Looking for a Medium format camera

[mehguy]

I have a nice Yashicaflex Model A coming in the mail. It is my first foray into medium format.

 

[mshchem]

I have a nice Yashicaflex Model A coming in the mail. It is my first foray into medium format.

That's a great way to get into 120

 

[Tom Taylor]

Hello
I after my Pentax 645N broke , I decided to get a new camera ( or rather used one)
negative size either 6 x4.5 or 6x6 or 6x7 max
budget up to 1500 USD
I'm looking for a robust and workhorse camera , preferably not too old

Assuming that you liked the N and have some glass for it, I'd get the 645NII. I did.

 

[ant!]

Assuming that you liked the N and have some glass for it, I'd get the 645NII. I did.

But the difference to the nii are minor, aren't they? Especially compared to the earlier 645. (Just to clarify, I'm not the thread opener and not looking for a replacement, he had a 645)

 

[Tom Taylor]

Here's a summary of the differences from a Review:

645N vs. 645N II​

Several people emailed me asking about the differences between the 645N and 645N II, so I created this quick summary to help illustrate the main differences.

The Pentax 645N and 645NII are both advanced medium-format SLR cameras, with the 645NII introducing several enhancements over the 645N:

Mirror Lock-Up (MLU): The 645NII features a mirror lock-up function, allowing the mirror to be raised before exposure to minimize camera shake—a valuable addition for long-exposure photography. The 645N lacks this feature.

Shutter Speed Increments: The 645NII allows shutter speed adjustments in 0.5-stop increments, providing finer control over exposure settings. The 645N offers full-stop adjustments. This feature is very important for me since I am limited to ISO 200 (HP5 film) and often work in challenging low-light conditions.

Exposure Compensation and Bracketing Steps: The 645NII supports exposure compensation and auto-bracketing in 0.5-stop increments, offering more precise exposure control than the 645N’s full-stop increments.

Custom Functions: The 645NII introduces 10 customizable functions, allowing photographers to tailor camera settings to their preferences. These functions include imprinting characters on negatives, setting shutter speed steps, and adjusting the metering timer.

Data Imprinting: Both models can imprint exposure data on the film edge; however, the 645NII offers additional information and a smaller character size for the imprinted data. I love knowing what focal length and aperture I used for each exposure.

Self-Timer Delay: The 645NII offers a customizable self-timer delay, allowing users to set it to 12 or 2 seconds, whereas the 645N has a fixed delay time.

Metering Timer Duration: The 645NII allows users to set the metering timer duration to 10, 20, or 30 seconds, offering flexibility in exposure measurement.

Finish and Aesthetics: The 645NII features a new exterior finish, providing a different tactile feel and appearance compared to the 645N. I find the 645N II feels better in my hands in the field.

While both cameras share core functionalities, the 645NII offers additional features and refinements that enhance user control and customization. These may or may not be important for your scenario, but now you know the main differences and can make an informed decision.

 

[ant!]

Thanks, good to know, was only aware of some of them. But also, for most of what I do, the differences aren't significant. If I see one for a good price, sure.
Higher on my list are the FA75 and FA150 lenses, I'm using the manual A versions since these are in the FA versions much more expensive. All other lenses from 35 (or 33 when calculating zooms as well) to 400mm I have in the FA version (ok, the 135 LS exists only in manual, had never a need for the 120mm macro, and the 300/4 is manual as well but I have additional the 150-300 and 300/5.6 AF lenses... Actually more then I need...)

 

[yurihuta]

Nothing wrong at all , except it broke ,
So I was thinking if there are any more reliable ones out there ?

any chance you still have the 645N body and are interested in selling for parts?

 

[abruzzi]

Another useful difference I'm aware of (I've never used either camera, but I did look into this some time ago) is in those custom function, the NII can select 15 or 16 exposures on a role. That may be useful for some (Apparently the N could do either as well, but needed a service tech to change the setting.)

 

[Ozark Wolverine]

Hasselblad can get pricey , I'm thinking of getting another one of the Pentax 645

I have a 1986 (RTxxxxxxx) Hasselblad 500 ELX that will be going up for sale in the classifieds here soon. I ran a roll of film thorough it last week, Fuji Neopan Acros 100 as a test. I will develop it in the coming days. It will be just the body with the view screen and chimney, no lens or film magazine. The last time I used it was about 7 or 8 years ago . . . it worked fine then. I have never had any service done on it. I got it in a box of Hasselblad stuff from an estate auction in Rome NY back then. When I got it the Nicad Batteries were shot and I did not have the Hasselblad charger so I converted it to use 2 x 9 volt batteries (Very common conversion). It appears to have very little use on it. KEH would give it an "Excellent" rating. My two 500CM Hasselblad's were from them and rated "Excellent"

 

[Ozark Wolverine]

I prefer 6x6 format over 645 format.

I have a Hasselblad A16 film magazine that feeds my 6x4.5 cravings when they show their ugly faces . .

 

[Ozark Wolverine]

I 2nd the advise.For your budget, you can get a newer Hasselblad 500 or 500c1 with at least a standard lens and join tthe club.

What Ralph said . .

 

[Ozark Wolverine]

Not everyone wants a Hasselblad. What if you don't like square

Then get an A16 6x4.5 film magazine, you're welcome . . .

 

[spookyphoto]

How bout a Rolleiflex 6008. Fantastic cameras and lenses.

Rolleiflex 6008 intergral film camera Planar 80mm lens f2.8 | eBay

It has all the fantastic bells & Whistles!

www.ebay.com

 

[Pieter12]

As a Rolleiflex SLR addict, I feel it is my civic duty to warn potential buyers that although it and the Hy6 are probably among the best cameras ever made--built-in meters, motor drive, fabulous lenses--they have they downsides, too. First, the battery needs to be replaced with a rebuilt one using NiMH cells. The camera can be heavy with the battery and a prism finder. Then, if anything ever goes wrong with the camera or lenses (both have electronics), there are only a handful of techs and few spare parts. Besides that, it is a joy to use, the images are stunning and it is built like a tank.

 

[ant!]

Then get an A16 6x4.5 film magazine, you're welcome . . .

Which would mean lugging around a tiny bit too much gear (I guess image circle and therefore lenses aren't that much different in between them, but there are still differences in mirror size etc).

But what about the people who prefer 6x7/8/9 or even something panoramic? I have nothing against square or Hasselblad, just saying Hasselblad isn't the answer to every medium format question, the same way Leica (or even rangefinder) isn't for 35mm...

 

[abruzzi]

I have nothing against square or Hasselblad, just saying Hasselblad isn't the answer to every medium format question, the same way Leica (or even rangefinder) isn't for 35mm...

You'll never convince the Hasselblad or Leica people of that.

Technically, you can probably throw the Linhof people into that equation too, but given that I have sometimes been a Linhof person I take that one a touch personally.

 

[Pieter12]

What if you don't like square

I have many medium format cameras and 90% of them shoot square. And that last one gets cropped square a lot.

 

[eli griggs]

I recently got a very nice Hasselblad EL/M, no waistlevel finder from KEH, with a 2 year warranty for less, than $500, an you can add a 90⁰ prism or chimney for about $200, plus an A24 magazine and 150, or 50mm lens and still be below your $1500 ballance line.

A variable shade and Hoya filter are inexpensive and a 9v battery adapter is cheap to feed.

Later on you can add a great many well built options but in the meantime, don't mind the motor weight and DO ADD THE WARRANTY and you have bought yourself a ticket to (a) the top SLR medium format system.

Do have a good tripod when shooting, don't skimp there... Gitzo aluminum is plenty good.

I may have given other advice to this thread, but tonight, this is my thinking.

Godspeed.

 

[JRSCollection]

I grew up around a Kowa system in my family and recently started using it myself. It feels a bit different from more common systems, but I really enjoy it.