Getting started in MF

[jcorll]

Hey guys.
I bought my first Medium Format camera today. It is a Pho-tak Foldex 20. Its not a great camera I realize that, but I figure until I get the hang of MF cameras, it will be a good start.
I have been using 35mm forever and don't really know much about MF photography. A couple of questions have come to mind.
When taking a picture, do I just quickly press the shutter or do I need to hold it open according to the amount of light present?
The Foldex takes 120 and 620 film. What is the difference between the two? Is it just the number of exposures on each roll? Does the quality differ between the two?

I can't wait to start using it, and would appreciate any replies to get me better informed.


-jcorll

 

[Jon Shiu]

Hi, 120 film is standard medium format film today. 620 is an obsolete size, not available now. Try a 100 speed film and see what you get. I'm not sure if your camera has any adjustment for shutter speeds or aperture.

Jon

 

[jcorll]

Hey, Thanks Jon.
The Foldex has one control. It is to change shutter speed to 1/50th and manual (They are basically the same thing. Both manual) I have also heard that 160 is the same size as 120. Is that true?

Thank you again!
-J.Corll

 

[Jon Shiu]

160 may be referring to the speed of the film, such as Kodak Portra 160VC?

Jon

 

[Dave Pritchard]

Hey, Thanks Jon.
The Foldex has one control. It is to change shutter speed to 1/50th and manual (They are basically the same thing. Both manual) I have also heard that 160 is the same size as 120. Is that true?

Thank you again!
-J.Corll

If you mean 620 and 120, I have read many places that you can re-spool 120 film onto a 620 spool and use it in a 620 camera. I don't know about 160 as a film type.

 

[jcorll]

Thank you all for the responses.
But is there any difference between the 620 and 120?

I hope to order my first rolls soon, so i can post some pictures up.

-J.Corll

 

[John Koehrer]

Just the diameter of the spool flanges. The film is the same.

 

[jcorll]

well. I thank you all for your responses.
You have given me a great start into MF photography. I will be putting pics up as soon as i finish the roll!

Keep a good "focus" on life,
-J.Corll