HP5+ vs. TMY in 4x5

BetterSense · Sep 20, 2009

I need a faster 4x5 film.

Unfortunately none of the high-speed films is available in sheets. TMY is of course fantabulous film and comes it an $1.20/sheet. HP5+ is the only other 400 speed film I could find in 4x5, and costs like $.90/sheet.

I'm concerned which would have better pushability. I've never had any luck pushing TM* films; nothing happens except the highlights blow out--I've never felt that I could "push" them by developing longer. Kodak recommends normal development for use at 800, which I can believe. Basically, there goes your shadows, but don't bother developing longer; it doesn't work. Overall I'm not a tmax fan, but at least I don't feel the need to under-expose it. I can generally shoot it at box speed and feel comfortable.

TXP 320 is another 'fast' 4x5 film, but since I feel the need to expose regular tri-x at 200 I imagine the slower-rated Tri-X 320 is probably not what I'm looking for in terms of speed.

I've never used HP5+ at all. I would like to know how it compares to say, TriX or Neopan 400 in terms of grain, speed, and pushability. Is this the "Illford Tri-X"? I have no trouble pushing Tri-X to 1600, but it's just not available in sheets.

Chazzy · Sep 20, 2009

BetterSense said:
I've never used HP5+ at all. I would like to know how it compares to say, TriX or Neopan 400 in terms of grain, speed, and pushability. Is this the "Illford Tri-X"? I have no trouble pushing Tri-X to 1600, but it's just not available in sheets.

Generally speaking, yes, it's the Ilford Tri-X. But some people who are attached to one of them will tell you that they don't like the look of the other. So, to many people, they don't look the same.

Herzeleid · Sep 21, 2009

From the darkroom cookbook 3rd ed.
"So, instead of a flat-grain film with color-dye sensitizers like T-Max 400, Tri-X is now a semi-flat grain film with color-dye sensitizers."

Generally speaking HP5+ is or was Ilford's Tri-x, but the new Tri-x is different in terms of emulsion. I never had the chance to try the old emulsion I can't compare it.
It is quite hard to compare them really I realized that while I am writing this, I use them both in 35mm and medium format. I have equal stocks of both.
HP5 has more apparent grain at box speed with D76/ID11. Tri-X has finer grain at box speed, probably an advantage from the new emulsion.
If you are going to overexpose and cut development, they are both fantastic performers.
I think there would be no argument on HP5's exposure latitude and considering the new emulsion of Tri-X that makes sense.
I won't hesitate to push HP5+ to ISO3200 and develop in D76/ID11, it won't be the best combo but it works better than Tri-X IMO.

They don't look the same, yep that is very true. Even if we compare speed grain and sharpness they don't substitute each other.
If you like Tmax I think Tri-X would appeal more to you. The same cliche goes you must try it for yourself, but really the look of both of films
are quite different.

Ian Grant · Sep 21, 2009

I would prefer to use Delta 400 in LF but it isn't made so I'm using HP5 instead.

In LF HP5 is a great film, I use it with my Crown Graphic for hand held work here in Turkey and made some excellent 20"x16" prints from the negs on my last trip back to the UK. Certainly no trace of grain and superb tonality, gives negatives that are very easy to print.

I'm processing HP5 in Pyrocat HD which is a great combinations, I may go follow in the footsteps of St Paul and go preach to the great unwashed Digital shooters with the Graphic & HP5 later today or tomorrow at Ephesus

Ian

Bosaiya · Sep 21, 2009

HP5+ is nice, I shoot a lot of it in 4x5. If it were available I'd shoot Neopan instead, but HP5+ is up there with the new Tri-X for me. Best way to tell is to buy a box and try it, of course.

Apugabug · Apr 7, 2013

Reviving this thread. I have found myself with a 4x5 camera, and am trying to decide on B&W 400 speed film options. The cost of TMax 400 is about $1.80 a sheet, whereas the cost of HP5 is about $1.15 a sheet. Is TMax 400 so much better than HP5 that is worth spending an extra 55%?' I don't mind spending the extra if there's a significant advantage, but if not, I'd rather save the money.

I would plan to use this for portraits and/or landscapes. Acros 100 might be a better choice for landscapes, but is even higher.

If you have used both HP5 and Tmax 400 (in any format), what are your opinions?

markbarendt · Apr 7, 2013

Both are excellent films. IMO save your pennies for now.

In time, with much practice, you may find the real limits of HP5 when you do you can try something else. When you get to that point your experience with HP5 will help you to ask the right questions.

Neal · Apr 8, 2013

Dear Apugabug,

If you are new to sheet film, buy a box of whatever is really cheap. There are just so many places to make one's first mistakes in handling and development. After that, whichever film you prefer when using medium format will tell you a lot.

Neal Wydra

Ian Grant · Apr 8, 2013

4 years on and a lot more experience of using HP5 in LF the print quality is stunning, might make me switch back to FP4 in LF after 27 years

It's an excellent film with a touch more latitude than TMY.

Ian

markbarendt · Apr 8, 2013

Ian Grant said:
4 years on and a lot more experience of using HP5 in LF the print quality is stunning, might make me switch back to FP4 in LF after 27 years

It's an excellent film with a touch more latitude than TMY.

Ian

My point exactly!

Ian Grant · Apr 8, 2013

markbarendt said:
My point exactly!

I cut my teeth on HP3 ex Government surplus, alsom FP3

Ian

viridari · Apr 8, 2013

You forgot Arista.EDU 400 which sells for $36.99 for a 50 sheet box at Freestyle (about 74 cents per sheet!)

Ian Grant · Apr 8, 2013

viridari said:
You forgot Arista.EDU 400 which sells for $36.99 for a 50 sheet box at Freestyle (about 74 cents per sheet!)

I'm not sure forgot is the right sentiment - the discussion is about HP5 & TMY.

Some of us have other emulsions left in storage, EFKE, Forte, Agfa, Fuji etc and Foma is alongside those. I have nothing against Foma films - I've several exhibtion prints made on Fomapan 100 & 200, I've not use the Fomapan 400 but I guess I might at some stage.

Ian

viridari · Apr 8, 2013

I was responding to the original sentiment in the first post about high speed films not being available in 4x5. I added one that hadn't been considered in that discussion. Given the context, I think it was right to point out the omission.

Roger Cole · Apr 8, 2013

Ian Grant said:
I'm not sure forgot is the right sentiment - the discussion is about HP5 & TMY.

Some of us have other emulsions left in storage, EFKE, Forte, Agfa, Fuji etc and Foma is alongside those. I have nothing against Foma films - I've several exhibtion prints made on Fomapan 100 & 200, I've not use the Fomapan 400 but I guess I might at some stage.

Ian

Agree - I've shot a fair amount of the Arista branded Foma 400 now. It's not a bad film, but much grainier than HP5 and much, much grainier than TMY, which might or might not matter in 4x5 (generally it doesn't to me) but, more importantly, the OP was asking about pushing. It seems more like a 200 speed film to start with to me, and it has horrible reciprocity failure characteristics. I wouldn't even try pushing it when HP5 pushes so well.

HP5+ vs. TMY in 4x5

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency