Kentmere 200 Review: The Budget ISO 200 Film You Didn’t Know You Needed

There’s a quiet sort of thrill that comes with loading a new film stock into your camera. That first roll feels a bit like a handshake—you don’t know yet how it behaves, how it reacts to light, how it renders skin or concrete or the shadow under a tree at noon. But you’re ready to find out.

When Harman Technology announced Kentmere 200, I didn’t expect fireworks. This isn’t a premium emulsion. It’s not here to compete with HP5 or Delta 100. What it is, though, is something I think a lot of people have been quietly hoping for: a reliable, budget-friendly black-and-white film that sits comfortably between 100 and 400 speed. Something a bit gentler in contrast than Kentmere 400, but still versatile enough for everyday shooting.

And most importantly—it’s affordable.

In a time when even expired film can fetch eye-watering prices, a new ISO 200 film both in 35mm and medium format that you can buy in bulk and shoot freely is kind of a big deal. Kentmere 200 might just become the everyday film we didn’t know we were waiting for.

Getting to Know the Film

The first thing you notice with Kentmere 200—is that it handles light with a kind of quiet confidence. It doesn’t scream contrast or drama. There’s a softness here, not in the sense of blur or lack of sharpness, but in how it rounds off highlights and leans into midtones with grace.

Grain? Yes, it’s there—but finely structured, less chunky than Kentmere 400, and almost nostalgic in texture. It reminds me of the kinds of photos you'd find in a shoebox at a flea market. Not perfect, but rich in atmosphere.

Metering at box speed gives you clean, well-balanced exposures, especially in soft light. There’s detail in the shadows, and highlights hold better than expected for a film at this price point. It thrives in overcast conditions—cloud-filtered daylight seems to bring out the best in it.

And while it might not be the ideal choice for harsh sunlight or high-contrast scenes (those highlights can blow if you’re not careful), it rewards careful exposure and, more importantly, an openness to imperfection.

In a way, it feels like a film made for wandering. For shooting without pressure. For capturing those quiet moments between destinations—train stations, half-finished cups of coffee, unremarkable corners of familiar streets that still feel worth remembering.

The Technical Bit (and Why It Loves a Good Camera Scan)

Kentmere 200 is a traditional cubic-grain black-and-white film, meaning it responds well to a variety of developers and isn’t overly finicky about exposure. That flexibility is a blessing, especially if you’re scanning your negatives at home.

One of the things that makes this film especially scanner-friendly is its flat contrast curve. It doesn’t punch blacks and whites as aggressively as some high-contrast films do, which means you retain a good amount of shadow and highlight detail—ideal for camera scanning workflows where you want room to adjust your tones digitally.

Even with a basic setup—a DSLR or mirrorless camera, macro lens, and a light source—you’ll find Kentmere 200 gives you beautiful grayscale gradation with minimal post-work. The grain, while present, scans nicely without turning into mush or harsh artifacts. It's a forgiving film, both in exposure and in the edit.

Another plus: it dries flat. This might sound minor, but anyone who’s ever tried to camera scan curly negatives knows the struggle, unless you are using something like VALOI's easy35 or easy120, then you'll run into no trouble at all. Kentmere 200’s base isn’t too thick, but sturdy enough to hold shape, making it ideal for holders or even DIY setups with anti-newton glass.

In short? It’s a budget film that feels like it was made for the DIY photographer—the kind of film that encourages you to shoot more and worry less. Whether you're building up your first black-and-white archive or just want something reliable to bring along on your daily walks, Kentmere 200 makes a quiet case for itself with every roll.

Final Thoughts

Kentmere 200 isn’t flashy. It’s not trying to be the sharpest or the most dramatic. But that’s exactly where its charm lies. It’s a film that asks you to slow down, to observe, to shoot with a sense of quiet curiosity rather than pressure.

It performs beautifully for what it is: an affordable, flexible, and surprisingly elegant black-and-white film. Whether you're scanning at home, printing in the darkroom, or simply building confidence in your shooting process, it holds up.

In a world where film prices are climbing and stocks are vanishing, the arrival of Kentmere 200 feels like a small act of care—a film made not just for collectors or professionals, but for everyone. For students, for wanderers, for those rediscovering the joy of the ordinary.

And maybe that’s what makes it special.

Buy Kentmere PAN 200 in 35mm and Medium Format (120). 

All images were made on a Leica MP + 50mm Summicron f/2

Developed in Ilford ID-11 and camera scanned with a Nikon D850 and 55mm Mikro Nikkor f/2.8