ILFORD XP2 400 - Film Review

Contrasty, flexible, and can be dropped off at a local lab because it’s a C-41 film. I don’t develop the films myself (I wish I know how), but I want to shoot black and white without paying extra for black and white development process, it’s a convenient film to shoot with and just drop it off at a lab, and a great starter for people who wants to shoot black and white. It’s more expensive than conventional black and white films because it’s a C-41 I believe.

I started using this film due to the ability to process it at my local colour lab. I then discovered is can be developed using black and white chemistry at home too. The results are always on the contrasty side with a nice visable grain. I love the look for street photography and fashion. Be prepared for really purple negatives though – that can be confused for expired fixer…..

I’m not a negative film person for the most part, but every once in awhile I’ll use this to test cameras. I think it does a really excellent job. It isn’t Ilford’s best film for black and white, but as far as black and white convenience I can’t think of anything better. It won’t blow your mind with dynamic range but it has kind of a comfortable look to it.