Early in 2010 I was asked about the possibility of doing some photography for an exciting new commercial project. The nature of this potential work wasn’t ideally suited to my Ebony 5x4 film camera and Nikon D700. This started a process of evaluating the possibilities and attributes of Medium Format digital backs and also all the financial avenues needed in order to fund one should I decide to proceed. Scary and exciting times.
I spoke to Joe Cornish about his set−up and learnt that he'd bought from Chris Ireland at Direct Digital Imaging so I got in contact. Living in Lymington on the South Coast, there was an imminent opportunity to meet Chris at Focus and see the Phase One Digital Backs, the 645DF camera and lenses.
Handling the camera for the first time wasn't easy, but this was attributable to me having done a long, fast bike ride the day before and then undergone an extensive period of rehydration using hop based sports isotonic…
Chris is very open and I warmed to his frank, honest manner. He listened to my perceived needs and concerns and was able to explain clearly how Phase products would handle the task with aplomb and helped placate some of my worries. We identified that a P45+ back would meet my needs, coupled with a Phase One 645DF camera body and three prime lenses. These being the 80mm LS, the 150mm and the 28mm. Concerned about the inability to use camera movements, Chris explained to me how the back could be easily attached to a view camera. This I have subsequently done with a Linhof Techno camera. When funding permits, I shall probably buy one, there are situations when camera movements are needed to make the pictures I wish.
Since deciding to buy the equipment, I´ve added a 45mm lens and a cable release. Having the camera has been exciting and it has easily met my requirements. It is much more economic with my time than using 5x4 where I processed and scanned my own film and large prints are of at least equal quality.
The flexibility of switching ISO and the high dynamic range of the back give me opportunities to try new ideas. The camera bag is also rather smaller and weighs less.
The camera is very quick and intuitive to use and has opened up a realm of creative possibilities to me because it is so versatile. I am able to use it in more situations than my 5x4 and always obtain fantastic image quality. Capture One software is very powerful and enables the files to be processed in wide-ranging ways to produce a look, or looks to give the images impact.
Whenever I've needed to contact Chris, he has been really helpful and offers a high level of service either on the phone or via email vindicating my decision to place my trust and business with him.
