Ilford XP2 Super 🇯🇵 My FAVE film for shooting Tokyo

[@Nestorre93]

The fact that you can change your ISO mid roll is mind blowing. I’m def gonna buy 🔥 And great shots man

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

Heyo! Thank you so much! Yeah, it's kind of wild. JUST NOW, I was thinking which film I should bring this afternoon... XP2! See you on the streets!

[@donjagoe]

Just some absolute gems in there.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@donjagoe hey! Thanks a ton!

[@julianread1996]

One of the elements that make this film so special is that C41 processing means you take it anywhere you would with colour film and they can develop. If it is traditional black and white it’s much more expensive where I am. Plus it is faster to develop. Convenient and fun to use 🙌.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@julianread1996 you are 100% correct! I wanted to make sure people knew that after watching the video. It's quite an epic film stock! It's getting pretty expensive here, too, and I'm always on the hunt for a good deal. Thx for chiming in! 🙇🏼‍♂️👍🏼

[@marlon.iraheta]

Awesome pictures, Jason. I have recently tried XP2, and the photos look beautiful. Thanks for sharing, I really enjoy your videos man keep them coming ✌

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

Thanks a ton, my friend. I'm super happy knowing that you're diggin' the stock. Keep on keepin' on!

[@djtoman6875]

I was perplexed when I saw that you used XP2 in your Konica point and shoot video, knowing that it’s a C41 film. But this video clarified things nicely, and your sample images are great. Going to see if I can find a roll locally for my walkabout point and shoot.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

It's a weird stock when dev'd with D-76. It can come out muddy in some instances, like if you use a yellow filter or if your developer is old, but I've really dialed it in. Bright days or slightly overcast days seem to work best for me. I've shot a couple dozen rolls using D-76 and will continue to do so. Regardless, LMK what you discover. Cheers!

[@djtoman6875]

@@TokyoGritandGrainThanks. Will do!

[@vernonsza]

This film looks awesome. I'm not exactly sure how much contrast is usually baked in at the start, but every time I've seen sample images with this film, it always looked like the contrast was perfect. More often than not, whenever I see sample photos on Tri-X 400 or HP5, a lot of people leave it really flat after scanning, and I don't understand why because the images end up looking lifeless. These samples make this film look like it has a ton of character.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

Thanks for chiming in! Yeah, it's really remarkable. I've adjusted the Contrast slider slightly here & there, but it's not something I usually do. There's an interesting difference in developing with D-76 vs Microfine, but they still generate that awesome contrast without even trying. Give it a shot and LMK what you think!

[@elmoonfire]

WOW, i was already a fan of this film, but i didnt even know about this variable speed! That's super neat. I have been suprized at how much ive liked some c41 black and white filmes. There was a kodak consumer grade one a shot a bunch of a while back. Good show!

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@elmoonfire thank you so much! It was a wild discovery and it has been interesting experimenting. C41 kits aren't as available here in Japan as one might think, so it's nice to be able to rely on b&w chems. Thx for chiming in!

[@Chrispy429]

Us usual. I enjoy watching your video's from Seattle.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@Chrispy429 thx, my man! I'll get up there one day. We'll def hang!

[@slothsarecool]

Sounds interesting, I’ll give that one a try!

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@slothsarecool let me know how it works out for you! 👍🏼

[@dbkoala]

I love XP2 super. It's one of my favorites.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@dbkoala it's a delightful stock!

[@dbkoala]

@@TokyoGritandGrain I was today years old when I learned you can change the ISO mid roll and still develop normally.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@dbkoala it's so boss! 😎

[@mikeyboards]

I didn't even know changing ISO mid-roll was possible!

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@mikeyboards it was an interesting discovery!

[@mxnevermind]

its a lot more understandable when you conceptualise it as having 3 stops overexposure and 1 stop underexposure of latitude, which is on par with something like Portra. love xp2

[@joegarcia8019]

Superior!

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@joegarcia8019 Arigato, señor!

[@thevoiceman6192]

Nice photos. It is my favorite black and white film. I also have rolls of xp1. I have the lab develop all my film and I always have it developed at box speed no matter what shutter speed I shoot it at. And it comes out good all the time. And Yes I do change ISO mid rolls on whatever film is in the camera. Again comes out good.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@thevoiceman6192 That's super cool. XP1 would be an interesting sight! Does it have similar characteristics? Also, thanks! 📸👍🏼

[@thevoiceman6192]

@@TokyoGritandGrain You are welcome. I have not used the xp1 film as of yet.

[@georgeosier5459]

comes out great in Rodinal !!!!

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@georgeosier5459 right on! Gonna try. 🙇🏼‍♂️

[@paullacotta5645]

Informative video. I’m really sad to see old West Exit torn down.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@paullacotta5645 thanks! Yeah, it's quite a sight.

[@crispin8888]

Agreed. Fine grain, tolerant and C41 processing is faster (commercially) than other black and white films.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

It'll be interesting to try a different developer. ID-11 is probably next on the list. Thx for chiming in!

[@filmnerd.photography]

XP2 is my fave film also. I develop it with the Cinestill C41 kit and it always comes out perfect. The Cinestill C41 kit is nice and contrasty with XP2, the blacks are deep and the whites are pearly which is just the way I like it. I scan with either my D700/valoi easy35 set up and Negative Lab Pro (for quick scans) or my trusty old Plustek if I need automated scratch and dust removal (that is a real benefit of a C41 black and white film, scanners with ISRD are far more effective at removing dust and scratches on C41 than traditional B&W film). So far I'm finding that the D700 scans and NLP gives me the nicest results. Straight out of camera without any editing the shots always look great with XP2. The other benefit of XP2 is that I only need one developing regime for black and white and colour and as I also shoot loads of Colorplus 200 (my other fave film) I can develop black and white and colour rolls in the same tank. Simple, quick and reduces cost by only having one developing regime. Love XP2, makes me want to go shoot. Now if only Kodak would bring back BW400CN (which I think is even nicer than XP2)!! Nice vid mate, very enjoyable. Subbed.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@filmnerd.photography thank you! There's something brilliant about shooting b&w and color in the same tank. And that CN? Ohhhh, man! I've only shot one roll of this and I need to find another. it's also nice hearing about your scanning regimen. I'm solid into my camera scans, but would like a flatbed (more research to be had). My macro lens on ye olde Panasonic G9 is solid, works very well, and I'm pleased with the results. thank you VERY much for the sub. I appreciate it. 🙇🏼‍♂️

[@filmnerd.photography]

@TokyoGritandGrain mate I'm heading to Tokyo next April, if you're up for a photo walk hit me up.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@filmnerd.photography I'm definitely into it. Let's go! 📸😎

[@RetroTokyo]

It's a good film for sure, and nice sample photos. I always go back to HP5, but have dabbled with XP2. For a bit faster film, I go to Kosmo Foto Mono 100. Probably my favourite, although I think it's rebranded film.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@RetroTokyo thank you! I need to try that Kosmo. Maybe it's Fomapan? Regardless, I'm always up for a try! Thx for chiming in. 🙇🏼‍♂️

[@SkateNightPaderborn]

I develop my XP2 Rolls with X-tol 1:1 and like the results very much

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@SkateNightPaderborn I'll give it a try! 🙇🏼‍♂️ Thx!

[@lyricsronen]

Have you tried any Kentmere 400? Super forgiving film, although I hear it's better for pushing than shooting at different ISO and developing at box speed.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@lyricsronen I have, but quite a while ago and I need to shoot it again. Undeveloped that with D-76 as well and need to try Microfine. Check this out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJqzgHWbZ5h7gacsi=G-cro6D8UzKtrYKt Thx for chiming in!

[@BernardGatt]

Great video! I have two rolls that have been sitting in my fridge for a while, the only reason I haven’t shot them yet is because they’re C41, i’ll give them a shot with D76. You mentioned D76 getting muddy after a while, do you reuse developer?

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@BernardGatt thank you! I do reuse my developer as much as possible. D-76 is good (for me) for about 12-14 rolls. After that, I definitely move on. Microfine is good, too! DM me if you have questions. Happy to help! I'm looking forward to seeing your images! 🤘🏼

[@thecaveofthedead]

So wait? You're cross processing it? What happens when you develop it in C41? I have a YashD also. Haven't used it in years. But 15 years back it was my snapshot camera and I blew through a ton of NPH400 on it - usually shooting it at 1/500th at f11 for sunshine.

[@manngaiho1012]

This is a special film designed to be compatible with the C41 process and machines. Basically, it's a coloured film but without the dye layers that render color. So technically, it's not cross processing.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

Yeah! Cross processing works well! C41 is amazing as well. I've had great luck with this for many years. Try it out and LMK what you think! YashD for the win.

[@Awayne429]

I just got to Tokyo and forgot my film back in the states. Do you recommend a film store out here? I already been to Lemon and Bic-Camera. I cannot find 120 color film, also been very hard to find just film in general.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@Awayne429 there's an incredible demand for film at the moment, so I totally understand. Popeye Camera has Kodak Gold 120 on sale at the moment. maps.app.goo.gl/n9FKoU5D5dKpeMQg9 Sanpou Camera in the same neighborhood has XP2 120 rn. Check em out!

[@focustiltphoto]

I've shot 1 roll of xp2 and I really liked the results but unfortunately it's a bit too expensive in Korea for my style of shooting. I can shoot and develop 2 rolls of hp5 for the price of 1 roll of xp2 without developing.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

This is really interesting. So you are taking both XP2 and HP5 to the lab? It's the opposite here in Japan. Same price for color and XP2 vs. B&W film (which takes longer and the same price as one roll of XP2). So interesting! Thx for chiming in. It's nice to know these things. Arigato!

[@focustiltphoto]

@TokyoGritandGrain I do both at home. Just the initial price of the film is double. I think it likely has more to do with the lack of people developing at home here and c41 being cheaper and faster. But I'm a home darkroom guy so it just works out better for me to shoot hp5. It comes in at about 8 bucks a roll at my local place where the xp2 comes in at about 14 bucks a roll. I will say that prices can vary a lot here though. I often just go with the places I'm a bit loyal to.

[@focustiltphoto]

Also...the 8 bucks and 14 bucks are film only cost. No processing involved.

[@fredlada1634]

Nothing beats Tmax 400, nothing. It’s got the finest grain out of all film stock in the world. Xp2 doesn’t even come close.

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@fredlada1634 you're totally correct! I love that stock. The grain is stupendous. 🏆