Leica or Medium Format

[AbbeyFoto]

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Rob

 

I think there are several factors in your two posts that you need to be clear about. One is that Tri-X feel you enjoy. Here you mention your own expensive with a cheap old SLR and you also refer to Don McCullin's work. I have to suggest that part of that Tri-X appeal comes from the smaller 35mm negative. When asking if you will get better scans from a MF negative you may wish to consider that the larger negative will lead to a less grainy image and thus you may loose some of that original gritty appeal. I would also suggest you ask whether some of the appeal comes from features of the imagine that would be difficult to reproduce with a medium format camera; I am not sure even McCullin could have caught some of his best iconic imagines on a Hasselblad. I have used numerous 35mm and MF cameras and each configuration works differently for me. The experience is different and I tend to take different images with each. I disagree with those who say the camera is just a tool; yes the photographer is the key but you will find even the best photographer's work is influenced by the kit used. You mention you find yourself cropping to square images. You will certainly find this tendency enhanced if you use a Rollei or a Hassy, but as others have said the experience will be very different. I love the Hasselblad V system and I am sure you would enjoy it, but if you hanker after that McCullin experience consider another 35mm SLR - could even be a Leica e.g. SL2, but the options are numerous and inexpensive.

[pico]

I have an M9 (and eight more various M models), and a complete Hasselblad system, four more MF cameras, 4x5 and 8x10 cameras - and a weak Epson 3200. (I've got to learn to remove and clean the glass.)

 

Even the Epson delivers superior scans on MF than I can get with the M9 and a good lens but it's a hassle with post-processing.

 

Printing MF wet on a good condenser enlarger (Focomat IIa is mine) after using proper shooting technique, and proper developing creates stunning images with great range, and depending upon the lens, excellent micro-contrast.

 

But to begin shooting I recommend the M9 because your success rate will accelerate due to quick feedback, and at full frame even large prints are satisfying to all but perhaps the fine-art photographer and advanced expert.

 

M9!

[Stealth3kpl]

And you can always simulate MF using multiple M9 shots and some PP wizardry.

Pete