What am I really looking for here? (120 vs 35 and Travel)

[EdSawyer]

Mamiya 7

 

[Sirius Glass]

If I will not have time to spend on each shot, I will travel with 35mm cameras. If I know that I will want to do serious work, then I take MF. LF is for playing around.

 

[removed account4]

i'd bring the D as you said for conference-stuff
and i'd bring a 35mm and a 50mm lens.
being bogged down with gear is no fun
BTDT .. simplify so you can just make photographs
and not worry ... it is ez to make 16x20s with 35mm
don't sweat the small stuff ...

 

[rogueguineapig]

hey guys! sorry, been a crazy week.

In general: my current understanding is that I'll be staying in Jerusalem itself--meaning that I have a base to work out of with a 6D, 35mm and a 120 rig.
This means I don't have much pressure (I feel) to carry much on my days out and about...I have the ability to leave one or two cameras behind without worrying about it too much.

in order of appearance...
pmargolis: Yes, I absolutely want to see your work in Israel! Last year I only spent 2-3 days in Jerusalem/Lyfta, and it simply was not enough. This year I get three weeks and I'm overjoyed for
the opportunity! The FM is definitely making the cut--I really enjoy shooting with this camera!

Mark Tate: A local camera lady suggested a 4x5 but the narrow streets of Jerusalem is probably not a good idea with something that big!
The 35mm is definitely going--probably with TMAX or Delta 400.

Les Sarile: I am taking the FM--which I'm very, very familiar with. Again, 98% of my photos will be with my 6D--I shot over 9,000 frames in Israel last year with it, so I know that camera like I know my molars. The 120 remains to be seen--but I have just over a month before I go, so I have a little time to keep shooting my 120 and figuring things out with it--which has gone well so far, 4-5 rolls in.

Ozmoose: I've really enjoyed shooting Delta 100, and I've got a roll of FP4 and a roll of TMAX 100 chooching right now and I can't wait to see the results!
My little brother has an F3 he said he'd let me use but I'm not as familiar with the F3--though the AP mode sounds very appealing for street work.
I'm definitely taking a lot of film--but I'm grateful to have digital along too. Shooting film is more for me personally, as part of the experience--the meeting of the old world, and the old way of shooting it.

Edsawyer: Mamiya 7? I wish. I can swing a 500 but not the Mamiya. Maybe in 5 years!

Sirius Glass: I think you summed up my feelings well. I know there will be places to set up and take very intentional, slow, careful, thoughtful shots and that's what the 120 rig appeals to me for.
Cruising through the shuk (market), or the Arab quarter it's 35mm all the way. I've shot that before on digital last year and it's no place for slow shots on a busy day!

jnanian: agreed--last year I had to carry all my gear all the time. It was miserable. This year I am trying to work out of a home base within the city so there's no need to take it all every day.
Instead I'd like to plan my day out, and know if I'm going to a great landmark to take something bigger/finer grained, and if I'm going to the market to grab the Delta 400 and/or 35mm.

I hope pix are allowed but...
By way of example:
This shot is from Jerusalem last year. This is kind of what I would like to try on the 35mm Nikon:
IMG_1868-REDUX by rogue.guineapig, on Flickr



This shot is from Lyfta, near Jerusalem. This is a shot I would love to retry with better composition, and my 120 rig with Portra maybe.
IMG_1976-REDUX by rogue.guineapig, on Flickr

 

[Les Sarile]

I hope pix are allowed but...
By way of example:
This shot is from Jerusalem last year. This is kind of what I would like to try on the 35mm Nikon:
This shot is from Lyfta, near Jerusalem. This is a shot I would love to retry with better composition, and my 120 rig with Portra maybe.

Clearly film's superior latitude will be advantageous when shooting in high contrast situations allowing you to capture the full scene without blowing out the highlights. 35mm format film can provide all the enlargement you need and of course medium format can provide wall filling prints if you need larger.