Ilford Delta 3200

Despite having predominantly used Ilford films for several decades, Delta 3200 is an emulsion that I have largely ignored. Maybe one reason for avoiding it was past experience from around 15 years ago when I used it when shooting on 35mm at gigs in very poor lighting. I remember the results being unbelievably grainy, underexposed and with very harsh contrast. I also can’t remember what developer I used all those years ago. However, with the experience of the intervening years, I realise that, in black and white, the choice of developer can make or break your results!

I have generally been very wary of higher speed films, especially as I shoot a lot of landscapes, where excessive grain is definitely undesirable. I also have to confess a preference for emulsions with a conventional grain structure, rather than delta/t-grain.

Fast forward to a few months ago, I thought that I would give this emulsion another chance but this time in medium format and in good lighting.

Ilford have a very detailed data sheet about the film on their website. Delta 3200 Professional claims to be the fastest black and white emulsion on the market, a panchromatic film on a clear acetate base. Whilst Ilford state that it can be shot at box speed, they suggest that good image quality can be obtained between EI 400 and 6400. Ilford’s testing has determined an ISO speed rating of 1000 in daylight.

I loaded up one of my Hasselblad A12 film backs and headed out on a sunny morning for a walk along the promenade from Blackpool to Cleveleys. Knowing that I could play on the film’s strong contrast, I added a Hoya red (25A) filter to my 80mm standard lens. Having read Ilford’s data sheet, I decided to expose the film at EI 1600 rather than box speed as my thought was that it could give a better tonal range.

After considering what developers I had available, I decided that I needed something that would give good tonality and “fine” grain. I selected one of my current favourites, Zone Imaging’s 510 Pyro, diluting 1+100 and developing for 13 minutes and 30 seconds at 20 Celsius. This equates to a one stop pull in development.

I have to admit, I was totally amazed with the results! Yes, the film has strong contrast, further enhanced by my choice of filter. There is noticeable grain but it is perfectly acceptable, certainly in scans on my Epson V750 Pro. I have also printed some of the images in the darkroom at 10 x 10 inches and, at a normal viewing distance, the grain is not particularly obtrusive.

Based on these results, I will definitely not be hesitant to use Delta 3200 again in medium format. This emulsion gives great results pulled to 1600 in 510 Pyro under daylight conditions. The large negative helps in taming the grain, as does using a fine grain developer. Shame it’s not available as 4 x 5” sheet film! If you shoot medium format film, I would highly recommend giving Ilford Delta 3200 Professional a try.