Black and white film photography represents the purest form of photographic expression, stripping away color to focus on light, shadow, texture, and emotion. With dozens of black and white films available, each offering unique characteristics in grain structure, contrast, and tonal response, choosing the right film can dramatically impact your artistic vision.
This comprehensive guide compares the most popular black and white films, from classic grain lovers like Tri-X to modern fine-grain emulsions like Delta 100, helping you understand which film best matches your photographic style and shooting conditions.
Understanding Black & White Film Characteristics
Key Properties That Define B&W Films
Grain Structure:
- Fine grain: Smooth, detailed, professional appearance
- Medium grain: Balance of detail and character
- Coarse grain: Distinctive texture, artistic character
Contrast:
- Low contrast: Gentle tonal transitions, more gray tones
- Medium contrast: Balanced tonal range
- High contrast: Dramatic blacks and whites, fewer mid-tones
Exposure Latitude:
- Wide latitude: Forgiving of exposure errors
- Narrow latitude: Requires precise exposure
Tonal Response:
- Linear: Even tonal distribution
- High-key friendly: Retains highlight detail
- Low-key friendly: Rich shadow detail
Film Speed Categories
Slow Films (ISO 25-100):
- Finest grain structure
- Highest resolution
- Best for controlled lighting
- Ideal for landscapes, architecture, studio work
Medium Films (ISO 125-200):
- Balance of grain and speed
- Versatile for various conditions
- Good all-around choice
Fast Films (ISO 400-800):
- Visible but pleasing grain
- Excellent for available light
- Great for street photography, portraits
Ultra-Fast Films (ISO 1600-3200):
- Prominent grain structure
- Specialized applications
- Low light and artistic effects
Classic High-Speed Films (ISO 400)
Kodak Tri-X 400
The legendary standard bearer
Characteristics:
- Grain: Classic, distinctive grain structure
- Contrast: Medium-high, punchy blacks
- Latitude: Excellent, very forgiving
- Tonal range: Rich blacks, good shadow detail
Why photographers love it:
- Iconic grain structure with character
- Pushes beautifully to 800, 1600, even 3200
- Consistent results across different developers
- Time-tested reliability since 1954
Best for:
- Street photography
- Photojournalism
- Documentary work
- Available light portraiture
- Any situation requiring character and mood
Developer recommendations:
- D-76 (1:1): Classic combination, balanced results
- HC-110 (Dilution B): Sharp, contrasty results
- Rodinal (1:50): Maximum grain and sharpness
- Xtol: Fine grain, excellent shadow detail
Push processing:
- Push to 800: +1 stop, excellent results
- Push to 1600: +2 stops, increased grain but very usable
- Push to 3200: +3 stops, dramatic grain, artistic applications
Ilford HP5 Plus
The European alternative with character
Characteristics:
- Grain: Fine to medium, less prominent than Tri-X
- Contrast: Medium, excellent tonal gradation
- Latitude: Exceptional, even more forgiving than Tri-X
- Tonal range: Smooth gradations, excellent mid-tones
Differences from Tri-X:
- Finer grain structure
- More subtle tonal transitions
- Better shadow detail retention
- Slightly different aesthetic character
Best for:
- Portrait photography
- Documentary work where fine detail matters
- Architectural photography
- Any application requiring smooth tonality
Developer recommendations:
- ID-11/D-76: Standard combination, reliable results
- Microphen: Speed boost with fine grain
- Perceptol: Ultra-fine grain results
- DD-X: Modern developer, excellent results
Push processing:
- Push to 800: Exceptional results with minimal quality loss
- Push to 1600: Still very good, finer grain than pushed Tri-X
- Push to 3200: Usable results, maintains better detail than Tri-X
Kodak T-Max 400
Modern technology meets classic speed
Characteristics:
- Grain: Very fine, tabular grain technology
- Contrast: Medium, controlled contrast
- Latitude: Good, but less than traditional films
- Tonal range: Excellent shadow and highlight detail
Unique qualities:
- Finest grain of any 400-speed film
- Excellent sharpness and acutance
- Modern T-GRAIN technology
- Different aesthetic from traditional films
Best for:
- Professional portraiture
- Commercial photography
- Large format work
- When fine grain is priority
Developer recommendations:
- T-Max Developer: Optimized combination
- Xtol: Excellent alternative, compensating development
- HC-110: Sharp results with slightly more grain
- D-76: Good general-purpose combination
Considerations:
- More sensitive to developer choice
- Different look from classic films
- Some prefer traditional grain structure
Fine Grain Films (ISO 100-200)
Ilford Delta 100
Modern fine grain excellence
Characteristics:
- Grain: Extremely fine, core-shell technology
- Contrast: Medium, excellent control
- Latitude: Good, professional reliability
- Tonal range: Exceptional detail in shadows and highlights
Strengths:
- Finest grain available in 100-speed
- Excellent for enlargements
- Sharp, detailed results
- Professional consistency
Best for:
- Landscape photography
- Architecture and detail work
- Portrait photography in controlled light
- Large format applications
Developer recommendations:
- DD-X: Optimized for Delta films
- ID-11/D-76: Reliable, standard results
- Perceptol: Ultra-fine grain emphasis
- Microphen: Speed boost while maintaining quality
Kodak T-Max 100
Technical precision in slow film
Characteristics:
- Grain: Extremely fine tabular grain
- Contrast: Medium-low, very controllable
- Latitude: Moderate, requires careful exposure
- Tonal range: Excellent gradation, clinical precision
Technical advantages:
- Sharpest 100-speed film available
- Excellent for technical applications
- Precise tonal control
- Modern emulsion technology
Best for:
- Commercial photography
- Product photography
- Technical documentation
- Large format landscape work
Developer considerations:
- T-Max Developer: Matched system approach
- Xtol: Excellent alternative with compensating effects
- HC-110: Sharp, contrasty results
Ilford FP4 Plus
Classic pictorial quality
Characteristics:
- Grain: Fine, traditional silver grain
- Contrast: Medium-low, gentle gradation
- Latitude: Excellent, very forgiving
- Tonal range: Beautiful mid-tone separation
Classic appeal:
- Traditional film aesthetic
- Excellent for pictorial work
- Forgiving exposure characteristics
- Beautiful tonal gradation
Best for:
- Portrait photography
- Landscape photography
- Pictorial and artistic work
- Traditional darkroom printing
Developer recommendations:
- ID-11/D-76: Classic combination
- Perceptol: Fine grain emphasis
- DD-X: Modern alternative
- Microphen: Speed boost when needed
Ultra-Fine Grain Films (ISO 25-50)
Ilford Pan F Plus (ISO 50)
The finest grain film available
Characteristics:
- Grain: Virtually invisible grain structure
- Contrast: Medium-high, excellent separation
- Latitude: Moderate, requires careful exposure
- Tonal range: Exceptional detail capture
Unique position:
- Finest grain of any film in production
- Incredible detail resolution
- Requires stable shooting conditions
- Premium results for careful work
Best for:
- Large format landscape photography
- Architectural detail work
- Studio portraiture
- Technical and scientific photography
Shooting considerations:
- Tripod essential for sharp results
- Precise exposure critical
- Excellent lighting required
- Best in controlled conditions
Developer recommendations:
- Perceptol: Ultra-fine grain emphasis
- ID-11/D-76 (1:1): Balanced results
- DD-X: Modern alternative
- Microphen: When speed boost needed
Adox CMS 20 II (ISO 20)
Specialty ultra-high resolution
Characteristics:
- Grain: Essentially grainless
- Contrast: High, requires careful processing
- Resolution: Highest available
- Specialty application: Technical and scientific work
Specialized use:
- Extreme enlargements possible
- Scientific documentation
- Copy work applications
- Artistic experimentation
Medium Speed Films (ISO 125-200)
Ilford Delta 400
Modern versatility
Characteristics:
- Grain: Fine, core-shell technology
- Contrast: Medium, well-controlled
- Latitude: Good, professional reliability
- Speed: Actually performs closer to ISO 320
Balanced performance:
- Fine grain for 400-speed film
- Good latitude and forgiveness
- Excellent push processing
- Modern emulsion benefits
Best for:
- General photography
- Mixed lighting conditions
- Professional applications
- Push processing needs
Kodak Plus-X (Discontinued)
Historical reference
- Classic fine-grain film
- ISO 125, beautiful tonality
- No longer in production
- Influenced modern film development
High-Speed and Specialty Films
Kodak T-Max P3200
Ultra-high speed capability
Characteristics:
- Nominal speed: ISO 800-3200 (variable)
- Grain: Prominent but controlled
- Contrast: Medium-high
- Specialty: Low light applications
Unique capabilities:
- Can be rated from 800 to 25,000 ISO
- Specialized development required
- Excellent for extreme low light
- Professional photojournalism applications
Best for:
- Available light photography
- Concert photography
- Sports in low light
- Surveillance applications
Ilford Delta 3200
Professional high-speed option
Characteristics:
- Speed: ISO 1000-3200 typical
- Grain: Fine for high-speed film
- Contrast: Well-controlled
- Professional: Reliable consistency
Applications:
- Press photography
- Available light events
- Indoor sports
- Documentary work
Specialty and Alternative Films
Ilford Ortho Plus
Orthochromatic specialty film
Characteristics:
- Spectral sensitivity: Not sensitive to red light
- Contrast: High, dramatic results
- Grain: Fine structure
- Handling: Can be processed under red light
Creative applications:
- Unique tonal rendering
- Portrait photography (darkened lips, lightened skin)
- Landscape photography (dramatic skies)
- Alternative process work
Film Washi Films
Japanese specialty emulsions
Characteristics:
- Unique manufacturing: Hand-coated emulsions
- Various speeds: Multiple ISO options
- Artistic character: Distinctive look
- Limited availability: Boutique production
Freestyle/Arista Films
Budget-friendly options
Characteristics:
- Value pricing: Affordable alternative
- Various speeds: 100, 400 most common
- Rebranded films: Often known emulsions
- Good starting point: Learning and experimentation
Film-Developer Combinations
Classic Combinations
Tri-X + D-76:
- Industry standard for decades
- Balanced grain and sharpness
- Reliable, consistent results
- Good starting point for beginners
HP5 + ID-11:
- European equivalent to Tri-X/D-76
- Excellent tonal gradation
- Fine grain with good speed
- Forgiving development
Delta films + DD-X:
- Optimized modern combination
- Fine grain with excellent sharpness
- Professional consistency
- Good push processing
Creative Combinations
Tri-X + Rodinal:
- Maximum grain and sharpness
- High contrast, dramatic results
- Classic pictorial look
- Artistic applications
HP5 + Perceptol:
- Ultra-fine grain results
- Effective speed reduction to ~ISO 200
- Smooth tonal gradation
- Portrait and pictorial work
T-Max + T-Max Developer:
- Engineered system approach
- Maximum technical performance
- Fine grain with excellent sharpness
- Commercial and professional applications
Push Processing Specialists
HP5 + Microphen:
- Excellent for push processing
- Speed boost with fine grain
- Good low-light performance
- Maintains shadow detail
Tri-X + HC-110:
- Sharp, contrasty push results
- Good for 1-2 stop pushes
- Maintains grain character
- Street photography favorite
Shooting Scenarios and Film Selection
Street Photography
First choice: Kodak Tri-X 400
- Classic grain structure adds character
- Excellent latitude for quick shooting
- Pushes well for low light situations
- Time-tested street photography standard
Alternative: Ilford HP5 Plus
- Finer grain for more detailed results
- Excellent shadow detail
- Better for available light portraits
- More European aesthetic
Settings and technique:
- Rate at box speed or slightly higher
- Use wide apertures for subject isolation
- Embrace grain as part of aesthetic
- Push process when light gets low
Portrait Photography
Controlled lighting: Ilford Delta 100
- Finest grain for professional results
- Excellent tonal gradation
- Beautiful skin tone rendering
- Perfect for studio work
Available light: Ilford FP4 Plus
- Fine grain with good speed
- Forgiving exposure latitude
- Beautiful mid-tone separation
- Classic portrait aesthetic
Natural light: Kodak T-Max 400
- Fine grain for 400-speed film
- Good performance in mixed light
- Professional consistency
- Modern technical quality
Landscape Photography
Maximum detail: Ilford Pan F Plus
- Finest grain structure available
- Incredible detail resolution
- Excellent for large prints
- Requires stable conditions
Versatile choice: Ilford Delta 100
- Fine grain with good speed
- Excellent dynamic range
- Good for various lighting
- Professional reliability
Dramatic results: Kodak Tri-X 400
- Character and mood
- Good contrast for dramatic skies
- Handles harsh lighting well
- Classic landscape aesthetic
Documentary Photography
Professional standard: Ilford HP5 Plus
- Excellent latitude for varied conditions
- Fine grain maintains detail
- Good push processing capability
- Reliable in difficult situations
Classic choice: Kodak Tri-X 400
- Iconic documentary aesthetic
- Excellent low light capability
- Character that adds to storytelling
- Time-tested reliability
Modern alternative: Ilford Delta 400
- Fine grain with good speed
- Professional consistency
- Good push processing
- Contemporary aesthetic
Technical Considerations
Metering and Exposure
General rule for B&W films:
- Expose for shadows, develop for highlights
- Most B&W films prefer slight overexposure
- Shadow detail is harder to recover than highlights
- Use incident metering when possible
Film-specific considerations:
Traditional films (Tri-X, HP5):
- Very forgiving exposure latitude
- Can handle 2-3 stops overexposure
- Rate at box speed or slightly lower
Modern films (Delta, T-Max):
- More precise exposure requirements
- Less latitude than traditional films
- Rate at exact box speed
Ultra-fine films (Pan F, CMS 20):
- Require precise exposure
- Limited latitude
- Meter carefully and bracket when learning
Push and Pull Processing
Best films for push processing:
1-2 stops: HP5 Plus, Delta 400
- Minimal quality loss
- Maintain fine grain structure
- Good shadow detail retention
2-3 stops: Tri-X 400
- Classic high-speed look
- Increased grain adds character
- Still maintains usable quality
Extreme pushes: T-Max P3200
- Designed for push processing
- Can handle 3-5 stop pushes
- Specialized applications
Pull processing applications:
- Reduce contrast in harsh lighting
- Fine-tune film speed
- Achieve specific aesthetic looks
Storage and Handling
Before exposure:
- Store in cool, dry place
- Refrigerate for long-term storage
- Bring to room temperature before use
- Check expiration dates
After exposure:
- Develop promptly for best results
- Refrigerate if processing delayed
- Avoid extreme temperatures
- Handle carefully to avoid scratches
Developer Choice and Characteristics
General Purpose Developers
D-76/ID-11:
- Industry standard formula
- Good with most films
- Balanced grain and sharpness
- Reliable, consistent results
- Long shelf life
HC-110:
- Concentrated liquid developer
- Sharp, contrasty results
- Good for push processing
- Long shelf life
- Easy to mix
Xtol:
- Modern ascorbic acid developer
- Fine grain with good speed
- Compensating development
- Excellent shadow detail
- Environmentally friendlier
Fine Grain Developers
Perceptol:
- Ultra-fine grain results
- Effective speed loss (~1/2 stop)
- Smooth tonal gradation
- Best for portrait work
Microdol-X:
- Maximum grain reduction
- Some speed loss
- Excellent for enlargements
- Smooth tonality
High Energy Developers
Rodinal:
- Maximum sharpness and grain
- High contrast results
- Long shelf life
- Classic pictorial look
- Artistic applications
D-19:
- High contrast developer
- Maximum speed and contrast
- Good for graphic arts
- Specialized applications
Modern Developers
DD-X:
- Optimized for Delta films
- Fine grain with sharpness
- Professional consistency
- Good push processing
T-Max Developer:
- Engineered for T-Max films
- Maximum technical performance
- Fine grain emphasis
- Professional applications
Film Availability and Cost
Readily Available Films
Kodak films:
- Tri-X 400: Widely available, $8-12/roll
- T-Max 100/400: Professional shops, $8-12/roll
- T-Max P3200: Specialty applications, $12-15/roll
Ilford films:
- HP5 Plus: Widely available, $7-10/roll
- Delta 100/400: Professional shops, $8-12/roll
- Pan F Plus: Specialty shops, $8-12/roll
- FP4 Plus: Available online, $7-10/roll
Budget alternatives:
- Arista/Freestyle films: $4-7/roll
- Fomapan films: $3-6/roll
- Film Washi: $8-15/roll (specialty)
Buying Tips
Where to buy:
- Local camera shops (support local business)
- Online retailers (B&H, Adorama, etc.)
- Professional photo suppliers
- Specialty film retailers
Storage considerations:
- Buy fresh stock when possible
- Check expiration dates
- Store properly until use
- Consider bulk purchases for savings
Processing Options
Home Development
Advantages:
- Complete control over results
- Cost savings for volume
- Learn and refine technique
- Experiment with different developers
Requirements:
- Basic darkroom setup
- Chemicals and equipment
- Time and patience
- Learning investment
New to developing B&W film? Our complete film processing workflow guide covers home development setup and techniques.
Lab Processing
Professional labs:
- Consistent, calibrated results
- Various developer options
- Professional consultation
- Quality control
Budget labs:
- Standard processing only
- Limited developer choices
- Good for learning
- Cost-effective
Ready to process your B&W film? Find black & white processing labs that understand the unique requirements of monochrome film development.
Digital Age Considerations
Scanning B&W Film
Advantages:
- No color correction needed
- Focus on tonal relationships
- Easier workflow than color
- Grain structure well-preserved
Best practices:
- Scan in grayscale mode
- Use full dynamic range
- Preserve shadow and highlight detail
- Maintain natural grain structure
Scanning your B&W negatives? Check our film scanning guide for tips on getting the best digital files from your black and white film.
B&W Film vs Digital B&W
Film advantages:
- Organic grain structure
- Natural tonal transitions
- Unique aesthetic character
- Continuous tone gradation
When film still wins:
- Portrait photography (skin tone rendering)
- Artistic expression (grain character)
- Traditional darkroom printing
- Timeless aesthetic appeal
Building Your B&W Film Kit
Starting Collection
Beginner recommendations:
- Ilford HP5 Plus - Versatile, forgiving
- Kodak Tri-X 400 - Classic character
- Ilford Delta 100 - Fine grain option
Intermediate expansion: 4. Ilford FP4 Plus - Traditional pictorial 5. Kodak T-Max 400 - Modern technical quality 6. Ilford Pan F Plus - Ultra-fine grain
Workflow Development
Learning progression:
- Start with one film (HP5 or Tri-X)
- Master one developer (D-76 or ID-11)
- Learn exposure technique for that combination
- Expand to different films and developers
- Develop personal aesthetic preferences
Building expertise:
- Keep detailed notes on film/developer combinations
- Experiment with different exposure techniques
- Learn push/pull processing
- Develop consistent workflow
Understanding the chemistry? Our film processing chemistry guide explains how B&W development differs from color processing.
Future of B&W Film
Current Market
Strong demand:
- Film photography revival continues
- New photographers discovering B&W
- Professional applications remain strong
- Artistic and educational use growing
Manufacturer commitment:
- Kodak and Ilford committed to continued production
- New films occasionally introduced
- Quality improvements ongoing
- Supply chain stability improving
Emerging Trends
New emulsions:
- Specialty films from boutique manufacturers
- Reformulated classic emulsions
- Environmental improvements in manufacturing
- Better consistency and quality control
Education and community:
- More workshops and classes available
- Online communities sharing knowledge
- Renewed interest in darkroom techniques
- Integration with digital workflows
Conclusion
Black and white film photography offers an unmatched combination of artistic expression, technical craft, and timeless aesthetic appeal. Each film brings its own character to your images, from the iconic grain of Tri-X to the clinical precision of T-Max, from the ultra-fine detail of Pan F Plus to the forgiving nature of HP5 Plus.
Choosing the right B&W film depends on:
- Shooting conditions and available light
- Aesthetic preferences regarding grain and contrast
- Technical requirements for sharpness and detail
- Processing capabilities and developer access
- Intended use of final images
Key recommendations:
- Start simple with HP5 Plus or Tri-X 400
- Master one film before expanding your collection
- Experiment with developers to find your preferred aesthetic
- Keep detailed notes to learn what works for your style
- Embrace the grain as part of the medium’s character
The beauty of black and white film lies not just in its technical capabilities, but in how it encourages photographers to see light, shadow, and texture in new ways. Whether you’re drawn to the documentary tradition of Tri-X, the fine art potential of Pan F Plus, or the versatile reliability of HP5 Plus, black and white film offers endless possibilities for creative expression.
Choosing cameras for B&W? See our medium format camera guide and learn about cameras favored by B&W masters. Building your complete workflow? Our film processing costs guide helps you budget for B&W development and printing.
Ready to start shooting B&W film? Find professional B&W processing labs and begin exploring the timeless art of monochrome photography.
Black and white film comparison guide current as of 7/16/2025. Film availability and specifications subject to change - always verify current information with manufacturers and suppliers.