The author with (…effectively hidden by…) his Kiev 60 medium format TLR. Photo credit: Michael Elliott
Why Pick Medium Format?
The Case For Larger Is Better
Michael Elliott — Fine Art Film Photographer-Flâneur and Londoner at Massive
Medium format film photography is a niche hobby that has been gaining reputation in current years in particular amongst enthusiasts and pros who appreciate the exclusive aesthetic and good quality that it provides. But what precisely is medium format and how does it differ from the extra widespread 35mm camera systems or digital photography?
Medium format film is a form of roll film that comes in numerous sizes such as 6×4.5 6×6 6×7 6×8 and 6×9 cm. These sizes are a great deal bigger than the common 35mm film which measures 24×36 mm. The bigger size of medium format film signifies that it can capture extra detail dynamic variety and depth of field than 35mm film or digital sensors. This outcomes in photos that have smoother tonal transitions richer colors and a 3-dimensional really feel.
Medium format cameras are also distinctive from 35mm film cameras or digital cameras in terms of style and functionality. There are 4 major forms of medium format film cameras: single-lens reflex (SLR) such as the Pentacon Six method modular SLR such as the Hasselblad systems twin-lens reflex (TLR) like Rolleiflexes and Minolta Autocords and rangefinders like the Mamiya 7 and Fujica GL-690. Every form has its personal positive aspects and disadvantages based on the user’s preference and style.
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SLR cameras are equivalent to contemporary digital SLRs except that they use medium format film rather of digital sensors. They have a mirror and a prism that enable the user to see by way of the lens and compose the image in the viewfinder. SLR cameras give the most versatility and flexibility in terms of lens option focusing and exposure manage. On the other hand they are also the heaviest and bulkiest of the 3 forms and they can be noisy due to the mirror mechanism. Modular SLR systems have the added benefit of becoming in a position to swap out finders and backs — as effectively as the lens — so that you can adjust films mid roll or switch from a waist level finder to a prism finder conveniently. With so handful of shots per roll the potential to adjust backs is somewhat overvalued although unless you are in a qualified circumstance exactly where you definitely want to switch among for instance black and white and colour film right away.
TLR cameras have two lenses: 1 for taking the image and 1 for viewing the image on a waist-level finder. The two lenses are connected by a gear method that synchronizes their concentrate. TLR cameras are quieter and lighter than SLR cameras and they have a distinctive square format that can generate intriguing compositions. On the other hand they have restricted lens solutions parallax error (the distinction among what the viewfinder shows and what the lens captures) and reverse image orientation on the viewfinder.
Rangefinder cameras have a separate viewfinder that is coupled with a rangefinder mechanism that assists the user to concentrate accurately. Rangefinder cameras are the most compact and discreet of the 3 forms and they have a vibrant and clear viewfinder that shows extra than what the lens captures. On the other hand they also have restricted lens solutions parallax error and no by way of-the-lens metering or preview.
Why use medium format film?
So why would 1 use medium format film and cameras more than 35mm film cameras and digital cameras? The answer depends on the user’s individual preference price range and inventive vision. Some probable causes are:
Medium format vs. digital:
To take pleasure in the approach of shooting with film which requires loading the film winding it manually building it in a darkroom or sending it to a lab and waiting for the outcomes.
To experiment with distinctive film stocks which have distinctive qualities such as colour rendition contrast grain and sensitivity.
To accomplish a distinctive appear that is tough to replicate with digital photography such as shallow depth of field smooth bokeh all-natural skin tones and organic grain.
Medium format vs 35mm film:
To challenge oneself with the limitations of medium format film photography such as fewer frames per roll (commonly 10 to 16) larger expense per shot slower operation speed manual concentrate and exposure manage.
To appreciate the craftsmanship and good quality of medium format film cameras which are usually created of metal and constructed to final for decades.
To gather vintage or uncommon medium format film cameras which can have historical or sentimental worth.
Of course medium format film photography is not for everybody. It can be high priced time-consuming inconvenient and frustrating at occasions. It also (extra usually than not) needs extra talent and expertise than digital photography (unless you get 1 of these uncommon unicorn totally auto MF cameras… like the Fuji GA645Zi).
On the other hand for these who really like it it can be rewarding satisfying enjoyable and artistic.