mediunm format or 35mm best suited for weddings?

[final cut cafe]

I have read a lot about people using 35mm camera systems for

shooting weddings and also a lot of people using medium format gear

(645 of 67) for weddings. I understand some of the pro's and con's

of each, like medium format has a larger negative, less frames per

roll and costs more and 35mm has a smaller negative, more frames per

roll and costs less; but what I would like to know which is best in

the end when I present the proofs and the albums to my client? Which

is the best when Im dealing with local competition and I'm the new

guy? Which is best with respect to size/weight and number of frames

per roll. I understand I can have several 120 or 220 backs pre-

loaded so I can switch back in medium format. Is switching rolls

quicker with medium format over 35mm?

[steve_levine]

Many shoot weddings with 35mm and nobody knows the difference.The equipment is lighter & much more easier handling than MF gear.Bigger negatives always yield better results.If you place 11" prints next to each other from 35mm & MF negs,the difference will jump out at you.On the other hand,if the client only sees the 35mm,it looks fine.I shoot all my candids in 35mm & only the formals in 645.Larger MF format cameras (6x7 etc)are heavy and very and awkward to handle compared to 645 cameras.The 645 format gives 30 exposures per roll (of 220),where the 6x7 format yields only 20 per roll.With an auto rewind/self loading 35mm, film changes with either 35 or MF are both pretty fast.

[richard_cochran]

The primary reason for using a bigger format is the higher

quality of enlargements. The quality difference is most

noticable with large blow-ups, but it's visible even at

proof sizes. Almost everything about MF is

bigger, slower, less convenient and/or more expensive than

35mm, though sometimes the differences are small, and very often

the quality differences are well worth the inconveniences.

<p>

Another factor to

consider in marketing yourself is that nearly everybody has

an "Uncle Joe" with a nice 35mm system that's as capable

as the best 35mm systems (whether Uncle Joe is a capable

photographer is a different issue, but the B&G may admire

his abilities, and you'd do well not to insult his abilities

in front of them). Medium format equipment may make it clear

how you can deliver professional results that will look better than

Uncle Joe's. Studio lights with umbrellas for the formals

may also help with the perception.

<p>

The one area where MF is faster and more convenient than

35mm is in film changes, provided you can change film by

switching pre-loaded backs. It's as fast as swapping

lenses. But you'll either need enough backs to handle

the entire wedding, or else you'll need two backs, with

an assistant to swap film in the unused back while you're

shooting with the other. Threading MF film across the spools

is significantly slower than popping a cartridge into a

modern auto-loading 35mm camera, but somewhat countering

that is the fact that 120 film doesn't

need to be rewound at the end of the roll.

<p>

Some photographers do MF for the formal shots at the altar,

and 35mm for fast candids at the reception.

[conrad_poulin]

Large negitives are easier to retouch.

 

A little more latitude with under exposure. When a negitive is

under exposed grain can become an issue. larger negs will

show less grain.

 

More room for cropping.

 

As far as loading film goes, you need 2 film magazines or 2

cameras set up the same. You should always have a back up

camera and flash set and ready to go anyway.

 

Two tlr cams loaded with 220 and set up with flash, brackets,

and battery packs can go a long way.

 

Or one camera with 2 backs can handle it. (but still have a back

up system)

 

When it comes to finished product large negitives can = better

prints. Especialy if you are selling 8x10 albums plus

enlargements.

 

One thing in favor of 12 exposure rolls that others may not agree

with is if you make a mistake on a roll you may catch it when you

are reloading. So if you have to re shoot some shots you may get

lucky and only have to re shoot or re pose a few. Not 36.

 

For me, shooting 120 with two cameras, i found it easier to

develope a consistant level of exceptable quality each time out.

 

Now perhaps with new technology m y ways may be obslete.

[robert_eastman]

Depends what your more familiar/comfortable with. Most wedding photographers I know use a combination of film formats (hand held 35mm mostly and mf for the groups) or they just use digital. So go figure.

[bob fowler]

I shoot the ceremony in 6X6, the formals in either 6X6, 6X9, or 4X5", and most of the reception in 6X6. I only use 35mm for reception candids, not for cake cutting, bouquet, or garter shots - that's all done with 6X6. I use Mamiya TLR's. I shoot the job with 2 bodies and 5 lenses. My wife has been my assistant for 18 years and can reload a C-series TLR faster than I can rewind and reload a Nikon F3!

[Jochen_S]

Agreeing with others I'd say using both should be the best.

[wim_van_velzen]

As many more photographers I use both. About 1/3 of all photos in the album are from 6x6. People love the square and the extra quality is a bonus for the more formal parts as well as the portrait kind of images.

<p>

I use 35mm for the events, for the photos that won't be larger than 13x18cm/15x21cm etc.

<p>

<a href="http://www.fotografiewimvanvelzen.nl">Wim</a>

[werner boeckelen]

About a year ago, I completely changed to digital and never regretted it (Fuji S2pro). Yes it is an investment, but think about film price for let's say 50 rolls + developement. You gain so much more flexibity and the fear of the famous "eyes closed" in the decisive moment is not a problem any more. With digital you can have 1000 shoots with one CF-Card (Microdrive) in a row - no hazzle with changing film. In a quick moment you can change 100ASA to 800 ASA if necessary - you quickly notice the very big advantage over film. So my advice: Forget about 35mm, take a MF with you for the special ones and for the rest take a Digi!

Werner