Picture of the Week 63

Waiting for the ferry, Toronto 2004

As can be seen from the many varying types of cameras used to take these pictures, I have a bewildering array of cameras - at least five Nikons (F, FE, F3, F4, F100), two Bronicas (SQ-A, SQ-Ai), three Mamiya kits (6,7,645 Pro)and a Fuji GS645W - not to mention the pocket-sized Olympus XA4. But if I had to keep only one camera, it would be the Mamiya 6.

A robust and beautifully constructed 6X6 medium format rangefinder camera, it has a collasible front for easy of portability, and three dedicated lenses - a 50mm, 75mm and 150mm. I had been on the lookout for one for many years and found a complete kit in 2004 in Toronto. This shot was taken the day after, when Mari and I were off on a wander to the Island over the water from Toronto.

I used to shoot primarily on Ilford Delta film and DD-X developer, but have now switched to Kodak T-Max and HC110 to see how I get on with it. Next year I may try Kodak Tri-X. If I use colour, it's Kodak NC160. Sometimes I shoot with the reflex Bronica, other times it's with a Rangefinder 6X7. Depends how I feel. That's the beauty of chemical photography and mechanical cameras - they have a simplicity about them, and a connection with photography in the past. Mind you, when it comes to photography, method of capture is largely irrelevant - 90% of the art is access, opportunity, and luck.

I have a Nikon D700 and a Canon G10 as well, but for some reason digital leaves me entirely cold. Yes, there are huge advantages in digital, but I don't love it in the way I love the black-and-white medium format. It's whatever butters your crumpet, I suppose.