Unlike many top photographers, Todd Hido doesn’t use a lot of cameras. He’s consistently used a Pentax 6×7 with Kodak 400NC Portra film for years but has also added a Nikon D800 DSLR into the mix.
I’m Caleb, and I’ve been a photographer for more than four years. My primary specialty is sports photography, where I’ve shot games from various sports at multiple levels.
In this article, I’ll talk about Todd Hido’s camera of choice and the rest of his setup. If you’re wondering about the gear behind his distinctive style, read ahead for the complete overview.
Contents
What Film Camera Does Todd Hido Use?
Todd Hido’s main choice of camera is the 35mm Pentax 6×7, a model that by now is considered vintage. The first iteration of the 6×7 came out all the way back in 1969, though several updated versions have been released since then.
However, the camera has still held up throughout the years and is still used by a decent number of photographers today. The primary demographic for this one is photographers seeking the ‘retro’ film look, as the 6×7 can do this very well.
In terms of performance, the 6×7 is notable for being easier to focus compared to other cameras from the same period. Also, it performs well with shallow depth of field, which Todd Hido has utilized in many of his photographs.
The 6×7 isn’t in production anymore, so if you want to get your hands on one, you’ll probably have to go through secondhand sellers. The price has only increased with time, but it’s still cheaper than most newer digital cameras.
What Film Does Todd Hido Use?
It’s unknown what film Todd Hido uses for his newer photos. That’s because his favorite film option, Kodak Portra 400 NC, is also no longer in production.
Portra 400 NC is a color-negative film that emphasizes natural colors as well as skin tones. It’s suitable for shooting portraits or achieving a low-contrast type of look.
The film was well-liked by photographers, but you’ll probably have trouble getting your hands on it today, as it doesn’t seem to be widely available after leaving production.
However, it is somewhat related to the currently available Portra 400, the product that replaced it.
What Digital Camera Does Todd Hido Use?
Todd Hido does have a newer camera in his collection, the Nikon D800. This one came out in 2012 and immediately became one of the top cameras for the time because of its impressive specs.
The D800 is a full-frame DSLR with 36.8 megapixels of resolution, making it perfect for creating large prints.
By present-day standards, the D800 seems limited. There are full-frame cameras with better continuous shooting speeds, and most of the ISO range can be expanded to 25,600. That’s the same upper limit as an entry-level Canon Rebel T6i.
But if you’re okay with the slight limits of the D800’s age, you’ll see that it’s still capable of doing the main thing it was designed for: taking photos in high resolution.
FAQs
Here are some other frequently asked questions about Todd Hido and his setup.
How Did Todd Hido Become Known?
Much of Todd Hido’s recognition comes from his 2001 book House Hunting, which has atmospheric photos of American neighborhoods at night. This became a recurring theme that Hido would become known for.
Is The Nikon D800 Outdated?
The Nikon D800 might be outdated if you just compare its features to newer full-frame cameras. However, the photographer matters more than the gear, and the D800 still has plenty to offer a good photographer.
Conclusion
Todd Hido prefers a retro look for his photos, using the Pentax 6×7 most of the time and sticking with this camera for many years.
Are you a fan of vintage cameras? Do you use one yourself? Let us know in the comments.
