I like to think I’m not typically one to fall prey to G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome); I’ve made it a point to avoid buying too many new things, preferring to appreciate the belongings I already have, and selling off the items I find I no longer appreciate. However, having spent the last two years falling in love with the Hasselblad and the beautiful negatives it produces, earlier this year I began to feel a pull towards the 6x7 format.
Back in 2012 when I returned to shooting film, I never expected to shoot medium format. Just getting a “full frame” 35mm negative seemed like plenty upgrade from the small digital sensors to which I had become accustomed. Nevertheless, in 2014 I decided to stretch a bit beyond my comfort zone and try shooting a Hasselblad. Despite taking the good part of a year to get used to, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Six weeks ago, if you’d asked me my favorite camera, the Hasselblad would have been my answer. This was my preferred camera for the three weeks my wife and I spent in Italy in the Spring, and allowed me to produce some of my favorite images I’ve ever made.
Now though, I’m not so sure. The Pentax 67 (acquired in early August from photographer Heath Herring, who incidentally does some inspiring landscape work) is even better than I expected it to be. I’ve put a mere half dozen rolls through the Pentax—that’s just 60 frames—and I’m having a lot of trouble putting it down. It’s a heavy, somewhat cumbersome beast, and I have to dismantle it to even fit it in my backpack, but I am loving it. Initially, I intended to use it mostly for portrait shoots, but I’ve discovered it is capable of much more.
Here are some of my favorites so far from my limited time with the Pentax. All photos shot on Kodak Portra 400 film. Develop & scan by The FINDlab.
