Plan on using my Mamiya 7 to photograph a wedding, any thoughts?

T

Tadhgo

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I am going shooting a wedding soon and wanted to use my Mamiya 7 and 65mm lens and 43mm lens to take the formal photos, like Bride and Groom, Bride and Groom with bridal party/ parents etc. The photos will be taken outdoors if the weather is nice, indoors if its raining.

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience using this set up or any advise to offer?
Basically I am just wondering which lens would be more suitable to take these group shots? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
 
Depends on one's style. I tended to use a normal lens rather than a wide angle for bride and groom formals.
 
I'm no wedding pro, so feel free to disregard, but I think the lenses are quite a lot too wide, you'd really have to be up close to get the typical wedding shots. I'd consider renting or buying a longer lens. But if you use the Mamiya to back-up another camera, it might work out well.

However, indoors, the slow lenses of the Mamiya will mean you may struggle to get enough light.
 
43mm is definitely too wide. You'll get a weird perspective. 65 might work though.
BUt I also prefer normal or just a tad wider. Also depends on how much room you have and how big the groups are of course.
When raining, is there enough light inside?

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema
 
I'll be using a Dslr too but wanted to use the Mamiya 7 for the formal group shots..I dont think the groups are going to be too big, I'll probably go with the 65mm lens. I was thinking of getting a decent tripod if I have to shoot indoors.
 
Tadhgo said:
I'll be using a Dslr too but wanted to use the Mamiya 7 for the formal group shots..I dont think the groups are going to be too big, I'll probably go with the 65mm lens. I was thinking of getting a decent tripod if I have to shoot indoors.
Click to expand...

Used a Mamiya 6 and 50/4 for an available light church group shoot... Even with a tripod, subject movement may be an issue.
 
For the weeding client, its content and quantity more than absolute quality. In the 50 or so weddings I've shot professionally, the only time I'd switch to medium format is for the large group shot of the entire wedding party, 100+ people.
 
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I used my Mamiya 7 and 80mm lens for wedding group shots in a confined space that just allowed me to get the group in the frame, and there was noticeable distortion of the people at the ends. If I had the chance again, I'd step back a bit and crop the frame a bit if necessary. The pictures sure are sharp! I used a little fill flash for all photos even in sunlight and I'm sure it helped a lot.

A wider lens will be tricky.

You have to be very well prepared for weddings. Do at least a test roll preferably in a similar location. It will be less stressful for you on the big day.
 
Also, I would add that your 65mm lens is equivalent to something like 28mm in a 35mm camera. That is pretty wide for photographing people.

I find that when viewing prints experienced photographers can "see through" the "distortion" caused by a wide angle, but it looks a bit strange to other viewers. If the prints are quite large the distortion is not so bad.
 
How do you plan to carry it? If its only used on a few shots thats a lot of deadweight to have around. Your client likely won't be blowing up group shots, best to save the medium format where the final product will need it.
 
Thanks for the replies, probably not going to use the Mamiya 7, I kinda liked the idea of using it but its probably not that practical.
 
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