In Praise of Ilford HP4

[lawrence]

I've been scanning some film taken 40 years ago and remembering what a lovely film Ilford HP4 was. It was quite different to HP5/HP5+, which is maybe a stop faster but sharper and more contrasty, yet somehow I like the grain and subtle character of HP4 just as much. And looking at some photos taken on the original FP4 I'm also impressed. I wonder if anyone else remembers these two films and also whether there's anything today that's similar.

 

[FrankS]

FP4+ is new and improved.

 

[helen.HH]

lovely Lawrence, which developer did You use ?

 

[f16sunshine]

I like the frain in this scan.
This film was not one I ever tried.

 

[lawrence]

lovely Lawrence, which developer did You use ?

Well I hate to admit it but in those far off days I was rather lax at keeping notes, in fact I was just trying to remember which camera and lens I used -- I think it was probably a Nikon F2 with the 50mm f2 AI -- so no record of the developer I'm afraid. I think I'll put up an old FP4 shot to keep it company.

 

[nikon_sam]

I remember using HP4 back in the day...preferred it over Tri-X...I liked the results and that was before I really knew what I was doing...
The tones and the grain of your photo bring back some memories...Love the look...

 

[Nokton48]

You might want to investigate Eastman 5222 Double-X. A small but dedicated group here like it very much. I shot a lot of HP-4 back in the seventies and always enjoyed the results.

 

[lawrence]

You might want to investigate Eastman 5222 Double-X. A small but dedicated group here like it very much. I shot a lot of HP-4 back in the seventies and always enjoyed the results.

Thanks, I'll see if I can get hold of some.

 

[lawrence]

Joy, Sandbanks, Dorset. 1971

Joy, Sandbanks, Dorset. 1971

These are on FP4.

 

[Colin Corneau]

I wonder if Ilford's Pan 400 (N/A in North America) would be similar to the old HP4.

It has an older style grain structure, less contrast than Tri-X or HP5+...just a thought.

 

[nikon_sam]

Lawrence...those are great...

 

[ravilamir]

I wonder if Ilford's Pan 400 (N/A in North America) would be similar to the old HP4.

It has an older style grain structure, less contrast than Tri-X or HP5+...just a thought.

And it is available here in London at Silverprint, but only in the shop, not online.

Lawrence
If going to Silverprint isn't possible to you, you can order online from The Imaging Warehouse (AKA Nova Darkroom).
It is £3.50 for 135-36.
It is a lovely film, closer to older emulsions.

http://www.theimagingwarehouse.com/ProductGrp/Ilford-Pan-400

 

[rpsawin]

lovely Lawrence, which developer did You use ?

Helen,

Most of the Ilford films are really rich when developed in DD-X. Take a look at the Massive Development chart for various recommendations of dilutions and times.

Good luck!

 

[Colin Corneau]

Bob's comments are bang on, in my experience. I use DD-X a lot now, and films just look better in it. I used Tri-X and TMY-2 for a while and really liked the results...Ilford's films of course are equally good in it.

 

[Mark C]

I've really gotten to like the Kentmere 100 and intend to try the 400 again some time soon now that my grain allergy has eased a bit. These seem like nice, somewhat old fashioned, films. Plus Ilford quality control, and about the cheapest thing going in the US.

 

[lawrence]

And it is available here in London at Silverprint, but only in the shop, not online.

Lawrence
If going to Silverprint isn't possible to you, you can order online from The Imaging Warehouse (AKA Nova Darkroom).
It is £3.50 for 135-36.
It is a lovely film, closer to older emulsions.

http://www.theimagingwarehouse.com/ProductGrp/Ilford-Pan-400

Thanks for the tip, I'll take a look as soon as I've finished my current stocks of TMY2 & Tri-X.

 

[lawrence]

Bob's comments are bang on, in my experience. I use DD-X a lot now, and films just look better in it. I used Tri-X and TMY-2 for a while and really liked the results...Ilford's films of course are equally good in it.

And I've just made up 5 litres of Xtol 😱