MF Rangefinder Wedding?

[Roger Warren]

Anybody try using their rangefinder to photograph a wedding? Interested in any problems you came across throughout all portions of the wedding day. I've got the Mamiya 7II with it's slow lenses.

 

[bensyverson]

I shot portraits for a friend's wedding with the 7 and 80/4... I would say it's doable (and in fact the 7 was a popular wedding photog camera in its day), but two things: 1) obviously only shoot 220, and 2) be sure to bring fast film. I was taking portraits around sunset, but in shade, and 400 ISO film was just barely cutting it. 160 would have been a disaster.

 

[isorgb]

Why not.
Edward Olive uses a variety of cameras: http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwardolive/sets/72157617750825584/show/

You would have to be more specific about your intentions. Modern bright digital images without noise, which is very good choice ... or emotions from each frame which is good choice too.

I have took some pictures on friends wedding with Epson rangefinder. Without flash. I set high ISO and used one lens. The results can be pleasing or not. It's probably just a matter of taste.
I was pleased:

 

[robklurfield]

It would seem the big challenge is the need for constantly reloading film at an event where the can be kind of quick.

 

[bwcolor]

I purchased the Mamiya 7 for just this reason, but digital provides a much better/flexible shooting format. So, you can do this, with the exception of tight shots.. had ETRsi for that, but this is probably not the optimal solution. If I were to shoot weddings using film, I would probably use the ETRsi and RF645 and the New Portra 400. That said, Ektar 100 in 35mm is also another option. I like Ektar skin color when exposed/lit properly.

 

[chrispiper]

I did one with my M6. The main issues were:

- Speed of reloading: you have to watch your frames so you don't run out at a critical time (or use two bodies)

- Film speeds - You need different speeds for different conditions. Don't get stuck with only one film speed when it gets late into the evening or things move indoors.

- Developing/scanning - Will you do it yourself? A lab? If you generate 10+ rolls, it takes time to get it developed, scanned and processed. A film workflow isn't digital, make sure you understand what you're getting yourself into.

- Client management - If clients expect film images to look and print like digital, then you need to manage their expectations.

 

[anu L ogy]

Hey Roger,

Have you ever heard of Jeff Ascough (http://www.jeffascough.com/) ? He is, in my opinion, one of the best wedding photojournalists around. He spent the early part of his careers shooting with RFs only. He now shoots Canon or Nikon Digital, however there are movies about him on youtube and whatnot where he discusses in detail his love for shooting weddings with rangefinders.

Jim

 

[oftheherd]

I did it some 30 years ago several times, using a Super Press 23 in conjuction with a 35mm SLR. When I thought there was more potential in the larger negative, the Press was used. When there wasn't, the 35mm was used. I did both available light and flash. At the time, I think I only had two backs for the Press, but I made it work. I also only had two lenses, the 100mm and the 65mm. Again, I made them work.

I would never suggest it be your only camera, even with several backs, even though the Press usually just continues to work. Some smaller, therefore more spontaneous camera, is a must. Plenty of batteries for any equipment that uses them.

Others have mentioned using RF at weddings. The framing may not be as precise, but in my case, the framing was good, and the larger negative overcame any lack in framing. It would probably seldom be an issue with 35mm RF either, since in most common photo sizes there is some cropping anyway.

 

[Riccis]

I started using a Mamiya 7II with a 65mm and 80mm to complement my Leicas for my wedding work. Other than having to reload after 10 shots, I see no handling difference between the 7II and the M... Yes, the f/4 is not a problem for me as I push to 3200 or 6400 if I need to. To be honest with you, I am loving the big neg and the 67 format a lot and can see myself using the M less and less.

Cheers,

 

[dcsang]

I did about 4 last year tagging along with another wedding photographer - I used my two M7's and Rolleiflex (for "formals") and it worked out quite well.

Loading/reloading is not as much of an issue as people may think if you "manage" your shooting (you know, like people did in the old days.. before digital cameras would allow you to machine gun your way through a wedding day) 😀

I'll defer (with great respect) to Riccis when it comes to the Mamiya 7 as he's used one (and I haven't) and I know his work is incredible.

The only issue I would struggle with is effectively using flash - I may, actually, opt to going back to my old Vivitar 283's on a bracket for the "reception" or "late night" flash work.

I would suggest that you do a "tag along" first before jumping in headlong into one on your own.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Faintandfuzzy]

I started using a Mamiya 7II with a 65mm and 80mm to complement my Leicas for my wedding work. Other than having to reload after 10 shots, I see no handling difference between the 7II and the M... Yes, the f/4 is not a problem for me as I push to 3200 or 6400 if I need to. To be honest with you, I am loving the big neg and the 67 format a lot and can see myself using the M less and less.

Cheers,

LOL. Riccis, I was just going to refer this thread to your website....but you beat me by 20 min! 😀

 

[oftheherd]

...

The only issue I would struggle with is effectively using flash - I may, actually, opt to going back to my old Vivitar 283's on a bracket for the "reception" or "late night" flash work.
...

Cheers,
Dave

I used 285's and a Sunpak 555 (I think that was the Sunpak's number) with my Mamiya. Well, with the Fujica as well for that matter. Diffusers and bounce work well.