My real-world Kentmere Pan 200 Review; If you’re looking for a versatile black and white film that won’t break your budget, Kentmere Pan 200 is worth considering. I tested it in real-world conditions using my Canon AE-1 Program and Canon 300V to see if it could become a reliable go-to film for everyday shooting.
Below, I share my personal results, tips, and practical feedback for photographers considering Kentmere Pan 200.
Why I Tried Kentmere Pan 200
Having enjoyed Kentmere Pan 100 for daylight shooting, I wanted a bit more speed for cloudy days, travel, and street work, without moving to a high-speed, grainier film. Kentmere Pan 200, made by Ilford, promises fine grain with extra flexibility while remaining affordable for frequent shooting.
Test Cameras and Shooting Conditions
| Test Roll | Camera Used | Shooting Conditions | Developer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roll 1 | Canon AE-1P | Overcast city streets | Ilford ID-11 | Rated at 200 ISO |
| Roll 2 | Canon 300V | Mixed sun & shade | Ilford ID-11 | Rated at 200 ISO |
Kentmere Pan 200 Review – Results and Thoughts
1️⃣ Sharpness and Grain
- Finer grain than many ISO 400 films, with moderate texture.
- Holds detail well even in low-contrast light.
2️⃣ Contrast and Tonality
- Slightly lower contrast than Pan 100, making it forgiving for street scenes.
- Beautiful tonal range in cloudy or shaded conditions.
- Can be adjusted easily in scanning to taste.
3️⃣ Usability and Flexibility
- ISO 200 is ideal for general daylight, travel, and street.
- Can handle varied lighting in the same roll without heavy exposure issues.
- Works well in the Canon AE-1P for zone focusing and metering, and seamlessly in auto with the Canon 300V.
4️⃣ Developing and Scanning
- Easy to develop at home.
- Scans with clean, neutral tones requiring minimal edits.
- A good film for learning how to read light without punishing mistakes.
Who Is Kentmere Pan 200 For?
✅ Travel photographers wanting flexibility in light conditions.
✅ Street photographers seeking a softer contrast budget option.
✅ Beginners who need a forgiving B&W film.
✅ Anyone looking to practice without the cost of premium film.
Buy Kentmere Pan 200
Kentmere 200 35mm Black and White Film (24 Exposures)
Highly recommended and budget-friendly – Kentmere 35mm black and white film with fine grain and broad exposure latitude. Ideal for everyday shooting and beginners in analog photography.
2 in stock
FAQs about Kentmere Pan 200
Is Kentmere Pan 200 good for low light?
It’s better than ISO 100 films, but you’ll still need bright conditions or a tripod indoors. For low-light handheld, consider pushing it to ISO 400.
Can you push Kentmere Pan 200?
Yes, you can push it to 400 with increased contrast and acceptable grain for street photography.
Is Kentmere Pan 200 good for portraits?
It handles skin tones well, with softer contrast that is flattering in open shade.
What developer is best for Kentmere Pan 200?
ID-11, D-76, or Ilfosol 3 will all yield consistent results. Rodinal will give more noticeable grain but with high sharpness.
How does it compare to Kentmere Pan 100?
Pan 200 offers more flexibility in lighting with slightly more grain and softer contrast, making it versatile for day-to-day shooting.
Final Thoughts
Kentmere Pan 200 is a brilliant budget film that delivers consistent, pleasing results for travel and street photography. Its forgiving exposure latitude, soft contrast, and manageable grain make it an excellent choice for those who want an everyday B&W film without stress about cost or exposure mistakes.
If you’re looking for a film that will support your creative process while staying affordable, Kentmere Pan 200 might be your perfect companion. You can read more about this film from Harmon Technologies (Ilford).
Have you tried Kentmere Pan 200, or are you curious about how it might fit into your photography workflow? I’d love to hear your experiences or answer any questions you have! Leave a comment below to share your results, or [contact me here] if you’d like help choosing your next film for your Canon AE-1P or 300V setup. Let’s keep your film photography journey moving forward together.
