MF for fast Children Portraiture

catem · Jan 31, 2008

You might want to think about using a different focussing screen - e.g. with my mamiya RZ the Type E one (Rangefinder Spot/Microprism) instead of the standard matte - that can be a great aid in the right circumstances, together with being prepared to move yourself rather than your camera as suggested somewhere above - though I prefer the matte screen for other types of work. It's amazing how you CAN get the focus quickly with MF and kids, although I have to say you do have to be prepared to miss some shots aswell. But personally, I have never felt the need to use autofocus with children, even with 35mm. What you gain with some shots missed with manual focus you can lose with the autofocus making the wrong 'decisions'.

benjiboy · Jan 31, 2008

Me too

Blighty said:
I use a Mamiya C330f with a variety of lenses. Coupled with a chimney finder, I get a very bright image on the screen. Focussing is a breeze with the rack and pinion system and 'follow-focus' becomes quite easy. You have to get used to the image moving the wrong way on the screen, but this takes only a little time. They're as cheap as chips at the moment also.

I too use Mamiya C330f cameras Blighty , my main interest is people photography, for child shots I find the gear I find easiest to use and get the best results with is with the L grip with trigger release, and prism finder attached to follow the action, I can hold the camera with the grip and fire the shutter with my left hand leaving my right hand free to wind on and focus , the only drawbacks with this arrangement I have found is that the prism finder is a huge lump of glass, and makes the camera so heavy it makes you're left wrist very tired after a short time, especially if I have the 135mm or 180mm lens pairs attached, but you must be prepared to "suffer for you're art"

benjiboy · Jan 31, 2008

Black Dog said:
I use a TLR [Mamiya 330] as well, usually with a 55mm and I haven't needed superglue or tranquilisers yet.I've got pretty good at anticipating moments-the key seems to be getting them occupied making cakes/unwrapping presents/reading etc. Delta 3200 in 120 is a great help as well. I've even used 5x4 and though I've got some blurry pics, I have even more good ones. YMMV and good luck!

A hammer and nails works well in my experience.

matti · Jan 31, 2008

Hunting kids is the best way to learn how to see backwards.

/matti

Dag · Jan 31, 2008

I use a Bronica SQ-A and mostly with PS180 (but sometimes PS80 or PS40) for taking pictures of my three boys. Standard old focussing screen but a CDS MF finder. It takes some concentration in forcussing and following them, but that´s part of the fun. Here´s a few examples:
http://foto.no/bilder/images/v_70724.jpg
http://foto.no/bildekritikk/images/b_320670.jpg
http://foto.no/bildekritikk/images/b_320087.jpg
http://foto.no/bildekritikk/images/b_319510.jpg
http://foto.no/bildekritikk/images/b_209002.jpg

keithwms · Jan 31, 2008

I seem to recall having a fun time around kids with a Fuji GA645Zi. Not a fast lens, but the AF worked quite well, the thing zooms fairly quickly, has a built-in flash, and at the end of the day you have very nice 645 frames from a smallish/light camera. The glass is superlative. They'd make very nice wedding cameras too, I think.

For some silly reason I sold my Zi for $600. Now I see them going used for upwards of $800.

Phillip P. Dimor · Feb 1, 2008

I remember watching the Lost in Translation extras, the director Sophia Coppola was running around Japan with a Fuji GA645. She was running around pointing and clicking the thing like it was nothing. Pretty cool. Liked the movie too but that is OT.

Will S · Feb 1, 2008

Phillip P. Dimor said:
I remember watching the Lost in Translation extras, the director Sophia Coppola was running around Japan with a Fuji GA645. She was running around pointing and clicking the thing like it was nothing. Pretty cool. Liked the movie too but that is OT.

I'll have to check that out. I use a GS645 folder quite a bit for children's photography. It isn't as fast as the autofocus on my Nikon, but it weighs less and work's OK, especially if I keep it stopped down. The only times I have issues are in lowlight, and then, even with Delta3200, it is sometimes hard to focus accurately, but the Delta 3200 helps a lot even though the camera only goes to 1000 ISO.

Thanks,

Will

Nicole · Feb 2, 2008

Nigel Harley said:
Thanks Nicole, I love your work! I feel very humbled as it is excellent and you have captured the innocent essence within the children. Very inspiring and given me confidence to pursue with MF.

Sometimes the obvious thing to do is so obvious we miss it - hire!!!

Nigel thank you very much, I'm the one that's humbled. I look forward to seeing your MF work.

Edwardv · Feb 2, 2008

Buy a Beattie Intenscreen from BH. Cost about $225 or a little more. I have the grid screen and it works great for low light situations.

Good luck.

Blighty · Feb 2, 2008

benjiboy said:
I too use Mamiya C330f cameras Blighty , my main interest is people photography, for child shots I find the gear I find easiest to use and get the best results with is with the L grip with trigger release, and prism finder attached to follow the action, I can hold the camera with the grip and fire the shutter with my left hand leaving my right hand free to wind on and focus , the only drawbacks with this arrangement I have found is that the prism finder is a huge lump of glass, and makes the camera so heavy it makes you're left wrist very tired after a short time, especially if I have the 135mm or 180mm lens pairs attached, but you must be prepared to "suffer for you're art"

I should have added that the trigger L-grip is my standard set-up. I also use a prism but I find it a little dark compared to the chimney finder and not too good with my specs. Regards, Blights

MF for fast Children Portraiture

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