The 6x6 camera has been a revelation, transforming my photography in unexpected ways. I expected to enjoy the lens, build, and ritual of loading film backs, but the real surprise came from the shape of the frame itself. The square format has forced me to rethink my composition, leading to more frontal, centered, and symmetric images than I'm used to with rectangular ratios. This shift in perspective is reminiscent of Marshall McLuhan's concept that 'the medium is the message'. The rectangular frame we've inherited from cinema film is not a natural law but a convention. Inside a square, the rule of thirds loses its usual dominance, and I've found success in centering subjects, seeking symmetry, and photographing things head-on. This experience highlights that the rule of thirds is a guideline, not an absolute rule. The SLR's focusing screen, with its etched cross, allows for precise framing, making it easier to square up facades and level horizons. The square format reduces the battle with corners and encourages a more straightforward approach to composition, making it more beautiful and inspiring. The modular design of the 6x6 system, with its separate body, lens, finder, and film back, offers flexibility and the potential for future digital integration. Additionally, the square format is a practical solution for content platforms like Instagram and Substack, which often prefer vertical and horizontal orientations, respectively. This discovery has encouraged me to experiment with cropping images to a 1:1 square ratio, changing both the file and the photographer's approach. I highly recommend giving it a try, as it can significantly impact your photography style.
