Black & white film

[jonikon]

I've been using digital for sometime now and have tried black & white capture, but i fancy dusting off my film slr and putting a b&w film through it, can any of you guy's 'n' dolls recommend a b&w film to use for a first time user.
Thanks all in advance.....Jon

[nimbus]

It may depend on whether you have any developing kit at home, or wish to have processing done by a third party. Ilford XP2 Super (400 iso) might be a good starting point, as it can be processed on a standard C41 colour negative processing line, although high street prints may have a slight sepia effect. This film has good exposure latitude and fine grain.

If you would prefer a 'traditional' film it is really down to the characteristics you require. For fine grain try Ilford Delta 100 or FP4 plus, for coarser grain Ilford HP5 plus or Delta 400.

I mention Ilford products as they are probably the most widely stocked these days. Boots do carry some of these, they also carry some Kodak black and white films (in larger branches anyway) including Kodak's C41 process black and white film, this has a red base, similar to colour negative film.

[NorthernMonkey]

I'd either go for FP4 (iso 125) or HP5 (iso 400) and get a few process paid ilford mailers.

Try 7day shop

[beejaybee]

I'd either go for FP4 (iso 125) or HP5 (iso 400)

Me too - except if you really want to do landscape work try Pan-F (ISO 50) rated at ISO 32 & developed in Promicrol for extra fine grain.

[PeteE]

I agree with Pan F,very sharp and fine grain BUT it's no use using it if you want to hand-hold the camera all the time; as the light goes you need a tripod and camera shake will spoil all the properties of the film! ( I have some 'modern' liquid Promicrol-it's not as fine as the original powder formula)

[taxor]

Pan F is a fantastic film (one of my all time favourites)but requires careful attention to exposure and development because of its inherent contrast. For a first timer, I'd recommend HP5. It's got good latitude and is quite forgiving of processing errors. Hand held shots are a breeze also. T.

[jonikon]

Thanks all for your comment's about which b&w film to use, i think i shall try XP2 to start with, or HP5 depending on which is easier to get. I don't do my own D&P so has anyone got any thoughts on where to get the film developed.
Thanks again guy's 'n' dolls for all your input.....Jon

[Nod]

XP2 can be D&Ped by any High Street D&P place although some will say they can't and you may end up with a slight colour cast on the prints.

HP5 and other "traditional" B&W films may be a little harder to get D&Ped - ask in any local camera shops.

[Larry Shone]

I always loved HP5(god i miss those days!) and later found XP-2 which was a godsend for me as B/W processing was too expensive and slow for me. XP-2 allowed me to get decent B/w prints in a few days, and no colour cast from my Jessops.

[Wheelu]

I don't do my own D&P so has anyone got any thoughts on where to get the film developed.

Jon

I think somebody has already pointed out the Ilford will develop and print the film for you. I believe that they have now brought all of their processing in-house for better quality control.

But..... If you want to get back into film you are missing half the fun if you don't develop your own. You only need a relatively small investment to develop your own negatives, and it can be done in the kitchen/bathroom.

Re choice of films. I have not used XP2 but I suspect that it will be pretty tolerant of exposure errors. My personal favourites are FP4 and HP5.