Seeing If Kentmere 200 Is Any Good...

[Sanug]

The halation of Kentmere 200 is stronger. The reason is the film base. Kentmere 100 and 400 have a darker base which supresses the halation better than the lighter base of Kentmere 200.

As far as I know, the Kentmere films do not have an anti halation layer. In 120 it is visible if you prewash: The water of FP4 or HP5 is colored dark grey after the prewash, while the water of all Kentmere films remains clear.

Kentmere 400

 

[Prest_400]

IIRC the antihalation is a difference between Ilford and Kentmere films. I just went back to check the thread when these (100/400) were introduced, specially in 120 where discussions about differences were made. Some quotes:

Somewhere in the myriad of internet locations that Harman shares things, there is or was information about how their two film product lines compare.
And included in that is a reference to the fact that the difference in the level of anti-halation incorporated in the films helps contribute to being able to sell the Kentmere products at a reduced cost to customers like the educational markets.
It isn't that there is no anti-halation. It is that the anti-halation is less.
Of course, with 120 that is probably less important because of the backing paper.

Hello Matt,

I can confirm that.
When I first used the Kentmere films the less effective (worse) anti-halation capabilities compared to the in that regard excellent Ilford films was one of the first differences and characteristics I realized comparing the films.
The difference was obvious and clearly visible in the final results.
During our amazing factory tour in Mobberley we talked about these differences as well and I got my test results confirmed.
To be able to offer both Kentmere films at significantly lower price some cost reductions in the production process had to be made. Therefore also the quality compromise in anti-halation effectiveness.

Nevertheless the Kentmeres offer very good value, especially for beginners and photographers on a very tight budget.
I am using them mainly for applications in my photo test lab, when I need many films for certain camera and lens tests, and when their disadvantages are irrelevant and don't play a role.

That Harman technology / Ilford Photo is now offering both films in 120 format as well is an excellent decision.
When I've read it I thought "finally"........

Best regards,
Henning

So would it be just less effective AH? as perfecting that quality requires more expensive components and processes. Anyways, is there really any B&W film with very weak or no antihalation at all? Foma does have in 120, but perhaps quite weak to none in 35mm https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/fomapan-400-anti-halation-lack-thereof.201814/
Lucky SHD up until the 2010s discontinuation also exhibited a lot of halation, which does not seem to be like that anymore in the "new" versions.

Anyways, back to K200. Still have to try it, but if it exhibits generous halation that is a desired characteristic for many photographers. I haven't checked any comparisons to Eastman Double-X, which has been quite popular respooled/refinished.

 

[Sanug]

Other films with no or low antihalation:

Foma Ortho 400
Orwo UN54
Kodak Double-X
Orwo NP27 (long time discontinued. Not tested.)

A gray base reduces halation without a dedicated antihalation layer. However, an antihalation layer is more effective.

Films with a clear base and a very effective antihalation layer are Adox HR-50 and CHS-100.

The "glow" shown by films with a lacking antihalation layer may be seen as beautiful or annoying, dependent on the object. Sometimes I like it, sometimes not. And on low contrast images you may not see any halation anyway.

Kentmere 200-120

Kentmere 200-135

Original Wolfen UN54