Beginner here, looking for some advice :)

jasonjoo · May 5, 2007

Hey folks,

I have recently decided to get into medium format photography as a fun, side "project." I am wanting to mainly shoot in black and white, and really do not care for the best medium format camera or lens selection, but just something to get my feet wet. Could you please recommend a decent, but affordable medium format camera? I am interest in shooting mainly landscapes and city photography. I will have access to a dark room (my school's dark room), however I am not very proficient in developing negatives. I do have a friend who can walk me through the developing process, as she has been doing this for some time now.

I would really appreciate your help!

Thanks,

Jason

Edit: BTW, I am looking at 6x6 format bodies! Also, I'd like the camera to be able to meter the scene for me, though auto focus is something that is not necessary. Thanks again!

PhotoJim · May 5, 2007

A TLR might be a great way to start. Few of them have interchangeable lenses (there is a Mamiya that does though). However, they are quite inexpensive for the quality and they are quite fun to use.

I have a Minolta Autocord which is quite inexpensive, but there are also good TLRs from Seagull and Yashica that are inexpensive. Rollei is the most famous maker of TLRs but they are generally quite expensive.

I agree that 6x6 is pretty interesting, particularly if you already shoot 35mm. I used to think that I'd rather have a 6x4.5 or 6x7 rollfilm camera but i've come to love 6x6. It's so very different from 35mm's 24x36mm frame and I find that I shoot differently with it. Although I can shoot rectangular images with it (by cropping), I seek out square images instead.

mikebarger · May 5, 2007

They are just about giving Koni Omega's away on the bay. 6X7 negative.

Mike

Kino · May 5, 2007

I second Photo Jim's suggestion; TLRs are great! If interchangeable lenses are important to you, I suggest you buy a Kiev 60 or Kiev 88.

I just purchased a MIR 38V 65mm f3.5 lens for my Kiev 88 for $24 plus $24 shipping on Ebay. Wonderful lens, wonderful camera, IMHO...

midlife crisis · May 5, 2007

MF

My Wife recently bought me a Kowa Six. Thus far the only problem I have had is with the shutter release but this appears to be easing with use. There are a wide range of lenses available although I only have the standard 85mm lens. The results are way better than anything I achieved with 35mm and you can pick them up fairly cheaply on ebay. Roger Hicks wrote a useful article on them if you need more information.

I'm fairly new to MF myself so I've not tried many models. I did borrow a Kiev and it was plagued by light leaks which I have since read is normal for this camera but still fixable.

A friend recently bought a TLR and is really pleased with it. Not sure which one it was but not the Mamiya. No cluncking mirror means that it is very quiet in operation. It also has a built in light meter in front of the viewfinder.

Hope this helps

Regards
N

Andy K · May 5, 2007

You could get a good Agfa Isolette on the auction site quite cheaply. Easy to use, gives a 6x6 negative. They don't have built in metering though.

Chazzy · May 5, 2007

I second the vote for Koni-Omegas. Great cameras with excellent viewfinder and ingenious pressure-plate mechanism, but alas, no meter.

jovo · May 5, 2007

jasonjoo said:
Hey folks,

Welcome to this forum, Jason. I hope you find just the right camera that will continue to whet your appetite for this hobbyaddictionartcraftskillprofession. There have been numerous threads on this topic here before. If you use the 'search' function, you'll come up with so much information your hair will hurt. Good luck!!

jmdavis · May 5, 2007

I think that you might want to give up on the built-in metering. The least expensive TLR's don't have it. And the more expensive ones may be old enough to need either special batteries or adjustment to give accurate readings.

My first MF camera was an old Yashica C that I was given because it failed to advance the film properly. I tool it apart, fixed a spring that had slipped out of place and wound up with a nice camera. The first time I used it, I used my Pentax K1000 as a meter. After that I picked up an inexpensive spot meter for either BH or Adorama. The camera still works fine, but it has been replaced for most work with an RB67. The RB also lacks builtin metering and this simplicity means a tank of a camera that doesn't require batteries.

mcgrattan · May 5, 2007

I started with a Lubitel. I got some great pictures from it -- really quite surprisingly good, considering -- but I wouldn't start with one if I was starting again. Lots of other, better, TLRs available for more or less the same price.

I have a Flexaret VII which I like.Yashicas are cheap, although I've not personally used one.

Folders are fun too, very compact.

keithwms · May 5, 2007

I guess the question is what one considers affordable. In terms of bang for the buck, I think a fuji gsw690 at ~$800 is a bargain. Likewise I think a used mamiya 6 can be an incredible bargain, just look at how inexpensive the lenses are now. And these are some of the best lenses granted to us by the Gods, I am not joking. Very nice for landscape work.

If you are looking for something at or under $500, I'd suggest looking through the fuji 645, 6x7 and 6x9 rangefinders. There are some old gems and some newer ones too. I don't have much against TLRs except I personally wouldn't use one for the kind of landscape stuff that I look for.... everybody is different of course.

You might look at Dante Stella's site:

http://www.dantestella.com/technical.html#mf

mcgrattan · May 5, 2007

re: Fuji rangefinders

I love my Fuji GS645S, amazing lens. However, it would have been out of my price range when I started a few years back. Luckily a friend gave me one he had 'spare' -- amazing camera.

seawolf66 · May 5, 2007

Medium Format

Suggest a Mf camera such as Mamiya or yashica ,rolleicord and any of the
Agfa , zeiss ikons all of them have Medium format cameras , The Zeiss Ikon , agfa and Voigtlander are older cameras and can be had cheap on E-bay or seaching thru apug-largeformat -Forum to find something to your like-ing I have a franka that does 6x6 or 4.5x6 . so you have many short funds cameras to choose from: and get a cheap light meter: learn to use it and learn to use camera by its self: Good Luck

Kevin Roach · May 5, 2007

I love using folders. I got a bunch of agfas, voigtlanders, and zeisses around here. But I wouldn't recommend one for a first MF camera. Most of the folders I've bought needed bellows and a CLA. Kind of a headache when you just want to take pictures. But definitly fun if you get lucky and find a good one or can wait and pay for repair.

I'd recommend the Yashica first, but a lot of cheaper TLRs give good results. Good enough to see the difference when compared to a 35mm. Even a lubitel is a step up.

MattKing · May 6, 2007

Jason:

Are you using a 35mm or other camera now? If so, which one, and what do you like about it? What do you not like about it?

The answers to these questions might help us give you better advice.

Also, as been said before, if you take away the requirement of a built in meter, your options increase tremendously.

In 6x6, I have Mamiya TLRs. In 6x4.5, I have Mamiya SLRs. in 6x7, I have Koni-Omega rangefinders. They all work in very different ways. If I knew more about your preferences, I could give you better advice.

Matt

P.S. They are all fun to use, although in many ways I think the TLRs are the best ones to start with (I did!).

Richard Kelham · May 6, 2007

In 6x6 (great format by the way) TTL metering is rare and expensive, autofocus is non-existent. You have to develop a different mind-set to working with 35mm.

Various cheap and old TLRs are one option, but I'm surprised no-one's mention Bronica SLRs. The SQ-Ai series are quite cheap now that Tamron has stopped making them, still newish and therefore less likely to need repairing and can be fitted with a metering prism I believe. They also have the advantage of interchangeable backs.

A lot does depend on how you intend to use the cameras...and for what sort of photography.

Richard

luvcameras · May 6, 2007

Fuji 645 Page
http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/fujirf.htm

Fuji 670 & 690 Page
http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/fuji670.htm

Rolleiflex Page
http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/rolleitlr.htm

Ricoh TLR's
http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/tlr.htm

climbabout · May 6, 2007

medium format tlr

The mamiya series 220 and 330 tlr's are great as well - they also have interchangeable lenses and are generally a bargain.
Tim

jasonjoo · May 7, 2007

Wow, I had no idea I would get so much help so quickly! Sorry, I've been busy with church this past weekend and did not have time to stop by and read all of your responses.

So far, it seems like I have LOTS of options. At first I thought only the Holga was a VERY affordable option, but it seems like I have many other "cheaper" alternatives as well. I'll have to start researching all of the mentioned MF cameras!

Matt, I currently have a Canon 5D and a Canon A1. There's not much I dislike about either camera. I really enjoy using both, however, there is something that intrigues me about medium format photography. I just want to explore a bit now, now that I have settled down with my 35mm cameras. Shooting medium format and starting to develop my own negatives just seems exciting!

So far, I really like the Mamiya 6 rangefinder. It looks very compact, which is always a bonus!

Thanks again for all of the suggestions! I'll have to do some more research here on APUG and just in general about all of the listed cameras

jasonjoo · May 7, 2007

BTW, I found a broken Mamiya 6 on eBay that is up for sale.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mamiya-6-Medium...oryZ3352QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I was wondering if this was an easy fix, so maybe I could try bidding on it for cheap and having it repaired somewhere? Is this camera damaged beyond repair?

I'd like to spend around $200 dollars or so for now, just to get my feet wet. I'd actually wouldn't mind the Holga, except for its 2 shutter speeds, which to me may seem limiting (of course, this is all part of the Holga experience, but perhaps I'm too picky for that). However, I may end up grabbing the Holga anyways. We'll see!

Thanks again!

Richard Kelham · May 7, 2007

jasonjoo said:
BTW, I found a broken Mamiya 6 on eBay that is up for sale.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mamiya-6-Medium...oryZ3352QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I was wondering if this was an easy fix, so maybe I could try bidding on it for cheap and having it repaired somewhere? Is this camera damaged beyond repair?

I believe Mamiya 6 spares are hard/impossible to come by. Unless you're an ace camera mechanic I'd advise leaving well alone.

keithwms · May 7, 2007

Bear in mind that there are older mamiya 6-like folders that can be had at low cost.

http://www.pibweb.com/ross/Campix/folders.htm

Eric Rose · May 7, 2007

For medium format I have 3 options, Hasselblad, Rolleiflex or a MF back on my 4x5. For all out great fun and ease of use, I always grab the Rollei. You can't change lenses, but what the heck if you want wideangle just back up LOL.

jasonjoo · May 7, 2007

Thanks for the heads up Richard. I will have to stay away as I am not very proficient with camera repairs (As a side note, is it even a good idea to purchase the Mamiya 6 rangefinder? If parts are that hard to come by, I'm sure repairs would be difficult as well, even by Mamiya...)

Thanks for the link Keith. Those are interesting cameras. I'll have to take a look at them as well! (BTW, I've was a frequent surfer at the PhotoTaker forums, though I'm at FM more often now. Good seeing you here!)

Thanks Eric. I'll take a look at the Rollei's as well, though the rangefinder MF bodies are very appealing.

waynecrider · May 7, 2007

As a starter, and if I had to do it all over again, I'd opt for a TLR, quite possibly a Yashica-Mat, or maybe the Minolta depending on condition unless there was a good deal on a decent Rollei. For an SLR, a Mamiya 645 with a 55 or 80mm. Possibly a Bronica, but check with the users for the model.

Beginner here, looking for some advice :)

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