Hey film photography enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus, a color negative film that's been making waves in the photography community. This review is going to cover everything you need to know about this film, from its technical specs to its real-world performance, and it's all about helping you decide if it's the right choice for your next roll. So, grab your cameras, and let's get started!

What is Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus?

First things first: what exactly is Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus? Simply put, it's a 35mm color negative film manufactured by Ilford Photo, a brand best known for its exceptional black and white films. This film is designed to be a versatile, general-purpose film, suitable for a wide range of shooting conditions and subjects. Ilfocolor 400 Plus boasts a nominal ISO of 400, making it a good choice for everything from daylight shots to indoor photography, although you'll want to take note of proper lighting to ensure you get your desired result. It's designed to be a solid all-rounder, and it's a great option for photographers who are looking for good results without needing to be too precise with light metering. Its color rendition is typically described as vibrant and punchy, with a balance of sharpness and grain that gives a very nice overall aesthetic. Ilford, known for its dedication to quality and consistency, has produced this film with the goal of providing photographers with a reliable and accessible option, both for beginners and experienced shooters. This is achieved by creating a film that is user-friendly in terms of exposure latitude and ease of processing. The film has become a popular choice for those looking to experiment with color on a budget or as a stepping stone to more specialized color films. Plus, the film is known for its wide dynamic range, which means it can handle a lot of detail in both highlights and shadows. When it comes to the technical specifications of Ilfocolor 400 Plus, the film offers a fine grain structure, which is a significant factor in how the film renders details, allowing photographers to capture sharp images. The film's sensitivity to light, with a speed of ISO 400, makes it suitable for various shooting conditions, including overcast days and indoor settings. This is useful if you are trying to capture the perfect moment, and you don't need to worry about being unable to do so due to limitations such as lighting. The film's color palette is vibrant and rich, offering a balanced and pleasing aesthetic, which contributes to its broad appeal. This is especially true for those who like to take photos of nature or landscapes. The film's versatility is enhanced by its compatibility with standard C-41 processing, which is a standard process that can be done in most film labs. It's convenient for photographers, as it enables easy development, making it accessible for everyone, and ensures consistent results. Overall, Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus has a lot going for it!

Key Features and Specs

Let's break down the key features and specifications of this film, so you know what you're dealing with. Knowing the specs can help you know what results you can expect when you shoot with this film.

• ISO: 400 – This is your film's sensitivity to light. An ISO of 400 means it's pretty versatile, handling everything from bright sunlight to overcast days and even some indoor situations. The lower the ISO, the more light it needs to expose the film properly. So, keep that in mind when you are taking photos with this film.
• Format: 35mm – This is the standard film format, meaning it's compatible with a wide range of cameras. So, you probably already have a camera that can work with this film. If you have a 35mm camera, you're good to go!
• Color Rendition: Vibrant and punchy – Ilfocolor 400 Plus tends to produce photos with vivid colors and good contrast. It's not overly saturated, though; it still maintains a natural look. This makes it perfect for photographers who want to get bold and beautiful pictures.
• Grain: Moderate – You'll notice some grain, especially if you enlarge the prints, but it's not excessive. It's a pleasing amount of grain that adds character to the images, giving them a classic film look. If you don't like grain, it might not be the best option for you, but if you want that aesthetic, you're in for a good time.
• Dynamic Range: Good – It handles highlights and shadows pretty well, giving you a good amount of detail in both areas of your photos. This is especially important when you're shooting in varied lighting conditions, like outdoors with the sun and shadows.
• Processing: C-41 – This is the standard color negative film processing method. Most labs can develop this film without any problems. This makes it easy to get your film developed once you are done taking photos.

Shooting with Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus

Okay, so you've got your roll of Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus loaded into your camera. Now what? Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this film. First of all, remember the ISO of 400. That's your base exposure setting. If you're shooting in bright sunlight, you might want to consider stopping down your aperture (using a higher f-number) to avoid overexposure. Conversely, in low-light situations, you might need to open up your aperture (use a lower f-number) or use a slower shutter speed. Another thing to consider is the lighting itself. Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus tends to perform best in daylight. But it's also pretty versatile, so you can still get great results indoors or on overcast days. However, be mindful of your white balance! When you're using this film, you'll want to make sure your camera is set to the correct white balance to make sure you get the most accurate colors in your photos. If you're using a digital camera to meter your scene, make sure it is on the correct mode. If you're using a handheld light meter, calibrate it properly and take an average reading of your scene. The best part is that this film is incredibly forgiving. If you mess up the exposure a little bit, there is still a chance that you will be able to save your photos during the post-processing phase.

When it comes to framing your shots, think about how the colors will play out. This film has a nice color palette, so it's well suited for landscapes, portraits, and street photography. Take advantage of the colors in your scene and let them add to the story of your images. When using Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus, it's always a good idea to bracket your shots, especially if you're not entirely sure about the lighting. Take a photo at your metered exposure, then take one at a slightly overexposed setting and one at a slightly underexposed setting. This gives you a higher chance of getting at least one perfectly exposed image. Once you're done shooting, make sure to get your film processed at a reputable lab that handles C-41 processing. Most labs will do a great job, but it's always worth checking online reviews to find one that consistently produces quality results. This will ensure your photos are properly developed, and you get the best possible image quality. Take your time, experiment with different settings, and most importantly, have fun. Film photography is all about the experience, and with Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus, you're in for a good time!

Color Rendition and Contrast

One of the most appealing aspects of Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus is its color rendition. This film offers a unique look that sets it apart from other color negative films. The colors are generally vibrant and punchy, offering rich tones that make images pop. Think of lush greens, deep blues, and warm reds that bring your subjects to life. The colors are not overly saturated. They feel natural, yet they have a certain vibrancy that captures the eye. The film's ability to maintain a balanced color palette makes it versatile for different types of photography. It performs well in various conditions, from sunny outdoor scenes to the softer light of overcast days.

Contrast also plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic. Ilfocolor 400 Plus produces images with a moderate level of contrast, providing a pleasant balance between highlights and shadows. This balance helps define the details within the scene. The film's dynamic range allows it to capture details in both the brighter and darker areas of a shot. This is especially useful when shooting in environments with strong contrasts, such as landscapes with bright skies and shadowed foregrounds. For portraits, it means that you can maintain detail in both the subject's face and the surrounding areas. The combination of vibrant colors and moderate contrast gives Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus a distinct look. It offers a balance between classic film aesthetics and modern color vibrancy, making it a great choice for various shooting situations.

Grain Structure

The grain structure is a critical aspect that defines the character of any film, and Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus is no exception. This film exhibits a moderate grain, which is a key element in defining its overall aesthetic. The grain is not overly coarse, which means that the details in your images are still well-defined. But it's also not so fine that it completely eliminates the texture, so you get that classic film feel. This balance is one of the reasons photographers are drawn to this film. The grain adds a sense of character and depth to the images, creating a more tactile and authentic feel. When you view images shot with Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus, you'll notice the grain, especially in larger prints or when you zoom in on digital scans. The grain is fine enough not to detract from the image; instead, it enhances the aesthetic. The moderate grain adds a vintage look to your photos. The grain provides a subtle texture that adds interest to the images. When shooting portraits, the grain can soften skin tones, adding a vintage feel. In landscape photography, grain adds depth to the images. It helps separate the different elements in the shot and gives the image an overall texture. The grain also reacts in different ways depending on how the film is processed and scanned. You might notice that the grain is more pronounced in underexposed areas or in areas with a lot of color. The grain is a key element that makes Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus what it is. It's a feature, not a flaw, and is an essential part of the film's appeal.

Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude

When evaluating a film, dynamic range and exposure latitude are important features. These features determine how well the film captures details in both the highlights and shadows, as well as its ability to handle exposure variations. Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus offers a good dynamic range, allowing it to capture a wide range of tones in a single image. This means that you can preserve details in both bright and dark areas. If you're shooting a landscape with a bright sky and shadowed foreground, this film will help you retain details in both areas, which is pretty awesome. It has a nice exposure latitude, which means it's forgiving if you make a slight mistake when metering or exposing your shots. The exposure latitude helps photographers achieve good results even under challenging lighting conditions. The film's ability to handle overexposure or underexposure by a stop or two is a testament to its flexibility. You'll likely still get usable images, so you don't have to be perfect when shooting.

The dynamic range and exposure latitude make Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus an excellent choice for a wide variety of shooting scenarios. It gives photographers the freedom to shoot in different conditions without fearing they'll lose essential details.

Pros and Cons

Let's wrap things up with a quick rundown of the pros and cons of using Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus.

Pros:

• Versatility: Works well in various lighting conditions.
• Color Rendition: Produces vibrant and pleasing colors.
• Grain: Offers a moderate, pleasing grain structure.
• Dynamic Range: Captures detail in both highlights and shadows.
• Exposure Latitude: Relatively forgiving with exposure errors.
• Price: Generally affordable compared to some other color films.
• Availability: Widely available in many photo stores and online.

Cons:

• Grain: The grain might be too noticeable for some photographers who prefer a very clean look.
• Color Cast: Can sometimes have a slight color cast, which can be seen as either a positive or negative, depending on your preference.
• Sharpness: Not the sharpest film on the market, but still provides good detail.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks! Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus is a solid choice for photographers of all levels who are looking for a versatile and accessible color negative film. Its vibrant colors, balanced grain, and forgiving nature make it a great option for a wide range of subjects and shooting conditions. Whether you're a seasoned film shooter or just starting, this film is definitely worth a try. Go out there, load up your camera with a roll of Ilford Ilfocolor 400 Plus, and start capturing some memories! Happy shooting!