Journey Through Film: Unveiling New Adventures with My Mamiya 7 II Camera

I have received my photographs from the lab and I am thrilled to announce that I have acquired a new film camera. The first camera I received was defective and had to be sent back to Japan, which was quite an ordeal. However, my friends at KEH have kindly provided me with a new camera, which arrived a month and a half ago. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to use it until now, as I have a big trip coming up on Saturday. Before I embark on my journey, I must ensure that the camera is in working order. I will also be receiving a sticker pack today, but first, I must beat my high score in pinball. Although it is early in the day, I have a long day ahead of me.

Today, I will not be shooting on 35mm film. Instead, I will be using 120 portrait 400 or portrait 800. I will bring both as I am likely to make mistakes. Additionally, a friend has gifted me Pro 400h, which only has 10 shots per roll on a 120 roll of film. This is what I used to shoot with 15 years ago for weddings. I am excited to use it again.

The camera I will be using today is the Mamiya 7 II, which is a range finder and should be seamless and similar to the M6 that I have been using. I am excited to use it as it has been 15 years since I have shot medium format film. I used to shoot on contacts 645 when I was shooting weddings 15 years ago. I have not yet put a singular roll of film through this camera, and the purpose of today is to test it to ensure that it works. I plan to bring an ungodly amount of film with me on my trip and dump a whole bunch of rolls downrange.

Yesterday, I shot some portraits of Jay with the medium format camera. I will be heading to the lab to get these portraits and other things processed to see if any of it works. I will be giving away 15 gift cards for $100 each to c41 for those who have a film camera and can tell them what my favorite film was that I used to use back in the day shooting weddings.

I have received my photos from the lab, and they are sharp, rich in detail and color. I am pleased with the results. The medium format camera has a love-hate relationship with me as it only has 10 shots per roll, which is easy and not stressful, but it may not be enough in certain situations. I will have to figure out where it fits into my life. I am now packing my bag and deciding how many rolls of film I need to bring for my six-day trip to the desert.

Disclaimer: The following narrative is a personal account of experiences with film photography and the usage of specific camera equipment. The experiences and opinions shared are based on the author's perspective and do not constitute professional advice or endorsements. Readers should conduct their own research and exercise discretion when considering similar endeavors. The author and associated entities are not responsible for any actions or outcomes resulting from the implementation of ideas presented in this narrative.

As I prepare to embark on my desert journey with my newly acquired Mamiya 7 II camera, I'm filled with anticipation and excitement. The path to this point has been marked by setbacks and unexpected twists, but I'm eager to delve into the world of medium format photography once again. The crisp details and vibrant colors of the photographs developed from the lab have reignited my passion for film photography.

With the knowledge that my medium format camera offers a limited number of shots per roll, I'm faced with the challenge of selecting the perfect moments to capture. As I meticulously pack my bag with an assortment of film rolls, I contemplate the stories waiting to be told through each shot.

Through the lens of my camera, I will capture the beauty of the desert landscape, the essence of fleeting moments, and the joy of embracing a new creative tool. I look forward to sharing my experiences, learnings, and perhaps a touch of nostalgia as I rekindle my connection with film photography.

Join me as I venture into the desert, armed with my Mamiya 7 II and a heart full of curiosity. The journey is just beginning, and the frames that will unfold before my eyes are waiting to be woven into a visual tapestry of memories, stories, and discoveries.