Grumpy2k Loc: California

I’m looking for a medium format camera that won’t break the bank. I’ve been taking photography classes at the local community college, including shooting film. I’d like to explore shooting medium format, but as a novice I don’t feel I can justify spending $$$ at this point. Just thought I’d put it out there. Never hurts to ask. 😊

VTMatwood Loc: Displaced Vermonta in Central New Hampsha

Hi Grumpy...

Welcome to the world of film photography and Medium Format! I too shoot a bit of film and medium format and have a few thoughts to share with you.

Film gear is still quite expensive, but there are ways to minimize entry costs. My observations (or suggestions if you may)...

Twin lens reflex cameras (TLR's) are generally the most cost-efficient MF cameras. Their main (IMO) drawback is that you cannot change lenses. I am not a fan of that, so I do not own one. But, if budget and the MF experience are your primary concerns, I'd suggest looking here. Google "Best TLR cameras for beginners" and go from there.

4x5 manual focus MF cameras may hit the sweet spot for you. Most allow you to change lenses, and some even allow you to change film backs in the middle of a roll, giving you the opportunity to use multiple types and speeds of film during a shoot without having to use the entire roll like a TLR or most all 35mm cameras. They are still pricey, and the lenses are not cheap either.

My picks for 4x5 cameras...

1. Pentax 645. An "SLR" like 4x5 camera that is fully manual focus. You will need batteries to use it though as it has some nice features that need power. It is heavy, and LOUD when the shutter fires. It does not allow you to change backs in the middle of the roll like some others though. Google "Pentax 645 Review" to get the full story. I've had one and liked it enough in general to upgrade to it's older cousin...

2. Pentax 645NII. Very similar to the 645, it is an auto focus MF camera with a number of improvements over the 645. They do not share lenses if you want to use autofocus though... you'll have to buy the AF lenses. I love my 645NII. Google "Pentax 645 versus 645NII" to see comparisons.

If you are a "bigger is better" kind of guy, then you might like 6x7 format. Larger than the 4x5 format, the negatives give great resolution for enlarging. However, 6x7 cameras are generally more expensive than their 4x5 friends. My picks...

1. Mamiya RZ67. A no frills 6x7 camera with interchangeable lenses, swappable backs, and (if I recall) no electronics at all in it. If you like manual, you'll probably like this one. Google "Mamiya RZ-67 Review" for details.

2. Mamiya RB67 Pro. I own one of these and really like it. It is the auto focus brother of the RZ67. Lots of upgrades from the RZ. Auto focus capable, but requires a different set of lenses... the RZ and RB lenses are not interchangeable if I recall. There are a couple flavors of RB67... the "Pro" and the "Pro-s". Google "Mamiya RB-67 Review" or "Mamiya RZ67 versus RB67" for details.

3. Pentax 6x7. What many call the pinnacle of 6x7 MF cameras. It is very SLR like, has auto focus and many nice features. It is also extremely expensive (the body that is... the lenses are even worse). I don't own one (would love to though) because I am cheap LOL.

If you have a "nice" size budget... check out Hasselblad medium format cameras. They are expensive, but lauded as the "top dog" of medium format cameras. As with the Pentax 6x7... I don't own any.

Also consider the cost of film (which can be inexpensive or not, depending on what you like to shoot), as well as processing. Unless you have the capability to develop the film yourself, there is that cost. As well, if you want the negatives digitized and do not have a scanner capable of that, there is cost for that service too.

As I no longer have a darkroom, I use TheDarkroom.com for developing and scanning. They do a good job of both. If you can find one, an Epson V550 is a nice flatbed scanner capable of medium format scans. I bought one a number of years ago, and sometimes will rescan my negatives if there is too much dust on the commercial scans.

Lots to think about. I encourage you to do a boatload of research and comparisons to figure out which you'd like to start with. The good news is that if you don't want to keep what you get, you can always sell it for likely what you paid for it.

Have fun and good shooting on your Medium Format adventure!

ELNikkor

Enter "120 camera" on ebay and peruse the possibilities. They range from $50-$500. Pentax or Bronica 6x4.5 are decent and give more shots per roll. 6x9 give a huge image, but only 8 shots per roll. I don't care for square format, but that is up to you. Let us know what you come up with!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I shot medium format slides (transparencies) for years using Mamiya 645's. 120 film with a couple inserts that allow for the use of 220 film. I have a couple bodies and a full suite of lenses. They are in near perfect condition. We could probably come up with a deal if we worked on it. The problem is, I'm on the road and the cameras/lenses are in storage, so I don't have access to them right now. How soon do you need the gear? PM me if you are interested.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Since when is a Pentax 645 a " 4x5 " camera?? It is a 6x4.5cm frame camera.

VTMatwood Loc: Displaced Vermonta in Central New Hampsha

Nice catch MT Shooter... not sure what I was thinking! Thanks for the correction!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

No problem. Just couldn't figure out the comment is all. 👍

ELNikkor

One of my solutions to getting an inexpensive 120 camera was to buy Kodak Tourist cameras with their 105 f4.5 Anaston lens. (Don't get the cheaper Kodet lens versions!) I bought several for around $25 each, but you may pay up to $50 now. Either way, you get a compact, folding 620 camera that can take very sharp, colorful photos in the 6x9 format. To use 120 film, I just roll out the 120 film in the dark and re-roll it onto the 620 spool. Takes a few minutes, but gives you modern 120 film on old 620 spools, and you are good to go!

agillot

i would try first with something like a yashica , had a couple of them . The older yashica D was a workhorse . the last model the yashica mat , had a light meter in , but lighter .

Grumpy2k Loc: California

Thank you for the detailed response. Most of those are out of my budget range at this point, but it was good to see the recommendations. Looking them up gave me a good overview of some medium format basics. I’m probably looking at something in a TLR at this point if I can find a clean one that is not coming from overseas. I’ve seen a number of them advertised from Japan, but I have always limited my purchases to the US.

Grumpy2k Loc: California

I’ve been searching eBay, but part of the problem is determining which cameras are worth having and which to avoid. That’s one reason I posted here to see recommendations as far as manufacturers and models. Thank you for the advice!

Grumpy2k Loc: California

I’m not in a rush, but I would like to get one before my current photography class ends in April so that I can take advantage of the instructor’s expertise as I tackle the learning curve. So far, it seems like a TLR will most likely fit my budget. The Mamiya’s look tempting, but seem to average about 2-3 times the cost. Thanks!

Grumpy2k Loc: California

I’ve had the Yashica D recommended to me and I’ve been looking out for one that seems clean and within the budget. So many descriptions say untested or there’s fungus that I want to be sure of what I am buying. Thanks for the suggestion.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Contrary to advice previously given about TLR's, Mamiya twin lens reflexes do have interchangeable lenses.
The C-330 was my first medium format camera and I had several lenses: 80 normal, 180 tele & the 55 wide angle.
Bellows focusing allows for very close focusing if you can get around the parallax issue.
Mamiya made a "Paramender" to assist.
The C-330 had an indicator in the viewfinder to tell you where the top of the frame would be when focused close.
In normal, everyday use, parallax wasn't much of an issue.

Grumpy2k Loc: California

There in lies the rub! I’m already challenged in dealing with spools in a darkroom due to neuropathy in my hands. Having to re-spool film would likely be a deal breaker. 😊