Ilford HP5 Plus vs Delta 400: Which B&W Film to Choose
By Cute Camera Co. | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Buying Guides
A practical comparison of Ilford HP5 Plus and Delta 400 black and white films, helping you choose based on grain, contrast, and look.
Quick answer
Choose Ilford HP5 Plus for a classic, grittier look with more visible grain, or Delta 400 for smoother tones and finer detail. Your subject and editing style decide the winner.
Grain: Vintage character vs modern smoothness
HP5 Plus is known for its larger, more pronounced grain structure that gives photos a classic vintage feel. This works well for street photography, portraits with mood, or any scene where you want texture as part of the image.
Delta 400 uses a different emulsion technology that produces finer, smoother grain while retaining sharpness. This makes it a better match for landscapes, architecture, or any subject where you want clean tonal transitions without visible grain.
Contrast and tonal range
HP5 Plus delivers strong contrast with a punchy look straight out of the camera. It handles high-contrast scenes well but can block up shadows if underexposed. Many photographers appreciate its forgiving exposure latitude.
Delta 400 is designed for a more balanced, extended tonal range. It holds detail in both highlights and shadows, giving you more flexibility in post-processing. If you like to scan and edit, Delta 400 offers a flatter starting point.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Grain personality: HP5 Plus has larger, more visible grain for a vintage feel; Delta 400 has finer, smoother grain for a modern clean look.
- Contrast style: HP5 Plus gives punchy contrast straight from the camera; Delta 400 offers a flatter, more flexible tonal range for editing.
- Best use case: HP5 Plus suits street, candid, and moody portraits; Delta 400 excels in landscapes, architecture, and fine art. Consider what you shoot most often to pick the grain and contrast that match your style.
Product facts
- Ilford HP-5 Plus - 35mm Black and White Film: Ilford HP-5+ is renowned for its larger grain structure to give your photos a classic vintage look while still having the sharpness expected from professional grade film. If you want that nostalgic, textured black and white aesthetic without losing detail, HP5 Plus delivers it right out of the box.
Ilford HP-5 Plus - 35mm Black and White Film - Ilford Delta 400 - 35mm Black and White Film: Ilford Delta 400 Professional Black and White Film is loved for its smooth grain pattern and amazing contrast, producing buttery smooth yet tack sharp images. When you need fine detail and creamy tones—say, for portraits or fine art—Delta 400 gives you a cleaner, more modern look.
Ilford Delta 400 - 35mm Black and White Film
Which film fits you?
Best for
- Photographers who love a classic, grainy black and white look and want strong contrast with minimal editing
- Street photographers and portrait shooters who want character and mood in every frame
Not for
- Shooters who need ultra-fine grain for large prints or scanning-heavy workflows
- Those who prefer a neutral, flat negative for extensive post-processing control
