Why Medium Format?

WHY MEDIUM FORMAT?

The term medium format is best defined as: cameras that use 120 roll film (or, of course a digital sensor greater than a 135 format full frame in area). This format includes a huge range of equipment that typically use 120 roll film to make images of (in centimetres) 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9, 6x12 and 6x17. The more recent cameras are SLR and range-finder types. Among these there are the "all singing and dancing" fully electronic auto-focus cameras; electro-mechanical and all-mechanical cameras. Some are fully modular, some partly modular and some are not modular at all. But, the one thing that they all have in common is that they exclusively use 120 roll film.

Like everything in photography, there are different horses for different courses - the image size and camera type selected by professionals and amateurs alike, suit their particular needs.

Ultimately there are two key reasons for any photographer taking up medium format:
- image size: in photography (film and digital media alike) the size of the captured image does matter. A 6x6 medium format image will always make a higher quality enlargement that will a 135 format image - as the enlargement size increases, so too does the need for a larger captured image to maintain the quality of the finished.

- modularity: unlike 135 format cameras, many medium format cameras typically have greater modularity thus enabling interchangeability (in addition to lenses) of at least film magazines or film backs (magazines and the holder). Many medium format SLR cameras have interchangeable film backs, view finders, viewing screens and even film advance devices.

Either or both of the above two features of most medium format cameras attract photographers.

Today medium format SLR cameras are typically "digital ready"; even all mechanical 30 or 40 years old! In place of the film back the photographer fits a compatible digital back. While today's medium format digital backs have sensors that are smaller (or "cropped") than the camera's film image, it is nonetheless significantly larger than a 135 format DSLR's sensor.

However that technology still comes at a relatively huge price and is not often affordable to an amateur. Many professionals who have invested in medium format digital backs (according to industry surveys) still shoot film regularly for a number of reasons. Hence the 120 roll film market remains reasonably healthy.

What Impact Has Medium Format Photography Had On My Photography?

Often asked by keen amateur photographers, the answer to this question may vary depending upon whom it is asked of; but generally the main points are common to us all.

Simply put, I certainly believe that MF has helped me become a better amateur photographer in a number of ways - both technically and creatively.

Shooting MF is much more of a contemplative / deliberate and exacting type of photography because the equipment is generally larger and slower to use.

However, the critical point is that the one word that sums up MF is QUALITY - optics, mechanics, image output, media... etc.. Images are richer and more detailed and enable larger and higher quality prints. We take it up so that our finished output benefits from the relatively larger / higher quality image and what is often more exacting equipment (logic here being that MF is largely the domain of professionals and thus must satisfy their more critical expectations - ceteris paribus of course).

In my case I shoot 6x6 MF and it is my most used equipment. The images and especially those on positive film are just such an eye opener to the first time MF user - not only is the "look" different to the much smaller 135 format one quickly sees and appreciates much more of an image's attributes.

It is to my mind a process of awareness and appreciation and taking the time (or, even being forced to!) for deeper consideration of all facets of what goes into making quality images. By its very nature a more "contemplative" form of photography - the equipment is typically slower (relatively of course) to operate, thus forcing more deliberate consideration of the image being made and how it is being made - creative and technical elements.

Of course I am not saying that MF is better; what I am saying is that when the format / equipment suits the purpose, MF has enormous benefits. Professional have not been lugging around their heavier and larger MF equipment because they find that fun - it's just a part of the price paid for gaining its advantages.

So MF photography requires one to plan what he is going to shoot; consider how he will shoot; carefully prepare and shoot. These attributes are driven by the process (especially of the more mechanical MF equipment) - only 12 frames (6x6 120 film assuming just one magazine) to play with; larger cameras to handle and a far slower firing rate; typically lower geared and larger lenses to operate; mechanical or electro-mechanical camera settings etc..

All this means deeper consideration of our creative intentions as we stare into that huge and wonderful MF viewfinder!

When I shoot 6x6, I truly feel that I am more engaged with my subject; my purpose is very clear - to make an appealing image from my subject and capture what I am seeing. I am not being absorbed in or distracted by using the camera itself, which often feel the case when shooting a 135 format SLR). I seem to automatically consider more carefully every part of the image frame. Even when under time constraints such as when the sun is setting on a landscape; or, when the outside light miraculously peeps in through a window onto a subject's face creating a perfect portrait moment.

Likewise even the operations of the camera and lens make me consider each technical element much more. For example: much more considered use of aperture and DOF; very careful thought about the exposure values and the impact of all areas of the image on that; placement of the image's elements; and even a finishing touch (before I fire the shutter); and something I call "perfection" of the process, such as the use of a cable release and tripod and use of the mirror pre-release feature, etc..

Sure, I may sometimes have a need to engage in some attempted fast action and less contemplative MF shooting too; but, when I do, I know why and the purpose is clear for that situation.

Ultimately, the purpose of using medium format and the impact it has had on me, are the same - image quality in both creative and technical terms. Today, the digital "revolution" has had one very favourable outcome for aspiring medium format users - outstanding quality is within our reach more than ever before!