Anybody use Medium Format?
Feb 6, 2013 21:14:32 #
I have always had a 35mm film camera and now a Nikon D7000& D600 but I have been looking at the 120 format film cameras. A Pentax or Mamiya for primarily landscapes or portraits. The biggest limiting factor in the film format that I have read about is the scanner to read the negative. Have any of you had recent experiece with the bigger formats. Any advice? Thanks All
Feb 6, 2013 22:17:08 #
I use a pair of Pentax 645's on a regular basis for landscapes, and have for almost 20 years. I use only Fuji Provia film which I scan with an Epson V500 PHOTO Scanner. Works well for me.
Feb 6, 2013 22:22:19 #
I use a Mamiya RB67 for my landscape work. For my color work I scan with a Canonscan 8800 which gives fairly high quality. I also scan all of my b&w work for web purposes. However, I print my b&w in a wet darkroom which is gives the best b&w quality.
Feb 7, 2013 00:00:00 #
I have a medium format rangefinder which I use for film. Second the Provia....
Feb 7, 2013 01:16:37 #
FilmFanatic
Loc: Waikato, New Zealand
I have an RB67 which I lug everywhere with me. I shoot Fuji Velvia, Kodak New Portra and Ilford FP4. I love the images it produces, and when scanned with my Epson 4490, give massive files that have lots of detail. I know the scanner is not the best, so I plan to get images optically printed in large sizes...
Feb 7, 2013 01:49:40 #
i use a pentax 645d,i use it as a field camera.verry few of my sesions are indoors.between a tripod and a monopod i can handle the smallest to the largest lens.
Feb 7, 2013 06:57:01 #
Feb 7, 2013 07:49:52 #
jeryh
Loc: Oxfordshire UK
I use the Hasselblad 501CM, qnd a Fuji 6X7 111. They are both excellent cameras, which I have used for a long time; to scan the negs, or Trannies which I use, I use an Epson 4490 flatbed which I bought secondhand very cheaply- it works very well, and produces excellent results.
Feb 7, 2013 08:32:12 #
wbym300 wrote:
What focal length lens would you recommend for landscapes?
I usually use a 35mm F3.5 with a linear polarizer filter on it.
Ken Rockwell did a review on it a few years ago, I bought mine before I knew who Rockwell was though.
http://kenrockwell.com/pentax/645/35mm.htm
My other landscape lens is the Pentax 45mm F2.8, but the 35mm usually gets the duty because of the extra width.
Feb 7, 2013 09:02:34 #
wbym300 wrote:
What focal length lens would you recommend for landscapes?
It depends on the format. It is like 1.6 crop vs Full Frame with digital. For 6x7 I use 50mm wide, a 90mm normal and 180mm telephoto. I would recommend either a 50mm or 65mm for wide angles.
Feb 7, 2013 09:10:46 #
I had used Mamiya c330's for 30 years!! Love those cameras. They had served me well as a wedding photographer. Nothing automatic, everything manual so I was able to control DOF, lighting etc. I still have three in storage....
Also I have an upscale scanner that is capable of doing the 2 1/4 square & 35mm negatives! I especially love the square format so cropping Vertical or Horizontal or keeping images square was virtually no problem....
Also I have an upscale scanner that is capable of doing the 2 1/4 square & 35mm negatives! I especially love the square format so cropping Vertical or Horizontal or keeping images square was virtually no problem....
Feb 7, 2013 09:19:47 #
At 85 years of age and having photographed for 73 of them, you guys are giving me a panorama of my past life. My, my, we have come a long way,..and yet in spite of it all, the old stuff still does the trick. It's like driving a Porsche Panamera vs a 1950 Chevvy,....they both do an equally good job of getting you where you want to go.. keep it up. Regards Mort Levy Montreal/Sunny Isles FL.
Feb 7, 2013 09:24:00 #
I use an Epson V750, which is only a little better than the 700 or 500 version. Also a Nikon LS9000 that is a little better but not worth the extra cost, even if you could find one used. All of these produce excellent scans.
For landscape, without breaking the bank, you might consider a Mamiya C330 with a couple of lenses from KEH.
For landscape, without breaking the bank, you might consider a Mamiya C330 with a couple of lenses from KEH.
Feb 7, 2013 09:48:53 #
I shoot primarily with my Pentax 645NII but with the older 645 lenses from my first one. I started with a 1965 Minolta Autocord and some of those photos are the best I've ever made. I think which camera format you choose depends a lot on what you are shooting, whether you are going to hold the camera and how large (resolution) you want the final print to be. 6x6 is so versatile as was mentioned before, but in 120 you get 3 (or 4) more shots per roll at 6x4.5. 6x7 is often considered the "ideal format" because it basically scales up to most paper sizes with minimal cropping, but now you are down a few shots per roll of 120 from the 6x6 and the cameras are heavier and automatic options are scarce. As far as scanning goes, I haven't purchased one yet. I have my favorite lab do it for me as their machine produces great results but I don't know what it is.
Feb 7, 2013 10:38:16 #
Might be time for me to buy another Mamiya RB 67 before the prices go back up from this thread. I loved using "the beast".
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.