Leifer
Newbie
Hey everyone, Im currently in a bit of a dilemma. I have an upcoming photo shoot, and I'm new to fashion photography. I currently have a Leica m6 with a 35mm v4 summicron (german made!) which ill probably do the shoot with, but for future jobs I'm considering buying another camera. I personally want a mamiya 7ii and would use it for fashion photography, however, Im also considering a fujifilm x100s. What should I do? Do I get the mamiya for personal use and possibly professional use? Or do I get the x100s for convenience and to meet the needs of agencies? Or if Im considering digital, do I even get the x100s? I dont wan't to break the bank. Im looking to spend around $2500 max. Thanks for your time guys. Im sure you guys know the stress between film and digital. Also I don't know as much about the x100s as I do the mamiya. Your knowledge is welcomed and wanted!
Paul Jenkin
Well-known
I'm not a fashion photographer by any stretch of the imagination but I have been to fashion shows and your suggested camera options seem slightly unusual to me.
Most fashion photographers (aside from the ones that can afford Leica S series cameras and lenses) tend to go with DSLRs with good low-light capabilities, such as the Nikon D3s.
I've been a long-term user of Mamiya 7 and the fact that you get 10 shots on a roll of 120 and there's a distinct lack of fast glass suggests that you might be making a bit of a rod for your own back if you went down that route. If you could pull it off, the image quality would be wonderful but it does look like a high risk strategy to me.
I own a Fuji X100 (not the X100s) and that is a great little camera but it isn't without its limitations - particularly a less than market-leading auto-focus set up. It's quick enough for general purpose use but is it the right tool for a fashion shoot? I'm not convinced.
If you've got a $2,500 budget, a Nikon D700 and 28-70 f2.8 AF-S zoom (the 24-70 would be better but would probably blow the budget) should be achievable, second-hand and give you a lot more options. Another option might be a Fuji XT1 as they have great auto-focus and excellent low-light capability.
Best wishes with your endeavours but my advice would be to do a bit more research on what functionality fashion shoots require and which kit will deliver that best, within your budget.
Most fashion photographers (aside from the ones that can afford Leica S series cameras and lenses) tend to go with DSLRs with good low-light capabilities, such as the Nikon D3s.
I've been a long-term user of Mamiya 7 and the fact that you get 10 shots on a roll of 120 and there's a distinct lack of fast glass suggests that you might be making a bit of a rod for your own back if you went down that route. If you could pull it off, the image quality would be wonderful but it does look like a high risk strategy to me.
I own a Fuji X100 (not the X100s) and that is a great little camera but it isn't without its limitations - particularly a less than market-leading auto-focus set up. It's quick enough for general purpose use but is it the right tool for a fashion shoot? I'm not convinced.
If you've got a $2,500 budget, a Nikon D700 and 28-70 f2.8 AF-S zoom (the 24-70 would be better but would probably blow the budget) should be achievable, second-hand and give you a lot more options. Another option might be a Fuji XT1 as they have great auto-focus and excellent low-light capability.
Best wishes with your endeavours but my advice would be to do a bit more research on what functionality fashion shoots require and which kit will deliver that best, within your budget.
Addy101
Well-known
Yes, a semi pro DSLR would make the most sense. Canon 6D or Nikon D610 could be a good option with a good lens. I'm more into Canon, add a 35/2 IS, 50/1.4 and 85/1.8 you have most angles covered if you're a prime person or get a pro f/2.8 zoom if you like those.
marameo
Established
Fashion Photographer Norman Jean Roy is still shooting film, with a Mamiya 7 http://www.vogue.com/voguepedia/Norman_Jean_Roy
Turtle
Veteran
I would not even look at the Mamiya 7 or X100s and I own Mamiya 7s (no fast lenses) and a X100 (poor focus (even with the 'S' and fixed lens limits you).
DSLR all the way. No question whatsoever. An olympus E-M1 might just get a look in, but for fashion, being able to isolate the subject can be important (or useful, creatively) and its harder to do this as well as with full frame. Very fast M43 lenses ain't cheap (42.5 Nocticon, 75 f1.8 Oly)
DSLR + 35mm + 85/100mm. Buy used and you might just be able to do it for $2500. The Canon 85 1.8 EF and 35 f2 IS could be had for $1000 new, so that leaves $1500 which is enough for a used FF body. In time, you might be able to add something like the 50mm f1.2L. FWIW, the L series f1.2 lenses might not be the best for across the field sharpness but they have a rendering that is perfect for what you a looking to do.
DSLR all the way. No question whatsoever. An olympus E-M1 might just get a look in, but for fashion, being able to isolate the subject can be important (or useful, creatively) and its harder to do this as well as with full frame. Very fast M43 lenses ain't cheap (42.5 Nocticon, 75 f1.8 Oly)
DSLR + 35mm + 85/100mm. Buy used and you might just be able to do it for $2500. The Canon 85 1.8 EF and 35 f2 IS could be had for $1000 new, so that leaves $1500 which is enough for a used FF body. In time, you might be able to add something like the 50mm f1.2L. FWIW, the L series f1.2 lenses might not be the best for across the field sharpness but they have a rendering that is perfect for what you a looking to do.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
You can use absolutely anything for fashion, including 8x10 inch. Surely it's a question of the look you want: your personal vision. The Mamiya and X100S are so different that you're going to get completely different pictures. What look do YOU want?
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.