First Experiment with Medium Format
DECEMBER 2020 ● JOURNAL
As of about a week ago, I had been shooting 35mm film exclusively for about three years - it was time to further my craft and delve into another realm of analog photography. After some online research - scrolling through review after review, sorting through examples and forums, some inspiration from a friend - I decided to try my hand at medium format. My choice: a near mint Zenza Bronica ETRSi. First of all, the camera itself looks dope. Its got an alluring, vintage aesthetic to it that makes you feel like you’re about to reach the next level. There’s something about these older SLR cameras that elicit a sense of respect for the past - maybe it’s the recognition of the technological acumen needed to produce stunning shots, maybe it’s the empowerment of having full control over your shots, rejecting the automation of newer DSLRs, or maybe it’s just some pretentious nonsense. Nonetheless, I was stoked to get my hands on this new camera.
In preparation of my first adventure, I scanned manuals, glued my eyes to tutorials, and tinkered with buttons and knobs until I felt comfortable enough to at least give it a shot (I still have quite a bit to learn about this camera - and medium format in general). For those who have primarily stuck to 35mm film and are inexperienced with medium format:
Medium format utilizes 120 film, capable of producing much larger negatives which allow for higher quality images, more accurate color reproductions, and greater detail. There are generally more options for components, accessories, and interchangeable parts with medium format cameras (film backs, grips, prism finders, waist level viewfinders, etc.). Medium format seems to convey more natural and real world imagery, while still maintaining the gritty, artistic, and imperfect allure of film. For more info, head on over to Gizmodo and give this article a read.
I was eager to upgrade into medium format - not necessarily because it’s better (I still plan on using 35mm regularly), but because I felt like I was advancing my capacity as an analog photographer. As for film stock, I went with one roll of Portra 400 (of course) and one roll of Tri-X 400. Anyway, this is my first entry and I don’t really feel like writing that much - I’d rather let the images speak:
