Kentmere film

The History of Kentmere

Kentmere takes its name from the Kentmere Valley in England's Lake District, close to where Harman Technology's paper-coating heritage began. The Kentmere name was originally used for photographic paper before being applied to a dedicated line of budget black and white film, manufactured by Harman Technology, the same Mobberley, Cheshire company that produces Ilford film.

Kentmere was designed to give photography students, hobbyists and anyone shooting in volume access to genuine UK-made black and white film at a lower price point than Ilford's core HP5 Plus and FP4 Plus lines, produced on the same production lines using decades of manufacturing expertise. In 2025, Harman Technology expanded the range with the launch of Kentmere Pan 200, sitting between the existing 100 and 400 speed options.

Kentmere's Camera Film Ranges

Kentmere Pan 100 is a fine-grain, slower speed film suited to bright conditions and maximum sharpness. Kentmere Pan 200, the newest addition to the range launched in 2025, offers a flexible middle ground between the 100 and 400 speed stocks.

Kentmere Pan 400 is a faster, more versatile film for variable lighting, making it a popular choice for street and everyday photography. Both 35mm and 120 medium format rolls are available across the range.

Choosing the Right Kentmere Film

For bright daylight and studio work, choose Pan 100. For flexible everyday shooting, Pan 200 offers a good middle ground. For lower light or fast-moving subjects, go for Pan 400. As a budget-friendly alternative to Ilford's core range, Kentmere is an excellent starting point for anyone new to black and white film. Compare Kentmere film prices on Filmproof.