2 unrelated questions.

[303villain]

First question: I was asked to take photo's for a band promo in the next few weeks, any advice? i dont want to charge them an arm and a leg, so im thinking im just going to charge them for the film/processing? fair? any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

second: I really have wanted to get into medium format for a long time, but im POOR. i was looking at BHphoto.com and theyve got a seagull gc109 fixed lens, tlr for like 280, is this a decent camera to give medium format a try? ive got a tripod already, and i am going to borrow a light meter....

Thanks!:hug::

 

[summers_enemy]

Can't help you on the camera question, but I've found that in order for you to be taken seriously it's generally necessary to charge a fee. It can be as small as you like, but IME once people start paying you for your time, they become much more cooperative and hence you get better shots and earn a better reputation.

 

[Meysha]

Hmm ok, so you want a cheap-ish medium format camera that takes good pics? Well i can't help you there. But if you want a cheap as chips MF camera that can possibly sometimes if it feels like it take good pics, but generally they're crap - then get a Holga. Search the forums for Holga to see some example shots. But yeah.. if you want good quality do NOT get a holga.

Good luck

 

[terri]

That seagull you're looking at will probably be a good first step. You might also look at Yashicamat, a twin lens reflex camera. Check ebay for prices; there are tons of them out there.

The Holga is a plastic toy cam with a plastic lens that takes 120 film. Great for some things, not so great if you're trying to give MF a serious look-see. At least get a glass lens.

Have your buddies pay for the film, processing, and take care of you at the bar the next time they have a gig. That sounds fair and is an arrangement they might actually be able to afford. All the musicians I know are chronically broke, too!

 

[303villain]

ya exactly, i was thinking of just chargin them for the film/processing and some tickets or tshirts or something like that, cause i know the last person they went to ripped them off, and i dont want them to be freaked out, then if they want more later, ill talk to them about a small fee.

im probably going to get the seagull, just because i have a thing with buying used things.. its never treated me well, no matter how much i looked into it! im plagued! but if i find a nice tlr for the right price, ill pick one up! im excited!

 

[PhotoB]

are they friends? I have done quite a few weddings where I only charge for my expenses- with no take home for me becasue they are friends. But if it's a friend of a friend, "something" for your time would be fair business practice. Whether a drink or shirts. Or even a fair trade- you wear their shirt, and they give out your business card on their table.

 

[ksmattfish]

im probably going to get the seagull, just because i have a thing with buying used things.. its never treated me well, no matter how much i looked into it! im plagued! but if i find a nice tlr for the right price, ill pick one up! im excited!

I understand your qualms about buying used, but in my opinion the Seagull cameras are way overpriced. You can find a cheaper, but better TLR if yo look used. Yashica, Mamiya, Rollie, and Minolta all made great TLRs. I think the Seagulls are made on the old Yashica manufacturing equipment, so basically they are Yashicas made in China. Mamiya makes the only TLRs with interchangable lenses.

 

[303villain]

thanks! thats good to know, then i guess ill spend the extra time/effort(and maybe money) looking for a used yashica or other tlr than the seagull! too bad my car needs a new tire, and 18" goodyear eagle f1's arent cheap