What made you want to try half-frame, and what was your first half-frame camera?
I am a Cinematographer for film and tv shows. Like most filmmakers, I have a collection of 35mm, Medium Format, Digital and Polaroid still cameras that I’ve amassed over the years. But I had not heard of a Half Frame camera. My Camera Operator on a recent job brought a HF camera to set. He jokingly complained about how hard it was to shoot 72 photos.
Months later, I was hanging with more of my filmmaker friends. They had a Pentax 17 that they let me play with. They gave me a quick tour of the camera’s settings and shared some of their beautiful images. I was intrigued.
My first HF camera was a refurbished 1960s Canon Demi EE 17 that I found on eBay. It was listed as “Near Mint”. The camera looked beautiful. I chose the Canon so I could set my aperture. However, I was never able to finish a roll of film. The shutter kept sticking.
I received a refund and bought a new Pentax 17.
What is it you like most about Half-frame?
I started shooting 35mm consistently about two years ago with either my Minolta or Leica. I always bring my Sony FX3 when I travel. I committed to always packing a film camera as well. When I’m concerned about weight or space in my luggage (I never check bags), I pack the Pentax. I really appreciate how light weight and compact it is.
Street photography is my happy place. I have hundreds of images from my iPhone that I love. However, in the last few years, I’ve become increasingly frustrated and disappointed with iPhone photos. I am not a fan of how the camera (phone) handles color nor the lens aberrations. The Pentax has replaced my iPhone for casual photography. I don’t have to be precious with my images. I can shoot the same subject multiple times. I enjoy daring myself to shoot 72 images during a walk. It forces me to observe my surroundings in an active and curious way.
Favourite subject and/or Half-frame photo?
My favorite subject is street photography, regardless of format. I do a lot of international travel, and look forward to roaming the streets, in densely populated areas, and take photographs. The Half Frame camera has been terrific for “stealing” images and not calling a lot of attention to myself. I also enjoy taking candid photos of friends. I always send them copies but don’t share them publicly.
I also enjoy the unplanned diptych. Sometimes I prefer not to separate the images. Let them tell their own unique story.
Your top tip/s for shooting half frame photos?
My main tip is to just have fun. People should try a wide range of film stocks and exposure settings until they find their personal “secret sauce” combination. If you’re fortunate like myself to have other friends shooting Half Frame, trade photos and learn from each other’s approach.
One of my favorite images from my Pentax is of tango dancers on stage in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s a black and white photo. It’s extremely grainy. There is little information in the dancers’ faces. What this taught me is my artistic voice is always there but expresses itself differently according to format.
