The 52 Project, Week 34: Make it a Mamiya!

This week, I'd like to discuss a VERY real issue that affects millions of photographers worldwide. Gear Acquisition Syndrome, GAS as it's more affectionately called, is a truly debilitating disease. It starts off much like any other addiction, with that first purchase. Be it toy camera or serious SLR rig, that first purchase never seems to be enough for GAS's insatiable appetite.

"I'll just go ahead and get one more lens for that Canon AE-1", you say.

It's already too late! Soon the "absolute" statements start becoming more and more ridiculous, all to fuel the never-ending GAS.

"But if I never try that Hasselblad 503CX, I'm sure there's something in photography that I'll be missing!"

And if there's still a shred of money left in your bank account, large format sets in. 0__0

"Wow! That 4x5 rig costs less than the Hasselblad. See? It's not that bad, I'll just go ahead and buy that too."

Little do you know, that film, paper, enlargers, chemistry, and a home darkroom are lurking right around the corner. At this point, it's best just to committ yourself now and save family and friends the pain.

Seriously, though, when one takes the next step by purchasing new photographic equipment, it's VERY easy to let the commercial interests grab hold of you and never let go. Got a photography magazine handy? Just open it up and look around; read an article or two. It becomes apparent through this magazine that the only conceivable way to become a better photographer is to buy whatever they're selling. And they're selling A LOT! Instead of dreading over what you don't have, how about going outside, having fun, and maybe take some fun pictures? You'll learn way more about photography doing/shooting what you love, and have more fun while doing it!

So after all this preaching about the GAS and its horrible consequences, why would I got out and purchase new gear? At the moment, I keep telling myself necessity, future weddings, commercial gigs, etc. Deep down inside, though, I know the answer is that it's just plain cool and "I can't live without one" >__<. I now present to you, the Mamiya 645AF. 

A few quick things about this newest acquisition:

• It takes 120 film, like the Hasselblad, but also takes 220!
• It produces a negative of 6x4.5cm, giving 16/32 shots per roll 120/220
• It has spectacular autofocus, metering, and shooting modes, sometimes better than my Canon 1D!
• It auto-winds the film from start to finish. A lifesaver in higher pressure environments such as weddings.
• It accepts manual focus lenses from the long legacy of Mamiya 645 lenses.
• It's future-proof. Should the future of film somehow turn grim, I can slap a digital back on this baby, assuming of course I can afford a new car. x__x

But enough about the camera, let's get onto some samples!

Pretty standard outdoor test shot.

This first roll of 16 through the Mamiya needed to be done with a pretty well-known, baseline standard of all films. Therefore, I had no choice but to use good 'ole Tri-X. Everything was shot at ISO 400, with a +1/3 stop compensation, just personal taste with this film. The film was later souped in D-76 stock for 7.5 minutes, making for results ANYBODY, even photo students, could expect from this camera.

The indoor test shots were surprisingly sharp!

Moving indoors, the camera performed quite well under low light conditions. The AF assist beam, also known as the moment-spoiler, does a pretty good job finding a subject quickly and accurately. Once the light falls below a 1/4 second exposure, however, it seems to hunt forever. The shot to the right was taken at 1/15th second, a pleasant surprise beckoning back to my days of silly slow hand-held digital exposures.

High contrast indoor scene? No problem.

Around the same time I started testing this camera out, I got the bright idea to make a few how-to videos in HD for both the Mamiya 645AF and the Hasselblad 500C. You can view the Mamiya 645AF video below, and you can find the Hasselblad 500C video here. Lauren, to the left of this paragraph, was kind enough to be my lovely production assistant for the day. We made it easy by agreeing to do one-takes only. x__x

Something Good: The Mamiya's meter is fantastic! Light readings were always spot on a variety of different light.

Something Bad: The shutter release noise and auto wind noises that the camera makes can be a little loud/annoying if in a sound sensitive environment. Just something to keep in mind.

Something Learned: I need to stop cutting my head off in future videos. For some reason, it sounded like a good idea at the time of recording. Now I know better.

Next Week: Back to the 'Blad + B&W.

The 52 Project, Week 16: The National Dachshund Races, No Seriously

Okay, it’s story time. Three years ago, I was informed through the majesty of the Internet that each year Findlay, OH hosts the National Dachshund Races. \_o__0_/ WHAT?! I can’t make something this awesome up: http://www.weinerrace.com

Naturally, I’ve made yearly attendance to this ridiculous race something of high holiday priority.

Cute in the name of justice.
 

Scan 1: Cops and Robbers

Yes, it is wrong to put animals in any sort of costume, but I couldn't help myself. In my three years of coming to this event, this was the first year they held a costume contest. You can't fight this level of cute!

This guy finished the contest with 2nd.

Scan 2: Tractor Dachshund

This little guy has lost the function of his back two legs, but not the ability to make everyone around him go "Aww". ^__^

Even her owner is saying "Aww".

Scan 3: Adorable Dachshund

This was just one of many dachsies that was too adorable for words at this event. The eyes really draw you into the frame; too bad he's centered... >__<

A touching family moment. ^__^

Scan 4: Old Folks and Their Dachshund

These guys LOVE their dachshund, and were elated to hear that I wanted to take his picture with "Such a nice film camera." Only thing better than dachsies are pet owners who are appreciative of film.

He needs to be followed by a tuba.

Scan 5: Dudley the Massive Dachshund

This standard dachshund is huge, weighing in at a whopping 46lbs.! Click the photo to goto his Flickr description, detailing all the awards he cleaned up. >__>

Something Good: I couldn’t put the Hasselblad down. Pending better preparation, I would have brought more film. >__<

Something Bad: These little dogs move fast, and my hands are no Canon 1D Mark IV. Oh yeah, and keeping the ASA high was also a key. All the black and white was pushed 1/2 a stop with slightly less agitation in an attempt to pull a bit more shadow detail out.

Something Learned: Standard dachshunds are horrifyingly huge when compared to miniature dachshunds, and even golden retrievers. Dudley and his massive-ness managed to make my day.

Next Week: All the other “crap” that didn’t make it into one cohesive theme. There’s so much of it that it spans two whole weeks and about six rolls of assorted expired film. 

The 52 Project, Week 14: Old People in the Park

So the great photo catchup begins.

This project is starting to change me, I can feel it. Prior to the onset of this unforeseen commitment, I spent at least three hours on the computer daily. Now? I’m getting sunlight, exercise, and am even meeting new people. This project most assuredly will be the death of me. x__x

Anywho, this week whilst not being at the computer, I went to the park to stalk senior citizens. It’s nearly as fun as it is creepy.

As soon as I hit 50, shuffleboard's my game!

Scan 1: Waiting on Their Turn

Heading out to Riverside Park in Findlay, OH on a late summer afternoon, the last thing I expected to see was a group of senior citizens enjoying a lively game of shuffleboard. Before this day, I thought shuffleboard was limited to senior centers and discount cruises; the more you know...

The game was intense, but no smack-talk.

Scan 2: Still Waiting...

This game requires quite a lot of patience. It's kind of like corn-hole's great great great grandfather. They were even keeping score on a chalkboard. Very awesome.

She backsteps, she shoots...

Scan 3: The Deciding Shot!

About as much action as one would expect from this game, but it was still a lot of fun to watch (and set up cool shots).

At least some people can appreciate nature.

Scan 4: Subtle Stroll through the Park

After a rousing few matches, I followed one of the not previously pictured couples around the park for a shot with a little more "awww" appeal. Success?

Before we skip right to the week's analysis, a little about the film used this week. It was all good 'ole Tri-X 400. Nice silvery skin tones, a pleasant brightness curve, and classic film grain. Minus a slight bump to the blacks, these scans are fresh off the Epson V700. For future info about the scans, all you have to do is click the photo, and you'll instantly be taken to the shot's Flickr location, where you'll find another brief description, what film the shot was taken on, and what shutter speed and aperture was used to make the photo. If you should find yourself lost in Flickr and wish to make your way back here, each photo description contains a link back to its corresponding article.

Something Good: The senior citizens being photographed were good sports. When shooting more than one or two frames of an interesting subject, I’ll ask the subject. Luckily enough, they agreed, so long as I didn’t interrupt their game. Old folks take shuffle board about as seriously as most men do the Superbowl.

Something Bad: I only got there to capture the last two matches for the day. Also, I forgot to ask them when they were playing next. >__<
Something Learned: I need to learn when to and not to make use of back-lighting. I the above situation, the results were overall okay. Black and white negative film is at the top of the dynamic range scale, so long as your metering is spot on.

Next Week: A sucker-punch of color to the face! I try out the sorta-new Kodak Ektar 100. Believe the hype, and then some!