ILFORD XP-2 Is a great B&W Chromogenic, variable ISO film. Can be processed in C-41 chemicals, the same as color negative film. 400 base speed, shot at ASA (ISO)2-300 offers finer grain and better shadow detail. One of our local photo shops used to load their cameras with XP-2 set them, and send their cute female clerks to the County Fair, with the instructions; "Just shoot...DON'T change anything!", and they would come back with usable photos.
You may have some trouble convincing the 19 yer old "Manager" of processing facilities the black and white film won't ruin their chemicals! There are specialty labs that know about all that, and provide good service.
Don't know if Kodak still manufactures KODACOLOR negative films, but if it does, their 200 or 400 are good films. The 400 has the grain and definition of 100 speed negative films of 25 years ago. Our Highway Patrol officers were issued cameras and 200 speed film, from which we had large courtroom exhibits made...from some pretty terrible negatives. Once, I suggested that they issue 400 speed film for better pictures, and the person in charge told me "NO, we don't want to confuse the officers!"
OBOY!
Ektachrome 100, if they still make it, is an excellent slide film. Fuji also makes good color negative and slide films. There are others, but the ones mentioned are the ones I have used the most.
All films are/were rated for machine processing, which results in thin negatives. Shooting them at half speed...100 for the 200, and 200 for the 400 gives better detail, and more pleasing color, at least in my opinion/experience.
Enjoy yourself!? It is a Fine and Pleasant Madness!
Olympus Trip 35 by chris rs197, on Flickr
