If you’re a fan of film photography (Kentmere Pan 100 Macro Photography) and love exploring the tiny wonders of the world through macro, Kentmere Pan 100 might just become your new favourite companion. This affordable black-and-white film stock is a hidden gem for photographers seeking fine detail, smooth tonal range, and a classic aesthetic. In this post, I’ll share my personal experience using Kentmere Pan 100 for indoor macro photography, including tips and insights for getting the best results.



What Makes Kentmere Pan 100 Macro Photography so Special?

Kentmere Pan 100 is a 35mm black-and-white film stock produced by Harman Technology, the same company behind the renowned Ilford line. While it’s considered a budget-friendly option, don’t let the price fool you—this film delivers remarkable results. Here are a few reasons why it’s well-suited for macro photography:

  • Fine Grain: The low ISO (100) means incredibly fine grain, making it ideal for capturing the intricate details of macro subjects.
  • Smooth Tonal Range: Kentmere Pan 100 handles highlights and shadows beautifully, giving your photos a timeless look.
  • Sharpness: When paired with a quality macro lens, this film delivers excellent sharpness, ensuring even the smallest textures pop.
  • Affordability: It’s perfect for experimenting without breaking the bank, especially if you’re just getting into film-based macro photography.
Kentmere Pan 100 Macro Photography by Stephen Paul Young - Air Pellet Tin
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My Setup for Indoor Macro Photography with Kentmere Pan 100

To give you a sense of how I approached this project, here’s the gear and setup I used:

  • Camera: Canon EOS 300v – A reliable film SLR that pairs well with modern lenses.
  • Lens: Sigma 105mm Macro Lens – Its sharpness and close-focusing capabilities made it the perfect choice for capturing tiny details.
  • Film Stock: Kentmere Pan 100 – Chosen for its fine grain and classic black-and-white aesthetic.
  • Lighting: Two LED desk lamps diffused with tracing paper to create soft, even lighting.
  • Subjects: A mix of everyday objects—from fabric textures to household tools—to explore their hidden beauty.
Kentmere Pan 100 Macro Photography by Stephen Paul Young - Baseball/
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Shooting Tips for Macro Photography with Kentmere Pan 100

Whether you’re new to macro photography or experienced with film, these tips will help you make the most of Kentmere Pan 100:

  1. Use a Tripod
    Shooting macro often means working with shallow depths of field and slower shutter speeds. A tripod ensures stability and keeps your shots razor-sharp.
  2. Focus Manually
    Autofocus can struggle in macro photography, especially with film. Switch to manual focus and take your time to ensure precision.
  3. Meter for the Highlights
    Kentmere Pan 100 has a lovely tonal range, but it’s always wise to protect your highlights. Use a light meter or your camera’s built-in meter to expose carefully.
  4. Experiment with Lighting
    The texture and detail of macro subjects often depend on creative lighting. Try side lighting or backlighting to emphasise shapes and patterns.
  5. Bracket Your Shots
    Since film doesn’t give you instant feedback, bracketing your shots ensures you’ll get the exposure you want.
Kentmere Pan 100 Macro Photography by Stephen Paul Young - Dice
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Developing Kentmere Pan 100 for Macro Photography

Developing your own film can be a rewarding part of the process, and Kentmere Pan 100 is easy to work with. Here are a few tips for development:

  • Developer Choice: I used Ilford Ilfotec DDX, which works beautifully with Kentmere Pan 100 to bring out fine details and maintain smooth tonal transitions.
  • Development Time: Follow the recommended times provided by the developer’s datasheet, but don’t hesitate to experiment slightly based on your shooting conditions.
  • Agitation: Gentle, consistent agitation ensures even development, which is crucial for macro shots where every detail counts.
Kentmere Pan 100 Macro Photography by Stephen Paul Young - Tin of Air Pellets
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Results: Why Kentmere Pan 100 Shines in Macro

After processing and scanning the negatives, I was thrilled with the results. Here are some standout features:

  • Incredible Detail: The fine grain of Kentmere Pan 100 captured the tiniest textures, from the weave of a fabric to the delicate ridges of a coin.
  • Beautiful Contrast: The tonal range was perfect for emphasising the depth and shape of macro subjects, without losing details in the shadows or highlights.
  • Timeless Aesthetic: There’s something about black-and-white film that feels inherently artistic, and Kentmere Pan 100 delivered that classic look effortlessly.
Kentmere Pan 100 Macro Photography by Stephen Paul Young - Camera Lens
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Why Choose Film for Macro Photography?

In a digital world, why go through the extra effort of shooting macro on film? Here’s why I love it:

  • Slows Down the Process: Shooting film forces you to be deliberate, which is essential in macro photography where every detail matters.
  • Unique Look: Film has a texture and depth that digital often struggles to replicate, adding character to your photos.
  • Tactile Experience: From loading the film to winding the advance lever, the hands-on nature of film photography is deeply satisfying.
Kentmere Pan 100 Macro Photography by Stephen Paul Young - Penknife / Pocket Knife
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Kentmere Pan 100 Review: Is the Film Right for You?

If you’re curious about exploring black-and-white macro photography on film, Kentmere Pan 100 is an excellent choice. Its fine grain, sharpness, and affordability make it perfect for beginners and seasoned photographers alike. Whether you’re shooting intricate patterns on natural objects or exploring the textures of everyday items, this film delivers results that are both technically impressive and artistically inspiring, in my opinion, the best film for macro photography.

Kentmere Pan 100 Macro Photography by Stephen Paul Young - Tea Strainer
Buy this print – Tea Strainer

So grab a roll, load up your favourite SLR, and start uncovering the tiny details that often go unnoticed. You might just fall in love with the timeless charm of macro photography on film.

Kentmere Pan 100 Macro Photography

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