Drum scan example • Ilford XP2 Super 400 • 35mm (C-41) B&W negative
Ilford XP2 Super 400 drum scan example (35mm C-41 black and white negative)
This post shows an Ilford XP2 Super 400 drum scan made on a film drum scanner and delivered at 4,000px on the short edge. This frame was shot at a shutter speed that’s too slow for fast action, so the motion blur is baked into the negative. More resolution won’t create extra usable detail here, but it will keep the look clean and true. The negative was converted manually in Photoshop to keep smooth tonality and natural texture.
Why this frame still matters as a scan reference: harsh lighting, deep blacks, bright highlights on skin, and fast movement. Even with blur, you can judge tonal separation and whether the scan looks smooth or “processed.”
What makes Ilford XP2 different from classic black and white film
Ilford XP2 Super 400 is a C-41 black and white negative. It’s chromogenic, meaning the image forms with dyes rather than a traditional silver-based structure. That often gives smooth midtones and clean transitions when conversion is handled well.
Official specs and notes from Ilford: Ilford XP2 Super 35mm product page .
Why a drum scan suits XP2 (especially 35mm)
With 35mm, weak scans show quickly: blocked shadows, harsh edges, and texture that turns into mush. A careful Ilford XP2 drum scan keeps the file flexible for dodging and burning, holds highlight roll-off, and keeps midtones clean without heavy noise reduction.
What “4,000px short edge” means in real life
This file is delivered at 4,000px on the short edge because higher resolution won’t add practical detail here. The shutter speed was too slow for active sports, so the blur is already in the negative. Scanning bigger would mainly capture a sharper version of the same blur.
In other words: for this shot, 4,000px is the sensible ceiling. It’s enough for web, editorial use, and modest prints, and it preserves the mood without pretending it’s a freeze-frame.
If you’re choosing an output size for other work, start here: film scan sizes (M vs L).
Manual conversion in Photoshop (and why it helps)
Conversion is where XP2 either looks beautiful or falls apart. Common issues are crushed blacks, chalky highlights, or a flat gray veil. This scan was converted manually in Photoshop to control black point, highlight roll-off, and local contrast while keeping texture natural.
Delivery workflow differences: negative conversion for drum scans: scan-only vs converted files.
What to check in an Ilford XP2 drum scan
- Shadow separation: dark areas should show tone steps, not collapse into one block.
- Highlight roll-off: bright areas should taper gently instead of clipping hard.
- Midtone cleanliness: XP2 should look smooth, not gritty from processing.
- Edges: avoid crunchy sharpening. Let the film look like film.
Why the blur works here
Technically, it’s “too slow.” Creatively, it’s the point. The blur sells the energy and makes the frame feel more documentary than sports-photo sharp. XP2 suits that vibe well when the scan keeps tones stable and the blacks don’t block up.
FAQ
Is Ilford XP2 “real” black and white film?
It’s black and white, but it’s chromogenic and processed in C-41. That’s why XP2 often benefits from a careful conversion step.
Should XP2 be scanned as color or black and white?
Many workflows scan XP2 as an RGB negative to capture the base cleanly, then convert to B&W during processing. The key is controlled conversion, not a one-click preset.
Will scanning higher “fix” motion blur?
No. Blur is already in the negative. A bigger scan only gives a bigger file of the same blur. It can still be useful for large prints, but it won’t create sharp detail that isn’t there.
Do I lose quality by downsizing for web?
For web display, downsizing is normal. But when you judge scan quality, inspect a high-res file to see real shadow separation and midtone smoothness.
Want a quick baseline for output sizes? Start here: film scan sizes (M vs L).
