Retro Photography | dav.d wedding photography

Posts Tagged ‘retro photography’

Switching to Film? Not QuiteMonday, December 14th, 2009

It is Christmas – I already bought a flip mino the other day. I bought a brand new used medium format camera today! This camera probably dates back to about 1979. I have never really shot film – other than film point and shoot cameras in the 20th century That is a long time ago.

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.