HP5 or HP4? What does it mean?

Rob MacKillop

Rob MacKillop

Edinburgh Correspondent
I've been looking at 120 film for my Mamiya, and have seen things labelled as HP5 and HP4, as well as other types. What does it all mean?
 
I think you mean Ilford HP5 and Ilford FP4. HP5 is a traditional B&W film with moderate grain nominally rated at ISO400. It pushes well (ie can be exposed at a higher ISO and developed longer - giving increased contrast and grain size) and has a distinctive look. FP4 is a moderate to fine grained film nominally rated at ISO125. The finer grained Ilford Delta 400 and 100 are alternatives as is Pan F (50 ISO). Given the time of year, HP5 might be a nice place to start considering your style of photography.
 
Thanks. Still not sure what the letters HP or FP are referring to. But, I don't suppose it matters if you have the description of the contents.

I've signed up for a course at the Stills Gallery in Edinburgh, an Intro to B&W Photography, as they teach you the basics and beyond of developing b&w film, and fine art printing. The second part of the course is devoted to medium format, so I'm very interested in that. I emailed the tutor, asking if I could bring my camera to the first part of the course as well, and she replied saying yes, and it would be good to show the other students too. She also recommended I use HP5, which was why I was checking it out.

Once I've completed the first part of the course - four Tuesday evenings in Novemeber - I can use their darkroom and print room for £12 per day. They have a lot of high-quality gear, I believe, and people on hand to help if needs be. However, they do not allow developing of colour film, although you can print from colour negatives developed elsewhere.
 
Gotta call them something. A couple of letters quickly identifies the type or family of the film, and the number identifies the specific film. A lot of manufacturers use an acronym—Kodak Vericolour Pro Type S in 120 rolls is VPS120. Type L (for long exposures) is VPL120. Ektachrome Professional Tungsten is EPT. Fujifilm's Reala is CS120. Ilford seems to have a couple of naming conventions. I would not invest much effort into trying to find hidden meanings.
 
Intro to B&W Photography sounds good Rob - let us know what goes on will you

All Ilford films seem to be wonderful, just a case of selecting one for the lighting or intended use.

Looking forward to seeing how you get on with the HP5

If I would suggest any add on - then a yellow filter for the MF camera when shooting B&W would be my suggestion

I like the effect it has on B&W shots - helps with contrast and toning, and makes skies darker.
 
Hi Rob, value for money wise you could use Cokin P filters as will cover you for a 77mm thread for the Mamiya & any other 35mm type you may have, just buy different adapter rings, use same filters ! Siiimples as the Aleksander says.
We are now starting to sell SRB grad filters in P size to as a bit cheaper than Cokins & I must admit a wee bit better on the colour cast side to, they do seem to be a bit better cast wise.
Cheers
Andy
 
Petes answer to what does HP5 & FP4 mean was great & correct, but regards what does the FP & HP mean I got wondering myself so spoke to Harman Technology ie Ilford to ask teh question & it appears it is jus a catolouge name & stands for nothing LOL, if they do have another answer they have said they will get back to me as soon as.
I will let you all know if there is an answer to it LOL
Andy
 
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