Choosing a black-and-white film stock

The film stock you choose decides how your photographs look before you press the shutter. It sets how much light you need, how fine the grain is and how the greys fall between black and white. You do not need to try every film. Pick one for the light you shoot in most, and learn it well.

Film speed: how much light it needs #

Every film has a speed, printed on the box as an ISO number. A low number means a slow film. It needs bright light or a tripod, and it gives fine grain and smooth tones. A high number means a fast film. It copes with dim rooms and evenings, and its grain shows more. A middle speed is the best first film: it suits daylight, cloudy days and bright rooms.

Classic grain or modern grain #

Some films use an older kind of grain, with a rough, lively texture. Others use flat, modern grains that look smoother and sharper at the same speed. Neither is better. Classic grain suits street photography and portraits with character. Modern grain suits landscapes and detail.

Choose a film stock you can develop #

Check the maker's data sheet before you buy. It should list your developer, with a time and temperature. If it does not, you will be guessing. Makers such as Ilford publish a data sheet for every film. Our guide to developing film at home explains how to use one.

Stay with one film for a while #

Shoot several rolls of the same film stock, in different light, and develop them the same way. You will learn how it handles shadows and highlights. Change film only when you know what you want that it cannot give you.

When the negatives come back from the tank, store them in sleeves straight away. A scratch on a negative shows on every print.

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