This is a lovely film known for its ultra high speed, relatively sharpness despite that high speed, graininess, lenient latitude and reasonable contrast. It is a beautiful film that has been around since 1998… and it is available in 35mm and 120!
The singular defining trait of Delta 3200 is its super high speed. Advertised at a box speed of 3200, it is one of the fastest films on the market, only rivaled by Kodak’s TMax P3200 - and Delta does P3200 one better by also being available in 120 format. This high speed allows the clever photographer a whole new range of possibilities and it has proven an especially popular film in the music business where photographers often have to work without flash and tripod.
After its film speed, its graininess is probably the next thing you will be noticing with this film. Yes, it is grainy. It is the cost of having that really high film speed. Then again, it is a tabular grained film in the same vein as the TMax films so the grain pattern is much smoother and therefore less apparent than you might think, especially if you are shooting this in 120.
Lastly, let us turn to Delta 3200’s contrast and latitude. We would describe this film as being low contrast, especially compared to TMax P3200. If you want big grain and deep contrast, go with the TMax but if you are after a softer, smoother result then stick with the Delta 3200.
Ilford Delta 3200 35mm Sample Gallery - Nikon F3
Sample images made with Ilford Delta 3200 (exposed at ISO 1600) and a Nikon F3 using the Nikon 8mm f2.8 Fisheye-Nikkor lens by staff member, Zeb Andrews.
Ilford Delta 3200 35mm Sample Gallery - Pentax Super Program
Sample images made on Ilford Delta 3200 with a Pentax Super Program by staff member Bret Van Horn.