Ilford Delta 3200

I think this stuff is great.

Like another reviewer mentioned, you have to use it right away and develop it right away, or else it fogs like crazy, and you lose detail and contrast. I shoot at a variety of speeds from 3200 to 12500, and it comes through every time. Obviously, 12500 is going to be quite grainy, but an image with grain is better than no image at all. This film allows you to get shots you'd NEVER be able to get otherwise, and opens up an entirely new world of nocturnal photography. The ability to stop action under a single 40-watt bulb, or moonlit street scenes without a tripod. And there's a thrill knowing that you're basically on the edge of what modern photo technology can do.

Outstanding in low/no light situations.

I guess the grain is a problem for some people. But those people are using the wrong film.

TMax 3200, pushed HP5+/Tri-X

NA. But Ilford Photo's commitment to B&W is peerless in the industry.

This film loves the night. I used to get Lieca rangefinder envy. No more. Not as long as Ilford continues to make this excellent high speed film in medium format. This film enables MF high speed. I can go out with my slow f3.5 and f4 lenses - not to worry. I don't see how people can complain about this film. I find it absolutely amazing. Are they using the wrong developer? Is it spending too much time under the light of the enlarger? Perhaps it's not as good in the 35mm format? Are they shooting in daylight? (Obviously there are far better films for /that/ purpose... Most any, for that matter.) Is it sitting in the camera too long? This film needs to be used right away, and developed promptly. Here's the magic numbers that work for me, (YMMV!). Meter at 3200 Develop for 3200 with DDX, 9 minutes, standard dillution, as stated inside the box. (I haven't tried pusing yet... Haven't had the need.) Printing: I use an Omega B22 enlarger with a condenser head, Agfa VC paper, 2 filter grade: 3 seconds(!) at f-11 for night street shots. That's it! Not 5, not 4, but 3 seconds. The inclination is to go longer, but don't just a quick zap of light. 1 minute in Dektol standard dilution, few secs in stop bath, fix and rinse... ... absolutey PERFECT, sharp, contrasty prints with surprisingly good tonality for a high speed film and mild, pleasing grain. I will be very disappointed if Ilford ever discontinues this film in 120. Choices are limited, but I don't need any other choices. It's darn near perfect. And I will always have this film available in the fridge.

Simply the best film imo for MF low light street photography. Fantastic results in MF.

Based on other reviews this MIGHT be fussy with developers other than Ilford DDX? Must be used right away, and developed right away. Purchase from a company that moves a lot of the stuff. It doesn't like sitting around. Develop asap after exposure. I load this stuff in darkness, not "moderate light". Requires some experimentation to get best results. You do not "some" light.

This is the only film rated at 3200 in 120, haven't tried the Fugi 1600. This is so good I don't need to. At one time or another I've used all the Agfa, Ilford, and Kodaks 120 black and white stock.

NA but I DO like Ilford's committment to black and white 120 film, digital age be d*m*ed, unlike some other "film" companies (coughs... Kodak).

I was not aware this much grain in film was legal. It was to the point of sligtly distorting objects in the image. I photographed a local marathon for a class assignment using Delta 3200 and Neopan 1600. It was early and cloudy all day, and since I can't afford anything in the L series range I had to go with very high speed film. Our school lab uses Ilford chemicals for developement and Ilford paper for prints. The Delta came out with an overwhelming amount of grain that destracted from the subject. Edges of background buildings were slightly distorted and facial expressions were hard to pick up. The Neopan results had much less contrast, near perfect, lest for a speck or two of dust the film captured, the result of changing lenses.

Fast shutter speed (1/500 sec) with a telephoto zoom at 300mm on a cloudy day.

GRAIN!

Fuji Neopan 1600

none

A very good high speed film. Actually 1200ISO speed designed for push processing to 3200 it gives good quality images consistantly. The grain is noticeable even at small englargements but thats not the point of this film, besides I like the grain, its excellent for giving atmosphere to your pictures. An excellent film in low light situations, you never need a tripod. One of the best out there.

Excellent in low-light You don't need a tripod The grain (I love it)

Can't make big enlargements

Lots of Ilford, T-Max, Fujifilm Velvia, Sensia

Don't need it for film

This is an excellent film but you have to know how to handle it. I have used this film to take photographs under *extremely* low light conditions (night clubs, indoor entertainment events and the like) at EI up to 12,800 without a flash. I have also used it outdoors in good light conditions where I want a fair amount of grain. I would suggest processing this yourself, because a little experimentation will yield excellent dividends. Sending it to a lab won't do. I have found that I can get good, printable negs when pushed to extreme speeds where I simply cannot with any other film and that they have reasonable contrast. When used at lower speeds the grain is very pleasant (though definately present).

Great for v. low light situations Produces good negs

Takes some practice to get it right

Fuji Neopan 1600 (yuck) Kodak TMax 3200