Which Black and white film should I shoot?

[@paulmcgugan4994]

Personally, I always used FP4 and HP5. They just seemed to do the job. However, as I don’t do any home development anymore, XP2 plus is my favourite now. The tonal range is good and grain is low. The C41 process means you can take it into a high street store and get it developed, and 36 6x4 prints for less than a silver halide film and a contact print. As for Pan F, high summer only. There’s not enough daylight here in England to use it all year round!!!

[@bestmoviesever1]

I recently discovered FPP Blue Sensitive ISO 6 Film. The low ISO combined with it being Orthochromatic gives it a really nice combination of high detail and vintage vibes. You need light for it though. I recommend shooting it on a bright sunny day between the hours of noon and two.

[@jeetts59]

I’ve just picked up An Olympus om4, what a beauty, the spot metering is very advanced for the 80’s

[@brandonlavoie4364]

I love how unpretentious your videos are. Lovely stuff man. Love from Napa, CA

[@shootswithcoops]

Thanks mate

[@cariza5]

​@@shootswithcoopsBest 35mm B&W Film i ever used was Agfa Scala 200, far more beautiful than anything from Kodak, Fujifilm or Ilford but now nowhere to be seen except for the RNI Films App on the AppStore and what a great Job RNI Films app has done, so I shoot it on my iPhone 15 Pro and the results are too beautiful for words.

[@fhtagn645]

Delta 400 is my to go option, but for low iso is the only one GOAT for me - Fuji Across ii. I'm in love with result that film can provide

[@LarryManiccia]

Nice comparison of the different film stocks. I'm just getting into film and have only shot HP5+ so far. I do have a roll of FP4 and after seeing your sample shots, I'm super excited to load it up and give it a go. Love how it renders scenes.

[@spooky_leftist]

Dying to shoot some Tmax now! My favorite monochrome film is Ilford XP2, not as easy to develop at home since it's C41 process but that's what I love about it, you can treat it like b&w film or you can treat it like color film that only has a blue layer; I often tell the lab to scan it in as sepia. Cutting edge, fine grain film, lots of latitude.

[@willowrabbit]

Great video. I've been enjoying kodak double X lately. Tried a roll of kentmere 400 and was impressed, need to try some more

[@TXGRunner]

I am really impressed with your sample shots -- thousands of gray areas and nary a highlight blown out. You really nailed exposure time and time again. Purely from a technical perspective, these pics are perfect. I don't know how much was affected by the development or manipulated in the scans, but one can't put image where there is nothing but white nor recover definition from solid black -- that was pure, natural photography. What's more, your shots weren't easy: the man on crutches against a light/white wall (that blows out for me every time), the high rise courtyard with hundreds of subtle color changes, the surfing shots with sky and dark water. Kudos.

[@paulconnors2078]

I just discovered your channel and especially enjoyed this video and your commentary on all of the B & W films you mentioned herein. I do not develop and print myself because my apartment is too small to have a darkroom. That said, I really, really enjoyed your comments and grading of these great Ilford and Kodak films. Well done!

[@DATApush3r]

As a digital photographer coming to film for the first time, this was extremely helpful. I've started with HP5 but definitely want to check out FP4 now!

[@Nightwatch1986]

I find myself always reaching for delta. I think I prefer the smoother look versus something like tri-x or hp5. I also think it’s a pretty underrated considering most of the black and white film you hear people talk about these days is Hp5. Great video thanks for sharing!

[@johntruman6571]

Very helpful, thanks! A good range of films reviewed. I'm going to push FP4+ to 400 as you suggest. I must add Fomapan 100 as a personal favourite and VERY good value for money. Thanks again.

[@JordysRailVideos]

XP2 Super is my main go to film, love the wide range of ISO options that can be used without push or pulling the development

[@Narsuitus]

When I worked for a newspaper, Kodak 35mm Tri-X was what we used. When I worked for a portrait studio, we used a Kodak medium format b&w film that could be retouched easily. Today, I use Fomapan 100, Ilford 400, and Ilford 3200 film in 35mm small format, 120 medium format, and 4x5 inch large format.

[@mynes17]

Wild Story! My grandfather passed away before i was born but he left behind some amazing toys and gadgets. Curiously looking around the other day through his rustic bin. Came across a Minolta X-700. Did some research and found this is an iconic film camera. Really wanting to get into photography! I'm going to shine this baby up and begin my journey. Thank you for explaining the film differences; now i can go use this camera and its like a little piece of my grandfather will be right there by my side!

[@shootswithcoops]

Good luck

[@vinyljunkie07]

Fomapan 100, HP5 and Foma 400 in ID11 are my daily go to films... FP4 some times.. Depends on the look I want. I'd like to try Pan F one day

[@bluebiegrace1828]

Very thorough…thank you!

[@grain_eyed_photography]

Thank you! Very thorough 😊

[@MarcS4R]

Tx and Tmax are my favorites, though the formula of Tri x has unfortunately been changed in the 2000s 😢

[@paulconnors2078]

I think that if I had to pick my "all-time favorite" B & W film, it would have to be Tri-X. I say that because when I took up photography in high school on Long Island, NY, USA in 1970, it was, along with Plus-X (ASA/ISO 125) was the primary film stock available to photography students. Additionally, my high school had 3 darkrooms students could use and I did use them to develop the film and do my prints. That having been said, I have experimented with the various Ilford film stocks and like them, especially FP4, HP5 and Delta 100 & 400. Of late, I am experimenting with some of the B & W emulsions out of Europe, to include the re-branded as ROLLEI former AGFA emulsions, the Czech manufactured FOMAPAN films and others.

[@christophercaballero9473]

thanks for this Cooper! I love trix for sure but I do use tax 400 and 100 from time to time. I'm personally just not a fan of the lower contrast of ilford's film. However hp5 at 800 looks considerably better for my style seen as I always push my trix to 800 as well.

[@jbliborio]

You listed two of my favorites FP4 and TMAX apart of other movie stocks that are less expensive here in Brazil. With TriX I have a love/hate relationship but the problem is on me... Loved the video specially the push/pull tips. Thanks.

[@JordanGodley]

I tried all the ilford B&W films when I got one of those film calendars last year, the delta and FP4 has such a different look compared to Hp5 and tri-x, like heaps chalky (reminds me of when you leave high iso noise reduction on in a DSLR)

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Great video! Didn't think FP4 was any good for pushing, gonna try that myself now :-)

[@royce3859]

Great vid mate, really enjoyed it. I reckon you should give some of the non ilford/kodak b&w stocks a go, you might be surprised at how good some of the cheaper stock is. I recently picked up a heap of Foma 400 for $9 (aussie dolleridoos) a roll. And I'm always picking up Kentmere, and Agfa black and white film for $8 to $9 a roll. Rollei, JCH, Kosmofoto, Berger Pancro and Lomography b&w stocks are rarely over $12 if you know where to shop. Yeah, they are probably a bit more grainy than the more expensive Ilford and Kodak stock and probably not quite as pushable but all films have limitations that we have to work with and limitations make the challenge worthwhile in my opinion. Keep up the gread vids mate, I really enjoy them.

[@JordanGodley]

Yeah I second Kentmere, loved the look I got from that film

[@c-a-t-entertinment7075]

Just developed my roll with Kentmere and it's wonderful. Apparently it's also made by Ilford tho

[@chesslover8829]

My favorite films are no longer made: Kodak Panatomic-X, Plus-X, and Super-XX. Nowadays, I support Ilford exclusively. I like Ilford FP4+ and HP5+.

[@scottdyvig9543]

I've only shot Kentmere once, but I think that I need to do it again. I pulled it a stop from 400 and 200 while testing a camera, and honestly, the results were pretty decent. I think too that because it's already lower contrast at box speed, it should be easier for me to edit. It's also the cheapest Harman film I think.

[@terrywbreedlove]

TRI-X 400 is my all-time favorite street film I have been shooting it since the Mid 70's. When Kodak invented the T Grain films back in the day I started shooting Tmax 100 for landscapes and it really has been my go to film for that. Recently I have been shooting and loving FP4 and have it in 4x5 120 and 35mm and gladly working through that. I never liked HP5 just not my street shooting film. I like the contrast in TRI-X so much more. All IMHO of course.

[@andreasmotzkus6181]

Delta 400 has a lot of accutance. Things like a wooden power pole in the landscape really have a 3D pop and separate from the background. If you have a bright sunny day out in nature, try delta400 pulled to 200. Nothing better than this. All the rest I shoot on FP4, love it. Your children portraits are truly their own form of art. Excellent shots. Thx for sharing.

[@richardsimms251]

Great video. Thank you. RS. Canada

[@donnasaud5108]

No kidding this is the 4th time for me watching this video before buying a new B&W films

[@shootswithcoops]

Thanks mate, glad it helped!

[@helloabwatson]

Kodak TRI-X 400 for life

[@dkproductions]

Love the video man thanks for sharing. You earned a subscriber on KZbin and instagram for sure. Were you post processing any of these images? or were they scanned and put straight into the video? And what camera / lens set up were you using to shoot for these shots? You have great composition in these photos, and it makes me want to travel to AUS. I can’t decide which of your photos I like the best - surfing, portrait, or objects.

[@robmcd]

I bought Tri X 400 over HP5 because it was cheaper. It’s still in the box to load into my EOS 1N. I’m a bit nervous coz I got no idea what I’m doing. Not loaded a roll for 20 years.

[@jbliborio]

The magical moment of film photography return. Enjoy!

[@malbeats3600]

Cool and very informative video Mr. Coops...when you shoot Ilford FP4 at 400 do you develop it also at 400 or 125?

[@shootswithcoops]

Yep dev at 400

[@AlpcanAras]

My go to was always HP5, I never shot FP4. Now for my next trip I will grab a couple rolls and give it a try both box speed and +2. Thanks for the idea!

[@martl84]

Not TRUE! "In 2007, Tri-X was extensively re-engineered, receiving the new designation 400TX in place of TX or TX400, and became finer-grained. The amount of silver in the film stock was reduced." Source: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodak_Tri-X)

[@shootswithcoops]

Apologies, To make YOU happy I’ve added a note atop the video description, I hope my mistake hasn’t ruined your day I hope you can forgive me, I’ll pay for any counselling you may need to get through this difficult time

[@martl84]

@@shootswithcoops It's an excellent video though! Thanks for sharing!

[@tedphillips2951]

Loved your photos & Love Tmax 400!!

[@Joel4JC]

Hi, I’m new to your channel, I really enjoyed this video. It was very informative. I started photography in the 70s with my Minolta SRT-101. Spent hours in the darkroom developing and creating prints. I think it’s time to revisit my photography roots. BTW, which camera did you use for the photos in this video?

[@zorkonthegreat5879]

Great video.

[@shootswithcoops]

thanks mate

[@dennyoconnor8680]

For lower contrast films like Tri-X (lower contrast because it has more even Gamma) the better way to raise contrast is with exposure, development time and chemistry, followed by choice of printing paper. As opposed to converting into sterile bits and bytes. I shoot both film and digital (just came off the beach from shooting the morning waves in both) Incidentally, I am down to my last five rolls of Tri-X 320 from 2006, before the most recent - and likely last - revision for the Tri-X emulsion. Next, it is into the new 400 speed emulsion (sigh)

[@LetFreedomSPK]

i went from liking ilford HP5, to ilford delta to kodak 400tx and now my new fav is fujifilm acros 100

[@michelbigras]

Great review, thanks from Quebec

[@baladino]

Ilford has a professional range and a consumer range. Those labelled with a + are part of the consumer range. You sure have exposed a wide range of B&W Coop. The top 3 hall of fame for me are in no particular order : Tri X 400 / Fuji Acros Neopan and Ilford Delta 100. Pan F has a take it or leave it contrast and it doesn’t go well with yellow or red filters. It also has to be developed immediately once exposed. It has poor image retention. Ferrania P30 is amazing for what it is and supply has been limited. It would have been in my top 3 if not for the scarcity. FP4 is great too. I prefer it to HP5. Wasn’t Trent Parke’s work created from FP4 ? Great video Coop. We’d have to argue on the point that HP5 has medium contrast possibly low to medium but then I’d have to buy you a coffee. Also Tri X formula was changed by Kodak. It isn’t the same emulsion used by the greats as before. Be in the light Coop and take care

[@VariTimo]

I think most people would considered HP5+ and FP4+ pro films. The Kentmere line is their consumer range. And while the Delta line is finer grain it lacks the latitude of the classic grain emulsions. Also fun fact HP5+ is slightly faster than Tri-X and responds incredibly well to pushing.

[@baladino]

@@VariTimo as a professional myself and most professionals I know, we do use HP5. Though tonality, acutance, grain quality and contrast seem superior in 3 film stocks I mentioned. Being a professional, some of us usually match the film to our projects and rarely push. Pushing or pulling film does reduce tonality and image quality. Tri X is what I use the most. Acros supply is inconsistent. And delta 100 image quality is something I prefer to that of HP5. I recall my “teacher” mentioning when there was an industry rumour that they were going to discontinue Tri X, a great many of them including people he knew like Anton Corbijn rushed to place their orders and stock up. They didn’t buy HP5. They stocked up as if Tri X would not be available the next day. Fun fact : HP5 may be faster or whatever, we’d use it if we planned to do a job where costs were an issue. And we wanted a flat negative to work with in the darkroom. Ilford do officially state that the + film stocks are part of their consumer line. It’s up to you to use what you want.

[@christianheld9720]

FP4 Plus, Tmax400, XP2, Acros II and Delta400

[@studiojege287]

Thanks, great video! What about the Fomapan filmstock? I like those (and cheap)!

[@tallaganda83]

I like Delta

[@MakersTeleMark]

Acros II, Tmax, or Delta 100 in 120 or, GTFO. Just the Delta in 120. With HP5+ and my bulk rolled Ultrafine xtreme 400 I can easily work with the flatness, but it's basically cheap trix and doesn't exist anymore so evs, I bulk roll it. When I need a shot it's the above. Got some blundstones for myself for Christmas, wearing them in like a new camera. Thought of you, no kidding. Keep it up coop. You nailed it. I can tell you actually shoot these films and are just not a dumb blog about them shitposter. Happy shooting. And harvesting. I always wanted to catch a bara. Someday, but if not, it doesn't really matter, it's in my mind.

[@Sebastian-lw1ei]

What developer do you use to push FP4 to 400 and what timing if you don’t mind sharing?

[@timokruis8171]

cool video, i realy like to shoot kodak double-x film, very cheap re-rolled cinema film that can be pushed really well

[@shootswithcoops]

Thanks mate

[@JordanGodley]

You ever tried B&W slide film? I seen Ikigai was selling some, think it was iso 50

[@soundmixervegas]

TRIX was changed once since its inception.

[@RoodeMenon]

He has Ron Perlman head.

[@catherinejlewis]

What camera do you shoot on?

[@rucksackrules2266]

Rolleiflex, Rolleicord, Pentax 6x7, Nikon FE, Nikon FE2, Nikon FM2 and all loaded with Kodak TrX400, the only pro film for all circumstances and pushable to hell.😄👍

[@StuartWeir]

mind if I ask, what your dev time and chems used are for FP4 at 400? I've only pushed it to 200, I heard it's bad after 200 so you saying trying it at 400 has me curious

[@shootswithcoops]

Check massive dev chart website Think it’s 9.5min Ilfosol3 1:9 But there are recipes for everything on that site

[@dexon555]

The answer is always FP4 is you have the light and HP5 if you don’t. Delta 3200 if you’re a freak and you’re ok with that.

[@Q果凍]

Epic 1970s🎉

[@btpuppy2]

Does Delta 400 push as well as HP5?

[@shootswithcoops]

Can’t really comment, I’ve never tried pushing delta

[@camloff]

Still film? I wonder, tastes are tastes and are democratic.

[@bagnome]

It's not on his list, but if you want to jump into the shark infested deep end, go for something like Adox CMS 20 II. It's probably my favorite black and white film. It's what you use if you want to punish yourself. But the level of detail it captures is amazing. It's a bit contrasty as its original purpose was for microforms, but I like the look.

[@Hentaitacion]

Constructive criticism: too much hand movement. Some movement for emphasis is great but movement for every little thing you say looks obnoxious.

[@WilliamCruzing4photos]

Depends where you from as a New Yorker he action isnt obnoxious. Rather see him move than stand there like a robot.

[@999killerchris]

Recently had the itch, so I grabbed some kentmere 400. I shot it at box and got some good results surprisingly @_trotchie

[@Sebastian-lw1ei]

What developer do you use to push FP4 to 400 and what timing if you don’t mind sharing?

[@ivaa7777JAWA]

Great video