This is the first time I have shot in the 6 X 4.5 format, and the first time I have used an autofocus camera in this format. That alone makes shooting this wonder a unique experience. I got 17 shots out of a roll of 120 and every one of the negatives is well exposed and sharp. Try as I might, this rarely happens when I shoot medium format manual focus cameras. I guess this camera is a lot smarter and more talented than I am! The lens is bitingly sharp and very contrasty. I was hoping to take this camera on an upcoming trip out west, alas the trip is not to be.
The camera has a fixed 60mm lens with a maximum aperture of F4 and a top shutter speed of 700. Unless shooting landscapes, I will be using slower film with this camera. Focusing is quick and the metering system is quite reliable.
It is a concession to surrender to an autofocus camera. A big part of shooting film is in imparting one’s instinct to the process. I must admit, it was fun to shoot without having to think so much. It’s not like I spend a lot of time pondering manually made images, since I usually see and shoot pretty quickly. This camera took away a few of the steps and let me concentrate more on content. Very enjoyable, and I will be using this camera very much from here on out.
As with all older cameras, this one has a quirk. Holding it with a normal grip, the image is made in portrait mode. I usually don’t shoot in this mode, but it did come in handy for a portrait of a fisherman I met on the Providence River boardwalk. He hauled in a nice sized pogie after we chatted and I took his picture. Images, including his, will be uploaded as they are scanned.
