The Best Budget Black and White Film: Kentmere Pan 200

There’s a new black and white film on the scene, and it’s one we’re genuinely excited about.

Harman Technology, the makers of Ilford black and white film, has expanded its Kentmere line with a brand-new addition: Kentmere Pan 200. This new 200 ISO film joins the already popular Kentmere Pan 100 and Kentmere Pan 400 – and after testing it in both 35mm and 120 formats, we believe Kentmere 200 is the best of the three.

Here at The Darkroom we process thousands of black and white rolls every month and Kentmere Pan 100 and Kentmere Pan 400 are two of our top five most developed black and white film stocks, thanks in large part to their affordability and solid performance. With Kentmere 200 now entering the mix, there’s even more to love – especially for budget-conscious photographers looking for high-quality results.

Why Kentmere Pan 200 Stands Out

Kentmere Pan 100 is a reliable low-speed film with fine grain, medium contrast, and decent exposure latitude. However, it’s less versatile due to its lower ISO, making it best suited for bright daylight conditions.

Kentmere Pan 400 is more flexible in various lighting conditions, but it comes with trade-offs. It produces noticeably lower contrast and more prominent grain, particularly when underexposed or used in 35mm. For that reason, we often recommend shooting it at 800 ISO and pushing one stop during development to improve contrast. While grain is still present, Kentmere 400 looks quite good in 120 format at box speed.

Kentmere Pan 200 offers the best balance between the two. With a medium ISO speed of 200, it delivers excellent flexibility in different lighting situations. It has noticeably finer grain than Kentmere 400 and similar grain to Kentmere 100, while also producing stronger contrast than either.

Other key features that make Kentmere 200 a standout:

200 ISO speed offers versatility for both daylight and lower-light conditions
Fine grain with impressive sharpness
Excellent contrast without pushing
Decent exposure latitude with good shadow detail
Works well in high-contrast scenes and flat light
Affordable price point – just $6.99 per roll in both 35mm and 120 formats

Sample Results from 35mm and 120

The 120 film was shot on a Pentax 67, where it showed excellent sharpness, rich blacks, and beautifully smooth tonal transitions. The 35mm rolls were shot using a Nikon FA and Nikon F3, and the results were equally impressive – high contrast, crisp details, and relatively fine grain that holds up even under closer inspection.

In high-contrast lighting, highlights can sometimes have a slightly bright, bloomy look depending on metering, but overall the film handles highlights and shadows well. It’s a great choice for everyday black and white photography due to its flexibility and affordability.

Final Thoughts

Kentmere Pan 200 is a standout addition to the Kentmere lineup -offering sharp, contrasty results at an affordable price. As a mid-speed black and white film, it’s versatile enough for a wide range of situations and is likely to become a go-to for photographers seeking quality on a budget.

Available in both 35mm and 120 for just $6.99 per roll at filmphotographystore.com, it’s a great film to try. When you’re ready to develop, The Darkroom’s nearly 50 years of dip-and-dunk experience ensures your photos get the expert care they deserve.

Explore more film stocks with our Film Index, featuring side-by-side comparisons and real photo examples to help you choose your next roll.