November 2025 — Film of the Month
Ilford XP2 Super 400 is a unique black and white film with a twist: it’s processed in C-41 chemistry. That means you get the timeless look of black and white with the convenience of standard color film development. Whether you’re shooting street scenes, portraits, or everyday life, XP2 delivers rich tonality, fine grain, and a flexible exposure range that makes it a favorite among beginners and pros alike.
Overview of Ilford XP2 Super 400
Ilford XP2 Super 400 is a high-speed black and white film with an ISO of 400. Unlike traditional black and white stocks, it is chromogenic, meaning the image is formed with dyes rather than silver grains. The result is a smooth, clean image with wide exposure latitude and a slightly different tonal curve than silver-based films. Because it uses C-41 processing, you can drop it off at any standard film lab (like Perfect Image) and get back scans or prints just like you would with color film. It’s the perfect option for anyone who wants to shoot black and white without the extra steps of traditional black and white processing.
Key Features of Ilford XP2 Super 400
ISO 400 Speed: Great for a wide range of lighting situations, both indoors and out
Chromogenic Black and White Film: Produces smooth tones and low grain for a refined look
C-41 Processing: Can be developed anywhere that handles color film, no special black and white chemistry required
Wide Exposure Latitude: Handles under and overexposure with ease, especially when rated between 200 and 800
Exceptional Sharpness: Delivers crisp detail, especially when scanned at high resolution
Why Choose Ilford XP2 Super 400
XP2 Super is all about flexibility and ease. It’s ideal for photographers who love the look of black and white but want the convenience of standard development and scanning workflows. It’s also great for hybrid shooters who like to swap between color and monochrome film without changing their lab routine.
Compared to traditional black and white films like Ilford HP5 or Kodak Tri-X, XP2 has less pronounced grain and a more polished, almost modern feel. Some photographers even prefer it for portrait work because of its soft highlight roll-off and cleaner skin tones.
Ideal Uses for Ilford XP2 Super 400
Street Photography: Sharp, fast, and discreet which is perfect for candid urban shots
Travel and Everyday: Great for carrying around when you want to document life in classic black and white
Portraiture: Smooth tones and low grain make it a great option for people-focused work
Studio and Flash: Handles artificial lighting well and delivers clean results
First-Time Black and White Shooters: Easy to shoot, easy to develop, and very forgiving
Tips for Shooting with Ilford XP2 Super 400
Experiment with Exposure: XP2 performs beautifully at ISO 200, 400, or even 800 with minimal change in quality
Watch the Highlights: It has a gentle highlight curve that handles bright light well
Scan for Detail: High-resolution scans bring out the film’s sharpness and fine tonal gradation
Use in Mixed Lighting: The chromogenic formula keeps contrast under control in complex lighting
Develop at Your Regular Lab: No need for special black and white processing and you can just drop it off with your color rolls
Ilford XP2 Super 400 is black and white made easy. If you’re looking for a film that gives you classic monochrome tones without the hassle, this is the one to load in your camera. Whether you’re trying black and white for the first time or just want a reliable everyday option, XP2 delivers stunning results with none of the extra work.
