Which Medium/Camera to use for project?

[simplethings]

Hi everyone,

I am a MPH (masters in public health) student and am working on a photo project on health disparities as a independent research credit this coming semester. I have some experience using RF cameras (Olympus XA, Bessa R3M, Leica M2) and usually use a DSLR (5D or XT).

My main question is regarding the medium. I am debating whether I should use film or digital, RF or SLR/DSLR, and if it even matters. What I need is something compact and unobtrusive. I'll be auditing a b/w photography course so I can access a darkroom if needed.

It's been awhile since I've shot film, but because I do not have a set deadline I'd like to consider trying... only problem is it isn't as practical as using a DSLR. I have actually considered using the Holga or a Lomo LC-A just because of the interesting effects -- but that's a whole different ballgame.

Some people have actually suggested a Mamiya 6 or 7 because I am looking to create a coffee table book of some sort with the photos. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

The ideal camera would be small, fast lens, able to shoot in RAW (if digital), and not intimidating. I do not have a set budget... if the quality justifies the cost then I'm open to throwing some money down...

D

 

[simplethings]

Anybody out there?

 

[Roger Hicks]

Gritty, grainy B+W (HP5 pushed in DD-X).

35mm RF with fast lens and still bright RF (lets out the last Yashica Lynx I owned)

Think Lewis Hine.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Svitantti]

How could one tell you, which camera you should use 🙂.
You should decide, whether you want film photos, or digital ones - that is the main question.
A camera like M2 or M6 also has its advantages compared to big & loud DSLR's.

Mamiya 6 or 7 would make hell of a photos, but they are big and quite electronic.

 

[sojournerphoto]

5D and 50 1.4 can do some wonderful things - as a counterpoint to Roger🙂

Having said that, I developed a couple fo rolls of HP5+ in 1:100 rodinal the other night and the tonality is lovely and the grain crisp.

Mike

 

[Steve Bellayr]

If you want to shoot black & white w/0 flash I think the M2 will suffice for unobtrusive shooting. Think about the lenses that you will need. In tight quarters 35mm f2.0 would be do well. Your question was very open ended. Medium format has slower lenses and larger cameras. I am not that familiar with DSLRs but aren't their lenses slower and what about problems with higher ISOs? DSLRs are color unless you use a program to alter to b & w.

 

[simplethings]

Yes, you're right... in the end it becomes a personal choice. But, there are so many things to consider these days. I like simple things -- no pun intended. Using a DSLR gives me an unsettling feeling at times. Almost as if it's not "real"... mainly because it isn't tangible. It is, however, practical... so I'm just curious to know what others think and how they would approach this!

I'll figure it out... thanks for commenting.

Diana

 

[simplethings]

Just fyi, I do not have any of the gear posted above... I had at one point, but sold it off... now I'm starting from scratch and trying to figure out what to buy/use.

🙂

 

[Thomas Turnbull]

I have a friend who used a 4 x 5 Speed or Crown Graphic, usually set up on a tripod, for documentary portraits. She said the people seemed to take her and the process of being photographed more seriously when she did.

YMMV, but thinking outside the box (in this case, STANDING beside it,) has much to recommend it........

Thomas

 

[nightlight]

Since you have owned an M body before I would suggest an M6, not intimidating, reliable and to the M2 it gains metering. With that I'd say a CV 28mm f/2 for when light is dim and space tight. Also a fast 50, f/1.5 or f/2: another CV maybe. I am suggesting CV because they are good and reasonnably priced. Even another 75/2.5 if you can afford it and if you feel you need tighter portraits after starting your project.

Most importantly, lots of film- buy a couple of each type and see what you like. Time is on your side so it's a great opportunity.

Ps: I used to work a lot with MPH students. Definitely lots of scope for great themes. Good luck!

 

[shadowfox]

First thing that comes to my mind:

What are you trying to convey in your final product? is it primarily to elicit emotions, or simply a documentary that emphasizes details and clarity?

Film is better for the former purpose, digital the latter.

Secondly, if you just get started, it'll take an average photographer *quite a while* to get a consistently good self-developed B&W, consistent enough to be printed as a book.

Now, I do not know you obviously, you may be one of those naturally gifted, being able to take a course and produce a masterpiece. 🙂

But do consider this and measure it against any timetables and deadlines that will apply in your situation.

Gear, doesn't matter. A Mamiya 6 or 7 will be quite expensive both in the gear and the film to produce a book, IMHO 🙂

 

[RObert Budding]

M

M

. . . Mamiya 6 or 7 would make hell of a photos, but they are big and quite electronic.

Big and electronic? Compared to what? A Minox? A Mamiya 7 kit is no larger than a 35mm SLR kit. As for electronic - it does have a light meter and a very accurate electronic shutter. That's nothing compared to a DSLR.

You'll need a good film scanner, such as the Nikon CS 9000, if you go with a Mamiya 7. There is a learning curve, but it's not insurmountable. And it really does not take long to learn to expose and develop film consistently.

There are limitations with the Mamiya 7 - lenses are slow and you can't focus very close. So it's not a camera for low light or tight head shots. I'd recommend 35mm for low light because you can get reasonable DOF even with very fast lenses.

 

[aizan]

use what you are most familiar with.