For better or worse, after lots of camera testing we believe that the best option when it comes to trying to get into medium format photography is to stick with film. You’ll get a beautiful look, the film is quite versatile, and the quality will make your jaw drop every time. Don’t know where to start? One camera that is often talked about is the Kiev 88: a Russian Hasselblad 1000F copy that is kind of quirky and like other medium format cameras varies from copy to copy.
The folks over at the Art of Photography recently shot a video profiling one of the cameras and states that there are pros and cons–a lot of cons. Third party modifications are available if you want, This 645 format camera is like many other medium format offerings that have interchangeable film backs, viewfinders, and lenses. But the overall quality control is all over the place.
Photographer Oleg Osprico does incredible work with one; and the video featuring the Kiev 88 is after the jump.
