My conclusion after years of wrangling with this is that I get overall higher quality with small format by pushing an EI 400 film a stop or more than using an EI 3200 film at a slower speed. Or iow, Delta 400 or HP5+ at EI 800-1200 is superior to Delta 3200 at EI 1200-1600 in all qualities except that it definitely doesn't contain as much shadow detail/density.(posted 8243 days ago)In larger formats (6x7) my decision is frequently the reverse; for my usual print sizes framed an hung on the wall, the superior tonal reproduction of the faster film at its "normal" speed is obvious while the increased graininess isn't visible except with close inspection.