I am thrilled about the upcoming blog post I will be sharing today. Since I first held a camera, I have been captivated by the beauty of medium format photography and the art of film. It has always been my dream to return to film photography, and now I am ready to make it a reality. Despite what some may think, I am confident in my choice of lenses and my ability to work with them. Join me as I embark on this journey to pursue my passion for photography.

I am always looking for waist-level cameras like those from Hasselblad and Mamiya. Their classic design, dating back to 1957 for Hasselblad, is truly timeless. The waist-level finder, also known as a waist-level viewfinder, is a type of viewfinder that can be used on twin-lens and single-lens reflex cameras. While typically found on older medium format cameras, this type of finder is available on newer 35mm cameras.

In reflex cameras, the waist-level finder displays the focusing screen from above, allowing the user to visualize the image upright but reversed left to right. This unique design enables the user to identify the target area while holding the camera below eye level. Additionally, some digital cameras feature an articulating screen or a swivel lens, allowing for waist-level viewing. The screen can serve as a viewfinder with live preview, offering added convenience and flexibility.

A few months back, I decided to invest in the Hasselblad 907X, and I must say, I was blown away by the very first test. The image quality and the depth of range were unlike anything I had experienced before. The Hasselblad’s colour rendition and exquisite detail instantly won me over. While I loved using the camera, I also wanted to reintroduce the charm of working with film. This led me to seek out an old film camera that could complement the 907X and allow me to work with the old Hasselblad cameras.

The CFV II 50C digital back opens up a world of possibilities. It seamlessly pairs with most Hasselblad V System cameras from 1957 onwards and technical cameras, enabling a perfect synergy between analogue and digital photography. This combination is a nod to the iconic Hasselblad SWC camera but with the added advantage of interchangeable lenses. Additionally, the 907X is compatible with the HC/HCD, V System, and XPan Lenses when used with the XH Adapter, XV Adapter, and XPan Lens Adapter, respectively.

This week was truly remarkable. I had the opportunity to purchase a camera and a variety of additional equipment from someone near the Belgian beach, who had originally bought the camera in the 90s from Grobet, my trusted camera supplier for over a decade. The camera package included the coveted Hasselblad Carl Zeiss Planar C 80mm f/2.8 T, the Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f/2.8, a Polaroid back extender, and more. Following the successful deal, I continued my journey to the French dunes at Bray-Dunes, Dunkerque. To my amazement, I found the perfect camping spot just 200 meters from the North Sea in the French Dunes. It was truly a miracle to stumble upon such a serene and picturesque location in the heart of nature.

This spot is perfect for spending the night atop my beloved Land Rover Defender, fulfilling my kids’ dream of camping by the coastline, and capturing stunning sunset views. Check out some images of my camping setup.

Immersed in the enchanting French atmosphere, I embarked on a coastal adventure after a delightful lunch. With my new camera in hand, I was captivated by the magic that unfolded before me. Feast your eyes on the stunning images I captured.

All the images were captured using traditional methods, employing manual focus and a digital back as the film roll. The vintage lenses have given the images a charming and unexpected flair. This approach has always been my primary focus in my photography work. When I returned home, I created my first portrait using the 80mm lens with my youngest daughter and dog.

I’m thrilled about the soulful vibe that this setup brings to my images. The films are all sorted, and the filmbacks are ready to be installed in the new camera. Exciting projects are on the horizon, stay tuned for updates.

Remember, passion fuels creativity and brings energy!

Thank you