Response to B&W film

The Chromogenic films, such as Ilford XP-2, are by far the sharpest, finest grain, long scale films. Nothing else even comes close. They are processed in C-41 chemistry (like negative color films). The advertised speed is ISO 400, but they can be shot from 50-1600. I like them best at ISO 250 for minimum grain and maximum shadow detail. The only downside seems to be that they may lose some contrast over the next 30-40 years, and because the grain is so fine it can be difficult to focus the enlarger. It comes in 35mm, 120, and 4x5.

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