KENTMERE 400

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Kentmere Pan 400—a cracking black-and-white film from the folks at Ilford’s sister brand, Kentmere. This stuff is brilliant, affordable, and honestly one of the most versatile options out there if you’re looking to dip your toes—or dive headfirst—into monochrome film photography. It’s the kind of roll that won’t break the bank but still delivers the goods. So, let’s unpack what makes it tick and why it’s worth a spot in your camera bag.

First things first: Kentmere Pan 400 is a 400 ISO black-and-white film, which means it’s got a nice balance of speed and flexibility. It’s fast enough to handle overcast days, indoor shots, or even a bit of action without needing a tripod, but it’s not so grainy that you’re drowning in texture—unless that’s your vibe, of course. The grain’s there, don’t get me wrong—it’s got that classic film look—but it’s fine and controlled, giving you sharp, punchy contrast that makes your images pop. Whether you’re shooting moody portraits, gritty street scenes, or quiet landscapes, this film adapts like a champ. And the price? It’s a steal. Ilford’s premium stocks like HP5 or Delta are ace, but Kentmere Pan 400 brings that same quality DNA to a budget-friendly level. Perfect for beginners or anyone who’d rather spend their cash on coffee than overpriced emulsion.

Oh, quick heads-up—I made a little boo-boo in the footage. At one point, I mention a shutter speed of 1/12050. Ha! Yeah, that’s not a thing unless you’ve got a camera from the future. I meant 1/1250—still fast, but, you know, actually possible. Just keeping you on your toes there!

So, where can you grab some? If you’re a multi-millionaire with cash to burn—or just really love one-click shopping—you can pick it up on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3OdkmnB. But if you’re after a better deal or just fancy something a bit more interesting, I’d point you to this eBay seller instead. They’ve got Kentmere Pan 400 and a whole lineup of great, unique films at prices that won’t make your wallet cry: https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/northernfilm. Once you’ve shot your rolls, you’ll need them developed and scanned, right? These folks are absolute gems for that—top-notch service and results you’ll love: https://www.analoguefilms.co.uk.

What I love about Kentmere Pan 400 is how forgiving it is. You can push it a stop or two if you’re in a pinch—say, to 800 or 1600—and it still holds up, with a bit more grain and contrast to spice things up. Or keep it at box speed and enjoy clean, classic black-and-white tones. It’s not fussy about developers either, so whether you’re a D-76 fan or swear by Rodinal, it’ll play nice. For the price, it’s almost silly how much you get out of it—pro-level vibes without the pro-level cost.

So, if you’re into black-and-white film—or just curious about giving it a go—Kentmere Pan 400 is a no-brainer. It’s cheap, it’s cheerful, and it’s got that Ilford pedigree backing it up. Have you tried it yet? Let me know your thoughts—or your favorite budget film—down below. And if you liked this, stick around for more film goodies. Cheers for watching!