Blackbird ISO 64 vs Ortho 25 Plus: Choosing B&W Film
By Rollei | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Comparisons
Compare Rollei Blackbird ISO 64 and Ortho 25 Plus for 35mm black and white photography. Learn which low ISO film suits your light and detail needs.
Quick answer
Choose the Rollei Blackbird ISO 64 if you need a flexible low ISO film that can be exposed from ISO 25 to 100, giving you margin in changing light. Choose the Ortho 25 Plus if you prioritize extreme fine grain and maximum detail for controlled, high-resolution work.
Exposure flexibility vs. ultimate detail
The Blackbird’s ISO 64 rating and ability to be exposed between ISO 25 and 100 make it a practical choice for handheld shooting or scenes with shifting light. The Ortho 25 Plus, rated at ISO 25, demands more light or a tripod but rewards you with extremely fine grain and high resolution.
If you often shoot outdoors in daylight and want room to adjust, the Blackbird is more forgiving. If you work in controlled lighting and want the finest detail for large prints, the Ortho 25 Plus is the better tool.
When the trade-off matters
The Ortho 25 Plus is orthochromatically sensitized, which can affect how it renders certain colors in black and white—typically rendering reds darker. That can be an advantage for texture and contrast, but it means you need to think about filters and subject tones more carefully. The Blackbird does not have that orthochromatic characteristic, so it behaves more like a conventional panchromatic film.
Neither film is a good choice for low-light handholding without fast glass or a tripod. The Ortho 25 Plus is especially demanding, while the Blackbird’s extra speed and flexibility give you a bit more latitude.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Speed and flexibility: Blackbird ISO 64 can be exposed from ISO 25 to 100, giving you a two-stop range to work with. Ortho 25 Plus is fixed at ISO 25, so you need twice as much light for the same exposure. If you shoot in variable light or prefer handheld, the Blackbird’s latitude is a real advantage.
- Grain and detail: Ortho 25 Plus is engineered for extreme fine grain and highest detail, making it ideal for large prints and critical work. Blackbird also offers fine grain but with slightly more speed. For maximum resolution and smooth tonality in good light, Ortho 25 Plus wins.
- Spectral sensitivity: Ortho 25 Plus is orthochromatic, so it renders reds darker and blues lighter, which can increase contrast in skin tones and skies. Blackbird is panchromatic, giving more natural tonal rendering. Choose Ortho 25 Plus if you want to exploit orthochromatic effects; choose Blackbird for predictable panchromatic results.
Key product facts
- Ortho 25 plus Schwarzweiß-Negativfilm | 35 mm | 36 Aufnahmen | ISO 25: Ortho 25 Plus is a black and white negative film with ISO 25/15° and orthochromatic sensitization, designed for highest detail reproduction and extreme enlargements. It delivers exceptionally sharp, high-resolution images with very fine grain, but requires ample light or a tripod and careful filter use.
Ortho 25 plus Schwarzweiß-Negativfilm | 35 mm | 36 Aufnahmen | ISO 25 - Blackbird Schwarzweiß-Negativfilm | 35 mm | 36 Aufnahmen | ISO 64: Blackbird is a black and white negative film with ISO 64 that can be exposed from ISO 25 to 100. This exposure latitude makes it more adaptable to changing light and handheld shooting while still offering fine detail.
Blackbird Schwarzweiß-Negativfilm | 35 mm | 36 Aufnahmen | ISO 64
Which film is right for you?
Best for
- Photographers who need a flexible low ISO film for handheld daylight shooting
- Those who want fine grain with more exposure latitude
- Shooters who prefer predictable panchromatic rendering
Not for
- Low-light situations without a tripod or fast lenses
- Those seeking the absolute finest grain and highest resolution in controlled light
- Photographers who want orthochromatic contrast effects
