What should I expect from Ilford FP4 PLUS?

[David Hughes]

Nice...

FP4 is a lovely film; the only B&W film for some of us.

Regards, David

 

[Nokton48]

Connels Sign Makina IIIR 100mm F4 by Nokton48, on Flickr

I shoot Ilford FP4+ in 120 rolls, and also in 6.5x9cm sheets, in my Plaubel Makina III's and Plaubel Makiflexes. It is my primary film in those sizes. I process in replenished Legacy Mic-X from Freestyle.

Scan-161104-0001 by Nokton48, on Flickr

 

[giganova]

FP-4 is the only film I ever use (both in 135 and 120 format) and I develop it in DD-X. By only using one film + developer, I can anticipate the results pretty well.

 

[bluesun267]

On the subject of what to expect from FP-4: I've been grieving the loss of Plus-X. I still have a brick or so in the freezer, but when that's gone, it's gone. Would FP-4 be a suitable substitute, or should I look elsewhere? What about Silvermax?

Personally FP4+ was superior to Plus-X for me, but I like both (neither are quite as good as that nearly-forgotten 125 speed B/W, the dearly departed Verichrome Pan). FP4+ has a wider tonality than PX, and a softer look, at least it does in most developers I've used (Rodinal, D-76, Homemade Vitamin-C developer).
But this makes it a much better film for both scanning and wet printing as you can more easily add contrast than subtract it.

I have only tried one roll of Silvermax and it seems decent. I'd need to shoot more to develop an opinion.

Kentmere 100 might be a better 'replacement' for Plus-X. It's punchier than FP4 and slightly grainier, but still an excellent 100 speed film. (Only available in 35mm though).

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

So it's been a few weeks since the last post here, so I guess it is OK to Hijack.
I'm committed to FP4+, boxes & 100' in the freezer and more on the way since the price is good now.
I've shot the FP4 at 125 & 200, using D76, Mag-Dev times and so far like box speed best.
I'm shooting mostly in Texas sunny days or bright cloudy days, and I am wanting photos with wide tonal range and no grain to speak of, looking at the V600 scanned negative.

What do others like best with this film?

 

[Bill Clark]

One of the nicest features of Ilford’s FP-4 Plus film is I can still buy it!

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Steve, I use FP4+ from 35 through 120 & on 5x7" my standard developer now is Pyrocat HD in glycol. If I had to pick one film....FP4+ would be it. Great contrast & lovely tonal range....but then my results come from wet printing rather than scanning.