Join a mid-week photo walk with the Wednesday Gang, focusing on the vibrant streets of Christie Pits and Koreatown using Kentmere 100 film.
After some time away from Kentmere 100, I decided it was time to reacquaint myself with this film stock. I picked up a few rolls from Downtown Camera and loaded one into my Nikon FE2 for a mid-week photo adventure alongside my companions in the Wednesday Gang. This outing proved to be an enjoyable exploration of the Christie Pits area, transitioning into the culturally rich Koreatown.
Embracing the Kentmere 100 Film
Kentmere as a brand has a long history in the photography realm and has recently evolved into a sister brand of Ilford. Initially known for their high-quality fiber paper, Kentmere expanded its offerings with 100 and 400 ISO films to provide a budget-friendly alternative to the more established brands in the market. More recently, the introduction of Kentmere 200 has expanded its appeal. For my photo walk, I opted for the Kentmere 100—a fine-grain black and white film that provides a nostalgic aesthetic with excellent detail.
I processed the film using Ilfotec HC at a dilution of 1+31, continuing the theme of harmony between Kentmere and Ilford products. This combination has yielded consistent and satisfying results in previous sessions, and I was eager to see how this roll would turn out amidst the dynamic scenes I planned to capture.
A Journey Through Underexplored Streets
We began our walk from Bloor Street, weaving our way through Christie Pits and into Koreatown. This stretch of the city, often overlooked, presents a unique blend of urban life and community spirit that is ripe for exploration. The vibrant street art, bustling markets, and the quaint patios, particularly of the Korean establishments, create a canvas rich in colors and textures.
Even as we wandered, I couldn't help but reflect on the changes in the area. I missed Clinton's, a former beloved local spot, but change is a natural part of urban exploration. Each corner turned unveiled new sights, from the lively ambiance of the basketball courts at Christie Pits to the eloquently painted murals that speak volumes of the neighborhood’s cultural fabric.
Camera and Technique
The Nikon FE2 paired perfectly with my Nikkor AIS lenses, giving me the flexibility to adapt to the varying light conditions. I used manual settings to fully harness the capabilities of both my camera and the Kentmere 100 film. As dusk approached, I made adjustments to my shutter speed and aperture, ensuring that the waning light didn’t diminish the quality of the images I captured.
In terms of composition, I focused on incorporating both architectural and candid street shots, shooting at various angles and distances to evoke a sense of place and atmosphere. Notably, I aimed to juxtapose the bustling life with still moments, allowing viewers to appreciate the rhythm of the community.
The Final Output: Visual Storytelling
The final results were promising. Each print from the processed Kentmere 100 film retained remarkable detail and contrast, essential for capturing the essence of the scene. The subtle grain offered a timeless feel that is often sought after in black and white photography.
Below are some select photographs from the walk, illustrating the diversity and vibrancy of the Christie Pits and Koreatown neighborhoods:
These images tell a story of exploration and the people who inhabit these spaces, each scene enriching the narrative of both the film and the moments captured. The experience of revisiting Kentmere 100 on this walk through parts of the city often taken for granted re-energized my appreciation for black and white photography.
In summary, the outing with my fellow photographers reminded me of how important it is to explore not just our favorite places but also those less traveled, finding artistry in the overlooked corners of our community.
