The world of black and white film photography offers a plethora of options for enthusiasts, each film with its unique character and performance. Among these, Kentmere 100 has carved a niche as a budget-friendly yet quality film. In this review of Kentmere 100, we delve into the film’s attributes, comparing it with Fomapan 100, Ilford FP4 Plus, and its sibling Kentmere 400, to provide a comprehensive insight for photographers on a budget.
Kentmere 100 Overview:
Kentmere 100, a product of Harman Technology, holds a reputation for being a good-quality, budget-friendly film stock. It’s a boon for price-conscious photographers looking to explore the black and white realm without compromising too much on image quality. The recent availability of Kentmere 100 in 120 format since December 2022 has further broadened its appeal, allowing medium format photographers to enjoy its benefits.
Comparative Analysis:
Kentmere 100 vs. Fomapan 100: Kentmere 100 has a slight edge over Fomapan 100 in terms of performance. While both are aimed at budget-conscious photographers, Kentmere 100 delivers finer grain and better sharpness. Fomapan 100, although cheaper, tends to have a more pronounced grain structure that might not appeal to everyone.
Kentmere 100 vs. Ilford FP4 Plus: When compared to Ilford FP4 Plus, Kentmere 100 is a more budget-friendly option, albeit with a slight trade-off in tonal richness. FP4 Plus is known for its wide tonal range and fine grain, attributes that are somewhat subdued in Kentmere 100. However, the cost-effectiveness of Kentmere 100 makes it a viable alternative for those looking to save on costs.
Kentmere 100 vs. Kentmere 400: The comparison within the family brings out the distinct characteristics of each film. Kentmere 400, with its higher ISO, is better suited for lower light conditions and action photography, while Kentmere 100, with its finer grain, is more suited for well-lit conditions or controlled lighting environments.
Quality for Price:
Kentmere 100 stands as a commendable choice for price-conscious photographers. Its performance, although not on par with higher-end films like Ilford FP4 Plus, still holds its ground, especially when compared to other budget films like Fomapan 100. The finer grain and reasonable sharpness of Kentmere 100 make it a worthy contender in the budget film segment.
Conclusion:
Kentmere 100 emerges as a viable choice for those venturing into black and white film photography on a budget. Its decent performance, coupled with its affordability and now the added availability in 120 format, makes it an attractive option for both 35mm and medium format photographers. While it may not match the tonal richness of some pricier counterparts, its overall performance, especially when compared to Fomapan 100, makes it a film stock that budget-conscious photographers should consider.