DP400 Black and White Negative 35mm Film

Ilford DP400 (Delta 400 Professional) 35mm Film — the versatile black-and-white stock for on-the-go travel shooting

The gist: A fast, fine-grain black-and-white film that handles everything from bright midday markets to shaded alleyways without a flash.

• Wide dynamic range: Built on Ilford’s Core-shell tabular-grain technology, delivering roughly 10 stops of dynamic range — useful for high-contrast travel scenes like sunlit streets with deep shadows.
• Flexible exposure: Rated at ISO 400 but usable across ISO 200-1600, so one roll can handle a sunny afternoon and a dim café later the same day.
• Genuinely fine grain: Reviewers consistently note the sharpness and minimal grain, a departure from grainier classic black-and-white stocks.
• Portrait-friendly contrast: Slightly softer contrast than some rivals, flattering for candid portraits of people you meet on the road.

The Phoblographer’s film emulsion review found Delta 400’s dynamic range and sharpness stand out among 35mm black-and-white stocks, though some photographers note the smooth tabular grain lacks the gritty texture of older films.

Best for: travel photographers who want one flexible black-and-white stock for varied lighting without carrying a flash. Skip it if: you specifically want a heavy, grainy vintage look — this film is built to be clean. Runs ~$15 — check the current price before buying.