Interchangeable backs on medium format SLRs - when/what/why do you use them?

[igzabeher]

A slightly different take. I have multiple backs, so I can always use my RB. Why wouldn't I be able to use my RB you ask? Well, I'm 3/4 of the way through a two year 365 (730?) project. If I didn't have multiple backs, that project would be the only thing I could use my RB to shoot. And sometimes I just want to capture something on my RB. So, multiple backs.

 

[pentaxuser]

Rather than changeable film backs, what I like is changeable film inserts. It makes loading/reloading the camera on the move much easier, I usually carry at least one spare, loaded insert with me all the time.

I only have experience of the P645N which uses inserts and unless someone has worked out how to remove the insert mid-roll without a changing bag and then reloading it later again with a changing bag and remembering what the frame counter was at and subtracting that number from 16 (number of frames possible) to work out how many frames left to shoot I cannot see the advantage of a loaded insert other than speed of reloading

In that sense the word "changeable" in the phrase "changeable film inserts" is the same as "extra" in "extra film inserts" Is this what you mean ?

Thanks

pentaxuser

 

[pentaxuser]

A lot of wedding shooters worked that way too - multiple cameras loaded and ready to go. More recently, I've seen multiple photographers at the event to ensure that they capture it well.

When I think back of the solo weddings I shot - no assistant, no redundant equipment - I shudder.

Wasn't there a phrase used about wedding photography that involved referring to the bride as "bridezilla" to describe some brides' behaviours and demands of the wedding photographer?

pentaxuser

 

[chuckroast]

Wasn't there a phrase used about wedding photography that involved referring to the bride as "bridezilla" to describe some brides' behaviours and demands of the wedding photographer?

pentaxuser

I'm sure I don't know WHAT you are talking about

 

[Pieter12]

I only have experience of the P645N which uses inserts and unless someone has worked out how to remove the insert mid-roll without a changing bag and then reloading it later again with a changing bag and remembering what the frame counter was at and subtracting that number from 16 (number of frames possible) to work out how many frames left to shoot I cannot see the advantage of a loaded insert other than speed of reloading

In that sense the word "changeable" in the phrase "changeable film inserts" is the same as "extra" in "extra film inserts" Is this what you mean ?

Thanks

pentaxuser

Extra is what I mean. Having loaded inserts so you don't have to stop and reload too long.

 

[RezaLoghme]

For those of you using medium format SLRs - when do you actually use multiple film backs? Do you find them useful and great or just kinda meh? Would you be perfectly happy without them? What creative situations would you be unable to take advantage of without the interchangeable back?

I have some upcoming projects that I'm considering acquiring my first medium format SLR for and just wondering since I've never owned/used one before. I'm not going to be shooting weddings, or doing anything professional/for money. It seems like outside of the VERY rare circumstance I'm blasting off multiple rolls of 120 in a sitting I'd basically never use more than one back?

When MF was a "pro" thing, 6,7 decades ago, they made sense. Today, when MF is a hobby for enthusiasts the use case is likely to switch between different film types during one session. I had 4 backs for my Hasselblad 500CM, and in hindsight they were just a burden.

 

[Pieter12]

When MF was a "pro" thing, 6,7 decades ago, they made sense. Today, when MF is a hobby for enthusiasts the use case is likely to switch between different film types during one session. I had 4 backs for my Hasselblad 500CM, and in hindsight they were just a burden.

I don't think you can generalize that today only (or even mostly) hobbyists use MF. The art photography realm still consist of some die-hard MF users--Michael Kenna for example. On the other hand, 6 or 7 decades ago there were slews of hobbyists (to throw in a stereotype--orthodontists) using MF.

 

[pentaxuser]

Extra is what I mean. Having loaded inserts so you don't have to stop and reload too long.

Thanks. It's a pity as my hopes were up that somehow against the odds someone had found a way to do what I had concluded was impossible

I do have an insert for the P645N that does have a back that if it is lightproof might make it possible to do what I wrote about with a changing bag on removal and return attachment of the insert with a bit of mental maths for say two inserts but I suppose that if there was a way then someone on the Pentax forum would have mentioned it

There would be a way but it involves a wind-on mid roll ( expensive in terms of loss of remaining frames ) and then presumably a rewind in a darkroom or changing bag and then refitting the film in the insert as if it was new and counting forward to the frame reached plus one to be sure

Hardly convenient. That leaves the option of at least 2x P654Ns and now it is getting very expensive

pentaxuser

 

[MattKing]

The inserts for the Mamiya 645 system came with small insert sized cases, and a partially loaded roll on them - short of the start mark - was fine if you left it in the case before inserting it in a back or the camera.
Both the pre-changeable back Mamiya 645 cameras and the ones the backs that can be used on the later ones use the same inserts.
the biggest reason to have multiple backs may be that the film transport parts of these cameras are the parts that are most likely to benefit from maintenance, and if you can take the back off, you get to keep using the camera.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

You made me think, because I have them but never use them unless I anticipate different development schemes to become necessary.

 

[wiltw]

I used to shoot wedding, always carried preloaded spare backs to keep shooting without missing action.

When I used to shoot weddings, I would do the same. Essential for quickly continuing to shoot, with only very brief pauses to drop in a new roll.

Multiple backs, if needing to swap emulsion (portrait vs. candid) mid-roll

 

[DREW WILEY]

Assuming you choice of an SLR accepts interchangeable back to begin with. ... I'm quite fond of the Pentax 6X7 system, especially for tele work, and it doesn't have such backs. But spare bodies tended to be more affordable than the backs alone for some systems like Hassie or Rollei.
I'd use one body for color film, the other for black and white.

 

[naaldvoerder]

On some occasions I plan to shoot landscapes on B&W film and on IR film.

On portrait sessions, when I want to avoid a break.

 

[Chuck1]

One practical advantage...as entropy whittles away at our gear...when the film back fails, just replace it with a working one

Good point

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Good point

If that logic applies, you'd need a spare for every piece of gear.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

A slightly different take. I have multiple backs, so I can always use my RB. Why wouldn't I be able to use my RB you ask? Well, I'm 3/4 of the way through a two year 365 (730?) project. If I didn't have multiple backs, that project would be the only thing I could use my RB to shoot. And sometimes I just want to capture something on my RB. So, multiple backs.

avery valid reason I never thought about!

 

[Sirius Glass]

I use the Hasselblad 6x6 120 film backs so that I can switch film type such as black & white to color or to various color or black & white films or infrared film.

 

[Don_ih]

Up to you really.

You've been here 17 years and that's all you said!

Everyone should listen.

 

[eli griggs]

I actively use Hasselblad and Nons backs, carrying both just so I can take full advantage of different films and both monochrome and colour instant films.

A12, A24 and A70 backs takup space but im shooting out of my car most times and can take out what I don't want to carry at a short distance from my transport for a best chance of getting my shots.

I do need new 70mm film, what I have in the loader is old, but having many backs means I have many cameras at hand and that is prime in my book.

 

[RezaLoghme]

I don't think you can generalize that today only (or even mostly) hobbyists use MF. The art photography realm still consist of some die-hard MF users--Michael Kenna for example. On the other hand, 6 or 7 decades ago there were slews of hobbyists (to throw in a stereotype--orthodontists) using MF.

Whats your estimate - how big is today's MF market compared to rest of market, when looking at "pros"?
I guess MF has become even more niche than 6,7 decades ago.

 

[Franklee]

Fashion shooters like Irving Penn and Richard Avedon shot with Rolleiflex TLRs. Assistants would keep several loaded and ready to swap out in the course of a shoot. That's the best flex

 

[RezaLoghme]

Fashion shooters like Irving Penn and Richard Avedon shot with Rolleiflex TLRs. Assistants would keep several loaded and ready to swap out in the course of a shoot. That's the best flex

Sure, at their peak times that is what was available.

 

[reddesert]

Interchangeable backs solve the problem of where to store the darkslide when the back is off the camera.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Yes.
I shoot 6x6 & 645....and use both 120 and 220 film with my Hasselblad.

Mamiya make also tack sharp images no need to pay Hasselblad $$$

 

[Klaus_H]

I use three magazines on my Bronica SQ/A. One magazine for subjects with normal/low contrast, one magazine for subjects with high contrast, and one magazine for infrared film.