There is something magical about capturing a self-portrait on film, especially when using a medium format camera like the Mamiya RB 67 and Kentmere Pan 100 film. The process is slow and methodical, but the results can be stunning.
Before starting the photo session, it's essential to set up the camera properly. The Mamiya RB 67 is a workhorse that can produce stunning images with its sharp lenses but is a big and heavy camera, and paired with the Sekor C 90mm lens, which I choose for this session, makes it even heavier, so a sturdy tripod to keep it steady is needed. My new K&F Concept TM2515T1 performed admirably.
The Kentmere Pan 100 film is a black and white film with a high resolution and fine grain, which makes it perfect for self-portraits. At 100 ISO, it is quite a slow film, hence the exposure time is fairly long (1/2s at f5.6 or 1s at f8 for the session's light condition). By the way, the primary light source was natural from the window, from my right and reflected light by a mirror from my left. Nothing fancy...
Since this is a self-portrait, I used an air release 6m long remote to trigger the shutter.
One of the specials of using a film camera is that you can't see the photo right away, which forces you to slow down and think more carefully about each shot.
The beauty of shooting with a film camera is that each shot is unique and has its own character. The Kentmere Pan 100 film has a classic black and white look that gives your photos a timeless quality.
A self-portrait photo session, irrespective of the camera or the film you use is a slow and methodical process that requires patience and attention to detail. But the results can be breathtaking and well worth the effort.
If you're looking for a way to slow down and appreciate the art of photography, this is a great way to do it.
