MEDIUM FORMAT

Back in September, beginning the MA I knew I wanted to use medium format to create my image content. This was from using the majority of 35mm film for my undergraduate and I wanted to expand on using film, the slower process of film is something I am particularly interested in. As an artist, I tend to draw to ’in-between‘ images Shooting slot of content with no real consideration of what I’m photographing and think later when editing and sequencing. What I mean by ‘in-between’ is the images you have not necessarily set out to shoot or when the model isn't 100% engaged with the camera. This then becomes more difficult to capture with film and even more so with medium format due to the slower process to capture an image and receive the developed film. Whereas with digital the photographs are instant and so is the connection and response to the image. The immediate process of digital stops me from really engaging with my photographs and prevents me to think before I shoot.

Having said that I wanted to use medium format for my MA work to expand my knowledge skill and ability; to slow down my shooting proses and consider my images, content and style more. I ordered a medium format MAMIYA c330 at a reasonable price from eBay after researching medium format cameras and what each camera delivers. I settled on the MAMIYA as I have found it to appear to be a great camera for quality images, broad capabilities and knew an artist who used them with great recommendations.

Before the camera arrives, I began searching YouTube to gain a better understanding of the capabilities and functionality of the camera. Using a video on YouTube explaining the Mamiya (Day, Matt 2020) Mat explains in the video about the twin focus lens in the Mamiya allowing you to focus on the subject slot closer than other film cameras. As I wanted the camera, I purchased to be capable to photograph from landscape to detailed close-ups this was beneficial to me. within the video, I was informed that you can shoot in 35mm film as well as 120mm. Although I already have a 35 mom Canon T70 it was still interesting to know that this medium format can shoot both.

Matt created a video using the MAMIYA C330 out on location (Day, Mat, 2020) capturing some portraits and the quality of the camera capabilities was incredible and the aesthetic I want within my images.

Figure 1

To help with the exposure I have an app Lightmr which is just a digital light meter that allows me to take the image in my phone for the app to calculate the correct setting the camera requires. The app is extremely helpful when using film as you cannot check the image on the back of the camera like a digital camera. So, to get the basics of exposure through the light meter app allows me to be sure in the correct setting. However, still being new to film and very new to the MAMIYA C330 I need to expand my knowledge by practice to create the exposure I desire for images. So, to avoid disappointment with images coming back from the lab not how I intended them to turn out I also shoot most of my work on my digital and sometimes 35mm to get a range of aesthetics and not miss out on a shot.

This method of working ensures that I don’t miss an opportunity when shooting but allows me to learn more about the technical aspect of photography.

Figure 2. Figure 3

Figure 2 and 3 is an example of shooting digital alongside shooting on the MAMIYA for the first time with expired film to get a feel of the camera before using quality films. I would like to research further into film types and what is better for the project once I begin the FMP but for experimental work, I’m not going to try any better-quality film as the process of film is expensive.

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Reference

Day , Matt (2020, February 3). Unboxing the mamiya c330.......again [Video]. YouTube . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r5__kYCj94

Day , Matt (2020, February 3). Fuji 400H & Ilford HP5 | Mamiya C330 Portraits [Video]. YouTube . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu2iL7oNM1o

Figure List

Figure 1 Day, M. (2020). Untitled . [Photography]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu2iL7oNM1o

Figure 2 Boothroyd , H. (2021). Boots . [Photography ]. Creative studio , Huddersfield Figure 3 Boothroyd , H. (2021). Boots MAMIYA . [Photography ]. Creative studio , Huddersfield