The problem with rangefinder film cameras (Fuji GA645)
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- Опубликовано: 30 июн 2024
- In testing the Fuji GA645 medium format rangefinder film camera, I discuss my problem with rangefinder cameras. In this video, I use Kodak Gold 120, as well as Ultrafine Extreme 400, Foma Retro 320, and Kodak TMAX 400. See film photography portraits on medium format film, some with flash.
0:00 The Fuji GA645
1:07 Loading/First impressions
2:34 First Session & Using Flash
5:03 Session 2: Viewfinder & Quirks
9:08 A Very Brief Ode to TMAX
9:43 Conclusions ...?
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Another great video Jamie! I take up for Tmax all the time, great films! Thanks for the support for my music as well! You rock!
Thank you! I’m excited to have a whole pro pack of TMAX 100 that someone gave me, too. Free film is extra nice these days. And thank you for the great music, too!
Ooh those Tmax shots! 👌👌👌
Yess. So excited to shoot more. Thank you!
Great video Jamie. Does that mean on the GA645 or any camera, you changed the exposure compensation by +1.5 when you change to the backlit scene?
Thank you! It's a good rule of thumb for all cameras when you go to backlighting, especially if shooting in a Program-style mode. Different meter weighting can cause the 1.5 rule to vary, but since most metered film cameras tend to use these days are still in the 60/40 zone, I'd say it's still a safe call to just go up 1.5 stops on those, too. Though it might vary half a stop or more, or if spot metering is involved, etc. I use the 1.5 rule on my Nikon F3 to great success, but in auto and manual modes. I hope that helps!
@@JamieMPhoto Thanks Jamie that really helped. I didn't really understand how light direction would affecting metering but now it makes a lot of sense. I really like your portraits. Thank you.
Awesome! It’s mostly the shadow side effect in backlighting that fools the meter into underexposing the subject. It’s definitely a bit mind-boggling at first, but it gets easier and easier. You’re very welcome, and thank you!
Have you used rangefinder or viewfinder cameras? What do you think? Also, what's your favorite photo from this video? Thank you for watching!
Great portraits Jamie! Photo #38 was my favorite. I’ve shot a few Olympus rangefinders and a Canonet, but the older my eyes get, the less I get along with rangefinders.
Thank you! And yeah! That's the one thing that makes me want to find a truly dependable MF autofocus camera. I've been eyeing Mamiya and Hasselblad AF options. As my poor bank account weeps. 🤣
How ironic that we just bought the same camera!!!! I got the “zi” varient which I'm guessing came a little bit after the one you have. One of the key features is missing in modern cameras is side fill flash. I know you didn't use it in this video but what's your take on it. Center fill flash.....just doesn't feel right. My X100V had it. (Sadly I sold her recently) Also, you mentioned that this camera prefers to be shot in program mode but did you find yourself trying to shoot it in a priority mode or manual?
had the whole comment typed, then slipped and hit "cancel" instead of "reply." 😅 But yeah, that's wild that you got that camera! Mine was a completely random decision in a trade, too. I saw someone selling it, they also said "looking for a Contax G1 or G2" and I figured why not? ha ha. As far as the direct flash, I like it for what it is. I just cut the part out of the video for flow and time ... and also sort of forgot to go back to see if I could fit it in there. ha. I used it a decent amount and really like how it balances with ambient light. Not a bad direct flash look, and very '90s. Also, I did shoot quite a bit in manual with flash. Not super intuitive, but pretty easy. Like I mentioned, I didn't really find any metering issues from my test rolls live I've read about. Now let's see if I can hit the right button this time ...
@@JamieMPhoto OH NO!!!! Thanks for taking the time to rewrite it. I know it was a headache. I can't say mine is a completely random purchase. I'm migrating to all medium format, with the exception of my AE-1 Program and my Elan 7e. We've talked bout this before but 36 frames per roll is about 18 frames too many XD XD XD. Anyone making a modern version OEM xpan can have all my money, and then some. I like your workaround with the hot shoe trigger. I wouldnt have thought of that. Always impressed by your work. I'm going to put the direct flash through its paces and opt out of the external flash for my video. (Largely because I dont have one). I'm considering investing in a strobe/octobox but I have no idea which one I should purchase. I wonder if I should maybe find a 800 iso color film....and shoot it at night with fill flash......
7:10 very useful, thanks
Great, and you're welcome!
My favorites from this episode are: 4 - 8 - 12 -13 - 16 - 17 -20 - 22 - 25 - 27 - 30 - 32 -33 & 34. About the camera: Well it is a bit modern than a classic foldable Medium format camera and haves autofocus and a light meter. The fixed lens is a disadvantage, but think about it: How many medium format lenses you really need? A fully modular system like a Pentax or Hasselblad is very, very expensive, heavy and bulky. This day's how much modularity you really need?
It's true! I only really use the 40mm and 80mm lenses on my Hasselblad, or a 60 that came with it that can be a walkaround lens for lighter loads. I traded out of the Leica M mount in part because the chance of getting any other lenses of proper quality was extremely unlikely at the rising price point. I find more and more I'm happy with either a 35mm or a 50mm ... or the equivalent. There are some exceptions, but those work out just fine in most cases.
Entertaining video! Wish I could make this on my own channel, that's why you have a new who subscribed! Keep doing you, the algorith will treat you soon. Greetings from Denmark!
Awesome, thank you so much!! Love that I'm getting to reach people in other parts of the world. Keep creating and be you, and you'll get there!
Ahhh, rangefinders. I love them, but in Medium Format where I have less frames, I balk just a little bit with them. Not that my Iskra 6x6 has ever let me down just because it's a rangefinder, but my confidence level just never reaches high enough for me for some reason. On 35mm and digital, I love a rangefinder and basically shoot with my M240 and Oly XA most of the time because I'm faster and less distracted by a rangefinder overall and usually snap a few shots to make sure I got what I want. But, those precious 15-16 645 frames, I just wanted to be extra sure of EVERYTHING so I shoot mostly on my Bronica ETRSi. DOF preview and the ability to know the framing exactly are why I use an SLR in Medium format most times, even when film wasn't $$$.
Not having a focus patch is why I never got a Fuji or the Contax G2...at that point it's like a point and shoot and I need a little more "focus confirmation" than they offer me. Once again, not that I've seen or heard it being a problem, but when I'm shooting I like to remove as much doubt as possible to balance with speed.
That's a great way to look at it! I agree about being much more confident about 35mm rangefinders. I fully believe I could be faster on a non-motor drive basis with a Leica than a lot of autofocus digital shooters. As far as focus, composition and space, medium format has a lot more impact than 35mm, so it also makes sense that we'd want to be more discerning with our useage. I liked the G1 AF, but I'd have loved a true manual focus and not the scale focus thing. Speaking of the XA series, I definitely don't do well with the distance focus ones, but would be much better with the rangefinder version after trying out a friend's. Thank you for commenting and watching!!
Focus, then recompose and just snap... simplicity. That's why it is my favorite travel camera. After a few dozen rolls I've never gotten 16 shots with it. Later "i" model can shoot the 16th frame every time.
So interesting how that works! I've done probably close to 10 rolls and I've gotten 15 only once. I. haven't checked to see if mine is a later or earlier serial number, though. As good as Fuji cameras still are, I wish they'd put out one of these today and make the best of both worlds. Thank you for commenting and watching!
how are your talents eyes drawing attention so much in black and white? or is it the moving about on video that distracts? 🤔
She does have captivating eyes!
The only appeal of a rangefinder is that they're smaller and some have a quieter shutter sound. That's it. In all other cases, I'd rather use an SLR. Not sure why Rangerfinders are often seen as superior and are almost always more expensive.
The smaller flange distance between the lens and the film can make a remarkable difference in sharpness, though the evidence in 35mm isn't always as strong as what we see in digital cameras or cameras like the Mamiya 7. But the tradeoffs can be steep for certain types of users for sure. Thank you for watching and commenting!
Something about old men with young girls that seems so pre “Me Too” and when they are using my favorite hobby as cover it infuriates me.
Nice job investigating that with presumably more than one video. I can tell my work gives "guy with camera" vibes and I'm assuming you think the women I work with are too dumb to know what I'm doing to them or whatever.🥴