Shooting differently with different cameras

[edge100]

After a long hiatus, I decided to break out my Mamiya 7 and the 80/4 for my morning walk into the office. Normally, I've got my M6, X100, or X-Pro1 in my bag, but I've got a stockpile of 120 film in my freezer, and I thought it was about time I shot some of it.

Anyway, it occurred to me while I was walking in that I was approaching things quite a bit differently using the Mamiya vs. using, say, the M6. Even with the same film (Portra 400), and even though both are rangefinders, I found that the Mamiya lends itself to a more focused, slower type of shooting vs. the Leica.

Consequently, I find that the shots I produce are of an entirely different 'sort', depending on the camera I use. With the Mamiya, I tend to shoot more stationary subjects with precise focus at relatively wide f/stops, while with the Leica, I'm generally shooting moving people using zone focusing and narrow f/stops. Since the Fujis have AF, I'm shooting those more wide open than with the Leica. And so forth.

I've been thinking about adding a wide angle lens to my bag, and trying to decide which system to devote to it (Mamiya vs. M-mount vs. Fuji XF). However, I now realize that I really ought to have a wide for each system (my wife will love that), because I use the cameras so differently.

Anyone else find that camera you're using has a big effect on the types of photographs you're producing?

 

[hepcat]

Well, yes. And no. I find that each camera system imposes its own limits on the way you shoot. You don't have to shoot differently with each system except where you run up against those limits.

I'm down to a single Leica system now, three bodies and several lenses, and it's kind of refreshing and challenging to make a single system do the job, whatever that job may be. Having only one system option causes me to simplify my approach and tailor the way I shoot to the needs of the job.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Well, yes. And no. I find that each camera system imposes its own limits on the way you shoot. You don't have to shoot differently with each system except where you run up against those limits.

I'm down to a single Leica system now, three bodies and several lenses, and it's kind of refreshing and challenging to make a single system do the job, whatever that job may be. Having only one system option causes me to simplify my approach and tailor the way I shoot to the needs of the job.

An excellent approach. If the OP cannot approach your asceticism, though, I'd suggest that he needs to look at how he shoots with each system. I don't miss 'standard' (80-100mm) lenses on my Alpa (44x66mm to 56x84mm) where I normally use wide-angles (38-58mm), but I like a 21 inch (533mm) lens on 8x10 for portraiture ('standard' = 300mm).

Cheers,

R.

 

[raid]

As a hobby, having over x cameras does not imply that I will use over x different ways of photography.

I can say that when I use a MF film camera, then I slow down in taking photos since each image costs a lot of money, when compared with a 35mm film camera or a digital camera.
Else, I do not take different images with different cameras. I traveled to many places in past years with two MF cameras and two 35mm cameras. The composition is the same, but the details will be different due to using MF film.

 

[edge100]

Certainly, I can make any of my three systems work like any of the others. It's simply that my natural inclination when using the Mamiya is to slow down and be a bit more pensive about each shot (only have 10 shots on a roll helps that, too). I can (and do) do this with my Fujis as well. Perhaps it's that when I choose to shoot the X-Pro1, for example, I'm in the mood to shoot in a certain way.

 

[Calzone]

I shoot TLR, SLR's, Rangefinders, and even scale focus in both 35mm and in medium format.

35mm is definitely the faster rigs, 120 is slower, and reloading breaks any momentum. I find digital to be as fast (I own a Monochrom) because I am a long time film shooter.

Also because I own and use so many different cameras it always seems to be refreshing when I shift to a different rig. Also note that focusing a Rollie using ground glass is definately very different than through any VF'er. I enjoy all the quirks and differences that always keeps me thinking.

Cal

 

[thegman]

Yes, certainly. I tend to be more careful with medium format, taking my time etc. 35mm I find myself almost absent-mindedly taking any old photo.

In terms of actual content, it's probably much the same except that if I'm heading out to take photos, I'll take medium format. If photos are a sideline for the day, then I may be more likely to have a 35mm camera with me. So basically, if I'm out making an effort, I'll have medium format, so the destination and time I have to take photos will be a lot different.

I tend to be less happy with my 35mm photos, but based on the effort I make with them, vs. medium format, it's not surprising.

 

[edge100]

Yes, certainly. I tend to be more careful with medium format, taking my time etc. 35mm I find myself almost absent-mindedly taking any old photo.

In terms of actual content, it's probably much the same except that if I'm heading out to take photos, I'll take medium format. If photos are a sideline for the day, then I may be more likely to have a 35mm camera with me. So basically, if I'm out making an effort, I'll have medium format, so the destination and time I have to take photos will be a lot different.

I tend to be less happy with my 35mm photos, but based on the effort I make with them, vs. medium format, it's not surprising.

That's just it; I find that the content of my images is different depending on the camera I'm using.

 

[KenR]

I agree with Edge100 - different cameras cause me to shoot differently - even with lenses that have apx. the same angle of view. For me, I think that it has to do with the number of shots per roll and the ease of changing film. So I shoot with 35mm much more like digital - a wasted frame here and there doesn't matter. But with the larger formats, 6x6 and especially 6x9, the number of shots per roll is limited and the time and difficulty in changing rolls so much greater than 35mm, that I have to slow down and make every shot a keeper.

 

[hepcat]

I agree with Edge100 - different cameras cause me to shoot differently - even with lenses that have apx. the same angle of view. For me, I think that it has to do with the number of shots per roll and the ease of changing film. So I shoot with 35mm much more like digital - a wasted frame here and there doesn't matter. But with the larger formats, 6x6 and especially 6x9, the number of shots per roll is limited and the time and difficulty in changing rolls so much greater than 35mm, that I have to slow down and make every shot a keeper.

A slight reinterpretation of your shooting regimen would be that the cameras don't make a difference; you just choose not to take the time or care with digital or 35mm that you take with medium format. You could shoot the other formats just the same, but you choose not to. So it's really not the cameras that make a difference, it's your perception of the camera that does.

 

[Roger Hicks]

A slight reinterpretation of your shooting regimen would be that the cameras don't make a difference; you just choose not to take the time or care with digital or 35mm that you take with medium format. You could shoot the other formats just the same, but you choose not to. So it's really not the cameras that make a difference, it's your perception of the camera that does.

Or the aspect ratio or the resolution or the ergonomics...

Cheers,

R.

 

[Murchu]

Anyone else find that camera you're using has a big effect on the types of photographs you're producing?

Yes, and a great argument for having different camera types. I often think the cameras role in facilitating getting the shot, or as in your own observation, of affecting the way you shoot, is quite underestimated. The best cameras (for ones self) can often be muses, and a great way to slip into a specific or different photographic mindset, and similar to the effect on our mood as music might have, imo.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Yes, and a great argument for having different camera types. I often think the cameras role in facilitating getting the shot, or as in your own observation, of affecting the way you shoot, is quite underestimated. The best cameras (for ones self) can often be muses, and a great way to slip into a specific or different photographic mindset, and similar to the effect on our mood as music might have, imo.

Dear Damien,

Elegant!

Thanks,

R.

 

[kxl]

The best cameras (for ones self) can often be muses, and a great way to slip into a specific or different photographic mindset, and similar to the effect on our mood as music might have, imo.

EXACTLY!!!

 

[Murchu]

Thanks, now if I can only remember that, to trot out when someone asks me why I shoot with what I do, when I'm out and about.. lol

Dear Damien,

Elegant!

Thanks,

R.

EXACTLY!!!

 

[edge100]

Yes, and a great argument for having different camera types. I often think the cameras role in facilitating getting the shot, or as in your own observation, of affecting the way you shoot, is quite underestimated. The best cameras (for ones self) can often be muses, and a great way to slip into a specific or different photographic mindset, and similar to the effect on our mood as music might have, imo.

This is precisely what I was going for, said in a far more straightforward and, as mentioned, elegant manner.

 

[Spanik]

Like others yes and no. But it isn't a function of how many images on a roll. I only use 120 film these days but there is a difference between shooting 6x6 with a tlr or slr. Just the fact that having different focal lenghts in both systems is a major factor. Also how much I stay with a system. The M645 I use mostly is also the one I use the most casually. But the G690BL slows down a lot. Just because I'm not so familiar with having the speed setting on the lens and having to use auxillary finders.

But I don't think that there is a big difference in spirit between photo's taken with either system.

 

[shadowfox]

Yes, defintely.
Each style of camera brings about different experiences when shooting.

That is why I end up with a few cameras (samples) for each type (hahaha...)

 

[Calzone]

Yes, defintely.
Each style of camera brings about different experiences when shooting.

That is why I end up with a few cameras (samples) for each type (hahaha...)

Agreed. I need justification for shooting 11 cameras. LOL. Anyways it keep shooting fresh and prevents me from falling into any rut.

Cal

 

[noimmunity]

A different camera/system = a different view, and literally a different "handle" on the view.

Getting a handle on the view is enormously challenging and satisfying. For that very reason, being able to changes handles is refreshing, stimulating, and fun.