Why Select Medium Format? The Case for Larger is Greater
The author with (…effectively hidden by…) his Kiev 60 medium format TLR. Photo credit: Michael Elliott
Why Select Medium Format?
The Case For Larger Is Better
Michael Elliott — Fine Art Film Photographer-Flâneur and Londoner at Big
Medium format film photography is a niche hobby that has been gaining recognition in current years in particular amongst enthusiasts and pros who appreciate the one of a kind aesthetic and top quality that it provides. But what specifically is medium format and how does it differ from the additional typical 35mm camera systems or digital photography?
Medium format film is a kind of roll film that comes in many sizes such as 6×4.5 6×6 6×7 6×8 and 6×9 cm. These sizes are substantially bigger than the typical 35mm film which measures 24×36 mm. The bigger size of medium format film signifies that it can capture additional detail dynamic variety and depth of field than 35mm film or digital sensors. This final results in photos that have smoother tonal transitions richer colors and a 3-dimensional really feel.
Medium format cameras are also diverse from 35mm film cameras or digital cameras in terms of design and style and functionality. There are 4 major sorts of medium format film cameras: single-lens reflex (SLR) such as the Pentacon Six program 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. Each and every kind has its personal positive aspects and disadvantages based on the user’s preference and style.
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SLR cameras are equivalent to modern day digital SLRs except that they use medium format film alternatively of digital sensors. They have a mirror and a prism that permit the user to see via the lens and compose the image in the viewfinder. SLR cameras present the most versatility and flexibility in terms of lens option focusing and exposure manage. Nonetheless they are also the heaviest and bulkiest of the 3 sorts and they can be noisy due to the mirror mechanism. Modular SLR systems have the added benefit of getting in a position to swap out finders and backs — as effectively as the lens — so that you can transform films mid roll or switch from a waist level finder to a prism finder simply. With so couple of shots per roll the potential to transform backs is somewhat overvalued even though unless you happen to be in a expert predicament exactly where you totally need to have to switch amongst for instance black and white and colour film right away.
TLR cameras have two lenses: one particular for taking the image and one particular for viewing the image on a waist-level finder. The two lenses are connected by a gear program that synchronizes their concentrate. TLR cameras are quieter and lighter than SLR cameras and they have a distinctive square format that can build exciting compositions. Nonetheless they have restricted lens choices parallax error (the distinction amongst 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 sorts and they have a vibrant and clear viewfinder that shows additional than what the lens captures. Nonetheless they also have restricted lens choices parallax error and no via-the-lens metering or preview.
Why use medium format film?
So why would one particular use medium format film and cameras more than 35mm film cameras and digital cameras? The answer depends on the user’s private preference price range and inventive vision. Some doable motives are:
Medium format vs. digital:
To appreciate the procedure of shooting with film which entails loading the film winding it manually building it in a darkroom or sending it to a lab and waiting for the final results.
To experiment with diverse film stocks which have diverse traits such as colour rendition contrast grain and sensitivity.
To attain 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 (ordinarily 10 to 16) greater expense per shot slower operation speed manual concentrate and exposure manage.
To appreciate the craftsmanship and top quality of medium format film cameras which are normally produced 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 absolutely everyone. It can be pricey time-consuming inconvenient and frustrating at instances. It also (additional normally than not) needs additional ability and information than digital photography (unless you get one particular of these uncommon unicorn totally auto MF cameras… like the Fuji GA645Zi).
Nonetheless for these who appreciate it it can be rewarding satisfying entertaining and artistic.
