My Favorite Medium Format Film Cameras and Why

[@jeremykeller211]

Mike! I'm a geriatric backpacker for whom every oz/gram matters. My pics are of mountain environments. Each of your favorite cameras weighs more than my tent. This is why I pack a Zeiss folder which I can fit in my hip pocket. I grant you that my Zeiss would be useless for your applications, but this underlines the importance of matching your camera with its intended purpose. "Horses for courses" say the Brits.

[@Pla2es]

It would be great if you explain your workflow with the Lab for such large, amazing quality, prints. Drum Scan, color grading, dodging and burning, type of paper... I guess they have a top "artisan printer" (dont know the word equivalent to colorist for cinematographers) who, I assume, is a key colaborator in achieving your vision as an artist. Thanks for your vids, as always!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Okay. I’ll definitely make a video soon on all of that!

[@jdpst20]

Would love this too as well... I have a 500cm and I sometimes struggle with having my film developed and then getting them into the computer and converting the negatives to be printed. I don't know if I just don't have the right lighting but your film shots always just turn out so crispy and sharp and the colors are always spot on. How long would you say you take to tweak film photos and would love to see that process.

[@inkaststudio]

KEH is the best. I swear, every time I buy from them it's always in better condition than expected! Also like how you approached this one. Its pretty common to see these gear videos but your approach made something new 👍🏾

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate that man. 🙌🏾

[@dct124]

Mike if you haven't heard of Sails Chong, definitely a photographer to look up. Unreal quality.

[@nyimadawa4452]

Pentax is so versatile, Hasselblad 500 is so classic and beautiful 😍😍😍

[@ryentrenae5558]

I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos! As a film photographer & recent medium format lover, this is where I come to get my camera reviews & experiences. The photography industry lacks the black perspective which is why your channel is so important. Keep this up & continue inspiring artists like me. I plan on getting my YT channel up & lending my perspective as a black woman in this field.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

that means a lot to me Ryen! Thank you.

[@iragrahamiv4068]

Wow, you're really upping the quality and creativity with the videos! I'm here for it!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate you Ira!

[@bennodusedau3008]

great storytelling Mike! I also really love how this one was edited :)

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks!

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

Even though I do landscape photography mostly, I love my hasselblad!! so much fun while shooting! Thanks for sharing!!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Such a great camera!

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

@@MikeGrayFilm yessssss!

[@GraysonPratt]

Yo I love the new angle you’re shooting from during your talking segments!

[@GraysonPratt]

Dude switched back for the ending segment tho so what am I even talking about hahaha great video Mike the editing was on point !

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Haha I appreciate you bro

[@KNURKonesur]

A lot of people forget that you can adapt lenses on medium format. It's not just about ergonomics (Mamiya 7) or the feel (RB67/Hasselblads), but the image itself! The Pentax 67 is the platform to go! There's many large format lenses or cinema projection lenses that you can adapt to the P67 and get some unique amazing looks!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Very true!

[@Nisha-eh2bp]

First time watching a video of yours. Literally liked the video right after seeing the first picture 😍

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much!

[@Havenotats]

It’s mike time 📸

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Yes indeed!

[@ace.b]

Ok, I’m back. Had to pause this to watch the Helmut Newton Documentary.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Yezzir

[@jaredkinley4970]

I ended up selling my Pentax 67 for the RB67, so totally opposite of you haha. Not that the Pentax is bad by any stretch of the imagination. I enjoy the workflow of the Mamiya more, from the rotating film back (so I can use the pop up viewfinder in portrait) and the viewfinder straight out of box is a lot brighter than the Pentax. I had issues focusing with it and that made my decision for selling it. Great video, cheers!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot Jared!

[@Loop1Photography]

I had th same experience

[@xeroeddie]

Just discovered your channel and you got my sub. I haven't been shooting a lot of film lately but took my Pentax 6x7 out last sunday and I didn't realize how much I missed it. Cheers!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot Eddie. Hope you took some fire with that bad boy. Welcome to the family. 🙌🏾

[@xeroeddie]

@@MikeGrayFilm Thanks, man. Hopefully the pictures turn out great. Untill now I've gotten my rolls developed at the store but I just discovered place where you can join to have access to a dark room and chemicals. Could be fun to try it myself. I guess black and white is the easiest thing to start with.

[@jewelandrea3]

Love this! If you can, it would be great to see your whole process when it comes to making a print. They always look soooo great.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot. A lot of my creative process will be in the moment lesson 🙌🏾

[@johnhendrick_photo]

Large prints are so impressive. Really takes you back. 🤙🏼

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I agree John!

[@gwilo2]

Great video! I just found your channel and there is so much good content. I'm currently shooting with a Canon 5D Mark2, a dinosaur now. Looking to own a Hasselblad and this video and others you have, really provide great information. So appreciate the time you take and all the detailed information you share.

[@davidselby976]

For a years work you have a fantastic portfolio. Thanks for the video it was very useful to explain the benefit of the different cameras.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thank you.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

Very good video. I agree with you about KEH, I am not a photographer, but an aficionado. For film KEH is amazing.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Agreed!

[@CJWareLRPS]

There’ are so many film cameras I want to buy but for my heart will always be with my mamiya RB67 that thing got me into medium format film photography and film photography in general

[@MikeGrayFilm]

That was my first medium format camera also! Haha

[@rawcodecmedia302]

You got a video on your process of coming up with ideas on your shoots? Not the actual process of shooting but the coming up with the idea. Would be interesting to see if not! Love your work man 👊

[@MikeGrayFilm]

That’s all in the moment workshop 🙌🏾

[@jamesamoh7340]

Wow, those prints though. Salute! 🙏

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot James!

[@CHEsnproductions]

I now main a GX680III, it's big and hefty (size of a 4x5 camera, 10lbs) but holy shit it's so amazing. It's intended to be a studio cam but i usually do handheld or with tripod. The lenses are probably the sharpest, the quality is amazing.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@ReimannPembroke]

Awesome work and awesome tools for the job! I have loved shooting 6x6 recently

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks man!

[@TAWPhotography]

Always killing it! Keep up the great work

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Tyler!

[@CokeNire]

Yay, another great film channel.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Well thank you!

[@VWLivin]

Excellent video and presentation Mike. I really enjoyed the segment on seeing your large prints. Awesome job. New sub!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much! Welcome to the family.

[@gui4j]

Give your self time and practice and you may find the blad it’s as easy to use on the go as the Pentax ..can even throw 645 into the mix for more casual shoots and use ..

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Oh I love the Hasselblad on the go also. But it doesn’t win over my Pentax haha. Just my personal opinion though

[@logandelaney916]

The Pentax is a great studio camera as well don't sleep

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I’m sorry but not over the hassi haha

[@austinroot6234]

I got a Pentax been loving it bro for portraits! Went with the 90mm 🙏🏻

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Doesn’t get better than that setup!

[@nyimadawa4452]

Can you share what are the module you get in your pentax, 🙏🏻 you got the Pentax 67 body, what type of view finder, handle and lens 😍😍😍 thank you so much!

[@denimadept]

Fantastic as usual.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thank you.

[@christophsauer2857]

2nd question: Do you have or plan to make a video about your lighthing set-up in your different environments (studio/outdoor)?

[@rathanykhem5719]

Hey Mike, How are you doing ? I really enjoy ur works . Thank you for sharing . I own the Hasselblad 500C CM , I am looking for a Prism finder which has light meter build in. Would you please recommend one for me. Cheers !

[@eatenbyopium]

I have a question about the PENTAX 67 Mike, I have the 105, 55 and 75 all SMC pentax. For some reason, with the 105 and the 75, when I stop down the aperture in manual mode, it also stops down the lens. So if my lens is at 22, I can't even see what I'm trying to get in focus because it's too dark. The only lens that doesn't stop down is the 55 - I can see a bright screen at all apertures. Do you know why this happens to the 105 and 75 but not the 55? i have to focus wide open and then fix my fstop its pretty annoying. Do you have this issue or is my copy defective? the viewfinder is only bright in all apertures if i ahve the lens in automatic mode once i switch to anything lower than f11 i basically cant see anything in the viewfinder its wayyy too dark.

[@alecksnichtdabei713]

is it c-type print?? colors look amazing.

[@haroldsmith7872]

Quality content as always. I need to invest in a print!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate it Harold

[@Its.justChad]

This is a great video. I feel like in the photography world, everyone must have a mamiya rz67 or some kind of contax or whatever to be good. I agree with finding the best camera that suits you.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@powderedtoastman3093]

And the Broncolor for the win 😉

[@MikeGrayFilm]

It takes the W haha.

[@RobMoses]

Great camera for sure.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

100%

[@christofferpaavilainen5298]

Great stuff as always! I also have the Pentax 67 and I'm curious what lenses you use with your kit? Been eyeballing the 45mm f4 since I tend to prefer a bit extra rather than normal, but can't find much about it compared to the 55mm that you see a lot out there. Did use the 105, 55 and 35 fisheye for a shoot and that combo was killer (only own the 105 though), but I'm thinking that the 45mm might get wide enough for some funky slightly distorted stuff, while still being a good environmental portrait lens too and therefore kinda replace both the 55 and 35.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I only have two lenses for the Pentax. The 90mm and the 45mm. I love them both!

[@evesedenn]

Definitely, good food for thought one. Damn Really made me realize how unhappy I am, with my photo resolution. Ty✌️🙌✨❤️

[@MikeGrayFilm]

It's an easy fix for sure! That's what these videos are for.

[@evesedenn]

@@MikeGrayFilm ✨💯

[@frontlinebreakthrough5723]

Where can I find the Helmut Newton: The Bad and the Beautiful documentary?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Type it in on KZbin

[@frontlinebreakthrough5723]

@@MikeGrayFilm I did but the documentary isn't coming up. and it doesn't seem to be on Netflix or amazon prime in at least my country 😭

[@huyihan6614]

is it me or the veins on your arms are just popping out more now must be from carrying all the weights from these quality videos 🔥

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Hahaha I love it. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@TheKetchupPacket]

Dude, everytime I see your basketball photo I am drawn to it. And I don't even like basketball as a sport.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I truly appreciate that.

[@gui4j]

Just remember it’s hip to shoot square !!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I agree with you!

[@CalumetVideo]

A good alternative to the Hasselblad is a Bronica S2A or Bronica SQ series.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Agreed.

[@hannahdobbs226]

I've heard some say that Bronica made the best lenses.

[@honestpat7789]

Do you scan and digitise your images for print, or do you enlarge them with more traditional formats ... also, what lens was on the Hassleblad?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

It depends on the type of print I’m getting. For the hassi I have the 80mm lens

[@tientienyao]

Please tell me why Pentax placed the handle on the left?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I couldn’t answer that haha

[@Brian-Caledonia]

10/10

[@errole]

Do you have any digital cameras? If so would you do one on a old camera that is digital. Or do you always do film photography only.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I only own film cameras actually. No digital so far!

[@errole]

I am def gonna hit you up on the gram if that's ok? You have been a big inspiration to me and would love to learn for you man. Keep up the great work.

[@nyimadawa4452]

I like your video 👏👏👏👏

[@bernhardneumuellerphotography]

what was the name of that Helmut Newton Documentary?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

The Bad and the Beautiful

[@earthlingtheaaron21]

What’s the lens you’re using on the hasselblad?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

80mm

[@memboy.advanced]

first? Love the vids.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thank you.

[@niqvuk]

Why doesnt KEH show the actual images of the item!!!??? Tell them to get with it or go the way of the dinsaours. They would win over a TON of customers if they did. Instead, we have to navigate a minefield of shady Japanese resellers on eBay.