Iflord HP5+
As I begin to load my second bulk roll of HP5, let's take a look back at why I used HP5 over other options.
FILM REVIEWSEQUIPMENTCREATIVITY
Brian Cohoe
7/5/20262 min read
For starters, I have shot this film in 35mm, 125, and 4"x5", at the box speed of 400ISO, 800, 1600, and even 3200. Then I have horribly overexposed, underexposed, and actually maybe even got the exposure right. I have developed at a lab, in my kitchen sink, and when my friend has developed it.
Fortunately, that wasn't the case. Through creative editing, I was able to bring in contrast, work with the dark image, and create something that I am immensely proud of.
And in the back of my head, and from Carson's reassurance, "she'll be 'ight" because HP5 is so versatile. It took very abuse and I was able to I create one of my favourite images of mine.
This image, for example, is something I shot in all the wrong ways. I didn't meter, used a flash and wasn't careful with were it was going to bounce, and really wasn't careful. However, that is something I knew I could get away with. Oh yeah, on a format that I have always wanted to shoot, but never had the opportunity to; 4x5 large format.
This image was shot at f/22 at 1/30 at 1600ISO, and set my flash accordingly, I had a soft box on it, which I think helped, that particular flash is notoriously harsh.
When I got the negative, it was quite light, to the point I was scared I wasn't going to get anything.
Do I recommend you grab a roll of HP5, throw it in, and go ham?
ABSOLUTELY!!!!
It's extremely forgiving. That alone makes it an excellent film for beginners and experimentation. Just pick an ISO, follow the Sunny 16 guideline, and something to take a picture of, Ilford HP5 will deliver.