Kentmere is a brand of black and white photographic films produced by Harman Technology, the same company that manufactures Ilford films. Originally an independent company founded in 1919 in Staveley, Cumbria, UK, as The Britannia Works Company Ltd., Kentmere initially focused on photographic paper before expanding to films. In 2007, Harman Technology acquired Kentmere Photographic Ltd., and production was moved to Mobberley. The Kentmere brand was reintroduced in 2009 with the aim of offering more budget-friendly alternatives to Ilford films, particularly targeting students and those new to black and white photography.
Currently, Kentmere offers two main film stocks: Kentmere Pan 100 and Kentmere Pan 400. Both are panchromatic black and white negative films available in 35mm and 120 formats.
Kentmere Pan 100
- ISO: 100
- Grain: Generally described as fine-grained for a budget-friendly film. While not as ultra-fine as some premium 100 ISO films, it offers good detail without excessive graininess, especially in good lighting conditions and with appropriate development.
- Sharpness: Offers good sharpness and detail rendition, suitable for general photography and moderate enlargements.
- Contrast: Typically characterized as having medium to good contrast, often described as punchier than Kentmere 400. Some users find it handles contrasty scenes well, retaining detail in both highlights and shadows, although careful exposure is recommended.
- Tonality: Provides a good tonal range with smooth gradations, allowing for a pleasing monochrome look.
- Exposure Latitude: Possesses a decent exposure latitude, offering some forgiveness for slight over or underexposure, which is beneficial for beginners. Overexposing slightly (metering at ISO 50-80) is often recommended to retain shadow detail.
- Reciprocity Failure: Information on specific reciprocity characteristics for Kentmere 100 is less readily available, but like most black and white films, it will exhibit some failure with very long exposures, requiring compensation.
- Base: Typically has a clear base.
- Developing: Compatible with a wide range of black and white developers (e.g., D-76, HC-110, Ilfosol 3). Results can vary depending on the developer used, with some combinations enhancing sharpness or grain.
- Scanning/Printing: Scans well, capturing good detail and tonality. Prints well in the darkroom, offering good density and contrast control with appropriate paper grades.
- Overall Impression: Kentmere Pan 100 is often praised as an excellent value film, providing good image quality at an affordable price point. It’s considered a versatile film suitable for various subjects, especially in well-lit conditions where its finer grain and good sharpness can be fully utilized. It’s a popular choice for beginners, students, and photographers looking for a cost-effective everyday black and white film.
Kentmere Pan 400
- ISO: 400
- Grain: Noticeably grainier than Kentmere 100, as expected for a higher-speed film. The grain is often described as classic and not overly intrusive, providing a traditional black and white film look.
- Sharpness: Offers good sharpness, although slightly less than Kentmere 100 due to the higher speed and grain structure. Still capable of producing detailed images, especially at smaller print sizes or when viewed as scans.
- Contrast: Generally described as having moderate to slightly lower contrast compared to Kentmere 100. This can be advantageous in scenes with high dynamic range, allowing for more detail to be captured in both shadows and highlights. Contrast can be adjusted during development and printing/scanning.
- Tonality: Provides a good tonal range, with smooth transitions between different shades of grey.
- Exposure Latitude: Known for having good exposure latitude, often cited as being quite forgiving of underexposure, making it a flexible film for varying lighting conditions. Many users recommend erring on the side of overexposure to maximize shadow detail.
- Reciprocity Failure: Similar to Kentmere 100, specific data is less common, but compensation will likely be needed for long exposures.
- Base: Typically has a clear base.
- Developing: Versatile in terms of development, working well with many standard black and white developers. Pushing the film to higher ISOs (e.g., 800 or 1600) is also possible with appropriate development adjustments, resulting in increased grain and contrast.
- Scanning/Printing: Scans well, and the grain can be either embraced as part of the aesthetic or managed to some extent during the scanning process. Prints well in the darkroom, offering good density and tonal control.
- Overall Impression: Kentmere Pan 400 is a popular choice for photographers needing a faster black and white film for lower light conditions or faster shutter speeds. Its good exposure latitude and moderate contrast make it a versatile option for various subjects, including street photography, portraits, and general documentary work. While grainier than its ISO 100 sibling, it offers a classic look and remains an excellent value for its speed and performance.
General Observations about Kentmere Films:
- Value for Money: The primary appeal of Kentmere films is their affordability, making them one of the most budget-friendly options for black and white photography.
- Relation to Ilford: While produced by Harman Technology, Kentmere films are positioned as the more economical line compared to Ilford films like HP5 Plus or FP4 Plus, which are often considered to have finer grain and potentially greater sharpness and tonal range.
- Beginner-Friendly: Their good exposure latitude and compatibility with standard developers make them suitable for those new to film photography and black and white processing.
- Availability: Kentmere films are generally widely available in various formats (35mm and 120).
- Packaging: The packaging was refreshed in 2018 to align with Harman Technology’s branding.
In conclusion, Kentmere Pan 100 and Kentmere Pan 400 offer a fantastic entry point into black and white film photography or a cost-effective option for experienced users. They provide a classic black and white look with good overall image quality for their price, making them a popular choice in the analog community. While they might not have the ultra-fine grain or subtle tonality of some higher-end films, their performance and affordability make them a compelling option for everyday shooting and experimentation.