Read Kentmere Pan 400 Review and how it performs for street and travel photography. Sample shots, tips, and why this budget B&W film is worth trying. If you’re searching for a high-speed, budget-friendly black and white film, Kentmere Pan 400 might be the versatile workhorse you need for street, travel, or daily documentary photography. I recently tested it using my Canon AE-1 Program and Canon 300V across different lighting conditions to see how well it performs for everyday shooting.
Here’s my personal take, test results, and practical advice for those considering Kentmere Pan 400.
Why I Tried Kentmere Pan 400
Shooting in overcast city streets, indoors, or at dusk often leaves slower films underexposed without a tripod. Kentmere Pan 400, produced by Ilford, offers ISO 400 speed at a budget price while promising consistent grain and good tonal range, making it an ideal daily carry for street and travel photographers.
Test Cameras and Shooting Conditions
| Test Roll | Camera Used | Shooting Conditions | Developer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roll 1 | Canon AE-1P | Overcast street, dusk | Ilford ID-11 | Rated at 400 ISO |
| Roll 2 | Canon 300V | Indoor, window light | Ilford ID-11 | Rated at 400 ISO |
Kentmere Pan 400 Review – Results and Thoughts
1️⃣ Sharpness and Grain
- Noticeable but pleasing grain, typical for ISO 400 films.
- Retains good edge sharpness when properly exposed.
2️⃣ Contrast and Tonality
- Medium contrast with a classic look, easily adjustable during scanning.
- Handles shadows well without crushing, while preserving highlight detail.
3️⃣ Usability and Flexibility
- Excellent for low-light, overcast days, or indoor shooting without flash.
- Can be pushed to 800 or 1600 for darker conditions with acceptable grain increase.
- Performs well in fully automatic and manual modes on both test cameras.
4️⃣ Developing and Scanning
- Easy to develop at home using ID-11, D-76, or Ilfosol 3.
- Scans well, requiring minor adjustments to contrast and levels.
Who Is Kentmere Pan 400 For?
✅ Street photographers shooting in varied light.
✅ Travel photographers needing flexibility without tripod dependency.
✅ Beginner film shooters practicing in low-light conditions.
✅ Anyone seeking a reliable, high-speed B&W film on a budget.
Buy Kentmere Pan 400
Kentmere 400 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 400
Is Kentmere Pan 400 good for low light?
Yes, it performs well in overcast or indoor conditions, ideal for handheld shooting without heavy motion blur.
Can you push Kentmere Pan 400?
You can push it to ISO 800 or 1600 with an increase in contrast and grain, making it practical for night street photography.
Is Kentmere Pan 400 suitable for portraits?
Yes, it can handle skin tones well, but expect visible grain, which can add to the classic B&W aesthetic.
Which developer is best for Kentmere Pan 400?
ID-11, D-76, or Ilfosol 3 are all reliable, with Rodinal providing sharper grain and higher perceived contrast.
How does it compare to HP5?
Kentmere Pan 400 has a similar speed but with slightly more grain and less latitude, while remaining significantly cheaper for bulk shooting.
Final Thoughts
Kentmere Pan 400 is a powerful, flexible film for photographers who need to adapt to varying lighting while maintaining a classic B&W aesthetic on a budget. It’s a film that encourages you to shoot more without worrying about cost, helping you focus on improving your composition, exposure, and timing in real-life scenarios.
If you’re seeking a reliable high-speed B&W film to carry daily, Kentmere Pan 400 might be your next essential roll. Read more on the Harman Technologies (Ilford) Website.
Have you tried Kentmere Pan 400 in your film photography workflow, or are you planning to? I’d love to hear about your experiences, see your results, or answer any questions you have about using this film with your Canon AE-1P or 300V. Leave a comment below or [contact me here] if you need personalized film recommendations or development tips. Let’s keep your film journey growing together!
