My thoughts on Kentmere pan 400

In this video I look at a recent portrait shoot where I used Kentmere pan 400 film.
instagram @lewiswilliamsonphoto

[@chumleyk]

IME, Kentmere 400 is exactly the same as Tri-X 400. I just can't separate the two under most conditions.

[@gonzalocervero5492]

Wonderful pictures. I love those portraits.

[@citizenalbatross]

I admire the way her black skirt and creases in the shirt just added that extra bit of shadow and blacks.

[@DavidGriffin]

You should do this again with Ilford Pan F + 50

[@forzalupapc]

2:45 the best for me

[@richardsimms251]

There are some wonderful images of the lady model. Really quite professional. I use a Nikon F3 HP too although the skill of the photographer is certainly more important than the exact camera used. The images here are much, much better than some of the images of the model in another video in which trees were “coming straight up out of her head”. The background is important too. Thank you for this video and other excellent ones. RS. Canada

[@dave1070]

New subscriber here, enjoyed this video and your varied compositions. As I'm a semi retired pro photographer, Kentmere 400 is my go-to high speed film, while FP4 is my lower speed choice, both bulk loaded. I really like the contrast and moderate grain of Kentmere 400 processed in Caffenol. The key is a gentle 5x initial/2x agitation routine. It also pushes very nicely to 1600 with a semi-stand development. Sure, it's not HP5, but I have learned how to get solid results from it. If you used stock D-76 for these, try 1:1 and gentle agitation next time. I think you'll see a difference in the grain and tonality. Cheers!

[@lewiswilliamson2444]

Awesome thanks for the advise I’ll have to give it a try

[@simseeye6725]

Very interesting video ! I just finished a roll of K100 (+1), and I started a roll of k400. Never used any Kentmere film before. Here are my thoughts, after seeing your video : 1) First, thanks for sharing :) 2) I think you did a really good job with the posing ! Good location too, good framing, and nice light. Well done ! 3) The grain doesn't bother me one bit, but I tend to like grainy films so... The lack of contrast could bother me more, but since I often shoot in strong light (not by choice, it's just that I spend a lot of time shooting at the dropzone, and skydivers often jump when the sky is clear, so...), it could also help retain some of the highlights. I'll see when I develop them. Don't know what it will look like in Rodinal. Could make a difference. Overall, seems like a decent film, especially for the price. Thanks again for sharing !

[@thatfellarosto]

I get more contrast and a bit more grain in 1+25 dilution rodinal, and its even cheaper bulk rolling it which is what im doing at the moment

[@Marcello1b]

Beautiful photos, great subject, beautiful sun timing, juste perfect balance contrast for my test, perfect for portraits. I have to get kentmere. For what I saw, maybe with much sun, kentmere keep it in a balance dynamic range. Ilford got a good made of theirs. I like also Acros II, T-Max or Tri-x. But on a beach, Acros would have been interesting. Still, kentmere seems perfect for this beach portraits.

[@christophsauer2857]

Your photos (and that video) inspire so much to take out my Nikon film FE2 again. Thanks for that. Can you just tell something about which settings you used in those shots? Do you shoot normally with very open aperture? Would appreciate hearing about your preferences. And keep on with your work. P.S: Your model is gorgeous.

Nice bro, I like contrast this film!

[@lewiswilliamson2444]

thanks. Yeah I had to add a bit of contrast after scanning cause I like a bit more contrast with black and white

[@henrystrickland5958]

Another great video. Model is gorgeous and allows you to capture some awesome photos. The grain structure appears similar to HP5, but appears to have even more grain.

[@lewiswilliamson2444]

Hey thanks so much, yeah she is a great model

[@arricammarques1955]

I prefer Kentmere Pan 400 than Kodak Tri-X.

[@robscovell5951]

Just out of interest, what are your reasons?

[@coreystreem97]

Enjoyed this video man. What developer are you using?

[@lewiswilliamson2444]

these were done with d76, I normally use ilfotec hc but I had run out. and I always have a packet of d76 around for a backup

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

Don't shoot b&w, so I have nothing to compare Pan 400 to, however, the posing and images are top notch.

[@mynewcolour]

7:00 really nice man. How did you develop these rolls?

[@furiouzzzz]

can you give some details how did you develop the film?

[@jamesvdm]

Nice one

[@lewiswilliamson2444]

Thanks 🔥

[@michaelkonkel4394]

I like Kentmere 400, but it's absurd to shoot 400 ASA at the beach.

[@DavidGriffin]

For the shallow dof, I'm guessing an ND filter

[@tazkforcealpha]

It's very noisy and contrasty. Do you think pulling it for 200 would reduce grain and make the tones smoother?

[@joseerazevedo]

I'd the impression its highlights are somewhat restricted. Really a flat film. But good for its purpose: students, beginners anthose looking for a cheaper predictable filmd