Fujifilm Recipe: Ilford HP5 Plus 400

HP5 Plus is the softer, more refined cousin of Tri-X. Where Tri-X punches you, HP5 invites you in. Lower contrast, finer grain, and a tonal range that's perfect for portraits and quiet documentary work. Credit to FujiXWeekly.

About Ilford HP5 Plus 400

Ilford introduced the original HP (Hypersensitive Panchromatic) line in 1931. HP5 Plus, the current version, arrived in 1989 as an update to HP5 with improved grain and wider exposure latitude. It has been the flagship 400-speed B&W film from Ilford ever since, and it's manufactured in Mobberley, England, to this day.

Compared to Tri-X, HP5 is the quieter film. Its contrast curve is gentler, with more detail in both shadows and highlights. The grain is finer and less structured, producing a smoother tonal gradation. Blacks are rich but not as inky, and the overall feel is more nuanced. HP5 gives you a longer tonal scale, meaning you can see more steps between pure black and pure white.

HP5 became the preferred B&W stock for portrait photographers, fine art printers, and anyone who valued tonal subtlety over raw impact. It pushes well to 1600 and even 3200 with good results, gaining grain and contrast as you go. Many photographers who started on Tri-X eventually switched to HP5 when they wanted more control over their tonal range.

When to Use It

Portraits, quiet moments, soft light situations. HP5 is the B&W film for when you want something contemplative rather than confrontational. Overcast days, window light, shade.

Tips

If HP5 feels too flat for a scene, switch to Tri-X. If Tri-X feels too harsh, switch to HP5. Having both saved gives you complete B&W coverage.

Camera Compatibility

This recipe uses Acros as its base, which is available on all Fujifilm X-series cameras from the X-Trans III generation onward. The X100VI, X-T5, X-T50, X-S20, and older bodies like the X-T3 and X-T30 all support it. The Weak/Large grain setting and Clarity adjustment are available across the board. No 5th-gen sensor features required.

Related Recipes

The natural companion to HP5 is its rival, Kodak Tri-X 400. Where HP5 is gentle and tonal, Tri-X is punchy and contrasty. Having both saved gives you a B&W recipe for every mood. For a deeper understanding of how the grain settings affect your final image, our grain effect settings guide explains the difference between Weak/Strong and Small/Large and when to pick each combination.

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