| Photography Forum: Medium Format Photography Forum: |
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Q. MF Printing and developing questions, new to MF
Asked by Scott Buckler
(K=20) on 4/23/2008
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I’m a long time 35mm shooter and I would like to get into MF to slow myself down. Problem being coming from 35mm I am spoiled when it come to printing and developing and I am a little intimidated at the prospect of how or who will print and develop my MF film. I live in Los Angeles, Calif. so I should be able to find someplace that can do it for me.
I though before I take the leap and buy an MF camera I would ask around and get some advice, I do mostly color landscape and nature photography although I do plan on doing some B/W.
I am also debating between something in 120/220 like a Mamiya 645 Vs 4x5 view camera although the view camera might be too much of a leap from the convenience of 35mm.
Thank you for your help,
Scott
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Phillip Cohen
(K=10561) - Comment Date 4/24/2008
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Scott,
Great that you are sticking with film and wanting to move up to something larger. There are still many labs in the LA area that will process your film for you. Some that come to mind are A&I or Main. They both will do a good job for you. You can also do it yourself with minimal equipment if you want more control.
Personally I would go for something like a Mamiya RZ 6x7 camera so you can have a decent sized negative. 645 is ok but it isn't really that much larger then a 35mm. Besides with an RZ you can shoot 645 just by changing the back. You can also select between 120 or 220 by using different backs. RZs are fairly cheap these days on ebay and you can find a nice clean kit to get you started for a fraction of what they used to cost.
I use mostly 120 as there are more emulsions available however if I can find the film I want in 220, I will opt to use it as it give twice the exposures and if I am on a roll I don't want to stop to change backs or reload. Both 120 and 220 are getting harder to find and the choice of emusions is half of what it was just a few years ago, but it is still out there.
If you do elect to go for the RZ, make sure to get the Pro II not the original version. I am in Torrance so I am local to you if you need any help.
Phil
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Michael Neumann
(K=119) - Comment Date 7/23/2008
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I have to disagree with the recommendation to go with the RZ67. For someone that is used to shooting 35mm I would first look into either getting a used Mamiya 6 system or a new Mamiya 7 system. They are rangefinder camera's and are much easier to shoot and very similar to 35mm shooting. The lenses for the Mamiya rangefinders are also higher quality than the RZ67 line of lenses. Dont get me wrong the RZ67 is a great camera especially for studio photographers but I dont see many photgraphers shooting with one of those out of the studio. They are big, unwieldly off a tripod and the ilm backs become a pain in the butt out in the field.
I purchesed an RZ67 during my junior year in college and ended up selling it less than 6 months later simply because of how unfreindly it is out of the studio. I now have both complete Mamiya 6MF and Mamiya 7II systems with full lens kits and they are hands down 2 of my favorite cameras I have ever owned. Super easy to use out of the studio, super light, super fast and amazingly sharp pictures.
If I were you I would at least get a hands on with both systems before making your mind up. If your looking to stay in the studio then the RZ67 is certainly a system you should definitely take a serious look at. If however you do most of your shooting out of a studio and without a tripod then my advice is to go the M6 or M7 route.
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