redfishingboat

Play while reading: “Mamma Mia” - Abba

I kill time by browsing craigslist for all the things I can’t get: Jobs, cameras, casual encounters. (Kidding). I’m not looking for those things per se, I’m just feast on distraction. But, it can be risky.

FOR INSTANCE:

I saw a post for a Mamiya 645E. No pics, $200. In Long Beach. Now there are so many things wrong with that. $200 is way too low. Look online and you’ll find people have purchased this medium-format film camera for $400-$1200 dollars. Plus, I’d never in a million go to Long Beach to buy something. I really couldn’t tell you why I replied to the ad. But, I did. I said something like “This is a fantastic price. Why are you selling? And, can I see pics. I’m in L.A. and I rarely get down to Long Beach, but I’m tempted.”

I got a fast reply with some very clear pics and an offer to drop it off in Santa Monica. Wow! They seemed really eager to dump the camera, so I was suspicious. But, I sent the pics to a friend of mine who knows a little something about Mamiya cameras. $200? Is this insane deal too good to be true? And, randomly enough my friend was actually acquainted with the seller! A wholehearted recommendation followed. All the stars aligned, known seller, insane price, delivered right to me.

A day later, it’s a deal that’s done.

So, just like that, I’m the proud owner of a professional medium-format film Mamiya 645E. I’m in over my head on it a little bit. What’s medium-format? It’s film that creates a larger image than 35mm. It’s great for a) vast landscapes, b) creating poster-sized prints with no grain. Great for glossy magazine covers also. c) Wider-than wide angle shots d) it takes a whole different kind of portrait than a 35mm or digital camera, due to how close you can get to the subject and still fit them in the frame. The angles are more more intimate. All these things intrigue me.

And this camera? The 645E?

It’s manual focus. it takes 120 film. It usually uses a tripod, though can be hand-held. It looks strange and badass. It costs more to get the film developed. It’s complex. I don’t have a bag for it.

Ahh! I’m overmatched! But, I’m excited by it.