Summary
- ILFORD introduced a limited Delta 400 Professional Collector’s Edition in 35mm.
- The new base is clearer and includes anti-halation protection.
- ILFORD claims subtle gains in dynamic range, shadows, scanning, halation and sharpness.
- ISO 400 speed and standard Delta 400 processing times are retained.
ILFORD has introduced the Delta 400 Professional Collector’s Edition, a very limited 35mm version of its black-and-white film that changes more than the packaging: it also uses a different film base.
The new edition keeps the standard Delta 400 Professional’s ISO 400 speed, general characteristics and processing times, but is coated on a clearer roll-film base with anti-halation protection. According to ILFORD, this brings subtle improvements to dynamic range, shadow detail, scanning, halation and overall sharpness.
What changes in the Collector’s Edition
The key difference is the substrate. Standard Delta 400 Professional 35mm is coated on a 0.125 mm acetate base, while the Collector’s Edition uses a clearer roll-film-style base with an anti-halation backcoat.
European retailer FOTOIMPEX lists a Dmin of 0.12 for the new clear base versus 0.30 for the conventional version. It also confirms the film as 35mm, 36 exposures and ISO 400/27°.
ILFORD’s official technical documentation for standard Delta 400 notes that the 120 version already uses a 0.110 mm clear acetate base with an anti-halation backing that clears during processing. The Collector’s Edition brings that clearer-base approach to Delta 400 in 35mm for the first time.
Same speed and processing workflow
Despite the different base, ILFORD says the Collector’s Edition retains the same basic characteristics, ISO 400 speed and processing times as standard Delta 400 Professional.
That matters for photographers already using Delta 400 because no separate darkroom workflow is required solely for the Collector’s Edition. Standard Delta 400 remains a fine-grain Core-Shell film designed for high sharpness and broad tonal range.
A very limited market test
The film is being released in very limited quantities. PetaPixel reports that ILFORD explained in an Instagram comment that the run is effectively a test to see whether there is a market for the different base.
The company also left open the possibility of bringing it back as a regular product if the response is positive, while noting that a permanent version would likely cost more than the existing product.
Price and availability
In the US, PetaPixel reports a price of $15.19 and availability through physical stores and authorized retailers rather than ILFORD’s online shop.
In Europe, FOTOIMPEX lists the Delta 400 Professional Collector’s Edition at €13.99 including VAT and in stock for shipment, with a stated delivery time of 1–5 working days at the time checked. This is a specific retailer price, not an announced single European MSRP from ILFORD.
What we think
The Collector’s Edition is interesting because it is more than a packaging exercise. The different base and anti-halation protection can directly affect the negative and scanning workflow, while ILFORD’s decision to treat the run as a market test means photographer demand may determine whether it returns as a regular product.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ILFORD Delta 400 Professional Collector’s Edition?
It is a limited 35mm version of Delta 400 Professional with black packaging and a clearer base with anti-halation protection.
Does the film speed change?
No. It remains ISO 400.
Does it require different processing?
No, according to ILFORD. The Collector’s Edition keeps the same processing times as standard Delta 400 Professional.
What is the main technical difference?
The clearer roll-film base with an anti-halation backcoat, which ILFORD says provides subtle improvements to dynamic range, shadow detail, scanning, halation and sharpness.
