ISO 400 B&W Films.

[mhanc]

You are right, never thought about the c41 B+W films. I think XP2-Super is a great film and have liked the results. Also, in my experience it is a much better film than the Kodak bw400cn.

[Keith Tapscott.]

Nobody has mentiond Ilford XP2 Super. If you like fine grain, lots of detail and smooth tones it is worth a punt. Also benefits from a wide exposure latitude, and copes with contrasty scenes well (keeping highlight and shadow detail well). Pics from 35mm are so smooth they almost look like medium format.....

It is C41 process, though, which some may not like.

I never mentioned either, but I never really cared for the tonality and look of it. Lots of people do though.

[Mark Burley]

Personally I would plumb for Neopan 400. It has been hugely kind for me. It also seems to impart a lovely silver glow to my prints - which I don't get with other film stock, (at least not so far anyway).

Mark

[white.elephant]

Yup. I agree. Tri-X is a bit "lighter" (not tonewise, but contrast/mood wise) in my experience, due to the spectral sensitivity's effect on the shadows in daylight. I love the look for some things, and when I want it, I still use Tri-X, even though I have switched to HP5 as my general purpose film. I think HP5 flatters skin more than Tri-X, so usually use it for portraits, when I must do them.

I never understood why it would be that way, and I appreciate the info. I haven't shot that many portraits, but I'll have to try it.

[Vincent Brady (TEX)]

My film of choice is Delta 400 (35mm) and I dev. it in ID11 stock for 9.5 mins.

[Black Dog]

XP2!Prewar tonality without prewar grain.Sadly not available in sheet form but there's always HP5+ [love it in PCAT or PMK and pushes well in DDX/Microphen too]. APX 400 was lovely and indeed is if you still have some.Forte was grainy but lovely tones-great in sheet form though.

[GFDarlington]

I haven't been able to get onto APUG much in the last month or so but when I do get on this is the sort of thread that's wonderful to come across. Lots of useful observations and passionate comments and so very, very useful for those relatively new to things like me.
I am still experimenting with various films, including my first use of XP2, which is currently in my camera at the moment, but, for what its worth, Tri X seems to be the one I like most so far. Another five years and I might have a favourite!
Graham