In December last year I came across the eBay listing for large format 4×5 Ilford FP4 film. Well, if you are large format photographer you know that prices for the film are high and still climbing. It was unopened box of 50 sheets. Very tempting. Only problem was that there was no expiry date anywhere to be seen. Nothing on the photos of the box, nothing in the description.. But price was very tempting so i decided to go for it.
The box arrived, and I realized it is actually Ilford FP4 film. It is not Ilford FP4 PLUS as I was thinking. So, first thing I did was ask ChatGPT for the Ilford FP4 timeline and this is what it gave me:
Ilford FP4 → FP4+ timeline
1968 – FP4 introduced
- FP4 (Fine-grain Panchromatic) black-and-white film released by Ilford in 1968.
- ISO 125 film, classic cubic-grain emulsion used in 35 mm, 120, and sheet formats.
1990 – FP4 discontinued and FP4+ introduced
- FP4 discontinued around 1990.
- FP4+ (FP4 Plus) introduced in 1990 as the direct replacement with improved emulsion technology (better sharpness, grain, and reciprocity).
- FP4+ kept the same ISO 125 speed so photographers switch easily.
Main differences FP4 vs FP4+
- FP4+: improved grain structure (newer emulsion tech)
- Better contrast control and reciprocity characteristics
- Slightly different developing times (usually shorter)
Testing
How old is this film and can I use it?
ILFORD FP4 Plus is my go-to film for all my landscape work. I absolutely love the results it gives me. Before I use this batch of film for any work, I decided to test it. So, I loaded 2 holders and decided to shoot some dying flowers :-). Nothing fancy, I just wanted to get some shots done. I decided to shoot 2 exposures at ISO 50 and 2 exposures at ISO 120.
For development I chose Zone Imaging 510 Pyro developer. This was the first time I was going to use this. I was a little bit unsure about it. Still, all reviews I read earlier were very good. I thought that if the film is not good it does not matter much what developer is used anyway. As you would expect, I closed myself in my darkshed and processed the shots. I used 1:100 dilution and 8.5 min in 21 C as suggested by internet.
Results
I don’t need to explain to all of you. You know how it feels when you see the film for the first time emerging from the wash. I was nervous to see if I got anything. Moreover,I worried I need to throw away a box of old film. I dreaded crying about the waste of my money.
Have a look at the shots below. What do you think? I am pleased . And bit surprised as I was expecting much worse. Thank God for that. It looks like film is perfectly usable. I think I prefer ISO 50. So going ahead, I will shoot this stock at ISO 50. Also, I am so pleased with the developer, great result for the first time use. I think this combination works perfectly.
Camera: MPP VII 4×5″ Lens: Schneider-Kreuznach Synmar 210/5.6 Exp.time: 1/2 Aperture: f/16 Focal length: 210mm Shot at ISO: 50 Description: Very old expired film Longitude: 1°6’58″W Latitude: 52°57’33″N 
Camera: MPP VII 4×5″ Lens: Schneider-Kreuznach Synmar 210/5.6 Exp.time: 1/8 Aperture: f/8 Focal length: 210mm Shot at ISO: 50 Description: Expired film Longitude: 1°6’58″W Latitude: 52°57’33″N 
Camera: MPP VII 4×5″ Lens: Schneider-Kreuznach Synmar 210/5.6 Exp.time: 1/15 Aperture: f/11 Focal length: 210mm Shot at ISO: 100 Description: Very oldfilm Longitude: 1°37’50″W Latitude: 53°18’52″N 
Camera: MPP VII 4×5″ Lens: Schneider-Kreuznach Synmar 210/5.6 Exp.time: 1/2 Aperture: f/22 Focal length: 210mm Shot at ISO: 100 Longitude: 1°37’50″W Latitude: 53°18’52″N
That’s it . I apologize this is not a proper test or review. If you want to read a more technical review, you can find many online. I am sure they are abundant. Thanks for reading my story. If you have any comments let me know in the comment section below!