120 Kentmere 400
Product information
120 Kentmere 400| Manufacturer | KENTMERE |
| Film | KENTMERE 400 |
| ISO | 400 |
| Format | 120 |
Kentmere 400 120: The Economical Versatility of Medium Format
Shooting in medium format doesn't have to be a prohibitively expensive luxury. The Kentmere 400 120 film roll is the definitive gateway to experimenting with 6×6 or 6×7 cameras without fear of emptying your wallet. Manufactured by Harman Technology (the creators of Ilford), this high-sensitivity film gives you the freedom to shoot handheld. It is the ideal option for students, street photography and photographers looking for a reliable everyday workhorse.
What makes Kentmere 400 in 120 format so special?
Its greatest virtue is democratizing analog photography. Historically only available in 35mm, its arrival in 120 format has been a resounding success. It is a traditional cubic grain emulsion that inherits the quality control of the Ilford factory in Mobberley. Its generous ISO 400 sensitivity allows you to use fast shutter speeds, while the immense size of the medium format negative compensates for and disguises its grain, delivering surprisingly clean images for its low cost.
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Universal savings also in 35mm.
If you love the British reliability and the incredible price of this emulsion, use it without fear on a daily basis. Get this same workhorse in standard 35mm format to get the most out of your SLR camera for very little money.
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Technical Specifications and Basic Comparison
Knowing your material is vital to mastering exposure. We break down the exact chemical profile of this British workhorse.
- Format: Medium Format (120).
- Nominal sensitivity: ISO 400 / 27°.
- Emulsion type: Panchromatic black and white (Cubic Grain).
- Base support: Clear acetate (0.11 mm).
- Development: Standard B/W chemistry.
| Feature | Kentmere 400 120 | Ilford HP5 Plus 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Economical (Entry-level) | Professional (Premium) |
| Silver Content | Moderate | High (Better shadows) |
| Exposure Latitude | Good (Forgives slight errors) | Massive (Almost indestructible) |
Technical Variables of the Film
- Contrast and Tonal Range: Medium contrast. It offers a very versatile grayscale, avoiding harshness. It works great on cloudy days to add volume without blowing out skies.
- Spectral Sensitivity: Standard panchromatic. It records light faithfully. It reacts docilely and predictably to yellow and red contrast filters.
- Grain Structure: Visible traditional grain. In 35mm it is noticeable, but in the huge 120 negative it is diluted, achieving a very pleasant aesthetic balance.
- Acutance: Medium. Its transitions are organic and smooth, which makes it very forgiving for portrait photography where you are not looking for clinical sharpness that highlights flaws.
- Resolution (Resolving Power): Adequate. It allows high-quality standard enlargements thanks to the backing of Harman's manufacturing technology.
- Push/Pull Flexibility: Acceptable. You can push to ISO 800 obtaining a very attractive street contrast. Pushing to 1600 empties the shadows a lot.
- Base Support and Antihalation Layer: Acetate base from the Ilford family. It includes a very competent antihalation coating against internal reflections.
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Why buy your Kentmere 400 120 at Camera Market?
We have spent more than a decade processing liters of developer with Harman films in our lab. We are real, active analog professionals. We know that an economical film still demands premium care in its storage. We keep our Kentmere stock under strict thermal control. We dispatch your orders quickly within 24/48 hours with full traceability. If you have doubts about how to push this cheap film roll, a specialist technician will guide you over the phone with no obligation.
Pros and Cons of Kentmere 400 in 120
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The most affordable fast medium format, ideal for mass learning. | Less detail in deep shadows compared to Ilford HP5. |
| Excellent acetate base that dries completely flat and docile. | Extreme pushing (ISO 1600) generates grain that can be intrusive. |
| Very respectable error tolerance thanks to Ilford's strict controls. | Marked reciprocity failure; requires long exposures with a tripod at night. |
Comparison Table: Kentmere 400 vs. similar 120 film rolls
| Medium Format ISO 400 Film | Visual Profile and Grain | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Kentmere 400 120 | Medium organic grain, balanced contrast | Economical (Low) |
| Fomapan 400 120 | Very coarse grain, severe and vintage contrast | Super Economical (Very Low) |
| Ilford HP5 Plus 120 | Fine grain, massive latitude, silky grays | Premium (Medium-High) |
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The classic giants Top sellers in 120.
Find out which ISO 400 film rolls professionals are loading into their backs. Explore our black and white medium format 120 section to discover the lab's premium alternatives.
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Development Times for Kentmere 400 120 (at 20°C)
Sharing the cradle of Harman, this emulsion shines with standard chemicals. We show you the verified lab times for safe home processing.
| Developer | Dilution | Exposed ISO | Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ilford ID-11 / D-76 | Stock (Pure) | 400 | 9.5 min |
| Ilford ID-11 / D-76 | 1+1 | 400 | 14 min (Best tonal balance) |
| Kodak HC-110 | Dilution B | 400 | 5.5 min |
| Adox Rodinal | 1+25 | 400 | 7 min |
Camera Market Pro Tip: Tame its contrast by diluting
The most common beginner mistake with Kentmere 400 is developing it with HC-110 or Rodinal at high concentrations and complaining about sand-like grain and completely opaque shadows.
The lab technique: Being an economical film, it has fewer grams of pure silver than its brother the HP5. This makes it more prone to losing density in the shadows if the developer acts too quickly. To maximize the beauty of this film roll, always use your Ilford ID-11 (or D-76) developer diluted at a 1+1 ratio. This slower, compensating process jealously protects the highlights so they don't burn out, while the chemical keeps patiently digging out detail in the shadows. You'll get a 120 negative of an elegance unbecoming of its price.
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Physical Behavior and Scanability
We analyze one of the greatest triumphs of this budget film, which is an absolute delight for anyone who digitizes at their own desk.
Planarity (Film Curl)
Harman does not skimp on its bases. The acetate support of Kentmere is exactly as noble as that of its higher ranges. Upon drying, the thick 120 strip lies completely flat. Sliding these immense negatives through the plastic guides of your Epson scanner or your SLR camera holder will be a very quick process. You won't need anti-reflective glass to achieve clinical edge-to-edge focus.
Inversion profiles (Scanning)
Inverting Kentmere 400 in Negative Lab Pro is very forgiving. Its contrast linearity is excellent. Apply standard or "Linear" emulation profiles. Unlike more contrasty films, Kentmere retains enough raw information for you to increase the contrast (the blacks) yourself in Lightroom to your liking without breaking the image.
To the Limit: Extreme Exposure and the Zone System
Know the chemical boundaries of this low-cost film roll to avoid exposure scares.
Reciprocity Failure
It shows a light fatigue typical of classic emulsions. From 1 second of shutter speed, it requires technical compensation (using the Ilford factor $p=1.30$). If your light meter reads 10 seconds, the emulsion will require approximately 25 actual seconds of exposure. Using a tripod and patience is mandatory at night.
Extreme Push and Pull
It responds decently to pushing to ISO 800; contrast rises and grain sharpens aesthetically. However, pushing it to ISO 1600 or 3200 severely empties its shadows, requiring powerful developers such as Microphen to survive. Conversely, a Pull to ISO 200 on days of very harsh light will gift you an overwhelmingly rich range of grays.
Dynamic Range Map
It boasts an asymmetric exposure latitude. It retains highlights magnificently (it is difficult to irreversibly blow out the sky). However, its lower amount of silver makes it vulnerable to underexposure. If the deep shadow zone does not receive the correct light, it will block up. Always meter for the dark zones.
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Expert technical management Medium Format Lab.
We control the exact dilution times for you. Send us your exposed 120 roll so we can apply impeccable artisanal processing and a TIFF scan that will unveil its brutal sharpness.
Request Professional 120 Development
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Camera Market Pro Tip: The myth of the "cheap" film
It is common to hear in forums that Kentmere 400 is simply a "defective or cut-down HP5". This generates an unjustified fear of using it for serious work in medium format.
The technical reality from the lab: Kentmere has no flaws or defects. It is an emulsion designed from scratch with a chemical recipe that uses a lower density of silver halides in its coating. This drastically lowers its price. Photographically, this only means one thing: it does not have HP5's safety net against severe underexposures. If you learn to meter light correctly, always exposing for the shadows (adjusting your light meter to ISO 320 or metering the dark side of the face), you will obtain results in 120 format virtually indistinguishable from HP5, saving a great deal of money over the course of the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kentmere 400 120 (FAQ)
What is the real difference between Kentmere 400 and Ilford HP5 Plus?
Both are born in the same Harman factory in England. Kentmere has a somewhat lower silver content, which makes it more economical but slightly reduces its latitude. While HP5 forgives massive errors and pushes wonderfully up to ISO 3200, Kentmere demands more precise metering, although its final sharpness is very similar.
Is Fomapan 400 or Kentmere 400 better in 120 format?
Kentmere 400 is technically superior: it offers a true ISO 400, dries completely flat and has much more controlled grain. Fomapan 400 usually has a lower actual sensitivity (close to ISO 250), rougher grain and tends to curl upon drying, making scanning difficult.
Can I develop this film roll with Rodinal?
Yes, it is a very popular option. Developing Kentmere 400 with Rodinal (especially at 1+50 dilution) will emphasize the grain, but in medium format the result is very aesthetic and "street" due to the large negative size. For portraits with smooth skin, we recommend solvent developers such as D-76 or ID-11.
How much does it cost to develop this budget film roll at Camera Market?
We apply our base lab rate for manual black and white development in 120 format. We treat your Kentmere with the same artisanal rigor and premium chemicals as high-end brands. Check our website to add the TIFF scanning service and get the most out of your photos.
Can the 120 backing paper stain the film?
Harman uses the same high-quality backing paper for both Ilford and Kentmere. This guarantees that there is no ink transfer from the numbers to the emulsion. As a general tip, avoid storing exposed rolls in places with extreme heat or high humidity before developing them.
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Shoot medium format freely without straining your budget
The Kentmere 400 120 is the master key to mastering medium format at a sensible cost. Its amazing balance between ISO 400 sensitivity, sharpness backed by Ilford and a crushing price crown it as the perfect ammunition for students, experimental photographers and documentary makers who shoot massively in 6×6. Don't let the price of premium film rolls take away your desire to go out on the street with your TLR camera. Add generous batches of this film to your basket right now and take advantage of our fast insured shipping in 24/48 hours. Remember that our lab masters will process your economical rolls with the same chemical precision demanded by the big brands.
120 Kentmere 400 is in <strong>perfect working condition</strong>. Each unit has been rigorously inspected by our specialized technical team, guaranteeing optimal performance.
The specific cosmetic condition (possible signs of use, superficial scratches, etc.) is detailed in the actual photos of the product and in the full description.
The purchase includes the 120 Kentmere 400 and a <strong>warranty</strong> against manufacturing defects. As this is a second-hand product, accessories (caps, lens hood, case…) <strong>vary by unit</strong>.
Want to know exactly what this specific unit includes before buying? <strong>Message us via the website chat</strong> and we'll confirm right away.
All our products include a <strong>warranty</strong> covering any manufacturing defect or technical failure.
<strong>You can extend the warranty of your item:</strong>
- <strong>12 months</strong> of full coverage for only <strong>{price_12}</strong> (one-time payment)
- <strong>24 months</strong> of maximum peace of mind for <strong>{price_24}</strong> (one-time payment) — <em>recommended</em>
We also offer <strong>14-day no-questions-asked returns</strong>. If you're not completely satisfied, you can return it for a full refund.
At Camera Market, most of our items are imported from Europe, so orders can take up to <strong>14 calendar days</strong> to arrive at your address.
However, we offer expedited delivery of <strong>4 to 5 business days</strong> for selected products with immediate availability. All shipments include a <strong>tracking number</strong> so you can track your order in real time.
Comprar the 120 Kentmere 400 reacondicionado y certificado en Camera Market te ofrece <strong>múltiples ventajas</strong>:
- <strong>Significant savings:</strong> Prices up to 40-60% lower than new, without compromising quality or performance
- <strong>Guaranteed quality:</strong> Each product is inspected, tested and verified by specialized technicians
- <strong>Warranty included:</strong> standard coverage, extendable with the optional extension
- <strong>Sustainable purchase:</strong> You contribute to the circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of electronics
- <strong>Accessible professional equipment:</strong> Get high-end models at more competitive prices
Our refurbished photography equipment maintains the same optical and technical performance as new. Depreciation does not affect image quality or performance, only the price.
