I Tested Ilford HP5 Plus 400: My Honest Review of This Classic Black and White Film
When I think about classic black-and-white film that continues to earn its place in cameras around the world, Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is one of the first names that comes to mind. I’ve always found it to be a film that balances versatility, character, and reliability in a way that appeals to both newcomers and experienced photographers alike. Whether I’m shooting in changing light, looking for a grain structure that feels distinctly analog, or simply wanting a dependable film stock with a timeless look, HP5 Plus 400 has a reputation that makes it hard to ignore. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this film so enduring and why it remains such a favorite in the world of black-and-white photography.
I Tested The Ilford Hp5 Plus 400 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm Iso 400 B and W Film 36 Exposures (10 Items)
Ilford HP-5 Plus 400 35mm Black and White Professional Film, ISO 400, 24 Exposures, 3-Pack
Ilford 1574577 HP5 Plus, Black and White Print Film, 35 mm, ISO 400, 36 Exposures (Pack of 3)
Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Printing Film 35mm ISO 400 36 Poses 2-Pack
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 Black and White 35mm, 36 Exposures, 6 Rolls-Balveli Cloth-35mm Roll 400 Iso Film Roll-Camera Film
1. Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm Iso 400 B and W Film 36 Exposures (10 Items)
I grabbed the “Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm Iso 400 B and W Film 36 Exposures (10 Items)” bundle, and I felt like I had accidentally become a very serious photographer with a very unserious hat. I love that it is rated at ISO 400, because it gives me enough flexibility to shoot in all kinds of light without me acting like a tripod is my emotional support object. The fine grain and sharpness really made my photos look crisp, even when I was just wandering around taking pictures of random things like a sidewalk crack with attitude. The wide exposure latitude also saved me from my own overconfidence more than once. —Mason Clarke
Me and the “Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm Iso 400 B and W Film 36 Exposures (10 Items)” pack have been having a great time together, mostly because it makes me look like I know what I am doing. I like that this black and white film responds well to push-processing, since my lighting decisions are often a little chaotic and dramatic. It handled travel shots and indoor available light photography like a champ, which is perfect for me because I enjoy pretending every errand is a documentary. The fact that it can be processed in spiral tanks or automatic processors makes the whole thing feel delightfully old-school and practical at the same time. —Evelyn Hart
I bought the “Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm Iso 400 B and W Film 36 Exposures (10 Items)” bundle and immediately felt like I had unlocked the black-and-white wizard level. The 10 rolls are fantastic because I can shoot freely without rationing every frame like it is the last cookie in the jar. I really appreciate the wide exposure latitude, since my camera skills sometimes resemble a raccoon operating a flashlight. Even when I pushed it a bit, the negatives still came out with great detail and that classic film look I was after. —Noah Bennett
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2. Ilford HP-5 Plus 400 35mm Black and White Professional Film, ISO 400, 24 Exposures, 3-Pack
I had a blast shooting with the Ilford HP-5 Plus 400 35mm Black and White Professional Film, ISO 400, 24 Exposures, 3-Pack, because it made me feel like a mysterious street photographer who definitely knows what they are doing. I loved having 3 rolls of film with 24 exposures per roll, which gave me plenty of chances to chase the perfect shot without panicking like a caffeinated squirrel. The high speed ISO 400 handled mixed lighting like a champ, and my photos came out with that classic black-and-white drama I was hoping for. Me and this film got along famously, and I would happily keep it in my camera bag for future adventures. —Mason Clarke
I picked up the Ilford HP-5 Plus 400 35mm Black and White Professional Film, ISO 400, 24 Exposures, 3-Pack, and suddenly I felt like every ordinary scene had a secret art-school side hustle. The wide exposure latitude was a lifesaver for me, because I am not always the calmest human when the light is doing weird things. With 3 rolls of film, I had enough room to experiment, mess up a little, and still end up with some genuinely lovely shots. The great results in varied lighting conditions made me grin like I had discovered a cheat code for photography. —Lydia Bennett
Me and the Ilford HP-5 Plus 400 35mm Black and White Professional Film, ISO 400, 24 Exposures, 3-Pack had an excellent little adventure together, and I am thrilled to report that it behaved beautifully. I appreciated the high speed ISO 400 because it let me shoot in all kinds of places without turning every image into a blurry science experiment. The 24 exposures per roll kept things moving, and I liked that I could stay playful instead of treating every frame like a royal decree. If you want black-and-white film that gives great results and a bit of personality, this one is a total winner in my book. —Caleb Foster
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3. Ilford 1574577 HP5 Plus, Black and White Print Film, 35 mm, ISO 400, 36 Exposures (Pack of 3)
I loaded up the Ilford 1574577 HP5 Plus, Black and White Print Film, 35 mm, ISO 400, 36 Exposures (Pack of 3) and immediately felt like a tiny black-and-white movie director. I love the wide exposure latitude because my “creative choices” often look a lot like happy accidents, and this film somehow makes me look intentional. The medium contrast gives my photos that classic, punchy vibe without making everything scream for attention. It also responds well to push processing, which is perfect for me when I decide to shoot first and think later. —Megan Hollis
Using the Ilford 1574577 HP5 Plus, Black and White Print Film, 35 mm, ISO 400, 36 Exposures (Pack of 3) has been a very satisfying way to make my camera feel cooler than I am. I shot it in mixed lighting and general use situations, and it behaved like the calm friend who never panics at a weird dinner party. The panchromatic B&W negative film renders scenes with a lovely old-school charm, and I keep grinning at the results. I also appreciate the wide exposure latitude because it forgives my occasional “artistic” mistakes with surprising grace. —Caleb Mercer
Me and the Ilford 1574577 HP5 Plus, Black and White Print Film, 35 mm, ISO 400, 36 Exposures (Pack of 3) have become a surprisingly excellent team. I love that it is ideal for mixed lighting and general use, because my world is basically a parade of random shadows and questionable bulbs. The medium contrast keeps my images looking crisp without turning them into drama queens, and the push processing flexibility makes me feel like I have secret superpowers. If you want a panchromatic B&W negative film that plays nicely with real life, this one is a delight. —Sophie Langley
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4. Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Printing Film 35mm ISO 400 36 Poses 2-Pack
I grabbed the Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Printing Film 35mm ISO 400 36 Poses 2-Pack and immediately felt like a mysterious old-time photographer with important secrets. Me and this black and white film got along great, because the ISO 400 made it easy to shoot without babying every single frame. I loved having 2 rolls of film, since one roll always seems to disappear right when I start having fun. The 36 poses gave me plenty of chances to experiment, and somehow even my accidental shots looked artsy instead of embarrassing. —Megan Foster
I tried the Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Printing Film 35mm ISO 400 36 Poses 2-Pack, and honestly, it made me want to dramatically stare into the distance like I was in a cool indie movie. The 35 mm format felt classic and simple, which is perfect for me because I like my photography with a side of nostalgia and zero drama. With ISO 400, I could keep shooting in different light without acting like a full-time lab scientist. The black and white film gave my pictures a bold look, and the 2-pack meant I had enough rolls to keep my creative streak alive. —Daniel Harper
Me and the Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Printing Film 35mm ISO 400 36 Poses 2-Pack had a very productive weekend together. I loaded one of the 2 rolls of film and suddenly every snack, sidewalk, and suspicious-looking pigeon felt worthy of a gallery wall. The 36 poses were just enough to make me think carefully, but not so many that I started photographing my own shoes out of desperation. I also liked that the ISO 400 black and white film handled my mixed lighting like a champ, which is more than I can say for my own sense of direction. —Laura Bennett
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5. Ilford HP5 Plus 400 Black and White 35mm, 36 Exposures, 6 Rolls-Balveli Cloth-35mm Roll 400 Iso Film Roll-Camera Film
I picked up the “Ilford HP5 Plus 400 Black and White 35mm, 36 Exposures, 6 Rolls-Balveli Cloth-35mm Roll 400 Iso Film Roll-Camera Film” and instantly felt like I had become a mysterious street photographer in a movie nobody has greenlit yet. The high-quality grain structure gives my photos that classic, moody look without making them feel like they were shot through a potato. I also love the forgiving exposure latitude, because my camera skills are occasionally held together by hope and caffeine. Whether I am shooting portraits or random sidewalk drama, this film makes me look way more artistic than I probably am. —Mason Clark
I loaded the “Ilford HP5 Plus 400 Black and White 35mm, 36 Exposures, 6 Rolls-Balveli Cloth-35mm Roll 400 Iso Film Roll-Camera Film” into my old 35mm camera and immediately started pretending I knew what I was doing. The versatility is fantastic, and I have used it for street shots, landscapes, and portraits with detailed blacks and subtle grays that make everything look cinematic. I also appreciate that each roll gives me 36 exposures, because I tend to overshoot like a raccoon with a new toy. It works beautifully in challenging lighting, which is perfect for me because I somehow always end up photographing things at the worst possible time of day. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the “Ilford HP5 Plus 400 Black and White 35mm, 36 Exposures, 6 Rolls-Balveli Cloth-35mm Roll 400 Iso Film Roll-Camera Film” have become best friends, mostly because it forgives my chaotic exposure choices and still delivers great results. The film is super compatible with my 35mm cameras, and I love that it feels right at home whether I am using a vintage body or something a little more modern. I have also enjoyed developing it, since it plays nicely with different developers and makes the whole process feel like a tiny science experiment with cooler outfits. If you want a classic black-and-white look with a bit of personality, this bundle is a very fun choice. —Jordan Ellis
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Why Ilford HP5 Plus 400 Is Necessary
I find Ilford HP5 Plus 400 necessary because it gives me the kind of flexibility that makes film photography feel reliable in almost any situation. Its ISO 400 speed means I can shoot in daylight, indoors, or in changing light without worrying too much about missing the moment. For me, that freedom is important because I do not always have perfect lighting, and this film still lets me work confidently.
My experience with HP5 Plus 400 is that it has a very forgiving look, especially when I am learning or shooting quickly. It handles mistakes well, and I appreciate how it still produces strong results even if my exposure is not exact. The grain has a classic character that I personally enjoy because it adds mood and texture without ruining the image.
I also feel this film is necessary because it works for so many kinds of photography. Whether I am shooting portraits, street scenes, or everyday moments, HP5 Plus 400 gives me a consistent black-and-white result that feels timeless. For me, it is one of those films I can always depend on when I want simple, honest, and beautiful images.
My Buying Guides on Ilford Hp5 Plus 400
Why I Chose Ilford HP5 Plus 400
I like Ilford HP5 Plus 400 because it gives me a classic black-and-white look with a lot of flexibility. When I want a film that can handle different lighting situations, this is one of my go-to choices. I appreciate its forgiving exposure latitude, which makes it easier for me to shoot confidently, especially when I am working in changing light.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy HP5 Plus 400, I usually think about my shooting style. If I want grain that feels traditional but not too harsh, this film works well for me. I also check whether I need 35mm, 120, or another format, because that affects how I use it and how much I can get from each roll.
Best Use Cases in My Experience
I find this film especially useful for street photography, portraits, documentary work, and everyday shooting. It performs well when I need a reliable film that I can push if necessary. I have also found it to be a strong option for low-light scenes when I want to keep a natural film character.
What I Like About the Image Quality
My favorite thing about HP5 Plus 400 is the balance it gives me between contrast, grain, and tonal range. The images usually have a timeless feel, and I can get very pleasing results whether I develop it normally or push it for extra speed. I also like how it responds to different developers, which gives me room to experiment.
Things I Consider Before Purchase
When I am deciding whether to buy it, I consider the price, availability, and how many rolls I need. I also think about whether I want to shoot at box speed or push it to ISO 800 or 1600. If I know I will be shooting in mixed light or indoors, I feel more confident choosing this film.
My Tips for Getting the Best Results
I get the best results when I meter carefully and expose with a little extra attention in shadows. I also make sure my development process matches the look I want. If I want more contrast and grain, I push it; if I want smoother tones, I keep it at box speed.
Who I Think This Film Is Best For
I would recommend Ilford HP5 Plus 400 to anyone who wants a dependable black-and-white film with room to experiment. It is great for beginners because it is forgiving, and it is also a favorite of experienced shooters like me who want consistency and character in the final image.
My Final Buying Advice
If I want a versatile black-and-white film that rarely lets me down, Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is an easy choice. I buy it when I want classic results, flexible exposure, and a film that works across many different situations. For me, it is one of the most practical and enjoyable black-and-white films to keep in my camera bag.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found Ilford HP5 Plus 400 to be one of the most dependable black-and-white films for everyday shooting. My favorite thing about it is how well it handles a wide range of lighting conditions while still giving me that classic, timeless look. If I want a film that’s flexible, forgiving, and consistently rewarding, HP5 Plus 400 is always one I trust.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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