When it comes to film photography, the Mamiya RZ 67 holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just a tool—it’s a camera that slows me down, helps me focus, and makes every frame feel intentional. Here’s why this camera is my all-time favorite:

Incredible Quality: The 6×7 negatives produce stunning detail, and the lenses are absolutely top-notch. One of the things I love most is how close I can get to my subject with the lens—there’s something intimate and powerful about filling the frame like that. Additionally, the ability to switch from portrait to landscape just by rotating the back adds incredible versatility.

Feel & Viewfinder: The camera feels amazing in hand, and the viewfinder is a joy to look through. It’s like peering into a window that perfectly frames your shot. As a result, composing becomes a meditative part of the process.

The Only Downside: It doesn’t have autofocus, which can be a challenge in fast-paced situations. However, I’ve grown completely used to it. For slower, more deliberate shooting—like portraits or fine art—it’s perfect. And with only 10 shots per roll, each one feels valuable.

Final Thoughts: Overall, the Mamiya RZ 67 is my go-to for anything that requires a bit more time and precision. It’s truly unmatched in quality and feel.

Here are some black and white images shot on the Mamiya RZ 67:

The post Mamiya RZ 67: My Favorite Camera of All Time first appeared on Sterling Batson | Photographer in Hilo & Kona Hawaii.

Comfort & Build: It feels like using a DSLR, similar to the Canon 5D Mark IV, but with the charm of film. It’s comfortable to hold and offers a variety of lenses.

Image Quality: The 75mm 2.8 lens and 80-150mm 4.5 lens deliver stunning results. Plus, the 15 shots per roll mean more opportunities to capture the perfect moment.

Versatility: With multiple backs, switching mid-wedding is seamless. It’s perfect for fast-action shots and family portraits.

Though my heart belongs to the Mamiya RZ 67 for artsy shots, the Pentax 645 has earned its place in my kit. Stay tuned for sample shots and more reviews!

The post Photographer in Kona, Hawaii, and Hilo: My Pentax 645 Review first appeared on Sterling Batson | Photographer in Hilo & Kona Hawaii.

To adapt, I bought a Pentax 645D, which is a fantastic digital camera with so many features. However, my true passion lies in shooting with the Mamiya RZ 67. Definitely my favorite camera because of how beautifully it handles and the quality of images it produces.

My luck changed when a friend informed me about a darkroom in Hilo. I was ecstatic and couldn’t believe it.

This was the first time I got to develop and print my negatives, and it was truly a learning experience. Thanks to Mike Cupoto for helping me learn this process.

I eventually learned how to process my color film too. Color film is more challenging, and it was extremely time-consuming to get the color mood just right. I develop and print my black and white photos, but I send my color photos to TheFindLab.com or TheDarkroom.com.

Using a local darkroom saved me money and let me enjoy film photography even more. Now, my clientele has increased, and I primarily shoot on film. I love taking photos of beautiful landscapes, people, and events in Hilo and Kona, Hawaii. My favorite thing to do is.

The post What’s it Like for a Photographer Shooting on Film on Hawaii’s Big Island? first appeared on Sterling Batson | Photographer in Hilo & Kona Hawaii.