One of the first times I shot with the Bronica Zenza ETRS was at a portrait photography workshop I was running in London.
I had a bunch of wonderful photographers who came out and got some amazing pictures on the day. After a little bit of hesitation whether to take my Bronica Zenza ETRS with me, I was so glad I took the chance!
The Bronica Zenza captures more medium format negatives, up to 15 images per roll, on 6 by 4.5. I was hesitant to shoot with the camera due to the pressures of leading a group and getting some quick shots in between.
The shots came out so good! I rolled up some Kodak TMax 400 and the grain and the quality that came out was absolutely stunning. I loved every shot I got on it!
A little background on the Kodak Tri X. It first appeared in the 1940s before being upgraded to TriX in 1954 available in 320ISO and 400 ISO. It was probably the go to film for photojournalists and could be pushed with ease to 800 ISO, pushing it any further would require a little more delicate work in the lab.
We walked to different locations, assessed the options work collaboratively to capture some fun shots in each location. The workshop started quite late in the summer afternoon and we started to lose the light. I was quite concerned about shooting with ISO 400 film knowing the variability in summer light we get in England. Top tip: In these circumstances, its best to find locations where you can maximise your light output!
Working the camera is quite a lot of fun, as well as, getting you to think more about the images you take. The waist level viewfinder encourages you to move and create new angles and shapes before you take the shot. Choosing Kodak TX was probably the best decision I made on the day. The images came out with so much character. The clarity of the images came out superb along with just the right amount of grain to go with it.
When I get a chance to get out and shoot a similar style shoot again there are some things, I will take into account more carefully. Here in the UK, we typically have to really make the most of the lighting conditions. The best thing to do is try and get an update on the weather and then base your decision on where to shoot thereafter.
If it is your first time shooting with an analogue camera, then be prepared to factor in a bit more time. The other thing to think carefully about is the type of film you will be using. Be mindful of the potential conditions you will be in as you want the film that will best perform under those conditions. Most importantly, think about what you want to communicate with your camera audience. That will probably be the most important factor in choosing your film, so choose wisely!