Ilford Pan F+ Film Review: Fine Grain, Sharpness, and Dramatic Contrast

Ilford Pan F+ is a slow-speed black and white film with an ISO below 100, part of the 'Sub-100 Club.' It originated as the original Pan F, a panchromatic emulsion introduced in 1948, and received the '+' suffix in 1992. The film has undergone several emulsion updates, including in the 2000s. It is known for extremely fine grain, high sharpness due to high acutance, and dramatic contrast with deep shadows and bright whites. The slow speed necessitates bright conditions or tripods but allows creative effects like motion blur and shallow depth of field. Development can be tricky, with methods to control contrast. Reciprocity failure characteristics have improved; current version requires 1/2 to 1 stop extra exposure for 1-10 second exposures, and 2 stops at 60 seconds, compared to 2 stops at 30 seconds in 2004. Poor latent image retention means the film should be developed within three months of exposure, preferably sooner. Previously available in 35mm and 120, Pan F+ was released in 4x5 and 8x10 formats in 2026. The film is sold by Blue Moon Camera and Machine in Portland, Oregon, which offers a Film Friday discount.