120 Black And White Film: A Classic Choice For Modern Photographers

The Beauty of Black and White Photography

Black and white photography has been around for over a century, and it remains a classic choice for photographers today. While color photography is highly popular, black and white photography has a certain timeless quality that never goes out of style. It also allows photographers to focus on the composition, contrast, and texture of their images in a way that color photography often does not.

The Benefits of Shooting with 120 Film

When it comes to black and white photography, using 120 film can offer several advantages. First, 120 film is larger than the standard 35mm film, which means that it can capture more detail and produce higher-quality images. Additionally, 120 film can be processed in a variety of ways to achieve different effects, such as pushing or pulling the film to alter the contrast and exposure. Finally, 120 film cameras often have larger lenses and viewfinders, which can make it easier to compose and focus your shots.

Choosing the Right Film for Your Needs

There are many different types of black and white film available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some films, such as Ilford HP5 Plus, are known for their high contrast and sharpness, while others, like Kodak Tri-X, have a more classic, grainy look. When selecting a film, consider the type of photography you plan to do and the effect you want to achieve.

Developing Your Film

Once you have shot your roll of 120 black and white film, it’s time to develop it. While you can take your film to a professional lab, many photographers choose to develop their film at home. This allows you to have more control over the development process and can be a fun and rewarding experience. There are several different methods for developing film at home, including tank development and tray development.

Tips for Shooting with 120 Film

If you’re new to shooting with 120 film, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. First, make sure to load your film properly and take care not to expose it to light when loading and unloading. Additionally, be mindful of your exposure settings and consider using a light meter to help you achieve the correct exposure. Finally, take your time and focus on composing your shots carefully, as 120 film can be more expensive than standard 35mm film.

Reviews of Popular 120 Black and White Films

Ilford HP5 Plus

Ilford HP5 Plus is a popular choice for black and white photography, known for its high contrast and sharpness. It has a wide exposure latitude, which means that it can handle a range of lighting conditions, and can be pushed or pulled during development to achieve different effects. Overall, Ilford HP5 Plus is a versatile and reliable film that is well-suited for a variety of photographic applications.

Kodak Tri-X

Kodak Tri-X is another classic black and white film, known for its grainy, gritty look. It has a wide exposure latitude and can be pushed or pulled during development to achieve different effects. Kodak Tri-X is a favorite among street photographers and photojournalists, thanks to its ability to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of the world around us.

Fomapan 100

Fomapan 100 is a relatively new addition to the world of black and white film, but it has quickly gained a dedicated following among photographers. It has a very fine grain structure, which makes it ideal for fine art and portrait photography. Additionally, Fomapan 100 has a wide exposure latitude and can be developed in a variety of ways to achieve different effects.

Tutorials for Developing Your 120 Black and White Film

Tank Development

Tank development is a popular method for developing black and white film at home. To get started, you will need a developing tank, a film reel, and a developer solution. First, load your film onto the reel in a darkroom or changing bag. Then, place the reel into the developing tank and add the developer solution. Agitate the tank at regular intervals to ensure even development, and then rinse the film with water and fix it.

Tray Development

Tray development is another method for developing black and white film at home. To get started, you will need a tray, a developer solution, and a fixer solution. First, pour the developer solution into the tray and immerse your film in the solution. Agitate the tray at regular intervals to ensure even development, and then rinse the film with water and move it to the fixer solution. Agitate the tray again, and then rinse the film with water one final time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shooting with 120 black and white film can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for photographers of all skill levels. With its ability to capture detail, texture, and contrast in a timeless way, black and white photography remains a classic choice for modern photographers. Whether you’re shooting with Ilford HP5 Plus, Kodak Tri-X, or another type of film, there are plenty of options to choose from. And with a little practice and patience, you can develop your film at home and achieve stunning results.