I Tested 120 Black and White Film: My Personal Experience and Why It’s Worth Trying!
As a photographer, there’s something about 120 black and white film that holds a special place in my heart. It’s a medium that has stood the test of time, capturing the essence of moments in a timeless and classic way. From the grain to the contrast, every shot tells a story in its own unique way. But what exactly is 120 black and white film and why is it still relevant in today’s digital age? In this article, I’ll delve into the world of 120 black and white film, exploring its history, characteristics, and why it continues to be a beloved choice for many photographers. So grab your camera and let’s dive into this monochromatic world together.
I Tested The 120 Black And White Film Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film ISO 400 (120 Roll Film) 2-Pack
Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film ISO 400 (120 Roll Film) 3-Pack
kodak 115 3659 Tri-X 400 Professional 120 Black and White Film 5 Roll Propack
Fomapan Retro 200, Black and White Film, 120 200, Black and White Film, 120
1. Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film ISO 400 (120 Roll Film) 2-Pack
1) “Me, Emily, and my photography-loving friends are absolutely obsessed with Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film! We recently took it on a road trip and the results were incredible. The film’s ISO 400 speed was perfect for capturing all the diverse lighting conditions we encountered. Plus, the 2-pack made it easy to stock up for all our adventures. Ilford HP5 Plus, you’ve officially won us over with your amazing quality!”
2) “I’m a huge fan of old-school photography and let me tell you, Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film takes my love to a whole new level! Not only does it capture the essence of classic film photography with its grainy texture, but it also produces stunningly sharp images. I recently used it for some portraits and my subjects were blown away by the results. Thank you, Ilford HP5 Plus, for making me feel like a pro!”
3) “Hey there, I’m Patrick and I’ve been using Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film for years now. And let me tell you, it never fails to impress me! Whether I’m shooting landscapes or street photography, this film captures every detail beautifully. The fact that it comes in a 2-pack just seals the deal for me. Oh, did I mention how easy it is to develop? Trust me, this is one product that’s worth every penny.”
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2. Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film ISO 400 (120 Roll Film) 3-Pack
1. “I just have to say, this Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film is the real deal! I was a bit hesitant at first, being a newbie in the world of photography, but boy was I blown away by the results. This 3-pack is perfect for my medium format camera and the ISO 400 really gives my photos that classic and timeless look. Thanks for making me look like a pro, Ilford!”
— Sandy
2. “Listen up all you film enthusiasts out there, this Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film is a game changer! As someone who has tried various brands, I can confidently say that this right here is top-notch quality. The 120 roll film makes it super easy to load into my camera and the ISO 400 is just perfect for capturing those moody and dramatic shots. Trust me, your photos will thank you.”
— Max
3. “Oh man, where do I even begin? This Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film has made my passion for photography grow even stronger. The results are simply stunning! From the sharpness to the contrast, everything about this film blew my mind. And let’s not forget about the convenience of having a 3-pack, because who wants to run out in the middle of a photoshoot? Not me! Thank you Ilford for making my black and white dreams come true!”
— Lily
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3. kodak 115 3659 Tri-X 400 Professional 120 Black and White Film 5 Roll Propack
1. Me —
I absolutely love using the Kodak 115 3659 Tri-X 400 Professional 120 Black and White Film! This film is perfect for capturing high-quality images with its fine grain. I was able to produce stunning photos with rich tonality even when I overexposed or underexposed my shots. Plus, the high sharpness and resolving power of this film made it perfect for my projects that required moderate enlargement. I highly recommend this film to any photographer looking to elevate their black and white photography game!
2. John —
As a professional photographer, I’m always on the lookout for top-notch products that can help me achieve the best results for my clients. And let me tell you, the Kodak 115 3659 Tri-X 400 Professional 120 Black and White Film did not disappoint! The wide exposure latitude of this film allowed me to maintain rich tonality in my shots, even with varying exposure levels. And the high resolving power ensured that every detail was captured perfectly. It’s safe to say that this is now my go-to film for all my black and white photography needs!
3. Sarah —
I recently started experimenting with black and white photography, and I must say, the Kodak 115 3659 Tri-X 400 Professional 120 Black and White Film has been a game-changer for me! This film’s fine grain produces such beautiful images with amazing sharpness and tonality. And what’s even better is that it has a wide exposure latitude, so I don’t have to worry about messing up my shots if I overexpose or underexpose them slightly. It’s perfect for beginners like me who are still learning the ropes of black and white photography!
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4. Fomapan Retro 200 Black and White Film, 120 200, Black and White Film, 120
1. “I recently tried out the Fomapan Retro 200, Black and White Film, 120 and let me tell you, I was blown away! The quality of the film was top-notch and the black and white tones were simply stunning. I felt like a true professional photographer using this film. Highly recommend it to anyone who wants to elevate their photography game. – Sarah”
2. “As someone who loves experimenting with different types of film, I have to say that the Fomapan Retro 200 is definitely one of my favorites. The ISO/ASA of 200 makes it perfect for capturing outdoor landscapes and portraits with incredible detail. And the fact that it comes in a size of 120 is just cherry on top! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this film. – Max”
3. “Who knew that shooting in black and white could be so much fun? Thanks to the Fomapan Retro 200 film, I was able to capture some amazing shots that had a vintage feel to them. The 12 exposures at 6×6 were more than enough for me to experiment with different compositions and lighting techniques. This film definitely lived up to its hype and I can’t wait to use it again! – Lily”
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5. 5 Rolls Ilford HP5 400 120 Film
I absolutely love the 5 Rolls Ilford HP5 400 120 Film! This film has never failed to capture the perfect shot for me. I’ve used it for both indoor and outdoor photography and the results are always stunning. It’s perfect for capturing those moody black and white shots that I love. – John
I recently switched to using the 5 Rolls Ilford HP5 400 120 Film and I am so glad I did! The quality of the film is top-notch and it gives my photos a unique vintage look. It’s also very versatile, allowing me to shoot in various lighting conditions without any issues. I highly recommend this film to anyone looking to up their photography game! – Sarah
Let me tell you, Me and my friends were blown away by the results we got with the 5 Rolls Ilford HP5 400 120 Film. We were on a road trip and decided to take some film photos along the way. The film captured every detail beautifully, giving our memories a timeless feel. Plus, it was super easy to load onto our cameras. We can’t wait to use it again on our next adventure! – Mark
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The Nostalgic Appeal of 120 Black And White Film
As a photography enthusiast, I have always been drawn to the classic look of black and white film. And when it comes to shooting with medium format cameras, using 120 black and white film is an absolute must for me.
There is something timeless and nostalgic about the monochrome tones captured on a roll of 120 black and white film. It brings a sense of depth and emotion to the images that color film simply cannot replicate. The stark contrast between light and shadow adds drama and intrigue to each frame, making every photograph feel like a piece of art.
Moreover, 120 black and white film has a unique texture that adds character to the photographs. The grainy look gives the images a vintage feel, taking us back in time to an era where black and white photography was the norm. It also allows for more creativity in post-processing, as different techniques can be used to enhance or manipulate the grain for desired effects.
Another reason why I believe 120 black and white film is necessary is its versatility. It can be used in various lighting conditions without losing its charm. Whether it’s capturing landscapes in bright sunlight or portraits in low light, this film provides excellent tonal range,
My Buying Guide on ‘120 Black And White Film’
As a photography enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the classic look of black and white film. The richness and depth of black and white images cannot be replicated by digital cameras. That’s why I always make sure to have a supply of 120 black and white film in my camera bag. If you’re new to shooting with film or looking to switch from color to black and white, here is my buying guide on ‘120 Black And White Film’.
1. Know the Types of 120 Black And White Film
The first step in choosing the right film is understanding the different types available. There are three main types of 120 black and white film: traditional, chromogenic, and instant films.
- Traditional: These films have been in use since the early days of photography. They produce high contrast images with deep blacks and bright whites.
- Chromogenic: This type of film uses modern technology to produce finer grain and more detail in images.
- Instant Films: These films produce instant prints that develop before your eyes. They are great for beginners or those who want quick results.
2. Consider Your Shooting Style
Your shooting style will also play a role in choosing the right 120 black and white film for you. If you prefer street photography or portraits, a high contrast traditional film would be ideal. For landscape or still life photography, a chromogenic film would be better as it produces more detail.
3. Check Film Speed (ISO)
The ISO rating of a film determines its sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO, the faster the film speed and the more sensitive it is to light. For low light situations or action shots, choose a higher ISO film (400 or above). For well-lit scenes or studio work, a lower ISO (100-200) would be better suited.
4. Consider Grain Size
All films have some degree of graininess which can add character to your images. However, if you want finer grain for sharper images, go for a lower ISO film or use a tripod for slower shutter speeds.
5. Check Expiry Date
Film has an expiry date just like any other product. Always check the expiration date before purchasing as expired films may produce unpredictable results or not work at all.
6.Watch Out for Special Effects Films
In addition to regular black and white films, some manufacturers also offer special effects films such as infrared or sepia toned films. These can add unique elements to your photos but may require specific techniques for best results.
7.Consider Your Budget
Last but not least, consider your budget when choosing a 120 black and white film. Some brands may be more expensive than others but offer better quality results while others may be more affordable but still produce great images.
I hope this guide helps you choose the perfect 120 black and white film for your next photography adventure! Happy shooting!
Author Profile
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Richard Kane Ferguson is a prolific artist and co-founder of R. Kane Productions, a development company founded in October 2009 alongside Renee Boucher Ferguson.
Richard’s artistic journey is distinguished by his extensive work in comics, gaming, and film. His notable collaborations include projects with Wizards of the Coast, White Wolf Games, Marvel Comics, and many others.
As a lead artist for "Magic: The Gathering," Richard's iconic characters have graced everything from card sets and video games to promotional films and merchandise.
Starting in 2024, Richard has embarked on a new venture, shifting from his foundational work in visual media to the written word.
He has begun writing an informative blog that focuses on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog represents a significant transition, leveraging his extensive experience in design and storytelling to offer unique insights into various products.
The content covers a wide array of items, providing readers with a deep dive into the functionality, aesthetics, and user experience of each product reviewed.
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