Best budget starter MF camera thats not a toy

doomtroll · Jun 18, 2009

Hello,

I'm looking into getting into medium format more seriously (I own a Holga) & would like to know what would be some good cameras to start out with on a limited budget (under $150)

Thanks

dougjgreen · Jun 18, 2009

Best choices: A Yashica or Ricoh or Minolta TLR without meter, or A Koni-Omega rangefinder.

If your budget could bump up to $200 or so, a whole range of 6x4.5 System SLRs, from Bronica, Mamiya, and Pentax become possibilities.

Glenn Mathison · Jun 18, 2009

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doomtroll · Jun 18, 2009

Thanks for the suggestions, I spied a TLR at a local antique shop today but found its not anything I wanted. It was a Pearl River TLR, seeing as they are worse then Seagull TLR toy cameras I had to pass that one up.

AlexG · Jun 18, 2009

Ahhhh...I still remember those days in Elementary school. Portrait Day. The wonderful photo lab employees with there fancy Bronica MF camera's and Broncolor strobes.

Well, with all those portrait places and wedding photogs now using digital, there are literally thousands of used MF cameras on the market.

I currently use a Bronica ETRSi System along with my 35mm system. It cost about 250$ with a couple of lenses and backs.

You can usually get a bit older Bronica MF camera from KEH for CHEAPDead Link Removed for a really good deal. And don't worry about the "bargain" quality. I've ordered stuff that is considered bargain and even ugly condition and have found that there is nothing wrong with the camera and the cosmetic condition is completely fine.

Alex

elekm · Jun 18, 2009

Not sure how retro you want, but a nice folding camera would fit well within your budget. Perhaps an Isolette III with an Apotar (triplet) or Solinar (four elements).

I think you could also get a Rolleicord for that amount.

JRJacobs · Jun 18, 2009

Here's a good one for you!

http://cgi.ebay.com/RICOH-DIACORD-T...86121261QQptZFilmQ5fCamerasQQsalenotsupported

mjs · Jun 19, 2009

You might be able to find a servicable older Rollieflex or Rolliecord twin lens camera for $150 or less; an old Standard or Automat, perhaps. I have a New Standard dating from 1939 which I'm absolutely in love with. No meter, of course, and the lens will be uncoated. Absolutely lovely camera and wonderful photographs. In something newer, you ought to be able to find an older Mamiya 645 with the standard 80mm lens for that or less. They're very good cameras at astoundingly low prices and add-ons (film holders, lenses, metered finders, etc.) are just dirt cheap. A little more goes into the Mamiya RB or RZ 6x7 cameras, also highly professional quality and ability. Good luck!

Mike

BetterSense · Jun 19, 2009

I really really like my Isolette, even though I have to patch the bellows every time I change film and it eventually is going to go un-patchable. I have the cheap one with 3 shutter speeds and guess focusing, but it works fine for me. All lenses are good at f/22...

2F/2F · Jun 19, 2009

A Rolleicord, perhaps. Or an early model Mamiya TLR (with one or two digits in the model name, not three)...although I have noticed that people have recently been asking stupid prices for them compared to what they were going for a year ago. Also, you might be able to get a basic 645 kit with that budget (Pentax, Mamiya M645, Bronica), and could fairly certainly get one for $50 more on top of your current budget. For example: I sold an M645 1000S with 80mm lens, metered prism, and 120 insert to an APUG member for $160 plus shipping. It was in bargain condition and needed $40 worth of light seal replacement (which he ended up doing himself), but worked great.

nocrop · Jun 19, 2009

Minolta Autocord. Its lens is one of my favorites; check out Flickr for an idea of what it's capable of. I have a Super Ricohflex, but it's not in the same league.

Mark Fisher · Jun 19, 2009

The fixed lens TLRs people are mentioning are good options. You could also probably score a Mamiya C220 for that price (or close to it). It is a bit bigger, but gives you the option of other lenses. Remember that most of these do not have meters so you'll need a meter or another camera with a meter (or learn to guess well).

RobertV · Jun 19, 2009

Yashica Mat 124-G, Minolta Autocord, Mamiya C220/C330, Mamiya 645 1000S, Rolleicord.
You always have to be a bit lucky which such second hand cameras.
For all these cameras it's wise to do a CLA due to the fact they are 30+ years old.

firecracker · Jun 20, 2009

There's always Mamiya Press you can get for that kind of price range...

Fred De Van · Jun 20, 2009

It is difficult if not impossible to do better especially within your budget than a Kiev 60. A new one costs less than a CLA on a 35 year old tlr, and has most of the capabilities of my Hasselblads or Rollei SLX. I also own 4 Keiv cameras and a bevy of lenses. They are my choice for most of my MF work (due to the FP shutter and the magnificent choice of lenses). I do not hesitate using a Kiev 60 for national product ads and top level pro work.

They are not without quirks but once you understand them they make sense and do not limit you in any way. It is not a limiting nor limited starter camera and are not light weight. A serious photographic tool. No plastics, no automation, no compromise, bling free. Feel free to contact me before buying a used one. Most are fine but there a few easy to spot clunkers wandering around especially on the auction site.

http://araxfoto.com/cameras/how60/
Kiev 60 - An SLR on steroids
http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Kiev_60

Fred

stradibarrius · Jun 20, 2009

KEH is a very reputable company and I have purchased many of their "bargain" rated cameras/lenses that worked perfectly with only some brassing or paint wear. I have an RB67 that is a real pro quality camera. Very heavy but a lot of fun to shot with. You can get those from KEH for very good prices.

Best budget starter MF camera thats not a toy

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