Types of medium format Cameras, in Photography

 

Medium format cameras, the grand artisans of the photographic world, occupy a space between the ubiquitous 35mm and the expansive realm of large format. They offer a unique blend of detail, tonality, and a distinctive aesthetic, attracting photographers seeking a higher level of image quality. Let's explore the various types of medium format cameras, each with its own character and purpose:

1. The Classic Workhorses: Hasselblad and Mamiya 6x6 SLR Cameras

• Imagine a camera that feels like a precision instrument, a tool built for meticulous craftsmanship. That's the essence of the Hasselblad 500 series. These cameras, with their modular design and interchangeable backs, lenses, and viewfinders, were the darlings of studio and fashion photographers for decades.
• Mamiya, another titan of the medium format world, offered their own line of 6x6 SLRs, known for their robust build and excellent optics. Both Hasselblad and Mamiya cameras offer a square 6x6cm format, producing images with a unique and timeless quality.
• These cameras are often manually operated, demanding a deeper engagement from the photographer. They are well suited to situations where careful composition and precise exposure are paramount.

2. The Rangefinder Charm: Mamiya 7 and Fujifilm GF670

• For photographers seeking a more portable and discreet medium format experience, rangefinder cameras offer a compelling alternative.
• The Mamiya 7, with its quiet leaf shutter lenses and superb optical quality, is a favorite among landscape and travel photographers. Its rangefinder focusing system allows for quick and accurate focusing.
• The Fujifilm GF670, a folding rangefinder camera, is a marvel of compactness and convenience. It's ideal for street photography and reportage, offering the advantages of medium format in a small and lightweight package.
• Rangefinders offer a different experience, relying on a separate viewfinder and rangefinder patch for focusing.

3. The Versatile 645 Format: Pentax 645 and Mamiya 645

• The 645 format, slightly rectangular, offers a compromise between the square 6x6 and the more elongated 35mm format.
• Pentax and Mamiya both produced excellent 645 SLR cameras, offering a wide range of lenses and accessories.
• These cameras are often more automated than their 6x6 counterparts, featuring autofocus and motor drives. They are well suited to a variety of photographic genres, from portraiture to landscape.
• The 645 format is a very popular medium format choice due to the more modern features that many of these cameras offer.

4. The Digital Revolution: Phase One and Hasselblad Digital Backs

• The advent of digital technology brought a new era to medium format photography.
• Phase One and Hasselblad, among others, developed high-resolution digital backs that could be attached to existing medium format camera bodies.
• These digital backs offer incredible image quality, with high dynamic range and exceptional detail.
• These digital backs are very expensive, and are mostly used by professional studios.

5. The Unique: TLR (Twin Lens Reflex) Cameras

• Rolleiflex cameras are the most well known TLR medium format cameras.
• These cameras have two lenses, one for viewing, and one for taking the picture.
• They are known for their unique waist level viewfinders, and very high image quality.

In essence:

• Medium format cameras are about more than just resolution; they're about a distinct look, a richness of tonality, and a sense of depth that sets them apart.
• Whether you're drawn to the classic charm of a Hasselblad, the portability of a rangefinder, or the digital prowess of a Phase One, medium format offers a unique and rewarding photographic experience.