Best Black and White 35 Mm Films for Classic Photography
Choosing the right black and white 35 mm film can influence contrast, grain, and tonal range in your images. The following selections highlight versatile ISO 400 options and a classic Delta 100 choice, offering strong latitude for varied lighting, sharpness, and smooth development. This guide compares top 5 35 mm films to help photographers decide which fits their style, from traditional street photography to studio portraits.
| Product | Brand | Exposure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP5 Plus 35mm ISO 400 Film (Pack of 3) | Ilford | 36 Exposures per Roll | Wide latitude, medium contrast |
| Kodak Tri-X 400TX 35mm (3 Pack) | Ritz Camera | 24 Exposures per Roll | Fine grain, classic contrast, versatile |
| HP5 Plus 35mm ISO 400 2-Pack | Ilford | 36 Exposures per Roll | Reliable performance, durable results |
| HP-5 Plus 400 35mm Film (3-Pack) | Ilford | 24 Exposures per Roll | High-speed ISO 400, strong handling |
| HP5 Plus 135 35mm ISO 400 (24 Exposures) | Ilford | 24 Exposures per Roll | Wide latitude, great for varied lighting |
Explore the nuances below to understand how each film can shape your images, followed by a practical buying guide to help you pick the right option for your projects.
Ilford HP5 Plus, Black and White Print Film, 35 mm, ISO 400, 36 Exposures (Pack of 3)
Ilford HP5 Plus is known for its broad exposure latitude and consistent performance. With ISO 400, it balances well in varied lighting—from bright street scenes to dim interiors. The film responds well to push processing, increasing contrast for more dramatic images without losing detail in highlights or shadows. This pack of three provides flexibility for multiple shoots or projects, making it a staple choice for photographers who shoot on location and in studios alike. Its medium contrast suits both portraits and documentary work.
Kodak Tri-X 400TX Professional Black & White Film, 35mm, 24 Exposures (3 Pack)
Kodak Tri-X 400 has long been a standard for black-and-white photography, offering fine grain and strong tonal range. The 24-exposure packs provide sufficient material for street photography, photojournalism, and expressive portraits. Its medium contrast and broad latitude make it forgiving in less-than-ideal lighting, while still delivering the characteristic classic look associated with traditional black-and-white film. The 35 mm format ensures compatibility with most standard cameras, making it a reliable go-to for many shooters.
Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Printing Film 35mm ISO 400 36 Poses 2-Pack
This 2-pack of Ilford HP5 Plus offers dependable performance across various lighting scenarios. ISO 400 provides flexibility from daylight to low light, while the film’s tonal range supports strong shadow detail and clear mid-tones. HP5 Plus generally handles push processing well, enabling you to extract more brightness from scenes with higher contrast. It suits documentary work, street photography, and general-use photography, particularly when you want a classic, cinematic black-and-white aesthetic.
Ilford HP-5 Plus 400 35mm Black and White Professional Film, ISO 400, 24 Exposures, 3-Pack
HP5 Plus 400 is a robust choice for photographers who want reliable results across a wide range of subjects. Its ISO 400 rating supports handheld shooting in moderate light and offers substantial latitude during development. The 24-exposure-per-roll format provides a compact shooting option for on-the-go assignments, while the film’s high-speed performance allows for clean tonality in both shadows and highlights. This makes it a versatile option for both new shooters and seasoned practitioners seeking a timeless black-and-white look.
Ilford HP5 Plus, Black and White Print Film, 135 (35 mm), ISO 400, 24 Exposures
This HP5 Plus 135 format keeps the familiar ISO 400 performance in a slightly smaller packaging. It offers wide exposure latitude for mixed lighting conditions, with dependable midtones and contrast suitable for a variety of scenes—from urban street to portrait setups. The 24-exposure count makes it practical for extended shoots without frequently changing rolls. Photographers who favor a traditional look with broad dynamic range often select this film for its predictable results and compatibility with most development processes.
Black and White Film,ISO100,35MM SHD100,36 Exposures
Although ISO 100 is noted here, SHD100’s full-color description emphasizes versatility for daylight outdoor scenes with bright light. For black-and-white workflows, its fine-grain potential can yield delicate tonality in landscapes and portraits when pushed or processed with care. This option is best suited for controlled lighting or subjects that benefit from crisp detail and a more refined grain structure. It’s a good choice for enthusiasts exploring a lower sensitivity film to maximize shadow separation and texture.
Black and White Film,35mm SHD 400, 36 Exposures 3-Pack
SHD400 is positioned as a high-quality black-and-white full-color high-speed film. It supports a broad range of lighting and is suitable for beginners and experienced shooters alike. With ISO 400, it provides a reliable balance between grain and detail, making it suitable for action, street, and portrait photography where flexibility matters. The inclusion of a microfiber cleaning cloth adds value for photographers who want to keep their film camera gear in top condition between shoots.
Ilford 1780624 Delta 100 Professional Black-and-White Film, ISO 100, 35mm 36-Exposure (2 Pack)
Delta 100 is a high-speed, finer-grain option with a distinctly smooth tonal range, ideal for high-detail portraits and architectural photography where subtle gradations are essential. Although ISO 100, this film can be used in well-lit environments with longer exposures or by using wider apertures. The two-pack format supports extended shoots and ensures you have backup stock for critical assignments. Delta 100 is recognized for its fine grain and precise rendering, delivering clean, professional results in controlled conditions.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
Film choice depends on several factors beyond just ISO rating and grain. Consider these perspectives to refine your selection:
- Exposure Latitude: Higher latitude films tolerate a wider range of lighting, reducing the risk of blown highlights or blocked shadows. HP5 Plus and Tri-X are known for their forgiving nature.
- Grain and Tonality: Fine-grain options like Delta 100 excel in detail and smooth tonal transitions, while HP5 Plus and Tri-X deliver classic, pronounced grain and contrast that many photographers seek for a vintage look.
- Push Processing: If you shoot in low light or use faster shutter speeds, films that respond well to push processes can preserve tonal range even when underexposed.
- Exposure Per Roll: Packs with more exposures offer more shooting time between changes, which can be advantageous for events or street photography.
- Development Compatibility: Most of these films work with standard development methods, but some brands have preferred processes. Check your developing lab’s recommendations.
- Subject and Setting: Portraits benefit from controlled lighting and skin tone rendering; street and documentary work rewards the bold contrast and texture of classic films like HP5 Plus and Tri-X.
When selecting a film, align your choice with your camera, lighting conditions, and the aesthetic you pursue. If you are starting out, consider a pack with multiple rolls to experiment with different lighting and development styles. For experienced shooters, mix ISO 100 for daylight work with ISO 400 options for indoor or action scenes to broaden creative possibilities.