i35mm

Kentmere Pan 400 Black and White Film

ISO 400 black and white film is a popular choice for capturing human subjects due to its high tolerance and larger grains. Kodak Tri-X 400 has gained a devoted following for its ability to handle push processing, allowing it to be used at ISO 800 or even pushed to ISO 3200. However, Kentmere 400, the film we are discussing today, is best used at its rated ISO 400 and should not be pushed beyond that. Its pricing reflects this recommendation.

Regarding Kentmere’s contrast, the film’s manufacturer remains a mystery, with some speculating it could be Ilford due to their shared UK base. Nonetheless, Ilford’s PAN 400 is considered to be of superior quality compared to Kentmere. Kentmere struggles with low-light situations and tends to produce deep blacks, leading to an overall high contrast look that can make images appear harsh, particularly when shooting with high contrast lenses or in high contrast scenes. Personally, I find it best to avoid using Kentmere in bright noon sunlight.

On the other hand, Kentmere 400 performs exceptionally well for indoor and subway portraits, creating a clean, bright look reminiscent of its white packaging. It appears to have a built-in half-stop yellow filter effect and also handles foggy weather with ease.

Master Photographer Frank Horvat and leica

You will fall in love with his work just by looking at it

Looking at Frank Horvat’s work always gives one a relaxed and spontaneous feeling. Whether it is commercial work or street work, it exudes a spirit of euphoria and optimism. And this spirit is not built by relying on clean backgrounds and telling circumstances, but rather capturing a moment when the characters shine. He does not shoot surprisingly like other photographers, nor does he shoot seriously like some photographers, simply put, you will fall in love with his work at first glance.

I think it is difficult to introduce Frank Horvat in a sentence or two, or in an article, because he is a fashion photographer who is also very good in the field of street photography and is also famous for photographing club girls. Sometimes photographers don’t know how to be themselves.

Frank Horvat has taken a lot of black and white photos, but also a lot of color photos. But from his black and white photos I see more or “open”, no excessive sense of obstinacy, are naturally emitting a kind of optimistic calmness. This is perhaps the secret of his longevity. You can see that he was a very cheerful man.

Leica in Babylon Berlin Season 4

Babylon Berlin has reached the fourth season, a lot of night scenes, indoor light sources, certainly used Leica film lenses …… This is a very careful about photography episodes. Already to the fourth, very good oh, full of details. The first episode showed a Leica camera, and flash.

Contax g2 Planar 45mm f2 Black&White

Brand Name	CONTAX
Filter Size	46MM
Focus Type	AUTOFOCUS (CAMERA MOTOR)
Lens Mount	CONTAX G
Lens Type	STANDARD / NORMAL
Max Focal Length	45MM
Min Focal Length	45MM

Leica M6

I’ve always cherished Leica cameras for their blend of beauty and utility, and the Leica M6 stands out as a masterpiece. It’s intuitive, reliable, and—for me—the heart of my collection alongside the M3, M2, and CL.

Metering Magic

In film photography, exposure is everything. The M6’s built-in TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering system is a revelation—precise and stable, reading light off the shutter curtain with uncanny accuracy. Forget the “Sunny 16” rule’s guesswork; this camera gives me confidence to nail every shot, especially when transitioning from digital to film. It’s a trusted ally for capturing fleeting moments without second-guessing.

Iconic Design

The M6’s look is pure Leica: sleek lines, a bold red dot, and a choice of silver TTL or black Classic finishes. I started with the silver TTL, but the black body’s mystique won me over—its understated elegance keeps my focus on the frame. At 580g (body only), it’s hefty yet balanced, a tactile reminder of German craftsmanship.

A Personal Passion

My Leica journey began with the groundbreaking M3, moved to the compact CL, and peaked with the M6. That red dot isn’t just a logo—it’s a symbol of my devotion to photography’s art. After a decade with these cameras, the M6 remains my go-to for its blend of legacy and function.

Tech Note:

Metering: TTL, center-weighted
Shutter: 1s to 1/1000s, mechanical
Weight: 580g (body)
Price (2024): ~$2,500-$3,500 used

Manufacturer: Schneider-Kreuznach – Leica
Optics: 8 elements in 4 groups
Aperture range: f/3.4 to f/22
Filter: M 48 X 0.75 Thread – or Series 7 (held in place by the hood)
Maximum Outer Diameter: 52.5mm
Weight: about 250g (black version, without caps)
Lens code number: 11103
Lens hood code number: 12501 (12501M)
Front lens cap code number: 14102 (A52.5)
External viewfinder code number: 12002
Leather case for viewfinder code number: 14617

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