Used Medium Format Cameras

Medium Format Photographic Artist Displays Work at Studio 33

With the advent of the first “film-less electronic camera” camera in the early 70s, the technology has evolved in leaps and bounds. Since the first digital camera, aimed at photojournalists, the Nikon F-3 with a 1.3 megapixel sensor was produced by Kodak in 1991, fewer photographers and publications have relied on film as their primary medium of photography.

However, there are still a few artists who sacrifice the convenience and instant results of a digital format for an aesthetic that can only be achieved with film. Frank Kaczmarek, a naturalist and free-lance nature photographer, is one of those few. His nature photographs, which he shoots with medium format Pentax 645 and Bronica 645 cameras ,have been used as contributions and even covers for various nature magazines and field guides.

Frank Kaczmarek, a resident of Connecticut for most of his life, was a graduate of New London High School and was educated as a research biologist in college and graduate school. He held positions with the U.S. Forest Service in Hamden, University of Connecticut Dental, and Pfizer until retiring in 2006.

Kaczmarek is self taught in the art of film photography first honing his craft in his early 30’s with a 35 mm camera. “I just love the feel of film,” Frank tells Patch. “There’s just something so organic about the process and having the film in hand…you have more of a connection with the photo.”

“I used to shoot with 35mm film but I made the switch to medium format to get noticed by the nature magazines and publications,” says Kaczmarek. The strategy worked as the larger more detailed medium format slides stood out among the plethora of 35mm film submissions.

Nature’s Best Photography, National Wildlife, Nature Photographer, Nature Conservancy, Northern Woodlands, and Outdoor and Travel Photography are just a few among his long list of photo credit accomplishments for magazines.  He has also contributed to calendars, textbooks and has written and illustrated a falcon field guide titled “New England Wildflowers: A Guide to Common Plants,” published by Globe-Pequot Press in 2009.

From April 30 to June 10 Frank’s beautiful photography can be seen in his latest solo show “Gathering Light” at Studio 33 on 140 Bank Street. Frank has a history with the studio, becoming the business partner of current owner Sarah Munro after retiring from Pfizer in March of 2006.  They bought the business from the previous owner, John Martin, and began having regular art exhibits featuring a variety of local artists. In 2008 he left the business and began working as an adjunct instructor at Mitchell and Goodwin Colleges but continues to show in the gallery.

KEH Camera Blog: Introduction to Medium Format Cameras

So, you think you want to shoot medium format but don’t know where to start? There are a dizzying array of medium format camera systems available, both new and used. In order to narrow down your options, ask yourself these questions... Do you want a twin lens camera or a SLR style? Manual focus or auto focus? 6x6 or 6x7? Once you’ve got your focus narrowed, your choice may become more obvious to you. 6x4.5 more closely resembles 35mm in format and gives you more frames per roll of film. 6x6 is most commonly used for weddings and portraits. 6x7 and 6x8 tend to be used more for studio work since the cameras that shoot in this size tend to be heavier and more difficult to hand-hold out in the field. All of these may be shot on either 120 or 220 film and most brands will accept a Polaroid film back as well. Once you’ve decided what size you really want to shoot, that helps to narrow down what type of camera you think you want. A twin lens camera will only shoot 35mm,6x4.5 or 6x6. Depending on the brand, you may not be able to change anything such as the lens, back or prism. The Yashicamat 124 is an excellent example of a medium format twin lens camera with a fixed lens, and no interchangeable prism or back. If you want something that looks like a 35mm camera on steroids, then you will be shooting 6x7. The Pentax 6X7 is a popular choice for that style. The square SLR box style cameras will shoot everything from 35mm-6x8 and will allow you to swap out the lens, back and prism. This is by far the largest category and includes Hasselblad, Mamiya and Bronica brands. Now that you’ve looked at brand and format, do you choose manual focus or auto focus? Fortunately, with many brands you can have both. Most Medium format cameras that are auto-focusing will also allow you to manually focus as well. The only real con to an auto-focus camera is the electronics. Those can always go bad and provide you with a dead camera. However, the electronics are what make the camera so desirable in the first place. The ease of use, no carrying a separate light meter, and often a built in motor-drive make the auto-focus medium format cameras a smart choice. On the other hand, a manual camera has fewer parts to go bad and costs less. My favorite brand for a beginner is Mamiya M645 (manual focus). It’s very reasonably priced and easy to use.

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