Following on from our recent review, here’s a quick reference for ILFORD’s fine detail, old school contrast monster, FP4 PLUS.
Here’s what they have to say:

“For high quality black and white photography, ILFORD FP4 PLUS is unrivaled. Its very fine grain, outstanding sharpness and high acutance make it the film of choice whenever a job demands great enlargement or the subject contains a wealth of fine detail.
Nominally rated at ISO 125/22, ILFORD FP4 PLUS has become the benchmark against which other medium speed films are judged. With enormous latitude for exposure error above and below its ISO 125, ILFORD FP4 PLUS is very suitable for most photographic subjects under a variety of lighting conditions.”

ILFORD FP4 PLUS specifications

Ilford FP4 Plus 125
Ilford FP4 Plus 125
NameIlford FP4+
VendorIlford
TypeBlack and white (negative)
Format35mm, 120, sheet
Speed (ISO)125
Exposure latitude–-1.5 to +6 stops
Push processing6 stops
Cross processingN/A

What’s it like (the quick version)?

ILFORD FP4 PLUS is based on older emulsion technology and has “cubic grain”, as opposed. To “T grain” found in Delta 100/400 Professional and Kodak’s TMAX. Whilst some people do so, I don’t think it’s fair to directly compare this film to Ilford’s own Delta 100 Professional, as both the grain and the way it’s laid down are rather different.  That said, I find the resulting images from both stocks to be quite similar.  If you want supreme sharpness with great contrast, go with Delta. If you want to add creamier grain to the mix, then grab a roll of FP4 PLUS.

FP4 PLUS performs equally as well for both indoor and outdoor photography, it’ll take portraits, landscapes, architecture and macros all in its stride. Being a forgiving sort, it’s also happy to be pulled down to ISO50, or pushed 6 (yes, six) stops to ~ISO8000.

Further reading

You can read more about this film in my ILFORD FP4 PLUS review.

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    1. Heh, it’s perfectly possible and provides useable results but as with the high EI tests on ISO 400 film (EI 12800/25600), it’s not particularly advisable to go out of your way to shoot at these speeds and expect perfect results every time. Still, good to know if you’re in a very weird pinch, which is the point of going to these extremes.

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