Are there any autofocussing waist level finder cameras?

[btaylor]

Like Richard I find I get my best family candid shots with a Rollei TLR. I pre-focus as much as possible, and check the light, set the aperture and shutter and start shooting. People just don't seem to notice me staring into the viewfinder composing a shot. And the shutter is so nearly silent no one hears that either (slr's mirrors are loud). I find the 80mm lens entirely adequate, after all you're close to people at a gathering. The yashica's would probably work well too, and they are less expensive. I used to have a Mamiya C330 which is a wonderful camera, but it is considerably larger, heavier and obtrusive than a Rollei with a f3.5 lens.

 

[tomfrh]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I'm now thinking a TLR.

Any recommendations and ones to steer clear of would be appreciated!

I'll probably spend up to $400 US or thereabouts.

 

[removed account4]

late to the party,
national graflex series II

 

[Paul Howell]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I'm now thinking a TLR.

Any recommendations and ones to steer clear of would be appreciated!

I'll probably spend up to $400 US or thereabouts.

Yaschia 124 or D with the 4 element lens.

Minolta Autocord

Rollicords, any of the later models.

Mamiya C220 is somewhat stripped version of the C330, a little lighter.

I would avoid any that takes 620 film.

 

[tomfrh]

bought a 159 series rolleicord