Springtime in 6x7: Analog Misadventures in Southern France

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we take you on a comically tragic analog journey across southern France — from sun-drenched Marseille to medieval Carcassonne and elegant Bordeaux — with nothing but a bag full of 6x7 cameras, a dream of cinematic street shots, and a deep sense of analog optimism.

Join us as we relive the highs and hilarious lows of shooting street photography with the Pentax 67 and Mamiya RZ67, two medium format giants that promise stunning results… in exchange for sweat, failure, and maybe a minor back injury.

From forgetting dark slides and misloading film to capturing the one perfect frame after thirty minutes of humiliation, this episode blends personal storytelling, practical tips, and self-deprecating humor for anyone who’s ever dared to shoot street with a camera the size of a brick.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why the Pentax 67 is more bench press than point-and-shoot

• How the RZ67 turns photography into a spiritual negotiation

• Why failure is part of the magic — and how to make peace with it

• Field-tested tips for analog street photographers who like to suffer for their art

Quote of the Episode:

Suffering is temporary, but a good 6x7 frame is forever.

Podcast Summary: “The RZ67 and the Bellows of Destiny”

Date: October 26, 2023

This episode explores one photographer’s misadventure using the Mamiya RZ67 medium format camera for street photography in Lyon, France. Dubbed “The Bellows of Destiny,” the RZ67 becomes both a burdensome companion and a transformative tool.

The story humorously highlights the camera’s massive size, operational complexity, and ritualistic handling demands — from forgetting the dark slide to mishandling lens changes. Street photography becomes an almost theatrical act with such an unwieldy machine, attracting attention rather than fading into the background.

Despite numerous frustrations, the episode celebrates the rewarding image quality and the deep personal connection the author develops with the camera. It becomes clear that the slow, deliberate nature of shooting with the RZ67 leads to a more mindful photographic experience.

The podcast balances technical insight, comedic self-awareness, and philosophical reflection, ultimately concluding that the pain and absurdity are part of what makes the RZ67 so special.

Key takeaway:

“No pain, no Pro400H” — a fitting summary of the love-hate relationship