I'm seeking advice on medium format photography-process. I've no experience in the format, i know it's expensive, possibly this question would be more appropriate for a photographic forum, however.... I'm not a member of such.
I used the Mamiya 645Pro and RZ67 quite a bit in the pre-digital days.
I still have the 645Pro and a bunch of lenses, backs and both the AE prism as well as the motor drive somewhere.
120 roll film costs around $20 to $30 per roll, best bought in 5 roll packs. Ektachrome is dearer.
There’s something about those large film images that still trumps digital for me but I no longer do weddings, architectural or portraiture images.
I now use the Nikon D3 for all my family photography needs.
I have an old Pentax 67 (6x7) that I dust off occasionally. Out where I live, it's getting almost impossible to find someone who will process the film - but I do love the camera. It's big, it's heavy and it performs best on a tripod...but everything on it is MANUALLY set. Nothing gets done automatically.
This is why I love to dust if off occasionally. I have to think about what I'm doing, and I like that.
Sorry, I've strayed from the point... Medium format film isn't cheap, and depending on where you live, you may have a job to fins someone who will process it. The cameras themselves - Mamiya, Hassleblad, etc. - can be found in varying quality levels and prices on places like eBay. I'd be more inclined to make enquiries at a good camera store that deals in second hand equipment.
From the digital side of things, the medium format gear is very, very good - Fujifilm has become a very serious player in the market - but it can be expensive, and be prepared to commit to that system for lenses and accessories. Do your research first on what you want - image quality, portability, etc. - but bear in mind that a medium format system is going to be a bit bigger and heavier than an SLR based system.
Good luck, and let us know how you go.
Last edited by Crater101; 11-09-2023 at 08:06 AM.
Reason: spelling (d'oh!)
I used the Mamiya 645Pro and RZ67 quite a bit in the pre-digital days.
I still have the 645Pro and a bunch of lenses, backs and both the AE prism as well as the motor drive somewhere.
120 roll film costs around $20 to $30 per roll, best bought in 5 roll packs. Ektachrome is dearer.
There’s something about those large film images that still trumps digital for me but I no longer do weddings, architectural or portraiture images.
I now use the Nikon D3 for all my family photography needs.
Thanks
My reason for asking, im looking for a "slower process", a technique that demands time and carries a risk, you know.... it must be right,exposure etc.
I live in Sydney, are there any places that process medium format in Sydney, or anywhere for that matter?
At $20-$30 a roll id be concentrating on what i wS doing, that's my motivation, too take time and care.
I have an old Pentax 67 (6x7) that I dust off occasionally. Out where I live, it's getting almost impossible to find someone who will process the film - but I do love the camera. It's big, it's heavy and it performs best on a tripod...but everything on it is MANUALLY set. Nothing gets done automatically.
This is why I love to dust if off occasionally. I have to think about what I'm doing, and I like that.
Sorry, I've strayed from the point... Medium format film isn't cheap, and depending on where you live, you may have a job to fins someone who will process it. The cameras themselves - Mamiya, Hassleblad, etc. - can be found in varying quality levels and prices on places like eBay. I'd be more inclined to make enquiries at a good camera store that deals in second hand equipment.
From the digital side of things, the medium format gear is very, very good - Fujifilm has become a very serious player in the market - but it can be expensive, and be prepared to commit to that system for lenses and accessories. Do your research first on what you want - image quality, portability, etc. - but bear in mind that a medium format system is going to be a bit bigger and heavier than an SLR based system.
Good luck, and let us know how you go.
Thanks,
You've nailed why im interested in medium format. Your advice re camera stores has already been taken onboard.
It takes me forever to get anywhere, so it doesn't matter how bulky the gear is as it'll be me slowing things down, not the bulky gear.
My thoughts after reading the responses to my question.... itmaybe a good idea to use 35mm film first, get familiar with film and a manual system.
Digital is so easy, in many ways too easy.
My reason for asking, im looking for a "slower process", a technique that demands time and carries a risk, you know.... it must be right,exposure etc.
I live in Sydney, are there any places that process medium format in Sydney, or anywhere for that matter?
At $20-$30 a roll id be concentrating on what i wS doing, that's my motivation, too take time and care.
If it's a slower process you want, why not jump in the deep end and go large format ? Even better, go vintage LF. I've slid right down the rabbit hole and am using a 1903 4x5 Pony Premo. I'm lovin' it for the very reasons you describe. It takes me about 20 minutes to take a snap. Compose under the dark cloth with the image upside down and left/right flipped. Focus on the ground glass. Measure the light with an extinction meter or a new fangled light meter. Choose one of the two shutter speeds (or B, or T), convert from F-stop to aperture setting, load the film/plate, arm the shutter and squeeze the bulb.
I load/unload film in a changing bag, develop in the laundry sink and scan the negative.
You can even do astrophotography. The attached photo is taken with a pre-war 4x5 Speed Graphic.
You're preaching to the converted here, I LOVE M/F, have 3 Hasselblads, and a slew of 35mm.
I process at home, B&W and colour, but you asked about processing close to you. https://rewindphotolab.com.au/
Gary
Quote:
Originally Posted by Constant
Thanks
My reason for asking, im looking for a "slower process", a technique that demands time and carries a risk, you know.... it must be right,exposure etc.
I live in Sydney, are there any places that process medium format in Sydney, or anywhere for that matter?
At $20-$30 a roll id be concentrating on what i wS doing, that's my motivation, too take time and care.
I have a Pentax 6x7 and also a Pentax 645 - lenses for the 645 are good value and the 645 is a great camera and not that pricy.
I process my own colour and BW, and have a ton of (mostly expired) film - probably will pass some on to my kids to be honest
I would also be prepared to pay for some upkeep and maintainance - my 6x7 was 'near mint' when I got it from Japan, but quickly developed a sticky shutter - not a hard problem to fix (mostly just cleaning internal contacts) but unless you like DIY you can expect some ongoing costs for repair.
I also have a large format camera - an Intrepid 4x5
At $20-$30 a roll id be concentrating on what i wS doing, that's my motivation, too take time and care.
I was paying $20 per roll back for processing when there were no digital cameras and I shot a lot of photos back then.
I have numerous antique medium format cameras I should pull out and play with. Maybe get the Rolleicord out, I don't think I've even put a roll of film through that.
I collect antique cameras, or used to for 40 plus years. I'm still to get my hands on a large format, one day.....
You're preaching to the converted here, I LOVE M/F, have 3 Hasselblads, and a slew of 35mm.
I process at home, B&W and colour, but you asked about processing close to you. https://rewindphotolab.com.au/
Gary
Gary,
Thank you, ive subscribed to the Rewind Photo newsletter, so that the name is kept to the fore. The idea is in December to start equiping, im going 35mm first with disposable cameras.
Id love a 64 Hasselblad, though no big purchase until I've shot some 35mm. As we all did i have experience with 35mm.
Many thanks for the heads up!
I have a Pentax 6x7 and also a Pentax 645 - lenses for the 645 are good value and the 645 is a great camera and not that pricy.
I process my own colour and BW, and have a ton of (mostly expired) film - probably will pass some on to my kids to be honest
I would also be prepared to pay for some upkeep and maintainance - my 6x7 was 'near mint' when I got it from Japan, but quickly developed a sticky shutter - not a hard problem to fix (mostly just cleaning internal contacts) but unless you like DIY you can expect some ongoing costs for repair.
I also have a large format camera - an Intrepid 4x5
WOW! Thats technological "skinny dipping". In love to try large format, unfortunately the processing would be more than i can manager. That's an incredibly kool piece of kit.
My thoughts after reading the responses to my question.... itmaybe a good idea to use 35mm film first, get familiar with film and a manual system.
Digital is so easy, in many ways too easy.
Cheers
No bad thing, but again, be prepared to commit to that "system". And remember that the majority of 35mm systems don't readily carry across to medium format.
Give some thought to contacting the local camera club, if there's one not too far away. While most of them now work in digital, some of the old camera buffs might have good second hand film gear that they no longer use and would be pleased to see go to a good home. If it's a camera club member, the gear is likely to be in much better condition than an eBay buy.
