Photographers should not be defined by the gear they use – but it is fun to think that a better camera would make me a better artist. Well, I am going to be spending my time making myself a better photographer. I read books, I watch tutorials on the interwebs, I practice my photography and my retouching skills. I will make myself improve in both skill and creative vision. Oh, but it is fun to drool over a $20,000 camera. I could buy a car for the camera.

The Hasselblad HD4-40 - my dream camera

What makes the camera better? The size of the sensor is one reason – medium format cameras are the luxury sports car of the photography community. Mmmmm.

Hasselblad HD4-40

I just registered for an event at my favorite local photography store, Pictureline. They will be hosting Hasselblad and the new HD4-40 camera. That camera has 40 megapixels!

Now, people will say the number of megapixels don’t matter – that it is the skill of the photographer and the type of lenses you use and other factors. And for the most part megapixels don’t matter – but not all megapixels are created equally. I would prefer a 10 megapixel DSLR camera over a 10 megapixel phone camera or even a point-n-shoot camera.

And medium format cameras have pixels that blow the pixels of DSLRs out of the water. And most every single portrait and wedding photographer shoots with DSLRs. And DSLRs are perfectly capable in photographing a wedding and they are great at photographing in low light situations like wedding receptions and even some wedding ceremonies.

Phase One

But in the back of my mind I think it would be so cool to have a medium format digital camera for portraits. Bridal sessions and even engagment sessions where I drag out my big studio lights on location – that would be so cool. Can I do this now with my digital cameras? Yes.

However, the amount of detail that is captured by the Hasselblad or the competition Phase One camera would be jaw dropping. These are the kind of cameras used to photograph models, magazine covers and the high end fashion shoots. So when you see a model’s photograph who has been retouched to within an inch of their life – they were shot with a medium format digital camera.

So I am saving some money for that – well, saving money in general is good. And it is fun to dream of something better but use the tools we have right now.

So today I received two new lenses in the mail – these are used lenses that will work with my medium format film camera. I have yet to get my first roll of film back from the photo lab – and I am already barreling into the world of film head first!

My new Bronica 50mm and Bronica 150mm lenses

BTW, I call these lenses new – they are new to me. They are most definitely used – and they arrived in their original boxes. I don’t keep my boxes for too long. But then I wasn’t raised in the depression – where you learned to keep EVERYTHING. I recycle boxes – rather than store them in a basement somewhere.

This weekend I am excited to go out and photograph a few more rolls of film. Last night I shot about 5 frames of black and white film and about 8 frames of color film. Shooting film is very different than digital photography. I love digital photography – but there is definitely something romantic and classic about film photography.

All three of my medium format camera lenses - 50mm, 75mm, 150mm

Digital photography simplifies photography – it can have a faster workflow – and the image quality is getting outstanding. What is it that I like about film? I like that the film itself will include a unique thumbprint – grain, color, contrast are all subjective to what kind of film you use. Yes you can fake it in Photoshop.

I also like the retro/old time feel of film cameras. Much like people today are now buying actual records to listen to music – it is hip to be retro – but no too retro.

And most importantly? I think shooting film will help make me a bit more unique – cause I don’t like to blend in. Normal is boring – be extraordinary. So watch for me the photographer with a film camera and a digital camera.

Bird's eye view of the Bronica lenses

Why am I excited? Because I want to learn the fine art of film photography. I found this camera at Allen’s Camera. I have been curious about shooting film for quite some time. I want to see if I can use it as a creative tool in addition to my digital photography. Cameras, lenses, film, digital, are nothing more than tools. And I want a variety of tools to paint with.

Bronica ETRS Medium Format Film Camera

About a year or two ago I started to shoot in manual mode. That was one way to learn to challenge myself. Yes I can have the camera do all the thinking for me. But I find much more enjoyment in challenging myself. And film will be that next challenge. AND this used camera only shoots in manual focus – which is exciting. Getting out of my comfort zone will be good for me and ultimately good for those brides and grooms I photograph.

Bronica 75mm f/2.8 lens

Learning to load the film into this camera took a few minutes and at least 2 tries. And I won’t find out if I did it right until I get the film developed. I am excited to see what I can do with a medium format camera – the film is 4 times the size of a digital sensor – maybe larger. That means I can get some killer details and hopefully even some crazy shallow depth of field – I will figure that out.

I had to read the whole camera manual!

There are also multiple camera backs – this means I can switch from color film to black and white film without having to first finish a camera roll. And if this works well and I learn how to rock film I will probably add a film package to my wedding packages. And maybe have it at least as an option. Digital is still the way to go – but I am excited for the future of film.

Kodak Tri-X 400 film