Introduction to ILFORD Ortho Film
ILFORD Ortho Plus is a unique black-and-white orthochromatic film celebrated for its exceptional detail, fine grain, and distinct tonal rendering. Unlike panchromatic films, Ilford Ortho is sensitive only to blue and green light, resulting in darker reds and lighter blues and greens in the final image. This orthographic sensitivity opens up creative possibilities for photographers looking to produce striking and artistic results.
Key Features of Ilford Ortho Plus:
- ISO 80 (Daylight): Produces stunning fine-grain images with excellent sharpness.
- Orthochromatic Sensitivity: Responds only to blue and green light, creating unique tonal shifts.
- High Detail Rendering: Perfect for high-resolution prints and fine art photography.
- Versatility: Works well for landscapes, architecture, and experimental portraits.
- Red Safelight Friendly: Safe to handle under red safelights during darkroom work.
In this review, we explore the versatility of Ilford Ortho Film through two processing styles—normal and high-contrast—to highlight the film’s tonal range and artistic potential.
The Experiment: ISO 80 Normal vs. High-Contrast Processing
To evaluate Ilford Ortho Film’s capabilities, we shot two sets of photos at ISO 80. Both sets captured the same scenes under consistent lighting conditions, but each underwent a different development process to highlight the film’s adaptability.
Set 1: Normal Processing
This set was processed using standard development times for ISO 80. The results showcase the film’s natural tonal range and fine-grain qualities.
©Hao Cui shot at ISO 80, Regular Process
Results:
- Tonal Balance: Smooth transitions between highlights, midtones, and shadows, capturing realistic and detailed scenes.
- Fine Grain: The fine grain structure ensures incredible detail, even in large prints.
- Dynamic Range: Excellent preservation of shadow and highlight details, making it ideal for scenes with varying light intensities.
Normal processing highlights Ilford Ortho Film’s ability to render subtle gradients and nuanced tones, perfect for landscapes, architecture, and fine art photography.
©Chen Zhang, shot at ISO 80, Regular Process
Set 2: High-Contrast Processing
For the second set, we adjusted the development process to create a punchier, high-contrast effect. This method amplifies the dramatic qualities of Ilford Ortho Film, making the images bold and impactful.
Results:
- Punchy Contrast: Blacks become deep and inky, while whites are brilliantly bright, giving images a striking, graphic quality.
- Artistic Appeal: The enhanced contrast adds mood and intensity, perfect for creative or experimental work.
- Reduced Midtone Detail: While shadows and highlights are emphasized, some midtone details are less pronounced, contributing to the dramatic aesthetic.
High-contrast processing reveals a more dramatic side of Ilford Ortho Film, making it a powerful tool for photographers looking to create bold and visually impactful images.
©Alex Zhu, shot at ISO 80, High Contrast Process
Conclusion: Embrace the Versatility of Ilford Ortho Film
Ilford Ortho Film is a standout choice for photographers seeking distinctive aesthetics and high-quality results. Whether processed normally for its natural tonal range or pushed for punchy contrast, this film delivers exceptional performance.
Highlights:
- Normal Processing: Ideal for capturing realistic and detailed scenes with smooth tonal transitions.
- High-Contrast Processing: Perfect for dramatic, bold, and artistic visuals.
- Creative Potential: Offers unique opportunities for fine art, landscapes, and experimental photography.
If you’re looking to experiment with black-and-white photography or create striking, high-impact images, Ilford Ortho Film is a must-try.
FAQs about Ilford Ortho Film
Q: Can I use Ilford Ortho Film for high-contrast photography?
A: Absolutely! Adjusting development times produces punchy, high-contrast results.
Q: Is Ilford Ortho Film suitable for landscapes?
A: Yes, its fine grain and sharp detail make it ideal for capturing intricate textures and dramatic scenes.
Q: Can I handle Ilford Ortho Film under a safelight?
A: Yes, its orthochromatic sensitivity allows safe handling under red safelights.
Q: What is the best ISO setting for Ilford Ortho Film?
A: The film performs best at ISO 80 in daylight conditions.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR – Neil Guo
Neil Guo, co-founder of Graination, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography and has spent the past 14 years specializing in Fine Art Photography, Darkroom Processes, and Fine Art Printing.
