brands in the film industry – Ilford.
Committed to producing genuine, silver based, black and white film for more than 100 years, Ilford offers analogue photographers a wide range of 35mm film, 120 roll film and sheet film.
- Commonly used in chemical still photography, 35mm roll film refers to the width of the photographic film.
- Originally introduced by Kodak, 120mm roll film was a popular choice for amateur still photography. Nowadays, it’s a favourite of amateur and professional medium-format photographers.
- Initially supplied as an alternative to glass plates for large- and medium-format film photographers, sheet film requires niche processing.
ISO 100
Sharp
Good tonality
Very fine grain
Great for enlargement
ISO 400
Very good grain
Wide tonal range
Multipurpose film
Appealing contrast
ISO 125
Sharp
Fine grain
Strong contrast
Great cool tones
ISO 400
Medium grain
Versatile film
Nice rich blacks
Maximum sharpness
ISO 50
Extremely fine grain
Multipurpose film
Fantastic sharpness
True black and white
ISO 400
Fine grain
Versatile film
Prominent highlights
Great for enlargement
Ilford’s high-quality black and white film brings photography to life – and with a wide variety of affordable film to choose from,
you can explore and find the perfect film for you.
Buy Ilford film online from Outdoorphoto.
Good Morning,
The comparison table between the various Ilford films is not correct as it stands:
PAN F – ISO 50 – Finest grain, highest accutance.
FP 4+ – ISO 125 – Fine grain, excellent accutance.
HP 5+ – ISO 400 – Medium grain, good accutance.
It should help to order the films from slowest to fastest ISO – then everything will just fall into place.
The difference in the development requirements of the various films must be pointed out – many people will shoot a roll of XP2 if they find out that it can be developed (and scanned!) at the lab around the corner – not so with Pan F, FP4 and HP5 that requires ID-11 (or D76), fixer, a tank and all the paraphernalia that goes with it.
In the end, the best results from film can only be achieved if you are prepared to develop the films YOURSELF. And then scanning – and printing – is another kettle of fish.
Mooi Loop
Leo Theron
PS: As a schoolboy in 1969, I bought bulk FP4 in 100 feet (30,5 meters) rolls and loaded my own cassettes. It allowed me to shoot more frames and to LEARN – something I could not do if I bought the rolls over the counter.
Hi there Leo, thank you so much for your help. I alway appreciate people interacting, even giving advice or pointing out a mistake. I’ve updated the blog. We’d love for you to share your knowledge and write a blog on the topic of film photography. You are email me at wouda@outdoorphoto.co.za.
Warm regards,
Wouda