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Photography Equipment
Camera My primary camera is a Bronica SQ-Am medium format camera. I've been using this camera since the early 1980's, and this is the camera that was used to capture the majority of my images. Medium format cameras use 120 (12 exposures) or 220 film (24 exposures) which is often referred to as 2 ¼ film. In the square format, such as my Bronica, the actual image created on the film is 2 ¼ inches square, which is almost four times the size of the image created on 35mm film. The advantage here is that you can make larger prints and still have very high image resolution and quality. The square format of the Bronica is convenient because it eliminates the need to decide between a horizontal or vertical image. I've always tried to compose my images using the full frame of this square format. Obviously, there are certain scenes that are better suited to a horizontal or vertical composition, but with the Bronica you can capture your image, and then crop it later to fit your desired horizontal or vertical preference. The Bronica is also a SLR camera (single lens reflex), so it operates in the same manner as most 35mm cameras. The big difference is size. Since you are working with a larger film size, it only makes sense that your camera and lenses need to be larger to accommodate that film. As I mentioned in my autobiography, the larger size of my camera equipment adds considerable weight to my backpack, but the added weight is easily offset by the higher quality images that I am able to capture.
Lenses
Also included in my Bronica system are nine Zenzanon lenses. I will list each lens with its 35mm camera equivalent:
- 40mm wide angle lens/ 35mm equivalent is 23mm
- 50mm wide angle lens/ 35mm equivalent is 28mm
- 65mm wide angle lens/ 35mm equivalent is 35mm
- 80mm standard lens/ 35mm equivalent is 45mm
- 110mm telephoto lens/ 35mm equivalent is 62mm
- 150mm telephoto lens/ 35mm equivalent is 85mm
- 200mm telephoto lens/ 35mm equivalent is 110mm
- 250mm telephoto lens/ 35mm equivalent is 135mm
- 500mm telephoto lens/ 35mm equivalent is 270mm
Panorama Camera
I also have a Fujica G617 panorama camera, which also uses the 2 ¼ film, but is in a 6cm x 17cm (2.36 inches by 6.7 inches) format. This camera comes with a 105mm fixed lens, and although it has its limitations, is an excellent specialty camera which lends itself very well to high quality horizontal images. Many of the horizontal images in my Fine Art Gallery were captured with this camera.
Filters
I basically use just two types of filters: a skylight and polarizer. The skylight 1A filter adds a very slight, warm tone to the images and also protects the front of the lens. I use the polarizing filter for certain sidelight situations when I want to increase color saturation, and also to create a more dramatic sky, especially if clouds are present. I will also use a polarizing filter for reducing glare and reflection off water; if that is the effect I am seeking. On overcast days, in selective situations, I will use an 81A, or 81B filter to offset the bluish tint that can be present. I plan on experimenting in the future with neutral density filters (ND) to decrease shutter speeds when photographing water scenes, and also graduated ND filters for situations where you have a noticeable difference in exposure values within the same scene.
Film
I use only Fujichrome Velvia ISO 50 film. This is an extremely fine grain film with brilliant color reproduction.
Tripod
I use a Bogen tripod that I originally purchased with my Bronica system in the early 1980's.
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