Medium format on a bike.

Dear all,

This summer I will start a bicycle trip from Alaska to Argentina (on a bamboo bike). In addition to my DSLR, I want to take a medium format camera with me which I will exclusively use for black and white portrait photography.

My goal is to make one or two pictures every day of an interesting individual that I will meet along the way. I want to provide a overview of the culture changes one faces while traveling from North America to Argentina. Of every person I include in this project I will write down a small biography which, I hope, will be interesting. I really want to make this a personal and up close project. Perhaps I can use the materials to get in to an art school after my trip...

Since the amount of equipment I can take with me on the bike, and my digital stuff is already a few kilos, I want my medium format camera to be as light as possible. I already own a Mamiya RB67; way to big. I have no experience with other medium format camera's. My question for you, what light weight medium format camera do you advice me to take on my trip? Bellow are factors that are important for me. More stars means more importance.

Weight * * * * *
Robustness * * * *
6x6 format * * *
Price * * *
Brand *

At the moment, I am leaning towards a Rolleiflex; its compact, sturdy and not to expensive.

My second question concerns the film I will be using. Not brand, ISO or development, but how to transport them as safe as possible. Are there any kind of boxes I can store my film in? If I indeed shoot 2 pictures a day, taking 500 days to make this trip, I will shoot 1000 pictures in total; 84 rolls of 120 film. I can make stops to take some time and develop the film, so a box that could contain 20 rolls should be sufficient.

Last but not least, if you guys would go on a trip like this, what kind of projects, subjects or pictures would you shoot? Any thoughts? Any people who have undertaken similar expeditions with their medium format camera's?

Thats it for now. Thank you for your time. I look forward to your input!

Regards,

McRoo
(www.cycleforwater.com)

A great plan !

Many photographers shoot both digital and film masterfully.
Very few shoot them at the same time. Making a digital image,
and making a film image, are quite different, like playing a piano and a violin at the same time.

Complicate this by doing this on a cycling quest, and you will be looking for trouble; working instinctively with an elevated heart rate with film AND digital is quite likely to prevent you from performing well in either. But I DO see the appeal. Maybe a compact digital, and MF ?

A Fujica 6x7 with a 90 mm lens is the highest quality, most reliable, and easiest to use 120 camera, and most economical. If it were no more than being able to work at eye level with the Fuji, it would be a clear choice, but the Rolleis are more complex, and certainly older. If I were taking a round the world trip in a conventional way, I'd be happy with the Rollei. But not on one DAY of your trip. If you NEED 6x6 over 6x7, the Mamiya 6 is the only answer.

There are all kinds of waterproof bags to keep film in, and it is hard to break I'd be concerned about humidity, though. And I'd ship my film home at regular intervals.

This sounds a great journey. Rohloff ?

d

/

I suggest one of the cameras I own, Rolleiflex 3.5A, they aren't very expensive, they are light, deliver the negative size you're searching for and most of all, the results are fantastic.

PS- Get one with a Tessar!

Have fun!

A compact camera like a TLR or Rangefinder would be best of course, but even a Hasselblad with the 80 isn't much too heavy.
You can also consider going Lomo and bring a lightweight plastic toy camera. If not your only tool, you can carry one or two as second (and third) camera loaded with different film for different subject matter. If your main camera has BW film loaded for portraits, you can take a toy with color for a different perspective or for more dreamy landscapes.

In case you want to shoot -while- on the bike, here's my experience:
I've carried my Rolleiflex on my bike and tried to take pictures with it while on the move.
Possible. Not easy though. The WLF helps you as you don't need to bring the camera to your eyes to aim, but you can't use the magnifier of course.
The problem is the winding of the film. Unless one has the skills and the luxury of the moment to use both hands for winding, trying to rotate the crank while keeping the bike on the road on a rough spot, is something riders should compete in!
My Hasselblad I wouldn't consider at all because of its legth, back to lens. The Rolleiflex because of its vertical construction is with some good support straps, easier to perch on your chest.

do you need something you can shoot fast with? Would a camera with a built in meter be preferable?

I presume you won't be trying to shoot and ride at the same time.

A rolliflex is a good choice but could be a bit clumsy to use on the go.

a Mamiya 6 would fit the bill perfectly.

For storing exposed film, the mini-M&M containers are perfect for keeping exposed 120 rolls safe.

What—!? On a "bamboo bike" !?
I think your time will be occupied with things like getting from A to B, obstructions, delays, detours, uphills, bad weather, hot weather, etc., and that a lot of what you are seeking should be considered as speculative. You speak of your intention to shoot 2 pictures a day of an interesting individual with a medium format, and this in my opinion as a touring cyclist of many years does not justify carriage of the medium format when you have the DLSR: one or the other, not really both. And the amount of film you are planning to transport is troubling both as weight and risk (how much does it weigh, and how can you guarantee you can find reliable places to D&P without the risk of ruination or other factors?). Consider what you can save in weight just by taking a) a medium format + film; or b) the DLSR. Strictly speaking, transcontinental touring cyclists do not lavish attention on multiple camera outfits for lengthy journeys: TCs (touring cyclists) have travelled the world with nothing more than a Minolta SRT101, 2 lenses and regular restocks for film, or a DSLR/compact (more common with those carrying a small pda and image storage to "offload" images progressively).

Your website states that this will be "...the first ever attempt to do all this by cycling the entire route on bamboo bicycles built in Africa." So these machines are unproven on a 15-country odyssey? Fundamentally, I can't help but view this as foolhardy, additionally in light of the statement: "cycling through unforgiving wilderness, over mountains and through jungles." Your concern for the environmental impact in terms of manufacturing is commendable, but this must also be weighed up with the unacceptable risk to you of taking unproven machines through, in your own words, "unforgiving" terrain. All the more important I think to keep your load of cameras to the basic minimum. Do the math.

I think a Rangefinder like Mamiya 6 or 7 is fit for the job. What film do you plan on using?

why carry everything?

Unless I miss the point, I don't think carrying the 20 rolls of film with you the whole way is the best plan- you're not going to carry stock solutions of Dev of fix, so you might as well mail it to yourself at places along the way - and mail the used stuff back to someone to either process for you or refridgerate for safe keeping until you can process yourself. MIght do the same with memory cards. How much would it suck to have everything stolen at the end of the trip?

As far as which camera - I'd get a folder. I'm looking at getting an MF just for portaits (family is getting tired of posing for the 4x5), and the folders are at the top of my list for smallness and ease of use. Also - no batteries or electronics to ruin.

Hey all!

First, thank you all for the great responses. Good input!

Second, let me answer a few of the questions a couple of you asked.

This sounds a great journey. Rohloff?
No, just ordinary gearing. I'm at the point of building up my bike. I do not have experience with Rohloff gearing and do not want to add any additional variables to the journey So I'm keeping it simple and focus on gear I know.

In case you want to shoot -while- on the bike, here's my experience:
Thanks for the input, but I'm not going to put myself in danger operating a manual camera on my bike, hehe! I will be riding 75 kilometers a day for 5 days in the week and then have 2 days of as a 'weekend'. If I can keep the 75 kilometers up for 5 days in a week, I will be able to cover the distance in about 500 days. 75 km/day leaves plenty of time off the bike to shoot pictures...

do you need something you can shoot fast with? Would a camera with a built in meter be preferable?
No and no. When I make the pictures with my medium format camera, I will take the time to set up a tripod and engage/start a conversation with my subject. No need for fast/easy to operate cameras and no light meter needed. I have my lunasix with me at all times..

What—!? On a "bamboo bike" !?
Thank you for your opinion, Poisson Du Jour. As I said, my day to day schedule includes 75 kilometers of cycling. This translates to roughly 5 hours of active cycling a day, if I go slow. Include another 3 to 4 hours for chores/eating/setting up tent and stuff like that. That leaves me with plenty of hours per day to keep bussy with my photography. Don't forget the 2 days/week I calculated as off days to explore the areas, visit cultural sites and make photographs. From where I see it, I have two options to deal with the film issues. One, I could develop on the road when we stay for a longer period of time in certain cities. Probably going to use a lab, might do it myself if I have the option. Then send everything home. My second option is to send the undeveloped film home straight away. At most I will be carrying 10 rolls of film at a time. 10 rolls translates to 120 shots = 60 days of cycling. Plenty of opportunities to send rolls back home and restock along the way.

The thing is that I really enjoy switching to digital and analogue in day to day use back home. I understand that tour cycling expeditions require to minimize weight, but I think that an additional kilo something will not outweigh the pleasure and funn I have shooting film, as well as digital. Hell, I am carrying the tripod anyway. I am in the fortunate position that I have the opportunity to acquire low weight (but costly) gear such as tents, sleeping bags and clothes. In addition, the bamboo bicycles are not that heavy compared to steel frames. This will leave me some margin to take along somewhat heavier camera equipment.

I think a Rangefinder like Mamiya 6 or 7 is fit for the job. What film do you plan on using?
Thanks, I will have a look at those cameras. Normally, I shoot Tri-X. Probably going to stick with it, but might experiment other brands. Any suggestions?

Unless I miss the point, I don't think carrying the 20 rolls of film with you the whole way is the best plan
Hmm, you might be right. 10 rolls should be fine as I explained above. Luckily, I have family in Canada that knows how to store film. Might send all my exposed rolls to them.

I guess that covers most questions. Thanks for the info, all. I will have a look at the cameras you mentioned, especially the folders.

I'm glad I came up with the thread now as I still have the time to get acquainted with the new camera before I leave around July...

6x6 TLR. Hands down, IMO. Light, small, simple, cheap. I'd get a cheap Yashica or Rolleicord...or two.

Fujica GA645S, W or Zi. Or a GSW690 or GW690.

Let me also suggest an instax for diary snaps. It may motivate you as you go.

A TLR is light? You do realize that's an extra lens you carry.... RFs are far lighter in general, and the available focal lengths are similar.

McRoo said:

Hey all!

Thanks, I will have a look at those cameras. Normally, I shoot Tri-X. Probably going to stick with it, but might experiment other brands. Any suggestions?

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Not sure if it would be too slow for you but Plus-X is a really nice film too.

keithwms said:

Let me also suggest an instax for diary snaps. It may motivate you as you go.

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Thanks bro. I had a look at one of these instax mini's. Indeed seems perfect for the diary Also, nice to give to people we meet along the way. Yes, we.. I'm lucky I have a friend that will join me on this trip. He can carry part of the gear, haha.

I'd suggest a TLR as well. A Rolleicord is going to be tough and inexpensive, but heavier than a yashica TLR. The yashica will be of comparable cost, a little lighter, and maybe not as rugged. I'd question the need for a tripod for casual people pix if you have to bike with it. I'd mail the film back home several rolls at a time, but I wouldn't put 60 days worth in one envelope.

I would vote for the Fuji 645 as well -- more frames per roll, but still a nice big neg, and sturdy and compact. TLR's are nice and sort of romantic, but they are kind of lousy for portraits -- the waist level finder and often normal to wide lens puts the camera in a really unflattering position relative to the subject. As for film handling -- FedEx it back in batches -- I wouldn't trust any postal service with such hard gained images....

Why not go for the older folder? I had an old German Wirgin Deluxe 6x6 folder with a good 75mm Wollensak on it. Not too big, lightweight, made great photographs in an older fashioned kind of look. Older Folders are a dime a dozen on eBay.

the fuji 645's - I was going to suggest this, however I've read that they have durability problems. Great for shooting fast (ie. Autofocus, metered etc), but the OP has said he doesn't need to shoot fast. I think the 6x4.5 format is also a limitation personally. Film is cheap, 6x7 negs are much nicer.

Consider a Mamiya 6 over a 7, I played around with a friends 7 the other day, and you have to use a separate removable finder to compose with the wider lenses, what the...

I'm with Chris on this - but I'd look at a folder that's been serviced by Jurgen (certo6) or someone like that. Preferably with a Tessar lens. Lightest MF you'll find, extremely simple mechanics. Assuming you plan to position supplies along the way, you could even have a backup available.

Barring that, I'd go with a 645 Fuji.

Another vote for a Rolleiflex. Less to go wrong than a folder (no bellows to puncture nor struts to bend). But before you leave, send it to a reputable repair person and have it taken apart, cleaned and put back together -- including the film transport. The vibration of the bike will eventually loosen up screws -- so best start with all the screws sufficiently tight. Otherwise a screw that might stay in place for another year or two or three of normal use, might come loose after your first 1000 kilometers -- true with any camera. Certainly true with every screw and nut on the bike (including the rider!) Every couple of weeks on my bike tour I sat down with the bike and cleaned and tighten everything up! I had a 4x5 camera, so all the screws were on the outside -- easier to get to!

Another thing about TLR -- no camera between your and your subject's faces. No typical tourist hiding behind his camera to take an intimate portrait. Unusual enough now to create interest. And many times might be great for candid images -- no one will know if you really are photographing if t he camera is not in front of your face.

Sounds like an epic journey! if you come down the West Coast of the USA, stop by if you need a place to rest your head (or develop film!)

Vaughn

Cameras are small compared to bags upon bags of loaded touring stuff you'll have with you. Think weight. It probably doesn't matter how big it is, only how heavy it is. It will fit into your panniers either way. You can look up weights online. Realistically, a Mamiya 6, a Hasselblad 500 or a Rollei TLR are probably all small enough compared to other stuff you will be carrying. Heck, a Holga weighs nothing and costs nothing except the extra film you would need. Take one with you for fun.

As far as film, 20 rolls of 120 don't take MUCH more space than 10 rolls of 120. You have no metal canisters and 120 film doesn't weigh much. But you probably can't develop on the road because of all the powders and tupperware you'd have to carry, so mailing home seems like the best idea, or perhaps--better still--mailing straight to the lab of your choice in the US who will then mail it home. Maybe someone at home can scan your film and you can see your progress in internet cafes so that you have some feedback on how your MF project is going.

I have a Agfa Isolette II folding camera that is very small. Smaller and easier to store even than a 35mm SLR. I also have a plastic LOMO 166 TLR that weighs much less though.

buzzworm said:

TLR's are nice and sort of romantic, but they are kind of lousy for portraits -- the waist level finder and often normal to wide lens puts the camera in a really unflattering position relative to the subject.

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Since we are stating opinions as facts here, I will go ahead and say that TLRs are among the best cameras for portraits.

As for fixed-lens models, there is nothing more versatile than a normal lens. You can make all sorts of things work with one of them. I'd rather be stuck with a normal lens than any other sort of fixed lens, regardless of the type of photography.

As for what is "flattering", well that is subjective...and portraits are not by definition glamor shots.

Additionally, if you want the effect of moving farther from your subject, then simply move farther from your subject, and crop. You have the negative to allow some of this...or, with a Mamiya, do the same, and put a longer lens on the camera.

This idea of "portrait lenses" and "flattering distances" needs to go out the window. Portraits are incredibly varied. Look at much of the well-known documentary portraiture ever produced, and you will see that most of it was shot with normal or slight-wide lenses, with no attention paid to commercial glamor techniques, or generalizations about what makes a good portrait.

buzzworm said:

TLR's are nice and sort of romantic, but they are kind of lousy for portraits -- the waist level finder and often normal to wide lens puts the camera in a really unflattering position relative to the subject.

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I disagree.
Most of my photographs and portraits are done in 6x6 WLF cameras and I find that the finder has indeed a different perspective but not unflattering. In some cases it brings out a sort of pride and strength to the photographed. Plus, the photographer can look at the subject in the eye and not put a machine between them.

I think I would take a Rolleiflex or Rolleicord.

McRoo said:

my digital stuff is already a few kilos

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And I think I know of a way to save a few kilos!....


Steve.

buzzworm said:

TLR's are nice and sort of romantic, but they are kind of lousy for portraits -- the waist level finder and often normal to wide lens puts the camera in a really unflattering position relative to the subject.

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Whilst this may be true for head and shoulders portraits and closer, for a 1/2, 3/4 or full length portrait, the Rolleis 'normal' lens will be fine.


Steve.