Venturing into MF - any advice?

Snacks · 05-12-2011

Hello all! Can you give me some advice?

I've been shooting with a Zorki C for a little while and decided to get into medium format. So, I bought the ugliest but cheapest Bronica SQ-Ai I could find (needed bulb) and an 80mm 2.8.

What I'd like to know is what advice you'd give to someone starting out with medium format. Also, are Dwayne's Photo a good place to get film developed and printed? And would it be a waste to get 4x4 prints rather than 5x5?

Thanks very much for your help!

Gary E · 05-12-2011

When I first started in MF, I started with the 4x4 proofs. It was the standard format for "regular" pricing and was affordable. I ventured into getting some 5x5's when I felt my roll had a few keepers, and what a difference it was looking and holding 5x5's compared to 4x4's. I now frame my 5x5's in IKEA's Ribba square frame. Of course, if I wanted to fill the complete frame I'd print it in 8x8...

As to equipment, buy what you can afford and am comfortable with; sometimes they can get beastly heavy. They're all good, so just enjoy it all

ZeissFan · 05-12-2011

Well, you already bought the camera, so camera advice is out. I'm not sure if the Bronica has foam seals to replace, but if it does, replace them.

Dwayne's can handle 120. I also use Dan's Camera City in Allentown, Pa. They have excellent quality control.

There are different styles of medium format cameras. Box, folding, twin-lens reflex, rangefinder and SLRs.

Think about what type of camera you want, set a budget and people should be able to offer suggestions.

Snacks · 05-12-2011

Thanks for the tips. I went for the best 6x6 camera I could afford, because I've liked the square-format photos that I've seen around.

I've a specific question though. Are there any special considerations to be made with regards to exposure on medium format?

JamesFromSydney · 05-12-2011

My advice would be to start saving for the next step, LF ;-)

Vics · 05-12-2011

No chimping. Make every shot count. What you see in the finder IS the picture. I'd suggest you develop yourself. Then get what you need to make contact proofs. 12 2 1/4"x2 1/4" proofs on an 8x10 sheet. The proof sheets are works of art in their own right! Enjoy.

Snacks · 05-12-2011

Thanks folks. I already develop 35mm black and white. I'm just saving the pennies for paper developer and paper.

By the way Vics, I really like your photo from the Louvre on Flickr.

sleepyhead · 05-12-2011

Snacks, my advice woild be to remember that there is a learning curve whenever you switch equiptment/formats/shooting styles.

So don't dispair if things seem slow at first, or you make some mistakes, or the camera is too heavy, or whatever.

I guess 'm saying: stick with it for a while before drawing conclusions and before judging your output.

Oh, and have fun!

Ariefb · 05-12-2011

Welcome to MF world, Snacks. I have no advice on Bronica, but i used Hasselblad before. Should be similar. Finder is reversed so i learn to compose without film on it (120 used to be scarce in here, but not anymore thanks to increasing interest in film again).

Have fun shooting.

Snowbuzz · 05-12-2011

Beginners in medium format always seem to bring back great pics on first try so no need to worry IMO.

divewizard · 05-13-2011

I don't get prints. I just get scans, and print an occasional edited picture later. The scans from Dwaynes are not very good. I send most of my c41 and e6 to Precsion Camera. I send my B&W and some C41 and E6 to North Coast Photo.

Once I started on Medium format I was hooked. You will love it.

Snacks · 05-13-2011

Thanks guys! I've got access to a CanoScan 8400F, so I'll post some shots when I have them.

KoNickon · 05-13-2011

Just remember that unlike 35mm, you don't have a whole bunch of frames to waste, so take your time and do it right. That includes more carefully metering -- not because it's more difficult, but because (I assume) you are using an external meter. 35mm in-camera meters are darn good so you can get lazy. Getting a good meter, and using it properly, is key -- I like the Gossen Luna Pro or LunaSix, though you'll need Wein 625 cells or an adaptor to enable you to use the SR44 batteries. The Gossen DigiSix is a cute little thing also

Vics · 05-13-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snacks

Thanks folks. I already develop 35mm black and white. I'm just saving the pennies for paper developer and paper.

By the way Vics, I really like your photo from the Louvre on Flickr.

Thanks, Snacks. That was my first go-around with my Dad's old Contax IIIa/Sonnar 1.5. I still love that camera, AND Paris.

Voe · 05-13-2011

How about Fuji GA645Zi? I have it and it's so small (for a MF camera) and convenient.
I highly recommend it.