ilford FP4 really surprised me | ep. 2

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[davidharlan]

I recently picked up a ton of FP4 in 120. There is really something special about the look of it. It's got some contrast but the range of grays are incredible and smooth. Very realistic, happy way that it renders.

[mrstandfast]

FP4 is a wonderful film. Because it's relatively slow at 125 asa, I find it particularly suitable for older cameras. 1950s Voigtlanders and Zeiss folders would have been used with this type of film, in fact at that time it would have been quite a fast film. The fine grain structure can bring unexpectedly good results from uncoated or single coated vintage glass.

[KyleMcDougall]

FP4 is one that I still haven't tried but these examples look really nice, man. May have to test it out in the future. Also, that GF670! That's always been one that's intrigued me. Love the idea of it being dual format.

[Average-Joe_N]

FP4+ is my fav b&w, the grain, contrast, and dynamic range is perfect to me

[MichaelGAubrey]

Thanks for these videos, Matt. Keep takin' care of yourself.

[PhilKnall]

Props again for the video marathon in this trying time. Much love.

[baisao]

FP4+ is an amazing film stock and a definite sleeper. Your characterization is spot on. And the dynamic range is peerless when developed in Pyrocat-HD. The details in highlights seem to go on forever, and yet it has a punchy contrast. It’s an astonishing combination.

[jimwlouavl]

Interesting video. I’ve always found FP4 flatter than I like. I like TXP but it’s very expensive. I admire you working despite your grief. The best advice I’ve heard about grief is that it’s like waves. It’s always there and sometimes a rogue one will just knock you down.

[Rocking_J_Studio]

My favorite film since I started shooting it in the 1970's is and always has been FP4. I process it in Perceptol & get amazingly tight grain and tons of tonal range. Most shooters today tend to want faster film but I found I could shoot in lower light levels successfully by slowing down & taking my time.

[CJWareLRPS]

FP4 is really an interesting film it’s my favourite one to shoot

I love using it for portraits in a studio environment with really harsh studio lighting for me that’s when it shines

[ThePhotoDept]

So sick dude. I feel the same way about fp4! Haven’t really talked about it much but I really love shooting it.

[patrickjclarke]

It’s probably blasphemy, but I love shooting XP2 in 120 to get super smooth and great dynamic range and shoot it from ISO 50 to 800 on the same roll and it’s really good.

I also find you can dial in a particular look with more subtlety than a traditional bw film stock.

A few years ago I got a great deal on a ton of 35mm Kodak BW400CN (50 cents a roll) and like it as well. Chromogenic BW is often maligned, but I love the latitude and versatility in a modern digital workflow.

[Tom-Humble]

FP4 has been my go-to for 120 and 4x5 for the past year now and it never lets me down. Only use HP5 if I need the higher iso

[chadroberts]

Nice, I’m excited to see how this all turns out!

[soccerjockey]

Thanks for making all these during a hard time. I wish you didn’t have to, so I’ll engage extra on all of thirst videos

[tobeshawkins]

Matt would you be open to having a tip option on your videos? Or perhaps a patreon of sorts? I love your insight and hearing to talk and would love to support you.

[Francois_The_Photon_Mechanic]

If you want some really fine grain, you should try Pan F+. At 50 ISO, it's not exactly fast but depending on the camera, you can pull it off.

[CalumetVideo]

Great video! Seems that it’s hard to find the Bessa III / GF670.

[GregoryVeizades]

You should give Fomapan 200 a try. Specifically the 200 speed, which is a vastly different film vs the 100 and the 400.

[ethanchang]

may i ask you what scanner you use. thx