Kodak GC/UltraMax 400 Color Negative Film Review with Sample Photos in Japan with a Nikon FE2 35 mm Film Camera

In my experience, you can’t really go wrong with any Kodak film. It’s affordable, saturated and reliable. If you’re like me though, you probably want to have at least some idea of what you’re getting yourself into before purchasing film for your camera. So I wanted to share a few of my favorite photos that I took in Japan using Kodak GC/UltraMax 400 Color Negative 35 mm Film. Of course, depending on the camera you use, your images will be slightly different in terms of exposure and sharpness. I was pleasantly surprised by the bright color tones of this film and the full, deep saturation. Before using this film, I hadn’t really heard much about it. It’s not one of those films that people talk about like Kodak Portra or Kodak Gold. But I found the tones to be true and accurate, with beautiful handling in the shadows and in bright environments. I found the skin tones to be lovely as well - not overly orange or off-color. As a 400 ISO film, it is a little bit grainy, but personally, I don’t mind - it gives it that true “film” look. Plus, we had quite a few cloudy days while we were in Japan and the 400 ISO allowed me to get sharp, bright images in lower light environments. I actually find this film to have a cinematic vibe to it too that I wasn’t expecting! I used a Nikon FE2 for all of these photos, which is an amazing camera. You can read more about it here. Or you can watch my YouTube video about the Nikon FE2 here! As you’ll see, I took quite a few multiple exposures with this film and I’m obsessed with how they turned out. There was great detail in the highlights and nothing ended up over-exposed, which is always great if you love creating multiple exposures like I do. :)

I’ve included a ton of sample photos below using Kodak GC/UltraMax 400 Color Negative Film so you can get an idea of how the film handles in various lighting situations and distances. If you have any questions or comments, please share!

Purchase Kodak GC/UltraMax 400 Color Negative Film on Amazon!

Have a magical day! And don’t forget to stop by my Amazon storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :)

<3 Myles Katherine

(By using the links and/or codes in this post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

Kodak GC/UltraMax 400 Color Negative 35 Film Sample Photos

(click to enlarge images)

Contax 645 Medium Format Film Camera Review with Sample Photos - Pros & Cons - Is it Worth the Price Tag?

 

(This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.)

When I first became obsessed with photography, I noticed that two of my favorite photographers (Wendy Laurel & Parker Fitzgerald) used a Contax 645 Medium Format Film Camera. It became a dream of mine to one day own that camera and create images that were as sharp and stunning as their photographs were. And I’m not the only one out there - this camera has developed quite a reputation for being one of the best medium format film cameras ever created. For years, I collected cheap. affordable film cameras to use alongside my more expensive digital camera. And while I loved my cheap, crappy film cameras (and still do!), I was never able to get that high-quality, professional look that the Contax 645 seemed to offer. I tried the Mamiya 645 for a few years, which I absolutely loved. It was, by far, the best film camera I had ever used and at a much more affordable price than the Contax 645. The images were beautiful. But I still wondered in the back of my mind what it would be like to finally own a Contax 645. I sold my Mamiya 645 and decided it was time to upgrade. I’d been a professional full-time photographer for 7 or 8 years and finally felt that I deserved to own the camera I’d always dreamed of using.

When my Contax 645 arrived in the mail, I couldn’t believe it. I never thought I’d ever own one or that I’d ever allow myself to purchase one. But I convinced myself that I deserved it. I’d worked hard. And not to mention, I could write it off on my taxes! So, now that I’ve owned the Contax 645 for a handful of years now, was it worth the price tag? What are the pros & cons of the camera?

PROS & CONS OF THE CONTAX 645 MEDIUM FORMAT FILM CAMERA

PROS:

1. The Images are Everything I’d Hoped For

This camera is incredible. Sometimes, I can’t even tell them apart from my Canon 5d Mark IV. The photos are incredibly sharp and dynamic. The depth and clarity that I was always looking and hoping for with my crappy film cameras was finally there. The multiple exposures are beautiful, the low-light capabilities are great and I’m never disappointed in my photographs.

2. It’s Incredibly Easy to Use

For such an expensive, niche camera, it is surprisingly easy to use. I’m always on the lookout for cameras with Aperture-Priority - it’s my go-to setting for weddings and photo shoots. It’s essentially a partially automatic setting - you set the aperture you want and the camera does the rest. I prefer to shoot with very wide apertures to get that dreamy, surreal look to my images. When it comes down to it, I set the aperture and then I get to click away! It shouldn’t be so easy to use but it really is! You don’t even need to be a super professional photographer to use this camera. If you have a photographer friend who owns a Contax 645 and you’re interested in trying it out - don’t be afraid to ask and don’t be afraid that it’s going to be super complicated, because I promise, it’s not! There is also shutter-priority as well, which some photographers prefer over aperture-priority.

3. It Has a Multiple Exposure Setting

If you follow my work, you know how important this is to me. These days, I won’t even purchase a camera unless it has a multiple exposure option. Luckily, the Contax 645 has a lever on the side of the camera that you switch on. It stops the film from advancing so that you can take as many photos over top of each other as you’d like. The one thing I don’t like about it is that it can be easy to forget that I flipped the lever and I end up with triple or quadruple exposures before I realize that I need to flip it back. Luckily, the shutter makes a different sound when it’s using the multiple exposure function, so I’ve learned to pay attention to the sound.

4. It is Sturdy and Reliable

I’ve been using my Contax 645 for years with no issues, whatsoever. I take this camera to the beach pretty often too, and it has yet to run into any problems from the humidity or sand. Also, one of the photographers I mentioned earlier, Wendy Laurel, lives in Maui and uses two Contax 645s. She’s constantly around water and sand and still chooses to use the Contax 645 as her main camera. I’ve definitely bumped this camera a few times against doorframes and countertops too, but it hasn’t caused any issues. It feels durable when you’re holding it and you can tell that it was made to last. There’s a reason that people still love this camera and it’s because they’ve continued to last and function, even though they were released in the late 1990s. I will say that I do not use this camera as my main camera, so I don’t run this camera into the ground. I’m not entirely sure how it would fare in that case, but considering many photographers use it as their main camera, it seems they are quite reliable and professional in that regard.

5. The Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.0 lens is Magical

I opted to go for the classic and highly regarded Contax Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.0 lens that this camera is known for. It’s incredible for portraits, has beautiful bokeh when using wide apertures and is super sharp when using more narrow apertures. If you’re a portrait photographer, you can’t get much better than this. It’s specifically great for wedding photography, especially if you’re looking for those beautiful, close-up portraits with dreamy background bokeh to amp up your portfolio. I have some wedding clients who specifically request for me to use this camera - typically, clients who know a thing or two about photography. This lens is EVERYTHING. To be completely honest, I wouldn’t consider myself to be a portrait photographer or consider portraits to be one of my strong suits, but this camera makes me feel like the most incredible portrait photographer in the world. I’ve definitely learned a lot from this camera, just because it shows me what portraits SHOULD look like and how important the lens is when it comes to your subject.

PURCHASE A CONTAX CARL ZEISS PLANAR 80MM F/2.0 LENS ON KEH CAMERA

PURCHASE A CONTAX CARL ZEISS PLANAR 80MM F/2.0 LENS ON EBAY

CONS:

1. It is Huge and Heavy

For many photographers who use the Contax 645, it’s their main camera. They don’t lug around 10 other cameras to all of their shoots like I do. Yes, I have a problem! I just enjoy a lot of different cameras because of the unique vibe that each one offers. However, when I do bring the Contax 645 with me, I never regret it. It always ends up taking my favorite photos from the day. It’s just that half of the time, I end up leaving it at home because it’s just SO gigantic and a pain to carry around. Unfortunately, this means that I don’t get as much use out of it as I’d like to. But I’m working on leaving more cameras at home, so that I can bring this one instead. And I haven’t quite made the transition to shooting entirely film. I still rely on my digital camera for taking the majority of my images. One day though, I plan to make the Contax 645 my main camera and use my digital camera as a back up. One day…

2. It’s Expensive

Yes, everyone knows that this camera is NOT cheap. There are much more expensive cameras out there though, for sure. For me, this camera falls right into the tip top of my range of comfort when it comes to spending. I’m definitely not at a place where I’d spend $30,000 on a camera. $3,000-4,000 though, if I know it’s going to benefit my work and my business, that feels more comfortable to me. It remains one of the most expensive purchases I’ve ever made for my business. But I know that I’d never have felt complete without it. It was more of a personal goal for myself, to own and use this camera. I finally felt that I’d made it to the level of my muse photographers. I finally realized that I was just as good as they were. I had accomplished an enormous goal and dream of mine. And that is priceless. Of course, if you aren’t quite ready to shell out thousands of dollars for a Contax 645, the Mamiya 645 is truly an amazing camera too that will get you that medium format look without the hefty price tag.

3. Repairs are also Expensive

While I’ve been lucky enough to not have to repair my Contax 645 yet, I know that it might happen one day. Because the camera is so large and heavy, it’s definitely more prone to drops and bumps. I’m extremely careful with mine though, which is funny because I’m not careful with any of my other cameras. But I want this one to last. I know that Nippon Photoclinic is authorized to repair them, but I also know they are quite expensive. The good news is that the Contax 645 is a very sturdy and reliable cameras in general. Just make sure you’re buying one from a reputable seller and that they have some sort of return or warranty for the first few months while you’re testing it out for issues.


SO, WOULD I BUY IT AGAIN?

Some people may think I’m crazy for owning this camera but it was a huge milestone for me, personally. I would absolutely buy it again. The images are 100% worth it if you’re looking for flawless, incredible medium format photographs. They amaze me every time I get a roll of film back. If you have the funds and it’s a camera you’ve always been dreaming of, you won’t regret it. Just please make sure you’re getting it from a trusted seller.

Also, if you’re thinking about taking the leap, it’s better to do it sooner rather than later. These cameras are only going to get older, more used and more expensive. There are still quite a few out there in great condition, so I’d take advantage of that!

WHERE DO I BUY IT?

I recommend KEH camera first and foremost. They are always great with returns and are extremely knowledgeable whenever I talk to them on the phone about any issues I’ve had with a camera. They buy, sell and trade used camera equipment and are my go-to when it comes to buying used gear. However, they don’t always have the gear you’re looking for just because gear is constantly going in and out. I recommend to keep checking back every week or two. Or as a secondary option, I recommend eBay. I’ve bought a LOT of gear off of eBay over the years. Just make sure to check the sellers reviews and percentage rating on their sales. Lastly, there is always Amazon. However, there aren’t always Contax 645’s available on Amazon just because it is a used camera and there aren’t a whole lot of them out there. But if you’re able to find one on there and trust the seller, go for it! Plus, Amazon returns tend to be pretty straightforward if you’re not happy with your purchase.

(By using the links and/or codes below it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

CAMERA

PURCHASE A CONTAX 645 ON KEH CAMERA

PURCHASE A CONTAX 645 ON EBAY

PURCHASE A CONTAX 645 ON AMAZON


LENS

PURCHASE A CONTAX CARL ZEISS PLANAR 80MM F/2.0 LENS ON KEH CAMERA

PURCHASE A CONTAX CARL ZEISS PLANAR 80MM F/2.0 LENS ON EBAY

FILM RECOMMENDATIONS

Kodak Portra 160 120 film

Lomography 400 120 film

Kodak Gold 200 120 film

Neopan Across 100 Black & White 120 Film

#CommissionsEarned

I’ve included more of my favorite images I’ve taken over the years with my Contax 645 below. I hope this has helped you in deciding whether the Contax 645 is for you. I love this camera with my whole heart and probably won’t ever sell mine. The photographs are just too beautiful. Writing this blog post has definitely reminded me that I need to use it more often!

I also have a YouTube video about the Contax 645 on my YouTube channel, Cameras & Cats! You can check it out here. :)

If you found this post helpful or if you’d like to see more of my work, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards film & processing. Find out more here!

Feel free to leave any questions, thoughts, comments below. And don’t forget to stop by my Amazon storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :)

Have a lovely day!

<3 Myles Katherine

 

Review of the Pentax IQ Zoom 140M with Sample Photos! | 5 Reasons Why It's the Perfect 35 mm Panorama Point and Shoot Film Camera

 

(By using the links and/or codes below it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

pentax iq zoom 140M 35 mm camera

I sort of bought the Pentax IQ Zoom 140M on a whim one day. I’d been using the Vivitar IC101 for years as my go-to 35 mm panorama camera whenever I traveled, but I was curious what other panorama film cameras were out there. While I love the grainy, low-fi quality of the Vivitar IC101, I was really looking for a camera with a bit of a sharper lens. I came across the Pentax IQ Zoom 140M while browsing KEH Camera and it was only $20 so I went for it! I’ve been using it for years now and it never disappoints. It has so much more to offer than just the panorama feature. I’ve noticed this camera has started to go up in price quite a bit too, so I’d snag one soon if I were you! There are many different versions of this camera, but they all essentially do the same thing. Pretty much any IQ Zoom will get you about the same results. They have different zoom lens lengths available, so it really depends on your preference. I purchased the IQ Zoom 140M which has a 38-140mm zoom lens. I wanted to share 5 reasons why I love this camera. It’s become a necessity when I travel and it packs quite a punch into such a tiny camera!

5 Reasons Why I Love the Pentax IQ Zoom 140M

  1. The Lens is Surprisingly Sharp!

    The Pentax IQ Zoom 140M is a pretty standard point and shoot camera. It really doesn’t look particularly cool or impressive, but I’m always pleasantly surprised by how sharp this lens is. Especially if you’re using an ISO 100 film or similar, you can get some incredible images! I took this camera to Japan with me and I’m obsessed with how the images turned out. It’s perfect for snapping some quick street photography and the lens is wide enough that you can get entire buildings and landscapes.

2. You Can Easily Switch Between the Panorama Mode and the Standard 35 mm Frame Size

This is the best part of this camera and ultimately, why it has become one of my favorite travel cameras. With the Vivitar IC101, I could only take panorama photos. It made me feel very limited when using the camera and it didn’t really have any use other than that. With the Pentax IQ Zoom, you can switch mid-roll between the panorama frame size and the standard 35 mm frame size, as many times as you want! This is a game-changer. Most of the time, I just want to use the standard frame size. But when I’m traveling and I find myself at the top of a mountain or bell tower looking out onto a beautiful view, I always want that option to take a panorama photo. Sometimes, I like the leave the black border around the photos, so I included two different presentation versions below for you. :)

3. It has a Flash!

This is another necessity for me when it comes to travel cameras. You just never know what lighting situation you’re going to find yourself in when you’re traveling and I always feel more secure when I have the option of using a flash. Especially if I’m out at dinner and I just want to snap a few candid photos with my friends or family, the flash makes all the difference.

4. It’s Super Tiny and Weighs Nothing!

Again, this is another important feature that I look for in a travel camera. Traveling is exhausting. The last thing I want to do is lug around 20 pounds of cameras. The Pentax IQ Zoom is small and lightweight and can always find a home in my camera bag. I usually end up squeezing it in a tiny spot amongst my other cameras. It takes up no space at all. And at the end of a long day, when I drop off all of my big, heavy cameras in the hotel room and want to have a night out, this is the one camera I’ll bring back out with me. It can fit in my purse, it’s inconspicuous and it’s cute!

5. It has a Ridiculous Zoom Lens!

The 38-140mm lens is definitely a surprising feature of this camera. When you first look at the camera, you’d really have no idea it was even there! When I’m traveling, I usually prefer to shoot wide shots, so I don’t use the zoom lens often. But if you’re someone who likes to zoom in on your iPhone to get tighter shots of animals, people or landscapes, then this will definitely come in handy for you!

I hope this review gives you a better idea of what this incredible little camera is capable of. It has tones of other features, like a self-timer, red-eye reduction and bulb exposure mode. There’s really nothing that it doesn’t do! In my opinion, this is the perfect, affordable point and shoot 35 mm film camera. If you’re on the hunt for one, you should try out these sites:

PENTAX IQ ZOOM 140M:

Amazon

eBay

KEH Camera

If you’re interested in reading about my personal favorite 35 mm color films to use with this camera, check out my blog post here!

I’ve included sample photos below, but you can also check out my full YouTube video about the Pentax IQ Zoom 140M here!

If you found this post helpful or if you’d like to see more of my work, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards film & processing. Find out more here!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Feel free to leave any questions or comments below. And don’t forget to stop by my Amazon storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :)

<3 Myles Katherine