Choosing the right 400 ISO black and white film can define the mood, contrast, and grain texture of your images. The films below are popular choices among enthusiasts and professionals for their latitude, sharpness, and reliable performance in varied lighting. This guide highlights five strong options, each with its own character to help you decide which to load for portraits, street photography, or documentary work.
| Product | Brand | ISO | Exposures | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ilford 1574577 HP5 Plus, Black and White Print Film, 35 mm, ISO 400, 36 Exposures (Pack of 3) | Ilford | 400 | 36 | Buy on Amazon |
| Kodak Tri-X 400TX Professional Black & White Film ISO 400, 35mm, 24 Exposures (3 Pack) | Ritz Camera | 400 | 24 | Buy on Amazon |
| Ilford HP-5 Plus 400 35mm Black and White Professional Film, ISO 400, 24 Exposures, 3-Pack | Ilford | 400 | 24 | Buy on Amazon |
| Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Printing Film 35mm ISO 400 36 Poses 2-Pack | Ilford | 400 | 36 | Buy on Amazon |
| Kodak Tri-X 400TX Professional ISO 400, 36mm, Black and White Film (Pack of 5) | KODAK | 400 | 36 | Buy on Amazon |
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 36 Exposures (Pack of 3)
Ilford HP5 Plus is a versatile high-speed black and white film known for its broad exposure latitude and medium contrast. It handles mixed lighting well, delivering consistent results across a range of scenes and subjects. The 36-exposure bundle offers cost-efficiency for frequent shooters and those testing different development styles. This film responds predictably to push processing, which can enhance grain and contrast for dramatic looks in low light or fast-moving subjects.
Kodak Tri-X 400TX 24 Exposures (3 Pack)
Kodak Tri-X 400TX is renowned for its classic grain structure and sharpness. This 24-exposure pack offers a balanced, film-like texture with wide latitude and mid-to-high contrast that scales well from street to portrait photography. Its slightly finer grain compared to some older Tri-X variants makes it adaptable for enlarged prints while preserving tonal range in shadows and highlights.
Ilford HP-5 Plus 400 35mm 24 Exposures
This 24-exposure roll of Ilford HP-5 Plus 400 is a staple choice for photographers seeking reliable speed and broad dynamic range. Its resilience in varied lighting makes it a good option for documentary and travel work, with flexibility in development choices to emphasize grain or smooth tonality depending on processing technique.
Ilford HP5 Plus 36 Exposure 2-Pack
This 2-pack of Ilford HP5 Plus 400 gives photographers a ready-to-use option for extended shoots, street sessions, or photo walks. Its ISO 400 rating provides flexibility across lighting situations, with strong performance in push processing to increase contrast and texture when desired.
Kodak Tri-X 400TX 36 Exposures (Pack of 5)
This 5-pack of Kodak Tri-X 400TX is a reliable choice for photographers seeking consistent contrast and pronounced grain texture. Ideal for street photography and documentary work, it maintains tonal control across lighting conditions while offering the flexibility to push development for heightened drama in shadows and midtones.
Ilford HP5 Plus 135 24 Exposures
Ilford HP5 Plus in 135 format delivers the same broad latitude and reliable performance in a traditional 24-exposure 35mm roll. It supports a wide range of subjects, from fast street scenes to studio portraits, with flexibility in processing to shape the final look through grain and contrast control.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when selecting 400 ISO black and white film include:
- Grain and texture: Films like HP5 Plus tend to render a pronounced grain at higher contrast, while Tri-X can offer a smoother tonal range with distinct but manageable grain.
- Exposure latitude: A wide latitude helps in mixed lighting and underexposed scenes, reducing the risk of losing detail in shadows or highlights.
- Development options: Push processing can enhance grain and contrast; check your camera and development lab capabilities before choosing.
- Subject and lighting: Portraits benefit from moderate contrast, while street and documentary work may leverage higher latitude for dynamic tonal transitions.
- Format and pack size: 24, 24-exposure or 36-exposure rolls affect planning and cost per shot; multi-packs can be more economical for frequent shooters.
All five options above are standard choices for American shooters who want reliable 400 ISO performance across varied conditions. When evaluating, consider how you typically shoot—whether you prioritize grain texture for mood, or sharpness and tonal depth for crisp, high-contrast scenes. Development style and scanning or printing preferences also influence which film will most closely match your workflow.