Posted: 5/26/2011 1:52:03 PM EDT
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I was looking around at the B&H catalog and I saw a medium format camera for under $50, and thought that it was a typo. So I guess I learned about lomo cameras, today.
Anybody play around with lomo cameras, or use a real medium format camera digital or analog? What are the benefits of medium format cameras versus 35mm? The drawbacks? I ask because I like landscape photography, and medium format is supposed to be excellent for it. Feel free to post pictures of what you've done in medium format. 
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When I saw the title I thought of Hasselblads and Mamiyas and thought "I wish". But there are some really affordable MF film cameras as you mentioned. Other than that I don't know anything about it. Where would one get the film developed? Yeah, I haven't used a film camera in about ten years, so I have no idea where I'd get film developed. Off to Google it. ETA: Apparently, 120 Processing processes, you guessed it, 120 film. There are few others out there as well . . .
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I shoot lots of 120 through a Mamiya 645 and a Fuji 680.
I develop the B&W stuff here at the house. For color and slide I have 3 (maybe 4) camera shops in the area that still process it. There are also some top quality labs that do it via mail such as http://www.dwaynesphoto.com/ who I have used with very good results. B&H and Adorama sell pre-paid mailers. I bought an Epson 700 scanner a few year ago and it has holders that allow me to scan it. |
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The biggest benefits are all about the size. Take a look at any discussion of "crop vs full frame" in digital SLRs and those are the advantages of medium format. The "crop factor" of 645 (the smallest medium format) to full frame is about the same (1.6x).
In the case of black and white film, which is what I shoot with about 90% of the time, there is an advantage over digital in terms of dynamic range. The other benefits are the fact that I just consider them a lot of fun. I like the anachronism of using a camera with a top level finder. I enjoy the process of shooting the film and trying different development mixtures (it's kinda like finding a good custom load if you're into reloading ammo). I found a medium format slide projector on ebay for a really low price and it's cool to project the slides on a big screen and see all the detail. |
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The biggest benefits are all about the size. Take a look at any discussion of "crop vs full frame" in digital SLRs and those are the advantages of medium format. The "crop factor" of 645 (the smallest medium format) to full frame is about the same (1.6x). In the case of black and white film, which is what I shoot with about 90% of the time, there is an advantage over digital in terms of dynamic range. The other benefits are the fact that I just consider them a lot of fun. I like the anachronism of using a camera with a top level finder. I enjoy the process of shooting the film and trying different development mixtures (it's kinda like finding a good custom load if you're into reloading ammo). I found a medium format slide projector on ebay for a really low price and it's cool to project the slides on a big screen and see all the detail. Do you know of any medium format camera that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, but isn't "fun and experimental" like a Lomo? 
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Depends on how you define "arm and leg" but you should be able to find a decent, basic kit for around $500. Mamiya and Pentax are probably the best options. Mamiya for $500? Please do tell what that might be and where I might find something like that? Film, I assume. |
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Depends on how you define "arm and leg" but you should be able to find a decent, basic kit for around $500. Mamiya and Pentax are probably the best options. Mamiya for $500? Please do tell what that might be and where I might find something like that? Film, I assume. Film, of course, and used. KEH and Ebay are where I've bought my film gear. |
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Depends on how you define "arm and leg" but you should be able to find a decent, basic kit for around $500. Mamiya and Pentax are probably the best options. Mamiya for $500? Please do tell what that might be and where I might find something like that? Film, I assume. Film, of course, and used. KEH and Ebay are where I've bought my film gear. Thank you, I'll have to go look. |
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Have you ever seen an IMAX film projected in the theater? This is the difference between 35mm film and 120. With the lower end camera's like the Lomo and Holga you are shooting in a specific style that fits the camera. Almost like making the best out of what you've got. Mamiya, hasselblad and other medium format cameras give you the ability to use different backs, or film transport systems for digital,color, B&W, transparency and polaroid. The quality of the lenses is wonderful and with some, like the Hasselblad C series cameras, you can flash sync at every shutterspeed because of the use of a leaf shutter. I made 4 ft by 6ft B&W prints with such clarity and tonal range you would have thought you were looking at an 8x10 inch print from 35mm. I could be wrong, but if you are a traditional landscape shooter I don't think you will get anything out of the Lomo. Your digital SLR or HQ point and shoot will probably be better.
if you are looking for medium format I recomend the Pentax 6x7. It looks and functions like a 35mm camera, just BIG. Quality is exceptional and the price is right. http://cgi.ebay.com/Pentax-6X7-MLU-Body-w-75-F4-5-Lens-TTL-Meter-Finder-/220779719894?pt=Film_Cameras&hash=item33677f2cd6 |