Ilford Ortho Plus is an orthochromatic black-and-white film sensitive to blue and green but not red light, giving a distinctive vintage rendering with dark reds and luminous skies. Its ultra-fine grain and high sharpness suit still life and portraiture with a classic feel.
Character & look
Because it does not see red, Ortho Plus renders red objects and ruddy skin tones darker, producing a period, silent-film-era aesthetic with strong contrast and crisp separation. Grain is ultra-fine and resolution very high, making it excellent for large-format and detailed still-life work. It can be handled under a red safelight, a boon for sheet-film loading. Its blue-green sensitivity darkens skies without a filter and emphasizes texture in skin and foliage. Rated around ISO 80 in daylight (lower under tungsten), it rewards controlled lighting and deliberate composition with a striking, timeless look.
Best for
Still lifePortraitsLarge-formatVintage look
Shooting & development tips
Remember red renders dark — great for dramatic skies and moody portraits, but watch ruddy skin. It can be developed under a dark red safelight, and rates slower under tungsten than daylight.
FAQ
What does orthochromatic mean?
It means the film is insensitive to red light, seeing only blue and green. Reds therefore render dark, creating a distinctive vintage tonality.