Ilford's limited Delta 400 'Collector's Edition' is more than a black box

At first glance I thought this was just a new box, but Ilford has actually changed something under the hood. Harman Technology has released a small run of Ilford Delta 400 Professional in 35mm with the same emulsion as usual, coated on a clearer roll-film base with anti-halation protection. It is the first time Ilford has used this kind of base on a 35mm black-and-white film.

According to Ilford, that brings better dynamic range, more shadow detail, extra sharpness, easier scanning and less halation around bright highlights. Speed and development times stay the same, so whatever routine you already use for Delta 400 still works. It comes in an all-black cassette and box, which I have to admit looks great.

The interesting part is that Ilford is treating this as a test of demand. If people like the results, it could go into regular production, though probably at a higher price, since the anti-halation layer costs more to make.

Stock is very limited, at roughly £13.08 a roll in the UK and $15.19 in the US. The tip I liked most: if Delta 400 is your usual film, shoot one of these next to a standard roll on the same day and compare. That is exactly what I would want to do.

Source: Camera Jabber