Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film – Superior Black & White Quality 

Introduction:

The Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film is a versatile medium format black and white negative film, designed for photographers who want sharp detail, smooth tonal range, and the flexibility of a higher ISO speed. Manufactured by Harman Technology, the same company behind Ilford Photo, Kentmere films have become increasingly popular for both beginners and professionals looking for a budget-friendly yet high-performing option.

Whether you are shooting street, portrait, or landscape photography, the Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film offers consistency, ease of use, and beautiful results in varied lighting conditions.

---

Key Features of Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film

1. ISO 400 Speed – With a native sensitivity of ISO 400, this film adapts well to a variety of lighting conditions. It balances exposure flexibility with fine grain structure.

2. Medium Format Quality – The 120 roll format provides superior detail, rich tonal transitions, and higher image resolution compared to 35mm.

3. Fine Grain Structure – Despite its higher speed, the Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film maintains excellent sharpness and detail, making it a great choice for enlargements.

4. Classic B&W Look – Produces neutral tones with pleasing contrast, ideal for traditional darkroom printing and scanning.

5. Budget-Friendly – Offers excellent value, making it a perfect choice for students, hobbyists, and professionals alike.

---

Why Choose Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film?

Many photographers choose Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film because it strikes a perfect balance between performance and affordability. Unlike other premium black and white films, it delivers professional-level results without the high cost.

It is especially popular among medium format shooters who want:

• A reliable film stock for practice and personal projects.

• A cost-effective alternative to Ilford HP5+ or Kodak Tri-X.

• A film that is easy to develop at home with standard B&W chemistry.

If you are starting out with medium format photography or want to keep your workflow economical,

Kentmere 400 120 Film is one of the smartest choices.

---

Image Quality and Performance

The Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film produces images with smooth tonal gradation and fine details, even in challenging light. Its higher speed makes it ideal for handheld shooting without the need for additional lighting equipment.

• Contrast – Balanced contrast that works well for portraits, architecture, and everyday scenes.

• Latitude – Excellent exposure latitude allows recovery of highlights and details in shadows.

• Sharpness – Despite being ISO 400, grain remains well-controlled, especially in 120 format.

Compared to slower films like Kentmere PAN 100, this stock is more flexible in low light while still retaining a pleasing classic look.

---

Developing Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film

Another advantage of Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film is its ease of processing. It can be developed with common black and white developers such as Ilford ID-11, Kodak D-76, or Rodinal.

• Standard Development – Typically developed at 20°C for 8–12 minutes depending on developer choice.

• Push Processing – Can be pushed to ISO 800 or even 1600 for low-light shooting, with increased contrast and grain.

• Darkroom Printing – Works beautifully on both resin-coated and fiber-based papers.

For photographers new to film development, Kentmere stocks are very forgiving, making them a great entry point.

👉 Learn more about black and white film development techniques on Ilford Photo’s official guide.

---

Creative Uses of Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film

The Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film is suitable for a wide range of applications:

• Street Photography – Fast enough for handheld shots with changing light.

• Portraiture – Soft tonal transitions make it flattering for skin tones.

• Landscape – Wide exposure latitude captures rich details in skies and shadows.

• Documentary & Travel – A durable and reliable film that won’t disappoint when capturing important moments.

Its adaptability makes it a true workhorse for photographers at every level.

---

Comparisons with Other Black & White Films

• Kentmere PAN 100 – Lower ISO, finer grain, better for controlled lighting.

• Ilford HP5 Plus 400 – A premium cousin of Kentmere, with more latitude and slightly different tonal response.

• Kodak Tri-X 400 – Iconic film, higher contrast, and classic grain, but more expensive.

For those who want a budget-friendly yet high-quality option, the Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film holds its own against these industry standards.

---

Storing and Handling

To get the best results from your Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film:

• Store in a cool, dry place.

• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.

• Refrigeration is recommended for long-term storage (allow film to return to room temperature before use).

Proper handling ensures that your negatives stay stable and usable for years to come.

---

Why Buy Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film from Us?

At OneStopPhoto, we stock a wide range of black and white films including Kentmere, Ilford, and Foma. When you buy from us, you get:

• Fresh stock with long expiry dates.

• Secure packaging to protect film rolls.

• Reliable customer support for film and darkroom advice.

👉 Explore other related products in our store:

• Ilford HP5 Plus 120 Film 

• Fomapan 400 120 B&W Film 

• Wide Mouth Chemical Storage Bottle 

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film

Q1: What is Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film best used for?
A: The Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film is highly versatile and ideal for street, portrait, landscape, and everyday black and white photography. Its ISO 400 speed makes it excellent for both indoor and outdoor shooting.

Q2: Who makes Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film?
A: The film is manufactured by Harman Technology, the same company behind the world-famous Ilford Photo films and papers, ensuring reliable quality and consistency.

Q3: Can I push Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film to higher ISO speeds?
A: Yes. This Film can be pushed up to ISO 800 or even 1600 during development, although this will increase contrast and grain.

Q4: How should I store Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film?
A: For best results, store the film in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight. For long-term storage, refrigeration is recommended.

Q5: How does Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film compare to Ilford HP5 Plus?
A: Both are ISO 400 black and white films. Ilford HP5 Plus offers slightly more latitude and a different tonal response, while this Film is more affordable and still delivers excellent quality.

Q6: Is Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film suitable for beginners?
A: Absolutely. Its wide exposure latitude and forgiving nature make it an excellent choice for photographers who are just starting out with medium format film.

Q7: Can I develop Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film at home?
A: Yes. It can be developed easily with standard B&W chemistry such as Ilford ID-11, Kodak D-76, or Rodinal, making it perfect for home darkroom users.

Q8: Where can I buy Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film?
A: You can buy fresh stock from trusted film suppliers like OneStopPhoto.

---

Conclusion

The Kentmere PAN 400 120 Film is a superb choice for photographers who want a reliable, affordable, and versatile medium format black and white film. With its ISO 400 speed, balanced tones, and forgiving latitude, it is suitable for both beginners and professionals.

Whether you are capturing street life, portraits, or landscapes, this film consistently delivers excellent results at a fraction of the cost of premium alternatives. For anyone exploring the world of analog photography, Kentmere 400 120 Film is an essential stock to try.