Topic: confessions of a medium formatist

[gregor]

Outside of love/hate relationships with several 35mm rangefinders and point and clicks (ranging from a Leica M3 to a brief affair with a 1991 non-lomography Lomo LC-A,) I find that I am utterly inept with the 35mm format.  I wish I could take a decent 35mm shot - but you see, I've shot MF since almost exclusively since day 1 with photography - begining with the Brownie Hawkeye of my youth.

When looking at the work of  'reportage' photographers - contemporary and otherwise: Luc Delahaye. Cartier-Bresson - oh yes, if I could snap a snap like those fellows....   I often wish I could capture that decisive moment.  Unfortunately, when that decisive moment arrives in the frame of my view finder, I can't decide that's it's decisive.  Henceforth I have become a, perhaps, advanced amateur in medium format pictorialism.....

Keenly aware of my 35mm ineptness, a year ago I purchased a lovely Konica Hexar af (black) in the hopes of being able to develop the sensibility take a decent shot.  Not the case.  I've run 3 rolls of film through it and it sits idly on my shelf.

Not being the verbose type, I'll cut to the chase.  I'd rather not put this camera up on evil bay, but I would love to see someone who appreciates it own it and use it. 

So my offer:  if anyone is interested in this camera, I'd be interested in a swap for a 6x6 or 645 (a carry around such as a fuji 645 Af rangefinders would be an example).  I'm not necessarily looking for a dollar to dollar equal trade - just something that I would enjoy shooting with and would be fine with trading for a camera of lesser value.

The Konica is in excellent condition - a small bit of cosmetic wear, but CLA-ed prior to the 3 rolls I've run through it.  If you're interested please e-mail me and I'll be happy to send some snaps that show it's condition.

Here's a link to a review of the hexar af:

http://www.1point4photography.com/blog/hexar-af-review/

[edit - I forgot to mention it comes with both the manual and flash unit]

Cheers,

Gregor

[LT]

I find that I am utterly inept with the 35mm format. 

you and me both Gregor!

[traskblueribbon]

Would if I could, but it would languish in my possession as well.

The only 35mm cameras I have ever done well with are the compacts (olympus XA 4, Canon MC, Minolta AF-C) When I get my hands on a rangefinder or SLR it all goes down hill.

[Phil Bebbington]

I must say that since I stumbled into MF via the Holga about 3 years ago I haven't shot 35mm - I have 4 cameras to my knowledge that sit with film in. I feel totally uninspired by 35mm - I feel like I ought to feel different but I just love the square format.

[gothamtomato]

For me, the square format has taken more getting used too -- probably because I started with 35, and used it, exclusively, for years. I became accustomed to seeing rectangularly.

Moving on to medium format was a challenge because of the square format (in fact, I actually started in medium format with a Mamiya 645 because I was apprehensive about the square.)

I've had to grow into the square, but it's been an interesting challenge.

[Francois]

Formats can be kind of a strange thing...

I learned photography on 35mm and found it hard to frame properly. Then, a friend gave me an old Zeiss-Ikon Nettar that shoots square format. To my surprise, I found it easier to compose than the 35mm frame. With the square, the rule of thirds tends to bring things towards the center. You also can frame very symmetrically. But since I didn't have access to a 6x6 enlarger, I persevered with 35mm. Now, the rectangle feels quite natural to me. But I must admit it took me a few years to get my act together.

A few years ago, I loaded-up one of those fake panoramics. Now, you want hard to compose; this is the tool. Sure it makes nice landscapes. But if you want to get something a bit different, it becomes quite hard (or at least I find it hard).

[mart]

I have my Hawkeye. I have my Brownie Six-20 from 1938 that I was given as a gift and still have pushed some film through it. I have 4 Rolleis-2 Flex and 2 Cord. Yet for years I have shot 35mm overwhelmingly. Although when I did some volunteer work at ICP, I proudly displayed a Holga ( 2-1/4 sq ) print in the bookstore.

I think the big problem with people shooting rolls of 36 35mm is they never heard C-B's answer to a question. (With some poetic license) "Mr. C-B. when you shoot a roll of 36 images, how many do you expect to turn out worthwhile"? C-B: "One."
 

[gregor]

I think the big problem with people shooting rolls of 36 35mm is they never heard C-B's answer to a question. (With some poetic license) "Mr. C-B. when you shoot a roll of 36 images, how many do you expect to turn out worthwhile"? C-B: "One."
 

hmmm. how many 6x6 shots from a roll of 220 do I expect to turn out? 24.  How many are good?  maybe none, maybe all.  No offense intended but the success ratio, which is subjective, is the same regardless of the format. and I still want to get the konica off my shelf - since I know my success ratio with that - and into good hands !!!

[Phil Bebbington]

I'm with you Gregor - I always expect a 12 out of 12 hit rate and am always slightly disappointed when any shot isn't usable. I feel at least by thinking this way I apply the right amount of care to my shots that at least give me a  fighting chance of a good shot.

I have gone through the odd period where I shoot more and hope that the increased frames will result in more good shots - that has never happened. Care and consideration have always brought a higher hit rate - since moving to MF, less certainly has brought more in so many ways.

[Andrea.]

I've long been square but recently, in this flattish environment I live in, I find myself drawn more to the 35mm/6x9 format. I'm also very keen on the simple Viv W&S and Ilford Sporti 6x6 simple cameras Simple cameras for a simple person perhaps!

[Stu]

Got a hunch that we may be on a different level to ole C-B and that any comparison is a bit far fetched. Where we are happy to have all our shots 'usable,' I get the impression that his 1 in 36 was useable for publication and/or deemed OK by a famed perfectionist, C-B himself!

I'd be laughing if my best shot was anything like his worst!

[gregor]

and I still want to get the konica off my shelf - since I know my success ratio with that - and into good hands !!!

a filmwaster has taken me up on this and the Konica will now be with quite adept hands (& eyes) 

seems like the format discussion should be a thread of it's own ! 

[CamerAsian]

Good to hear Gregor,

Clive