Ilford HP5 Plus vs Kodak Tri-X 400: B&W Film Face-Off
By ShutterGroove | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Comparisons
Comparing Ilford HP5 Plus 400 and Kodak Tri-X 400TX for street photography, action, and classic black and white looks. See the trade-offs in grain, contrast, and exposure latitude.
Quick answer
Choose Ilford HP5 Plus 400 for fine grain and forgiving exposure latitude in variable light, or Kodak Tri-X 400TX for that classic high-contrast press look with slightly more pronounced grain.
Grain and contrast differences
Both films are high-speed ISO 400 stocks, but their character differs. Ilford HP5 Plus delivers medium contrast with fine, tight grain that scans well and handles push processing gracefully. Kodak Tri-X 400TX leans toward higher contrast and a grittier, more textured grain that many street and documentary photographers love for its 'look.'
If you want a film that feels smoother and more neutral, HP5 Plus is the safer bet. If you want that punchy, classic black-and-white aesthetic straight out of the box, Tri-X delivers it.
Exposure latitude and versatility
HP5 Plus is known for its wide exposure latitude—you can overexpose by two stops or underexpose by one and still get usable negatives. This makes it a forgiving choice for mixed lighting or when you're shooting quickly without a meter. Tri-X is also forgiving but tends to block up shadows faster when underexposed, rewarding careful exposure more.
For street photography where light changes fast, HP5 Plus gives you more room for error. For controlled studio or daylight street scenes where you want a bold look, Tri-X shines.
Availability and pack size considerations
The Ilford HP5 Plus 400 pack of 3 gives you three 36-exposure rolls at a slightly lower price per roll than the Kodak Tri-X 400TX 3-pack, which contains 24-exposure rolls. If you shoot a lot, the HP5 pack offers more frames per dollar. However, Tri-X's 24-exposure rolls are convenient for testing or shorter outings where you want to switch films sooner.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Grain character: HP5 Plus: fine, tight grain that stays smooth even when pushed. Tri-X: more pronounced, textured grain that adds a classic documentary feel.
- Contrast out of the box: HP5 Plus: medium contrast, easy to control in post. Tri-X: higher contrast, punchy blacks, and bright highlights straight from development.
- Exposure latitude: HP5 Plus: very forgiving, handles overexposure well. Tri-X: less forgiving in shadows; rewards careful metering. If you shoot fast without a meter, HP5 Plus gives you more safety net.
- Frames per pack: HP5 Plus 3-pack: three 36-exposure rolls. Tri-X 400TX 3-pack: three 24-exposure rolls. HP5 Plus offers more shots per dollar; Tri-X is better for shorter sessions or testing.
Product facts
- llford HP5 Plus 400 Black & White Film (Pack of 3): Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is a high-speed, medium contrast black and white 35mm film with fine grain and sharpness. This means you get clean, detailed negatives that are easy to scan and print, even when pushing to higher ISOs.
llford HP5 Plus 400 Black & White Film (Pack of 3) - Kodak Tri-X 400TX 35mm, 24 Exposures (3 Pack): Kodak Professional TRI-X 400 is a high-speed black-and-white 35mm film ideal for low-light and fast-action photography. Its classic high-contrast look and pronounced grain give images a timeless, gritty character favored by street and documentary photographers.
Kodak Tri-X 400TX 35mm, 24 Exposures (3 Pack)
Which film fits you?
Best for
- Photographers who want fine grain and forgiving exposure latitude for street or travel photography.
- Shooters who push film often and need a clean, sharp negative at ISO 800 or 1600.
Not ideal for
- Those who want an iconic high-contrast black-and-white look straight from development without post-processing.
- Photographers who prefer shorter rolls for quick testing or frequent film changes.
