Kentmere 400

[sksaito]

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I am new to film and need some help regarding Kentmere 400 film. I tried it for the first time, pushing it two stops. I read online that it produces decent results pushed. It didn't come out very well. All shots seemed overexposed. I used my M3 which has accurate shutter speeds and a newly purchased accurate Gossen light meter. I used a yellow filter on a 35mm 3.5 Summaron so I compensated by one stop slower shutter speed. I didn't develop the film myself but used the same guys who have developed all my previous films correctly. Is it me or the film?

[andybarton]

So, you shot the film at 1600? What ISO did you have the meter set to?

 

Did you tell the lab what you'd done?

 

With the filter use as well, I think that ou have made it all a bit complicated for a first experiment with a new film.

[Michael Hiles]

Respectfully, the manufacturer went to some trouble to produce a 400 ASA film, and almost certainly labeled it correctly. An reasonable argument can be made that it will perform best by exposing it for 400 ASA. Better yet, do a scientifically-based test to find out what your personal film speed is with this film and developer, using your camera/meter. Is it you or the film? You need to figure out what you are doing by starting from a fixed position that has a good chance of success, and only then make changes from the normal, one factor at a time.

[sksaito]

Thanks. I will try again. I'm so used to TriX or HP5 pushed and looking good or at least decent, I guess I got spoiled to a certain extent. Kentmere was cheaper.

[sksaito]

My meter was set at 1600 and the lab was aware of the push x2. I should have tried ISO 400 the first time I tried the film. Is Kentmere rebranded Delta 400?

[rpopescu]

Regarding the yellow filter: I think overexposing by one stop is a bit too much. I've seen this value mentioned elsewhere many times, but personally - for the way I measure and shoot - I find that a regular yellow filter should not be compensated for at all.

 

I've first reached this decision by measuring through my M6 meter, a Gossen meter and an iPhone app meter, the same scene with and without the filter. The readings were the same, within a quarter of a stop.

 

A Leica orange filter I have measures 1 to 1.1 stops lower.

 

YMMV - like I said, this fits the way I handle the entire process from measuring, exposing and developing. I would however like an explanation for the discrepancy between what is common knowledge and the measurements and results I've got (preferably one that doesn't assume more than it should, or otherwise put passes Occam's razor

 

Cheers,

Radu