Ilford

HP5 Plus 400 (36 exp)

Ilford HP5 Plus is the most versatile black-and-white film in existence. Rated at ISO 400 but routinely pushed to ISO 1600, 3200, or even 6400, it handles extraordinary exposure latitude without falling apart. The classic choice for street photography, documentary work, and anyone who wants the timeless, grain-rich look of silver gelatin. Made in Mobberley, Cheshire — one of the great British camera products.

Typical Price
£10–£14
Average price across retailers: ~£12
Available at 2 retailers
✓ Available at 2 retailers 🔒 No signup needed 📦 UK stock only
RetailerPriceStock
AM
Amazon ★ Best
New
In Stock Check on Amazon →
EB
eBay
New
In Stock Check on eBay →
Core
Sensor
35mm black & white negative — ISO 400 (pushable to ISO 3200+)
Mount
ISO 400 — push-processable to ISO 3200+ with Ilford DD-X or Microphen
Dimensions
35mm 135-format cartridge, 36 exposures
Weight
~30g per roll
Weather Sealed
No
Performance
Autofocus
N/A — film stock
Stabilisation
N/A — film stock
Burst Rate
N/A
Battery Life
N/A
Features
Video
N/A — film stock
Viewfinder
N/A
Screen
N/A
Memory Cards
N/A
Connectivity
N/A

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Suitability Score by Genre
Street
9.0
Documentary
9.0
Low Light
9.0
Portrait
9.0
Landscape
7.0
Everyday
7.0
Great For
🏙️
Street The street photography film. Push to ISO 1600 for gritty, dramatic candid shots in any light.
📰
Documentary Wide latitude and classic grain are exactly what documentary photography demands.
🌙
Low Light Push to ISO 3200 and shoot in near-darkness. The grain becomes part of the story.
👤
Portrait Timeless black-and-white portraits with beautiful mid-tone gradation and natural skin rendering.
🏔️
Landscape Strong tonal range handles skies and shadows well. Pairs beautifully with a yellow or orange filter.
📷
Everyday Excellent as a daily B&W film. Versatile enough for anything the day throws at you.
⚠️ Not Ideal For

No significant limitations identified — this is a versatile camera without obvious weak spots for most shooters.

📝 How suitability scores are calculated Scores reflect the aggregated consensus from verified purchaser reviews across tracked UK retailers, weighted by photography genre tags applied by reviewers. This is community opinion — not GearFrame editorial assessment.
Price History — HP5 Plus 400 (36 exp)

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