6x9

[Jarvman]

What modern medium format cameras use 6x9cm negative size?

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Linhof Super Tech V 23 and the later 23b.

Fuji rangefinders, but they are no longer made.

Any 4x5" camera with a 6x9 back.

Plaubel 69W

Alpa with a 6x9 back

6x9 view cameras like the Silvestri, Linhof 679, 6x9 Technikardan, Arca-Swiss can be configured for 6x9, Gowland PocketView, and others.

 

[ann]

define modern, a maymia press camera will handle up to a 6x9 negative with the correct film holder. It is from the late 50-60's

 

[Paul Howell]

define modern, a maymia press camera will handle up to a 6x9 negative with the correct film holder. It is from the late 50-60's

The Maymia Universal was made until the early 80s or late 70's, but a good question what us "Modern"?

 

[Russ Young]

Don't forget the Horseman VHR... not in current production be recent...
And of course there are a large number of folders from the 50 & 60s.
Russ

 

[Jarvman]

I suppose by that I mean still in production. I might look into the Mamiya press cameras. I never thought choosing a meduim format camera would be so difficult.

 

[Paul Howell]

I dont think there are any 6X9 still in produciton. Horseman maybe?

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Alpa and Silvestri are very much in production, as are the Arca-Swiss and Linhof 6x9 view cameras.

The Linhof Tech V 23b is still available new from the factory, but I gather they don't have too many bodies left.

Peter Gowland may have a few 6x9's left, but the 4x5" is so light, I can't see the attraction of a 6x9 version.

 

[mabman]

As already mentioned, a large number of folders are 6x9 (with coupled and uncoupled rangefinders), and by nature are usually pretty light. If you're willing to consider it Certo6 (aka Jurgen Kreckel) refurbs and sells a variety of them (you'll have to contact him first for current availability/exact pricing).

Depends on your budget - I think a couple of other posts indicate you're in university currently - so an older camera like a folder or Mamiya Press or similar might be a better bet than something current.

 

[Jarvman]

I've got plenty of money to spend. It's just that I'm reluctant to part with it so easliy when I'm still very unsure what to get. I'm torn between 3 cameras you see. Ideally I'd like to be able to shoot 6x6 but don't want to spend rediculous money on this format so I want a Bronica SQ-Ai or SQ-B for landscapes mostly. I like the idea of being able to shoot street photography/documentary work which I enjoy the most and so that's why I'm interested in a Bronica 645, but I'm worrying whether I'm going to be able to make 20x16" landscapes in rectangular format with it. That's why the 6x9 enters the picture. I like the look of the press 23, but like every other camera there are alot of different models to sift though. Is there a site that give you the lowdown on these cameras? Also, are the lenses really up to much? I've recently wasted my time with a mamiya C330S because the condition of the lenses have been awful due to age, which makes me wonder whether I should buy into another old system. It's starting to get frustrating now. I just want a camera that can make whopping negs.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Hi Jarvman,

I use the Bronica SQ-B and it is a very capable and affordable system. However, you may want to think about the SQ-Ai as well due to some of the more automated features, such as through the lens metering which can be useful when a spot meter is less convenient; e.g. close-up or macro photography.

Tom.

 

[Jarvman]

Yeah Tom, I've really enjoyed using a friends. The results are great considering the cost. I missed out on a real bargain on eBay last week and feel sick about it now. The only thing is that I don't want to shoot exclusively in square format and 645 seems too small to produce great big 20x16" prints. I can imagine that 645 could quite happily produce a 12x16" though. Can someone advise me on this? I ordered some 20x16" paper but aren't in a hurry to use it, I just thought keep some handy just in case. Primarily I'm going to be producing 12x16" i reckon. It seems a really nice size print. This is why I'm drawn to a Bronica 645 rangefinder being primarily interested in documentary photography.

 

[JBrunner]

I've got plenty of money to spend. It's just that I'm reluctant to part with it so easliy when I'm still very unsure what to get. I'm torn between 3 cameras you see. Ideally I'd like to be able to shoot 6x6 but don't want to spend rediculous money on this format so I want a Bronica SQ-Ai or SQ-B for landscapes mostly. I like the idea of being able to shoot street photography/documentary work which I enjoy the most and so that's why I'm interested in a Bronica 645, but I'm worrying whether I'm going to be able to make 20x16" landscapes in rectangular format with it. That's why the 6x9 enters the picture. I like the look of the press 23, but like every other camera there are alot of different models to sift though. Is there a site that give you the lowdown on these cameras? Also, are the lenses really up to much? I've recently wasted my time with a mamiya C330S because the condition of the lenses have been awful due to age, which makes me wonder whether I should buy into another old system. It's starting to get frustrating now. I just want a camera that can make whopping negs.

Dude,

It sounds like you need two cameras. I'd get a view camera for landscapes, and also find your perfect street camera. Why compromise?

 

[Jarvman]

Dude,

It sounds like you need two cameras. I'd get a view camera for landscapes, and also find your perfect street camera. Why compromise?

Ideally It'd be 3! I'm ignorant about view cameras. Do they take roll film or no?

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

A nice combo is a rangefinder for handheld/street and an ultralight view camera for landscapes and architecture. When I had a 4x5" Gowland PocketView I would sometimes travel with that, a few compact lenses, and my Voigtlander Perkeo II and a small tripod, and I was ready for anything. If you want to stick with modern cameras, try a Mamiya 7II or Bronica 645RF and a Gowland PocketView, Toho Shimo, or Chamonix 4x5" and a rollfilm back, if you prefer rollfilm to sheet film.

Almost any 4x5" can take rollfilm backs. If it has a Graflok/International style back, it can take a wider variety of rollfilm backs, but even a camera with a plain spring back can usually use rollfilm holders that slip under the glass.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Jarvman,

I also have a Bronica RF645 and it is a great camera. Very ergonomic. Although I've only made prints up to 12"x16" from the negatives, the lens seems very sharp (taking into account I'm not a lens fanatic), and I suspect some very respectable 16"x20" prints could be made.

Tom.

 

[JBrunner]

What David said. If your bent on shooting roll film with the view camera, definetly go for the Graflock back. OTO since you won't be rushed, you might choose sheets, and benefit from the bigger neg. 4x5 to 16x20 is only 4x

Check out Tachihara, and Shen Hao as well (non-Graphlock). A little bit of second hand glass, holders, and some odds and ends, and you are good to go.

You will really enjoy controlling the focus plane and perspectives when shooting landscapes.

 

[micek]

I can imagine that 645 could quite happily produce a 12x16"

Jarvis, I have often done 12x16" prints from my Bronica RF negatives, they are absolutely fine; and depending on film + developer, the image involved and certain aesthetics you could easily go for larger prints.

 

[pgomena]

The Fuji 6x9 rangefinders are very hand-holdable if you get one of the last models. Rugged plastic body with a killer lens. Not easy to focus quickly, however, but that's what focusing scales are for. The GS690III (90mm lens) and GSW690III (wide, I think a 65mm) would be the models to find. They are no longer in production but good used ones show up for around $6-700.

Peter Gomena

 

[Trevor Crone]

I use an Ebony SW23 which takes the baby Graflock type 6x9cm backs (Horseman, Wista etc.). This is a very compact camera which I've fitted a Silvestri viewfinder so it can be hand held and works very well especially with wide angle lenses which I prefocus.

As much as I like my 5x4 Ebony, if I was allowed only one camera it would be the SW23, so versatile.

Ebony produce folding and non-folding 6x9cm cameras.

Dead Link Removed

Regards,
Trevor.

 

[Paul Howell]

[ I'm worrying whether I'm going to be able to make 20x16" landscapes in rectangular format with it. That's why the 6x9 enters the picture.


The 6X9 has the aspect ratio as 35mm, get a 6X7. A Mamyia 6X7 is ideal for your needs.

 

[Jarvman]

[ I'm worrying whether I'm going to be able to make 20x16" landscapes in rectangular format with it. That's why the 6x9 enters the picture.


The 6X9 has the aspect ratio as 35mm, get a 6X7. A Mamyia 6X7 is ideal for your needs.

What makes you say that then? The point was so I had the aspect ratio of 35mm but alot larger. Is the proportion of a 6x7 negative closer to the dimentions of the paper?

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Yes, 6x7 is closer to the dimensions of the paper, but if you like longer, narrower images, you can always trim the paper for 35mm or 6x9.

 

[alannguyen]

graflex xl , xlsw, xlrf with horseman 6x9

 

[Paul Howell]

What makes you say that then? The point was so I had the aspect ratio of 35mm but alot larger. Is the proportion of a 6x7 negative closer to the dimentions of the paper?

6X7 is the "perfect " ratio for a 8X10 and 16X20, meaning 100% of the negative is used for an enlargment. I have a Mamyia Universal with a 6X9 back, I print full frame so I need to trim my 8x10s and 16X20. 6X4.5 is also a perfect ratio for 8X10 and 16X20 which is one of the selling points over 6X6.