WTB: Medium Format Camera
Jan 18, 2023 15:41:49 #
TLRs are an inexpensive (but limiting) way to get into MF. Some will allow you to change lenses (but there are limited FLs). A decent Mamiya C330 can be had for $200-$300, while a Rolli can vary from $300 -$2000. An interchangeable lens SLR will provide much more flexibility and a better path if you intend to continue with film going forward. The 6x6 square format Hasselblad is a fine camera indeed, but quite pricey compared to a Mamiya or Pentax. A Mamiya 645 is an excellent entry into MF - not that large/heavy, reasonably priced with a wide assortment of available lenses.
A step up in size and weight is the workhorse Mamiya RB & RZ67s - there have probably been more portraits, school and team pictures taken with these than any other film camera. They are larger and heavier, but have interchangable backs in 6x7, 6x4.5 and even Polaroid. There are also several different finders, yincluding a metering one. These are still a bargain, and probably your best bet starting out if the larger negative is important to you, but if the size/weight is intimidating, then the 645 is a good choice. It’s not unusual to see an RB67 Pro or ProS complete with back, one lens and finder for $400, but as film popularity is increasing again, so is the price of these professional cameras. The other popular alternative is the Pentax 6x7, and prices for these are similar. BTW, don’t bother with anything except a 120 film back as 220 film is no longer readily available.
Finally, in spite of their weight and size, MF rewards you with a MUCH larger negative than 35mm, and that translates into less enlargement required for a given print size with less noticeable grain and dust (both of which are an issue that come with the added speed and portability of 35mm). If you really get hooked on MF, but don’t want to develop film, thee are even digital backs available for some MF cameras, but not cheap.
Don’t forget - many MF cameras will not have a meter unless they have a metering finder installed, so if you choose one that doesn’t, you’re going to want to budget for a meter - not a bad thing actually, as a good spot meter allows you to meter various points within your subject, evaluate the dynamic range and place your exposure in the brightness zone you chose. I use a Minolta hand held spot meter with my Mamiya RB67 ProS. This is a much different and more deliberative approach to photography than what is typical with smaller digital cameras (and that can be a good thing).
A step up in size and weight is the workhorse Mamiya RB & RZ67s - there have probably been more portraits, school and team pictures taken with these than any other film camera. They are larger and heavier, but have interchangable backs in 6x7, 6x4.5 and even Polaroid. There are also several different finders, yincluding a metering one. These are still a bargain, and probably your best bet starting out if the larger negative is important to you, but if the size/weight is intimidating, then the 645 is a good choice. It’s not unusual to see an RB67 Pro or ProS complete with back, one lens and finder for $400, but as film popularity is increasing again, so is the price of these professional cameras. The other popular alternative is the Pentax 6x7, and prices for these are similar. BTW, don’t bother with anything except a 120 film back as 220 film is no longer readily available.
Finally, in spite of their weight and size, MF rewards you with a MUCH larger negative than 35mm, and that translates into less enlargement required for a given print size with less noticeable grain and dust (both of which are an issue that come with the added speed and portability of 35mm). If you really get hooked on MF, but don’t want to develop film, thee are even digital backs available for some MF cameras, but not cheap.
Don’t forget - many MF cameras will not have a meter unless they have a metering finder installed, so if you choose one that doesn’t, you’re going to want to budget for a meter - not a bad thing actually, as a good spot meter allows you to meter various points within your subject, evaluate the dynamic range and place your exposure in the brightness zone you chose. I use a Minolta hand held spot meter with my Mamiya RB67 ProS. This is a much different and more deliberative approach to photography than what is typical with smaller digital cameras (and that can be a good thing).
Jan 18, 2023 16:24:44 #
Alafoto
Loc: Montgomery, AL
VTMatwood wrote:
Hi Grumpy... br br Welcome to the world of film p... (show quote)
Your picks for 4x5 cameras are all medium format, using 120 film, not 4x5. I see now that you are referring to the image size, not the film size. The closest thing to a 4x5 image are the "645" cameras of various manufacturers. The 645 refers to an image size of 6 cm x 4.5 cm. The ones with 67 in the nomenclatere indicate image sizes of 6x7 cm. The various twin lens reflexes usually make a square image of 6x6cm.
Jan 18, 2023 16:41:17 #
clint f. wrote:
The Maymia 645 is a reasonably priced medium format camera. The accessories are reasonably priced and available.
Reasonably priced is a relative term ... :-)
Jan 18, 2023 17:04:38 #
CAVALCAB0
Loc: Chicagoburbs
How about a Hasselblad 500 c/m (6 by 6) with a lens commonly paired with it, an 80mm f2.8? Zeiss glass. I bought mine a little over a year ago on Ebay from Japan. Came as advertised which was 'mint'. Ebay and the vendors (dealers ) will guarantee your satisfaction or money back. Very well built and solid, a system camera that will last you a lifetime. Digital backs backs are available. So intuitive and Very easy to operate.
Jan 18, 2023 18:39:23 #
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.
Yes. they are a bit expensive, heavy; I repaired them for years, not cheap! But I think they are the ultima Thule of the 6x7s...although a bit out-dated they still are tits today! Ansel could have used them!!
DickC
Yes. they are a bit expensive, heavy; I repaired them for years, not cheap! But I think they are the ultima Thule of the 6x7s...although a bit out-dated they still are tits today! Ansel could have used them!!
DickC
Jan 18, 2023 19:26:39 #
TriX wrote:
TLRs are an inexpensive (but limiting) way to get into MF. Some will allow you to change lenses (but there are limited FLs). A decent Mamiya C330 can be had for $200-$300, while a Rolli can vary from $300 -$2000. An interchangeable lens SLR will provide much more flexibility and a better path if you intend to continue with film going forward.
I have an SLR. Two in fact. A Nikon 5005 and a Canon Rebel (1st gen). But I would like to try medium format, however, since this is an "experiment" to start with, so I don't want to invest crazy amounts of money. If I can get away with $100-$250, I'll be happy. I might go a little more than that, but not much. I am patient and not in a hurry. I can afford to wait and look for a deal. I found my Canon with a 35-80mm lens for $25 sitting on a vendor's table at a comic book convention. One never knows what they might find if they keep their eyes open and spread the word a little bit.
I'm a retired old coot and a PT student in a photography class at our community college, so I have access to a photo lab currently for developing and printing. Once that's no longer an option, I'll likely invest in an Epson scanner to scan negatives of any film I shoot.
Jan 18, 2023 20:02:03 #
ARS wrote:
I have a Rollei, the first time I saw the Mamiya I was amazed at how much larger it was.
Yep, a huge difference.
The Mamiya has the gearing track for the bellows focusing and the film transport design is straight, unlike almost all the rest of the TLR's, which have an "L" path which makes them more compact.
Most TLR's: Rollei, Yashica, Minolta...early Mamiyaflex
Mamiya C series and later Mamiyaflex models
That Rollei looks tiny! (but beautiful)
Jan 18, 2023 20:26:14 #
DickC wrote:
Pentax 6x7. What many call the pinnacle of 6x7 MF cameras. It is very SLR like, has auto focus and many nice features.
Uhhh, that's a no. The 6x7 never had autofocus.
The Pentax 645N models did/does.
Maybe you were thinking about that one.
I had a Pentax 6x7 for a while.
An upscaled 35mm design with some great lenses.
Unfortunately, my hands were not as big as those of Andre the Giant.
Jan 18, 2023 20:30:15 #
Jan 18, 2023 20:57:02 #
ARS wrote:
Thanks for the side by side photo, brings back memories.
From the internet.
Sadly don't have many of my oldies.
Jan 19, 2023 09:42:07 #
Hello. I recently found my Yashica Mat 124G, among other gear I had packed away. It's a great twin lens reflex shooting 120 film. As good as it was, I haven't used it in several years. Seeing your post made me think I might sell it to someone who would use it.
It's in great shape; maybe 30 or 40 rolls thru it.
If you're interested, I can send pics.
Dave
It's in great shape; maybe 30 or 40 rolls thru it.
If you're interested, I can send pics.
Dave
Jan 19, 2023 11:43:28 #
Dave Thompson wrote:
Hello. I recently found my Yashica Mat 124G, among other gear I had packed away. It's a great twin lens reflex shooting 120 film. As good as it was, I haven't used it in several years. Seeing your post made me think I might sell it to someone who would use it.
It's in great shape; maybe 30 or 40 rolls thru it.
If you're interested, I can send pics.
Dave
It's in great shape; maybe 30 or 40 rolls thru it.
If you're interested, I can send pics.
Dave
OP, here’s your answer…
Jan 19, 2023 14:08:51 #
Dave Thompson wrote:
Hello. I recently found my Yashica Mat 124G, among other gear I had packed away. It's a great twin lens reflex shooting 120 film. As good as it was, I haven't used it in several years. Seeing your post made me think I might sell it to someone who would use it.
It's in great shape; maybe 30 or 40 rolls thru it.
If you're interested, I can send pics.
Dave
It's in great shape; maybe 30 or 40 rolls thru it.
If you're interested, I can send pics.
Dave
Definitely interested. Please send pics. Thank you!
Jan 20, 2023 00:45:13 #
I've checked the f stop selector (3.3 to 32) and it's still smooth. Shutter speed for 1 second is a nice and consistent buzz. Everything is working as it should. Needs a new battery for the light meter.
I would like to get $450
Let me know what you think.
Dave
I would like to get $450
Let me know what you think.
Dave
Jan 20, 2023 02:46:17 #
Lucian
Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio
I own a Pentax 6x7 and a Hasselblad. Never use them now but I just love picking them up and playing with them from time to time. I'll never sell them, ahh the old days of film.
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