Shooting the Bronica S2 With CatLABS X 80 and Portra 400

In a fit of quarantine-induced eBay browsing I bought a Bronica S2, that chrome-bedecked brick that looks like a mid-century car. This is my first time shooing a medium format camera, and I’m in love.

20200527-49821_07.jpg

Now, this purchase is not without its complications. Since I turned 35 I thought it would be a great idea to shoot a ton of 35mm film and compile a zine out of my favorite shots. Going down the medium format rabbit hole isn’t exactly helping that project along.

20200528-47565_09.jpg

I’d held off on shooting Portra mostly due to how expensive it is (and that everyone shoots it). I’ve been experimenting with a lot of color films in 35mm and I didn’t think it’s reputation could hold up to actually shooting it. I was completely wrong. Portra 400 is sooooo nice.

The big surprise turned out to be the black and white test roll I shot to make sure the camera survived shipping. Turns out CatLABS X 80 produces beautiful results, and that’s not to mention that it’s a super affordable stock. I foresee myself shooting a lot of it this summer.