I’m a photographer and a medical researcher. My professional career is very technical and laboratory focused. To balance my work life and connect with that other side of my brain I dabble in photography. Maybe dabble is an understatement. I started shooting film in the early 90’s, and acquired digital cameras as the technology progressed.
My first digital camera was very large by today’s standards, and sold at Radio Shack. My first digital SLR was Nikon’s D40. I immediately began shooting with vintage Nikon lenses to try and recapture a bit of that vintage look. I also adapted old CONTAX Zeiss lenses to Nikon with an adapter, before mirrorless made that process much easier.
I’ve since had many of Nikon digital cameras, and currently use the Nikon Z8 for wildlife and video work, an a Leica M11-P for street photography. My first medium format camera was the GFX 50s, followed by the 100s, and 100 ii for a short period of time.
I also shoot medium format film with a Hasselblad 500cm and Pentax 67. I love the look of film and the feeling of developing a photograph myself.
My Journey to Medium Format Photography
When I first picked up a camera, digital photography didn’t exist. I learned on 35mm film with Nikon bodies, developing an appreciation for the slow, intentional process that film demands. When digital cameras became accessible, I embraced the technology fully—the instant feedback, the unlimited frames, the evolving tools. For nearly two decades, digital served me well.
But something was missing.
After years of shooting digital, I found myself drawn back to film. Not just any film, but medium format photography specifically. The format struck the right balance for me: it delivers resolution and tonal depth that 35mm can’t match, yet doesn’t require the weight, setup time, and deliberate pace of large format work. After wrestling with 4×5 and 8×10 view cameras—beautiful but demanding systems—I discovered that medium format photography occupies a sweet spot between image quality, shooting pace, and creative satisfaction.
Today, I shoot across multiple systems:
4×5 and 8×10 large format – For those extra deliberate, meditative shoots
Nikon digital and legacy lenses – I’ve owned over 100 Nikon lenses throughout my photography journey
Fujifilm GFX – Digital medium format with superb image quality and fantastic dynamic range
Hasselblad 500cm – My introduction to medium format film photography
Pentax 6×7 – A recent addition I’m eager to explore
Leica M11-P – For those times when I need a discrete camera or for very long hikes where weight becomes an issue
Purchasing gear from the above link helps me keep the site going!