Photosensitive ZnCdS (ZCS) nanoparticles in a CdS matrix were formed by screen printing of ZnS and CdCl2 powders followed by sintering at high temperature in argon. The sintering of the film at high temperatures resulted in the formation of ZnCdS particles by an ion interchange reaction followed by a solid state reaction. It was observed that the film composition depends on the sintering atmosphere (argon in the present case) and sintering temperature. The photosensitivity of the film depends on parameters like film composition, sintering ambient and sintering temperature. Influence of these parameters on the dark and photocurrent characteristics of ZCS:CdS film is explained by taking into consideration the presence of deep acceptor centers related to Cd and Zn vacancies and shallow donor levels due to S vacancies in the films.