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First Impressions of Kentmere 35mm Film
Kentmere Pan 400 has always intrigued me as an affordable, versatile black-and-white film stock. On the evening of December 19th, with Christmas just around the corner, I ventured to Borough Market in London to put this film to the test. Armed with my trusty Canon 300V and a roll of Kentmere 35mm film, I was ready to capture the bustling energy of festive shoppers under the cool winter sky.
The film’s ISO 400 rating seemed like a good match for the mixed lighting conditions of the market: strings of fairy lights, glowing shop signs, and occasional dim pockets of shadow. Shooting at night presents its own challenges, but I was eager to see how Kentmere’s grain structure and tonal range would perform in such an atmospheric setting.
The Atmosphere: Christmas at Borough Market
Borough Market, with its historic architecture and vibrant energy, is always a feast for the senses. On this particular evening, it was alive with the sights and sounds of Christmas. Shoppers, bundled in coats and scarves, wandered between stalls laden with festive treats: mulled wine, mince pies, and artisanal gifts. Strings of warm lights crisscrossed the market’s arches, creating a magical glow that contrasted beautifully with the cool December night.
Despite the chill in the air, the market was crowded. Street musicians played festive tunes, their melodies weaving through the hum of conversation and laughter. The combination of movement, light, and shadow made it an ideal setting to explore the capabilities of Kentmere Pan 400.
My Camera Setup
For this shoot, I used my Canon 300V, a reliable 35mm SLR that pairs beautifully with fast black-and-white film. I shot the Kentmere Pan 400 at box speed, relying on the camera’s built-in light meter to navigate the complex lighting of the market. Most shots were taken handheld, though I used a wide aperture and adjusted my shutter speed to account for the lower light levels.
While I didn’t push the film, I was curious to see how it handled the natural contrasts of nighttime photography and whether the grain would complement the mood of the scenes.
Capturing the Market’s Energy
The Warm Glow of Food Stalls
One of my first shots captured the warm glow of a food stall selling mulled wine. Steam rose from the large pots, illuminated by the golden fairy lights strung above. The high contrast of the scene—bright highlights against deep shadows—tested Kentmere’s ability to retain detail in both ends of the spectrum.
Crowds in Motion
Shoppers carried bags of goodies while chatting and sipping hot drinks. Using a slightly slower shutter speed, I introduced a sense of motion blur to highlight the hustle and bustle of the evening. Kentmere’s grain added a texture that felt organic, complementing the dynamic atmosphere.
Light and Shadow: A Photographer’s Playground
Illuminated Signage
Borough Market’s eclectic mix of old and new architecture was another focus of my shoot. The interplay of light and shadow created a dramatic effect that Kentmere handled beautifully. The midtones were smooth, while the highlights and shadows had a pleasing contrast.
Quiet Corners
Amid the hustle, I sought out quieter corners of the market. Kentmere’s grain structure gave it a timeless quality, evoking the feel of classic street photography.
Technical Observations
Grain and Tonality
One of Kentmere Pan 400’s standout features is its grain. While not as fine as some premium black-and-white films, it’s consistent and well-balanced. In the night shots, the grain added a layer of texture that enhanced the mood rather than detracting from the detail. The film’s tonal range was impressive, capturing a good amount of detail in both the highlights and shadows, even in challenging lighting.
Sharpness and Detail
Considering the handheld nature of most shots, I was pleased with the sharpness Kentmere delivered. The film’s ability to resolve fine detail in busy scenes, like the intricate ironwork of the market’s structure, was commendable. It’s a film that holds its own, even in demanding scenarios.
Reflections on the Experience
Shooting Kentmere 35mm at Borough Market was a rewarding experience. The film’s affordability makes it an excellent choice for experimentation, but its performance proves it’s more than just a budget option. It’s versatile, reliable, and full of character—qualities that make it a great companion for night photography.
If you’re considering trying Kentmere Pan 400, I’d highly recommend taking it out in similar conditions. The film thrives in environments with rich contrasts and varied lighting, making it ideal for capturing the energy and atmosphere of urban settings at night.
Conclusion
Shooting with Kentmere 35mm at Borough Market was a delightful way to embrace the festive spirit while exploring the nuances of this black-and-white film. Its grain, tonal range, and affordability make it a fantastic option for night photography and beyond. I look forward to using it in future projects and seeing how it performs in other settings.
Have you tried Kentmere Pan 400? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, or share your favorite locations for nighttime film photography!
