msbarnes
Well-known
I shoot 6x6 and 35mm. Mostly with standard lenses but I find 6x6 composition more difficult. In fact, I like 35mm (3:2 aspect) for multiple focal lengths, but I primarily like 6x6 for normal focal lengths or perhaps a slight deviation from normal (like 60mm, 100mm, etc.)
I wouldn't say that my results for 6x6 are necessarily worse, but more often I get puzzled in how to compose things. For me it is a Leica M vs Rolleiflex TLR so it can also be the camera style because the viewfinders/focusing is completely different.
I wouldn't say that my results for 6x6 are necessarily worse, but more often I get puzzled in how to compose things. For me it is a Leica M vs Rolleiflex TLR so it can also be the camera style because the viewfinders/focusing is completely different.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Kind of the opposite for me. I tend to see better in more square format, more of the time. I frequently crop my M9 images to squares... !
G
G
Pioneer
Veteran
I like the Square
I like the Square
I like the square. I am not concerned about whether I am shooting horizontal or vertical so it eliminates one composition variable for me, which is surprisingly liberating.
The other thing that I find a bit interesting is that when printing my square images, I usually print square. However, when printing 35mm, 645 or 6x9, the final print can assume any number of dimensions. For some reason when I shoot square I think square in my compositions. It really isn't conscious, it just seems to happen.
I like the Square
I like the square. I am not concerned about whether I am shooting horizontal or vertical so it eliminates one composition variable for me, which is surprisingly liberating.
The other thing that I find a bit interesting is that when printing my square images, I usually print square. However, when printing 35mm, 645 or 6x9, the final print can assume any number of dimensions. For some reason when I shoot square I think square in my compositions. It really isn't conscious, it just seems to happen.
Last edited:
Morry Katz
Established
Here's a hint on working in the 6X6 format. Work the corners, and the diagonals and shun the foregrounds. I shoot both 6X6 and 35 and have for many years. They are different.
divewizard
perspicaz
I have no difficulty moving among different aspect ratios of the cameras I have.
35mm cameras and Fuji 6x9s are all 2:3
Fuji 645 cameras and 4/3s digital cameras are 3:4
Pentax 6x7 and 67II are 6:7
Mamiya6 and Hasselblad are 1:1
I find I just start seeing in which ever aspect ratio I use. In some ways 6x6 is the easiest becasue you never have to rotate the camera.
35mm cameras and Fuji 6x9s are all 2:3
Fuji 645 cameras and 4/3s digital cameras are 3:4
Pentax 6x7 and 67II are 6:7
Mamiya6 and Hasselblad are 1:1
I find I just start seeing in which ever aspect ratio I use. In some ways 6x6 is the easiest becasue you never have to rotate the camera.
Mystyler
Established
I find it difficult, but I love the square "look". I can never seem to get the horizon straight consistently, one of the quirks of a WLF I guess!
I have only shot a few rolls, but I've yet to take a 6x6 that doesn't look better after it has been cropped.
All part of the fun.
I have only shot a few rolls, but I've yet to take a 6x6 that doesn't look better after it has been cropped.
All part of the fun.ruby.monkey
Veteran
I don't find shooting square difficult per se - but it does take me a little while to start seeing in that format again each time I switch.
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
I love 6x6, have been shooting it since I got my first medium format camera (an ancient prewar Rolleiflex Automat) at age 15. Composing in square is different than any rectangular format like 35mm.
First, it is acceptable to center your subject, something that 'the rules' say you shouldn't do . In rectangular photos this is usually good advice, but square format photos often look great with centered or nearly centered subject:
Another thing is try to fill the frame, get close. Some subjects really lend themselves to this. The monotony of the square can be broken up by use of lines, curves, and angles in the subject:
First, it is acceptable to center your subject, something that 'the rules' say you shouldn't do . In rectangular photos this is usually good advice, but square format photos often look great with centered or nearly centered subject:
Another thing is try to fill the frame, get close. Some subjects really lend themselves to this. The monotony of the square can be broken up by use of lines, curves, and angles in the subject:
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
The square can also give a peaceful, restful feeling to an image.
It is wonderful for portraits!
It is wonderful for portraits!
Spanik
Well-known
Yep, 6x6 is for me far harder. So much that I dread using it. And 6x7 doesn't agree with me at all so I got rid of it. I love rectangular like 4:3 or 3:2.
raphaelaaron
Well-known
great shots, chris. very nice portraits.
I only prefer 6X6 for MF use. Like what others have said, its simple and in effect creates a look altogether different. For me, that's the look I love for my MF photography, because it can separate it from 35mm with just shape alone.
Just recently, I acquired my Ricoh GRDIV, and I've been shooting in square because I loved square so much. So far it's been treating me well.
I only prefer 6X6 for MF use. Like what others have said, its simple and in effect creates a look altogether different. For me, that's the look I love for my MF photography, because it can separate it from 35mm with just shape alone.
Just recently, I acquired my Ricoh GRDIV, and I've been shooting in square because I loved square so much. So far it's been treating me well.