FP4 PLUS 120 Film

Ilford FP4 Plus 120 Film — a reliable stock for building a black-and-white portfolio

The gist: An affordable, forgiving black-and-white film for remote workers developing photography as a creative or freelance skill — the wide exposure latitude means fewer ruined test rolls while you're learning.

• Fine grain and real sharpness: ISO 125 with high acutance, producing results clean enough to scan or enlarge for a portfolio piece or print sample.
• Wide margin for error: Handles up to two stops under or six stops over exposure while staying usable — practical when you're still refining your metering skills.
• Works across genres: Suited to portraits, architecture, and landscapes alike, useful if you're still figuring out which niche to specialize in.
• Flexible push/pull range: Can be rated from EI 50 up to roughly EI 8000 pushed, giving one film stock enough range to cover most practice shoots.

The Phoblographer's emulsion review highlights FP4 Plus's "very fine grain and outstanding sharpness" along with its enormous exposure latitude, making it a dependable choice across lighting conditions.

Best for: Remote workers building black-and-white photography skills or a portfolio on a budget-friendly, forgiving film. Skip it if: you need the sharpest possible modern look for client-facing prints — Delta 100 is noted as sharper, at the cost of some character. Runs around $11 — check the current price before buying. Opened film is not refundable.