Ilford Delta 100 and FP4 Plus are both fine-grained black and white films in the slow-to-medium speed class. Delta 100 uses a modern tabular grain for a very clean, sharp look, while FP4 Plus uses a traditional grain structure that many photographers find more classic and forgiving.
What Each Film Is For
Delta 100 is part of Ilford’s modern Delta family and is often used for detailed work such as landscapes, architecture, and studio portraits where fine texture matters. FP4 Plus is one of the older general-purpose films in the range and is popular for portraits, street work, and everyday shooting. Both are sold in 35mm and 120, and the box speed of each is printed on the packaging. Confirm current formats on the maker’s page.
Key Differences
| Trait | Delta 100 | FP4 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Grain type | Modern tabular grain | Traditional cubic grain |
| Look | Very clean, crisp, fine detail | Classic, smooth, slightly softer feel |
| Contrast | Moderate, with high edge definition | Moderate, with gentle tonal transitions |
| Box speed | Slower of the two | A touch faster |
| Exposure latitude | Good | Often described as forgiving |
How They Behave in Practice
- Sharpness: Delta 100 tends to produce crisp edges and a very smooth grain, which suits large prints and scans.
- Tones: FP4 Plus has a traditional tonal feel with soft highlight roll-off, which many portrait shooters like.
- Handling errors: Both tolerate small exposure mistakes, though traditional emulsions are generally seen as easier going with slight overexposure.
- Development: Both work with common black and white developers. Check the maker’s data sheet for suggested times, and treat any figures you find online as a first try.
How to Choose
- Decide on your priority. If it is fine detail and clean grain, begin with Delta 100.
- If you want a classic look and easy handling, try FP4 Plus.
- Shoot one roll of each in similar light and develop them the same way, so the comparison is fair.
- Scan or print the best frames at the same size and judge them side by side.
A Note on Fair Comparison
Whichever film you try first, keep notes on the light, the meter reading, the developer, and the development time. Without notes, it is hard to tell whether a difference came from the film or from your own choices that day.
FAQ
Which film is better for portraits?
Either can work. FP4 Plus is often chosen for its gentle tones, while Delta 100 gives a crisper, more modern look. Your lighting and printing style matter as much as the film.
Can I use these films in low light?
Both are slower films, so they need good light, a tripod, or a wide aperture. For dim scenes, a faster film such as an ISO 400 stock is usually more practical.
The Short Version
Choose Delta 100 if you want the cleanest, finest grain and sharp detail. Choose FP4 Plus if you prefer a classic tonal look and forgiving handling. Check the maker’s pages for current formats and development notes.
