What made you want to try half-frame, and what was your first half-frame camera?

I’d heard of half frame, but never really gave it much thought. I already had full frame and medium format cameras, half frame didn’t cross my mind. After this year’s Photography Show in London I met up with a few people from the show for a drink and Paul from Analogue Wonderland was there with his Pentax 17. He showed me some photos he had taken with it and let me have a look at the camera itself and was immediately impressed. Less than 2 weeks later I bought a Pentax 17.

What is it you like most about Half-frame?

It’s difficult to say really what I like most about half frame, there’s just something about it. I think I quite like the fact that you can shoot in portrait orientation without having to turn the camera. It’s just fun. For some reason I don’t feel like I have to take it too seriously like I do with the larger format cameras. I struggle to shoot 36 frames, but can burn through 72 easily. I’m still new to half frame, maybe when I’ve had more experience I can better articulate what it is I like about it.

Favourite subject and/or Half-frame photo?

I think my favourite subject is architecture. I like to take photos of tall city buildings, which is why I like the portrait orientation.

Your top tip/s for shooting half frame photos?

I’m not sure I really have any tips specific to half frame as I am still new to the format. I do have a tip for the Pentax 17. Don’t hold it with both hands like you would a rangefinder or dslr with your right hand under the lens. If you do, your finger will creep in to shot. I ruined so many good photos on the first few rolls out of the Pentax due to a stray finger.