i don't agree with you on something: the mf is not a daily shooter.
well, that is up to each individual on how one wants to use a camera, why use that camera and what are the subjects. i understand that your mf is pretty heavy but that doesn't mean that all mf are heavy. i have a liubitel and a zeiss nettar, both mf, that are lighter than my canon 1dx2. on top of that the nettar is a folding camera, fits in my pocket, very easy to carry around. so a mf can be an everyday camera, no problem especially now that you understand the "slow down" part.
my advice to you is put a strap on the camera and carry it on your shoulder, try to take photos with the strap around your neck and without a tripod - you will have a different experience and you might enjoy it. all the best!
I'm happy to add the caveat that *my* medium format is not a daily shooter! I suppose when I think of a camera I'd shoot with daily, it's one where the ease of shooting lends itself to making many photos with minimal friction. My GRIII fits the bill in my definition of a daily shooter.
I certainly agree that working with a lighter medium format camera (or simply having a neck strap) will make it easier to take out more often. I just know that some combination of the weight, awkwardness and steps involved with making each picture would keep me from shooting as much as I would with a different camera.
But I have my eye on a strap and I'll try taking the camera out for a stroll soon. My mind might be changed completely!:-)
I have a Contax 645 (with strap) that I used to lug around all the time. I find it don't as often anymore. But when I was reading your newsletter I thought about something like a Rolleiflex that is more conducive to that kind of portability. I think you're right that it depends on what kind medium format you have. That said, modern cameras are so light these days. It's tough to compete from a portability standpoint. I've read many accounts now of photographers with neck issues from carrying heavy (often analog) gear around every day. I always wanted a Mamiya 7. I figured it was likely one of the more portable medium formats out there.
When I wrote that line I had the caveat of a Mamiya 7 in the back of my mind haha. For sure, it is completely possible to carry a medium format daily. 10 years ago I’d probably have done it, when daily shooting was my primary method~
I think what I wish I’d made more clear about that point is that I justify buying another camera by imagining all the images I’ll make with it. And it’s easy to imagine I’ll take an expensive camera everywhere and shoot a lot - all to account for the cost.
But when I have a faster, lighter camera I grab that instead almost every time. I see a daily shooter as something that fits into my way of life (admittedly a fairly fast-paced one living in Seoul) and the typically slower process of medium format is something I have to make time for.
I realize not everyone’s in the same space as me though, and I hope anyone who read this takes out their most awkward camera today just to prove me wrong:-)
I always find it so funny how every YouTuber is like "Gear doesn't matter" but then say that film cameras make you a better photographer. It's like they're reaching 80% of the truth but don't go all the way and just end up saying the same thing that another one already said, even though that it's not the truth. It shouldn't be a surprise that if you engage in different perspectives, you tend to learn and get better in any subject. Glad that you found the way, also the shot above the heading 6 was beautiful
Interestingly, yesterday I bought a pack of medium format film on Amazon to get my Mamiya equipment back up and running. I don't want it to go to waste; it's a complete set with four lenses, and it's been stored away for years.
i don't agree with you on something: the mf is not a daily shooter.
well, that is up to each individual on how one wants to use a camera, why use that camera and what are the subjects. i understand that your mf is pretty heavy but that doesn't mean that all mf are heavy. i have a liubitel and a zeiss nettar, both mf, that are lighter than my canon 1dx2. on top of that the nettar is a folding camera, fits in my pocket, very easy to carry around. so a mf can be an everyday camera, no problem especially now that you understand the "slow down" part.
my advice to you is put a strap on the camera and carry it on your shoulder, try to take photos with the strap around your neck and without a tripod - you will have a different experience and you might enjoy it. all the best!
I'm happy to add the caveat that *my* medium format is not a daily shooter! I suppose when I think of a camera I'd shoot with daily, it's one where the ease of shooting lends itself to making many photos with minimal friction. My GRIII fits the bill in my definition of a daily shooter.
I certainly agree that working with a lighter medium format camera (or simply having a neck strap) will make it easier to take out more often. I just know that some combination of the weight, awkwardness and steps involved with making each picture would keep me from shooting as much as I would with a different camera.
But I have my eye on a strap and I'll try taking the camera out for a stroll soon. My mind might be changed completely!:-)
I have a Contax 645 (with strap) that I used to lug around all the time. I find it don't as often anymore. But when I was reading your newsletter I thought about something like a Rolleiflex that is more conducive to that kind of portability. I think you're right that it depends on what kind medium format you have. That said, modern cameras are so light these days. It's tough to compete from a portability standpoint. I've read many accounts now of photographers with neck issues from carrying heavy (often analog) gear around every day. I always wanted a Mamiya 7. I figured it was likely one of the more portable medium formats out there.
When I wrote that line I had the caveat of a Mamiya 7 in the back of my mind haha. For sure, it is completely possible to carry a medium format daily. 10 years ago I’d probably have done it, when daily shooting was my primary method~
I think what I wish I’d made more clear about that point is that I justify buying another camera by imagining all the images I’ll make with it. And it’s easy to imagine I’ll take an expensive camera everywhere and shoot a lot - all to account for the cost.
But when I have a faster, lighter camera I grab that instead almost every time. I see a daily shooter as something that fits into my way of life (admittedly a fairly fast-paced one living in Seoul) and the typically slower process of medium format is something I have to make time for.
I realize not everyone’s in the same space as me though, and I hope anyone who read this takes out their most awkward camera today just to prove me wrong:-)
I'm the same way. I have a Contax T3 and a G2, both of which I've had for a really long time. They are almost always my go-tos now.
I always find it so funny how every YouTuber is like "Gear doesn't matter" but then say that film cameras make you a better photographer. It's like they're reaching 80% of the truth but don't go all the way and just end up saying the same thing that another one already said, even though that it's not the truth. It shouldn't be a surprise that if you engage in different perspectives, you tend to learn and get better in any subject. Glad that you found the way, also the shot above the heading 6 was beautiful
Cheers Gustavo~ Glad we agree on what the way really is!
Interestingly, yesterday I bought a pack of medium format film on Amazon to get my Mamiya equipment back up and running. I don't want it to go to waste; it's a complete set with four lenses, and it's been stored away for years.
Awesome, I hope it’s fun getting back into it!
"A camera bag that begs for death." What do you mean, Chris?
Haha, just that it’s a little old now, and tired from years of use.