Should You Buy A Medium Format or 35MM Film Camera?

[@tonyhayes9827]

One thing I gained from this video is that no-one I know can shoot a Pentax 67 as well as you can. The results you get are brilliant. I also think pic number 2 is Tmax.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

That means the world bro. I truly appreciate that.

[@Raevenswood]

I agree with Grace about 35mm vs 120. They are tools for different jobs. I use my 120 cameras for city shooting but mainly when I'm driving around looking for stuff that catches my eye. I'll bust out one of my 35mm cameras when I'm walking the streets looking for candids. The size of medium format makes it really obvious when you are trying to get incognito shots of people lol.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

100% hahaha

[@nogerboher5266]

I do portraiture both private studio work and outdoor client work, as well as editorials and occasional boudoir sessions. The quality of my work (as well as my entire life) changed ever since I switched from and sold my Sony and Canon gear, jumping to Hasselblad X system. Medium format is just pure perfection and if you're a real photographer (read as; a real artist) your work will get incomparably better just by doing something as simple as taking the same pictures you usually would but with a larger sensor. Then, as for using Hasselblad specifically, there's also a huge bonus of being able to use the old, legendary Hassie and Zeiss lenses with that unique color pop, my clients just LOVE the look of the 80mm f2 1957 Hassie lens!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I think you’re absolutely correct!

[@davidbcg286]

Are you able to describe in what way it changed? this is a genuine question. Did the change come from gear or the working process, the angle of view ?

[@dennisdouglas2897]

Nice presentation; I enjoyed it! I've shot and enjoy both 35mm and MF (6x7). To get a bit of the both of both wonderful worlds in an outing, I've settled on shooting MF 6x4.5 (Pentax 645NII) and love the experience and results.

[@arollwith]

That first Pentax shot at the loading dock when he was framed profile within terminal 11, that shot wins it for me 🔥

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks bro!

[@fintonmainz7845]

As a digital photographer who can't afford a medium format digital camera: film 120 was a cheap way to try medium format.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Agree

[@john_murch]

My choice is 35mm for street; gritty, grainy and more realistic. (28mm on B&W). Medium format for portraits and landscapes on Hasselblad. Pic #1 is Portra (better latitude). Pic #2 is TMax (more blocked shadows) (I think). Grace is so chill, love that attitude!...:)

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Grace is the truth. 🙌🏾

[@nogerboher5266]

Agreed! Ever since I jumped on the Hasselblad train, I haven't looked back to Canon or Sony! Although, I don't do street like many people watching this channel do. I do shoot on the Hasselblads X system (got the x1dll50c) so I could maybe try out street if sometimes, since both X system cameras are basically the same size as Sonys A1, so they are easy to carry around and are pretty ''stealthy'' too! LOL! Which is a part of the reason why I ended up fully committing to switching to Hasselblad in the first place; To be able to use one camera for both studio work and outdoor sessions! Having a medium format camera (and a Hasselblad at that!) inside a camera body size of Sonys A1 or a7 series cameras, is just AMAZING!

[@john_murch]

@@nogerboher5266 The X1DII is a really nice camera, congrats. I've used my friends before. However, if used for street photography, I would use it on manual focus and set it up using the zone focus technique, set the distance at 2-3 meters @ F8/11. No need for autofocus here.

[@Narsuitus]

I bought 35mm small format and 120 medium format cameras. My favorite 35mm setup consists of Nikon SLRs with 35/85/180mm lenses and Leica M6 rangefinder with 21/35/90mm lenses. My favorite medium format setup consists of a Fuji rangefinder with a fixed 90mm normal lens, a Fuji rangefinder with a fixed 65mm wide-angle lens, and a Mamiya RB67 SLR with 50/90/180mm lenses. I tend to use small format when I need to shoot sports, street, and other fast action subjects that require photographic flexibility and quiet operation. I tend to use medium format when I need to shoot weddings, portraits, and other subjects that require high image detail.

[@LindiJoziGirl]

Photographers eye is everything. You can have the same equipment model & location but different results for different taste levels. This video is testament. Dope to watch though

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Totally agree!

[@charlessummers7381]

Great video! I may rent a medium format to get a feel for camera. I'll purchase a 35mm for the convenience and more shots per roll! I think #2 was shot in black and white. The richness and contrast couldn't have come from de-saturation and cranking up the contrast. But, we shall see... 📸

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Charles!

[@johnbryant6966]

Loved the video. I do black and white in both medium and 35mm. The idea of pushing film aside and what it does to film grain, I feel 35mm at 100 is about equal to 120 film at 400 as far as enlarg prints are concerned in the dark room. I'd like to see you do comparisons of different lenses on both formats.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

thanks john. I'll definitely make that happen in the future!

[@nelsonm.5044]

As I beginner I started with 35mm, as I progressed in my film work 120 format become a must for the quality. Usually it is easier with a 35mm with the in body lightmeter rather than hand held lightmeter that you need to use with most of 120 format camera. Today 35mm is for fast pace shooting like street photography and 120 is for my landscape. Both format have their pros and cons

[@MikeGrayFilm]

100%

[@gabequezada2066]

Fantastic video.... great comparisons and the location shots were fire... thank you Mike

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Gabe!

[@filmfreak1996]

I Think the second one is fake black and white. But the 2 Picure is my favourite one of all the pics! The contrast gives it a unique look! Overall the model looks just amazing. Good locatoin scouting.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much!

[@davidknight6981]

I think #1 is the original b&w. I made this selection because of the better detail in the sky. Good video.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks David

[@inkaststudio]

Ya'll killed this shoot! I love both formats and feel you nailed it when describing where you find one more suitable. One thing I'll say is medium format is literally the happy medium lol great portability but still large enough for considerable resolution.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Very true

[@vrchxe]

Sick video! You got me impulsively getting into Medium Format -Pentax 6x7. & I don’t regret! Now I need the reflectors! I want to shoot more portraits! But it’s hard to connect with people for me😩

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot man! Keep hitting it hard. It will get easier I promise.

[@liana.vision]

Great video as always, Mike. I shoot both and the feel is really different.

[@certs743]

I love shooting with both. I do shoot more 120 in general but 35mm is useful for some applications. That being said my TLRs are my favourite cameras hands down.

[@josephasghar]

I love it that you young things are using cameras that are older than you are. Gives me hope for the future of analogue. As to the question: medium format is so pleasurable if you’re lucky enough to have access to a darkroom.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I totally agree with you Joseph.

[@125f8]

Mike. Can you do a video showing your edit workflow. I’d be very interested to see how you digitise and ‘tweak’ your photos 🙏🏻

[@torekvalheim7207]

Well done both of you. I have a Mamiya 645AFD, but have only shot with the data back. Seeing this, makes me want to try out my film back. Really enjoyed your style. Greetings from Norway 🙂

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much!

[@anlenke]

This is a great video, epic intro. Looking forward to the sequel after you have a chance to get a 4x5 and ask the full question. -dude that’s gone off the deep end on formats

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Anton! Oh I already know. I’ve used 4x5 once before and boy is it nice!!!!

[@anlenke]

@@MikeGrayFilm oh perfect. Love the intentionality it demands. Really ups my game for everything else when I use LF and wet plate.

[@patricklau1326]

I think the first was t-max (the detail in the foreground shows more grain). From my experience Kodak b+w films don’t show the same level of harsh contrast in photo 2. Second is Portra 400, edited to have higher contrast.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Both were TMAXX ;)

[@samue1991]

@@MikeGrayFilm for real?? I'm picking through these comments for the answer and I can't tell if you're kidding 😂

[@22fret]

I like both therefore I shoot both. 35mm with Pentax K1000, KM, KX, K2, LX, MX and 2 MEs, 120 with a Pentacon six TL. I shoot what I feel like shooting with. It's good to have a choice...

[@geofff6671]

Nice flex.

[@vikdaddy]

Don't even shoot film but I like your photos and love your positive attitude.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate you!

[@weisserth]

The reflector (gold) makes such a difference. As a candid street shooter I wish I had an invisible assistant who would light my candid subjects without being noticed! :P

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Hahaha

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

Just a heads up when you get your filmed developed ask if they have backup power. Wedding photographer Joe Buissink had his wedding film cooked in L.A. when the power went down. He had to use his second shooter images. The client never new. This is one time when you might want to consider having your second shooter use digital and dual card slots and shoot raw+jpeg. Also I know one wedding photographer that dropped her film off at the studio in the door way because she had Monday off and the other person that worked there was going to drop the film off for developing that was down the street. It was the Forth of July and some jerk dropped fireworks in the mail box and burnt her wedding photos. That's something you never want to tell a client.

[@qwiththephotos]

another killer video! I shoot both 120 (Mamiya 645) and 35mm and I have to say the vibes are always so different. 35mm is the best option for most people who want to shoot film but MF is just too GOOD. I am never good at guess film stocks but i think #1 is TMAX and #2 is portra but you messed with it a bit more to get the b+w look you were going for.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

100%

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

I love medium format for my landscape works!!! thanks for sharing!!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Ryan!

[@TheLuBo75]

Amazing shots, both 35 and 120.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks!

[@young1868]

picking up the phone, what's up guys~~~~ this is so good beginning. I love it. ~~~

[@terrywbreedlove]

Number One is Tmax. I am looking for a Hasselblad body to replace one that Iost in a Kayak accident a couple weeks ago. I trust KEH as I have bought from them for years.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@brodygawryletz]

Your knowledge of the camera and skills with staging people are the perfect combo. You know exactly what you want and how to get it. I'm out here just trying to get a decent scan from the 67 haha, Amazing work 🔥🔥

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much

[@virtuososino4844]

Nice to see you updating the channel. Like before watch😆

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

C'mon, Mike how could you NOT ask Malik where he got that leather jacket. That jacket is FIRE! I love both formats. For me, the built in (reliable) meters (and auto focus) in most 35mm cameras make them more suitable for, "run & gun" style photography........especially in urban environments or when trying to be stealthy. No time for fiddling with medium format. If it's a scene where I can take my time and not worry about drawing (unwanted) attention, I will bust out my Pentax 67.

[@francisbombus3949]

the 35mm results are amazing 👏🏼

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Agreed!!!

[@johnhendrick_photo]

Grace had a good frame of thought. 35mm for everyday photos and 120 for other more studio (type) work.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

100%!

[@JazzPiano0047]

The first 60 seconds of this video are already 🔥🙏🏻

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@neurozona]

Great shots! Different cameras for different jobs and for different joys;) Amazing works, thanks! Greetings from Bulgaria

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@MrJL2]

Wow, been looking for a video like this for a long time 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Lets go!! I'm glad you enjoyed it Jazz!

[@daviehudson4270]

Both, I use a Leica M6 for 35mm and Fuji GW690 for MF

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

You should do another challenge with grace with medium format vs 35mm but with upscaling software.

[@mosesp6200]

I would say #2 is the original bnw photo. It just looks like a bnw with exposure metering on the highlights. #1 has too many details in the face - i think the face would be much darker if it would be real bnw. #2 is my favourite photo of the whole session. Amazing shot!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much!

[@Losersluck_]

i started with 120 and then branched out to 35mm. I like 120 more for portraiture but thats about it.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@johnlaw6735]

The whole crew has jokes LOL keeps the set alive and relaxed 👍

[@IsraelPrivateGuide]

Mr. Gray, you set the bar for what a film video should be. You have presence; you are an outstanding photographer and have a clear objective when you make your video which immensely contributes to the film community. You truly have a God given talent. Keep it up! One question: what was the lens you were using on the Pentax?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much Jacob. I was using the 90mm lens.

[@IsraelPrivateGuide]

@@MikeGrayFilm Thank you. You also take time to reply to your comments.

[@ericzedd]

These shots are absolute bangers. Holy

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Eric!

[@jmitchvision]

Another good video for the books bro. I loved how you incorporated the other photographer in this one!! Keep it going Mike! GOD bless!!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot J Mitch!!!!

[@jmitchvision]

@@MikeGrayFilm No doubt Mike!!

[@jannikjacyhde4711]

This is quality content! Liked and Subscribed. Regarding your question! As a viewer of those very nice photographs, i dont care if it is 35 or 120mm, they look different but equally "stylish". I believe that the camera itself predetermined your shooting style on the day, and that is why most of us have like 10-15-40 cameras in our arsenal. The camera and our relationship to it, makes us better. Not the specs :) (in my opinion ofc)

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I totally agree with you. Thank you so much for liking! Welcome to the family!

[@arnoldbarr3002]

Image 2, also keep doing what you doing always enjoy your work Bro!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot bro 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@radiomoths]

Mike! Great video as ever - loved the dynamic of having another photographer in the video too. Grace's 35mm shots were excellent.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

She killed it! Thanks so much for watching Lee 🙌🏾

[@Tiesto3467]

New to the channel. The photos are bangers and the video edit is sick af you can feel the vibe that is going on over there!! Subscribed without any hesitation! Many this to see and learn from this channel!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much & welcome to the family!

[@greyghostjay]

I love these comparisons. How fun. I have only 35mm but one day will get a 120. Great video!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Jennifer!

[@synthgal1090]

4:00 "ALL ABOOOOOARD" lmaooooooo that was hilarious

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Hahahaha

[@byjovanmedia5212]

Never tried film before but would love to, gotta sub to see what it’s all about, great vid btw

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot bro. Welcome to the family!

[@nestorpool]

This model can be the double of Jessie Usher, I was soooo confuse! Good video brother! always killing it!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Haha I love it Nestor. Thank you!

[@nestorpool]

@@MikeGrayFilm Likewise brother!

[@dunkkid23]

Had to watch this before my street photowalk, thanks for the content G 🙏🏾💯

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Go kill it bro!

[@adventuresofjandk]

Man i am inspired. What medium format camera would you suggest to a complete beginner in medium format? I have a Nikon z6, Fuji Xt5, minolta film camera 35mm so I have experience. Just not in medium format.

[@regularfilmphotographer9807]

Sick video bro you're such an inspiration of mine, ty for all the great content

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much man!

[@highway65]

The Pentax is fire 🔥

[@adotwhite]

great video, was looking for something like this! ya'll did ya'lls thang!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks!

[@antac95]

Hard to compare because it seems like Mike gets better compositions and angles

[@Kiswood]

As ALWAYS you went crazy! Really appreciate your content!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate you bro.

[@richardsimms251]

Thank you

[@depotmsa2362]

the top of the train shots holy fuck ive always wanted to do that

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@stylestep111]

Amazing photos, digging your channel!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot!

[@tylershieldsvideos]

Great job!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Couldn’t have done anything without my mentor. Thank you for everything you do big bro.

[@michaels226]

I own 35mm, 6x4.5, 6x6, and 4x5 LF. Out of all of them, my favorite is the 6x6 medium format. It gives a feel that 35mm can't match.

[@arricammarques1955]

Hasselblad 503CW + 50mm Carl Zeiss f4 Distagon T* & Pentax LX + Pentax SMC Lenses

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Nice!

[@knoxxville499]

Love your content man. Much love from Macau

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot Denzel!

[@pawexs]

Amazing content. As always. Keep going!!!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks !!!

[@davidselby8115]

Well done Grace!! You gave the dude a run for his money! 35mm can be cool.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Adrian-wd4rn]

Me, a large format shooter: "I decide who the better format is". Fun video though, great shots by both!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@adolfomiranda5367]

tengo una m50, pero desde que veo a este chico me ecantarìa empezar a disparar en formato medio.

[@mali4971]

Tmax has to be the second shot cause of the contrast it has on the blacks

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Love it

[@jaesin]

Always with the fire.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks bro!

[@arcostecan3740]

Did you meter the subject before adding the reflector or meter once the reflector light was added? Would love for you to do a video on your metering / lighting cause it's always on point

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I metered with the reflector because the light changes for sure 🙏🏾

[@weisserth]

Both. Easy answer.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@edwardstewart4430]

The real test to compare real black and white vs color to B&W is the print. Most images shown on the Net look the same quality. Does not matter what it is. Film or digital, jpeg or Raw. Great location, shot in that area for years, surprised no security guard showed up. I’ve printed up to 20x24 fiber prints using 120 neg.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I agree with you all the way on that Edward!

[@kidspyral]

what is the name of the area ? if you dont mind me asking

[@mikejankowski6321]

Good advice, great images. I also started with a Minolta, but a bit less sophisticated...SRT-101. Those are good cameras.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Mike!

[@timanderson6005]

Love your and Hannah's stuff. Could you put in a link for the Nikon F3? Again, great stuff.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I will do!

[@twotwofresh]

Another doozie, both yourself, Grace and Malik knocked it out of the park (V), Great to have longtime bredins that can also model lol. I think it's image no.2 due to the tones of the images appearing to be a little more muted #Londonlovesyou

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much!

[@akinlabiaderibigbe7491]

I'mma meet you one day... You inspire me daily fam.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

That means a lot . Thanks for supporting me bro. 🙌🏾

[@Dahrenhorst]

I don't see any sense in shooting 35mm nowadays. Digital can do everything at least as good, but cheaper and faster than 35mm. With 120 this is not the case, though. Shooting is much slower, this changes how the shooting evolves and takes place. Shooting is also much more expensive, you automatically put more thought into it before you press the shutter because you know that each pressing the shutter easily costs you around two dollars after taking everything into account. Last but not least, you can't get the image quality digitally (with a reasonably priced outfit) you can get with a 120 camera. Thus, I own two 35mm cameras which I close to never use, and probably two dozen cameras for 120 film, which I use all the time. My favorite 120 cameras by the way right now (this changes somewhat often) is the Voigtländer Brillant S with the Heliar lens and the Compur-Rapid shutter and a 100+ years old Kodak 3-A, which I converted to 120 film and now produces fascinating 6x14cm negatives. When I'm serious with making pictures, though, I myself use a 5x7 large format camera outside of my little home studio and an 11x14 in my studio. That puts this discussion again on a totally different level.

[@rf8221]

Photo #2 is the B&W.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@zondervon]

Does KEH or Pacific Union have any issues with you shooting on private property?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Could care less. I shoot what i want :)

[@zondervon]

@@MikeGrayFilm nice. It was more of a curiosity than a poke or prod at you. Shoot on!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

@@zondervon no offense taken at all haha. I was just saying in other words. I don't let that stuff affect my art or what I do.

[@rayzou.]

damn I was just watching all your videos and saw this one come up! clutch

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@haydenw6585]

I think photo 2 was the portra 400 ?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Wrong

[@thoughtdujour]

This was super fun

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@thewhiterabbit7381]

What was the overall video shot on by your cameraman on site?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Sony FX3

[@Steveo15]

Nice video, as always! ✌️💯

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks Steve!

[@highway65]

Nikon F3❤

[@johnhendrick_photo]

Once again drop gems, with dope pics. 🤙🏼

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate you tuning in John 🙌🏾

[@johnhendrick_photo]

@@MikeGrayFilm always homie 🤙🏼 inspirational

[@Raevenswood]

Yes.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@phoenixoliviacopy2727]

I dont understand what 645 is from 120 or 220.

[@victor.melchorfilm]

LETS GO!!! 🔥🔥🔥 Had me wheezing at 4:12 lmaoo

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Hahahaha we did it lol

[@danieldemayo6209]

The colors from the Pentax are amazing. There’s a 90s, slightly green, muted and cinema quality to it; if that makes any sense. Are you doing anything else to get that? Makes the 35mm look like a toy. I never looked into them because there so damn ugly but I’m blown away.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Haha thanks so much!

[@Constantinos_Pournaras]

Great video !!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks!

[@kiivrsn]

the goat blessing us again!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

My guy!