xPan I
My first film camera that I had wanted since 2002.
What I've learnt working with it:
- 2.7:1 is a tricky ratio to compose, it's so wide, it's taken so much practice and I'm still not good at it, especially on the 30mm lens
- Scanning is a pain, you have to scan twice and then stitch it together
- TTL light metering is very useful when you're using weird filters
What I think it's good for:
- Landscapes, but often can be boring
- Street photography, but often framing can be hard
- Urban skylines
Lenses:
- 30mm f/5.6
-45mm f/4
-90mm f/4
Hasselblad 501CM
My second film camera, a classic and my first use of medium format.
What I've learnt working with it:
- I love the 6x6 format, it's a very different framing challenge
- I don't worry about grain, and ektar really sings
- Slide film in medium format looks amazing
What I think it's good for:
- Stopping to think
- Pure image quality
Lenses:
- 30mm f/3.5 F-Distagon T* CF
- 50mm f/4 Distagon CF T* FLE lens
- 80mm f/2.8 Planar CF T*
- 160mm f/4.8 Tessar T* CB:
- 500mm f/8 Tele-Apotessar T* CF
Fuji Ga645i
I wanted the convenience of a point and shoot, but I had to be different, so it's medium format.
What I've learnt working with it:
- The autofocus is good, but not perfect
- You can check the autofocus through the viewfinder
- Integrated flash is very convenient
What I think it's good for:
- Indoors, parties, high energy (flash)
- Portrait 645 suits portraits, who'd have thought
- Street photography (autofocus)
Fuji GX617
My most recent camera, and potentially my last (good one).
The negatives are 17cm wide, and you get 4 shots per roll of 120 . It feels closer to "half frame" large format, essentially using a large format lens that you have to cock and use a shutter release.
Having now shot 5 or 6 rolls with it, I love it a lot - the detail is mind-blowing. My 4000dpi scans come out at ~250 megapixels. It is making me struggle to go back to xPan and 35mm. Also with a shoulder strap and the 90mm lens it is surprisingly hand holdable.
Lenses:
- 90mm f/5.6 SWD
- 180mm f/6.7 W
- 180mm f/6.7 W
