"Budget" Medium Format options?

F/1.4 · Oct 12, 2011

I've got a Mamiya 645 AFD and aside from the lousy AF, it's a great camera. You can get the AF versions with lenses for under $700.

Galah · Oct 12, 2011

sandermarijn said:
Please be respectful. Thanks, Sander

I don't know why the two symbols appeared: they were not visible on my screen when I went to remove them in "edit" mode , but point taken.

agphotography · Oct 12, 2011

Well there are a lot of great options here. The Mamiya 645 AFD greatly interests me, but I really wish I could pick up a Mamiya 7. I may still look into a Fuji GW690 as I would like to not spend the higher range of my budget right now. (I'd like to have some cash left for a small meter and some film.

What's the general consesus on the GW690II?

Though I admit I am also greatly intrigued by the idea of a Rolleiflex. I've never owned a TLR before.

JerryWo · Oct 12, 2011

I would go along with Since-z-gsi"......."people just like TLR's".

I did street photography about 35 years ago using a Yashica 124, an old Rolleicord, and a Mamiya 330. They were all fine. I think, when you raise a camera to your eye and "aim" it at someone, it really alters the relationship between the subject and the shooter. The waist level cameras, to my way of thinking, were always less intrusive. Some countries regarded the eye-level camera as the "evil eye".

The waist level cameras were much easier to plop down on table tops, fence posts, and what not, as make-do tripods.

TLR's anymore, have been out of date for so long, you might have a "candid" advantage over a eye-level camera.

My Mamiya with telephoto was a beast - the 124, Rollei's and the like were pretty easy to handle.

Jerry W
Warrenton, Virginia

Dshambli · Oct 12, 2011

I don't have a huge amount of experience, but I do have different types of medium format cameras, including a Rolleicord, an Agfa Isolette, and two SLRs (6x6, and 6x4.5). By far my favorite in terms of results, weight, build, and as has been mentioned, the way people react is my Rolleicord. It's quiet and light, yet really well built. I say jump on the TLR. I paid $50 for my Rolleicord III, which can't fit in the "on a budget" category any more appropriately.

agphotography · Oct 13, 2011

Ok for argument's sake lets say I want to focus on searching for a TLR. The more I think about a Rollei the more it interests me. I of course would love, love, love to get a Leica M right now but it's still just out of my budget. It's on my someday list.

Anyways! I'm interested in getting a user Rollei. I would be most interested in the 80 f/2.8 version but the 75 f/3.5 also sounds good as well.

As of today I have $1k for a budget, I don't know when I'll be able to save up more, so my total expense in the camera would need to come in under this number. Is that even possible for a Rollei 2.8? Should I consider something else?

agphotography · Oct 13, 2011

... So get this...

I found a 2.8E on evilbay which had been CLA'd in the last year and was the working camera of Photojournalist Ashley Gilbertson (it was his listing). I was waiting until the last minute to bid and watching the auction. In the last 45 seconds I went to place my max bid of $850.99 and my internet connection dropped out..... It sold for $760 and change

I miss having a reliable internet connection.

Dshambli · Oct 14, 2011

Use Gixen. It's a sniper program that automatically bids for you at the last minute. That way you can spot a good deal, enter your maximum on Gixen and win it a couple days later. I use it for just about every auction.

RolleiT · Oct 14, 2011

I own and have used many variations of the Agfa Isolette Model II and III (6x6) and the Agfa Record Model II and III (6x9) and the give superb results, if the camera is in tip top condition.

sandermarijn · Oct 14, 2011

agphotography said:
.I found a 2.8E on evilbay which had been CLA'd in the last year and was the working camera of Photojournalist Ashley Gilbertson (it was his listing). I was waiting until the last minute to bid and watching the auction. In the last 45 seconds I went to place my max bid of $850.99 and my internet connection dropped out..... It sold for $760 and change

Don't worry too much, these offerings come and go. Just keep on looking and you'll get a good deal eventually.

Of course, in cases where the seller claims a CLA, always make sure the papers are there.

OTOH, there is a fair amount of luck involved. I got my current 3,5F on ebay for about 400 euros. It was sold as "heavily used by a professional photographer", and no CLA done. The thing works like a charm

Matus Kalisky · Oct 14, 2011

So, TLR you say As I mentioned before - I had a Rolleiflex T with Tessar lens and really liked the images it could produce (you may check out the link in my signature if you like). The T is bit of hybrid model as it as a "lover end" lens like the Rolleicord, but the body and the features are closer to Rolleiflex.

If you decide to with with Planar/Xenotar option, than think twice whether you need the f2.8 or whether f3.5 would be enough as that would save you quite some money. Whether to get A, B, C, D, E or F model - just browse around, there are definitely differences. Surely more experienced members will chime in.

However there are also MANY other options - I have read VERY positive comments on Minolta Autocord - in particular on its Tessar lens that many rate above the Tessar in Rolleicords. These cameras are less known and often sell for less than $200. I have recently seen one in pristine condition and after CLA for about $300.

Advantage of Autocord/Rolleicord/Rolleiflex T is that thay use the Bayonet I (3.5F uses II and 2.8F III) acessories for which are relatively plentiful (you want the rolleinar close up lens) and cheaper than II or III.

Some TLRs have built in light meters, but most of these probably do not work anymore (again, there are users who have perfectly working meters in their 50 year old Rolleiflexes)

What concerns CLA - if the camera did not had one you may still get lucky (I did when I got my T), but it would make sense to prepare budget for it.

Once you get a TLR and look for tripod - I can only recommend the Manfrotto 709b tripod which is very solid and compact. Than add a hand held light meter of your choice (I use Digisix and like it) and you have great travel kit.

fmajor · Oct 15, 2011

If you look into the Minolta Autocords, make certain the lever-focusing knob is present, moves freely and/or not broken. It can be difficult to see in poorly lit photo's, but is placed under the bottom lens (the "taking" lens) and 'swings' to and fro to focus the lens 'board'.

I bought mine with a destroyed leather covering, but otherwise in excellent condition. The focus lever is a bit stiff (fixable with a CLA), but works well. Unfortunately for me, it's temporarily in storage in the States where i can't get to it.

drumminor2nd · Oct 15, 2011

I have a Rolleicord III coming to me in the mail for a whopping $85. It needs some work, but for an $85 camera, I'm not exactly afraid.

PaulC · Oct 16, 2011

The Mamiya C220 is worth checking out. It's much lighter than the C33 but you still have the option of switching lenses, unlike any of the Rolleis. They's dirt cheap, too. Mine cost $150 complete with lens. Most of the lenses seem to need the shutter servicing now, though.

Two23 · Oct 16, 2011

Another vote for the Bronica. With a waist level finder it's quite hand holdable. The system is high quality and since it's been "orphaned" it's now cheap. Lots of accessories, lots of ways to go with it.

Kent in SD

agphotography · Oct 16, 2011

Well I managed to win a Rollei 2.8C w/ the Planar that looks to be in very good condition. The seller was honest with his communication and description and told me the camera belonged to his father (who recently passed). But he did specifically mention that it had been in for a CLA within the last year so we'll see how accurate that is

Looking forward to trying it out! Fortunately there is enough interest in Rolleis that if its not for me I won't have a problem locating a new home for it.

LyleB · Oct 16, 2011

Dshambli said:
Use Gixen. It's a sniper program that automatically bids for you at the last minute. That way you can spot a good deal, enter your maximum on Gixen and win it a couple days later. I use it for just about every auction.

I'll second this. Good service. Plus allows you to change your mind right up until a minute or two before the end of tha auction, unlike bidding directly on eBay.

Back to the proper discussion...

Dshambli · Oct 16, 2011

agphotography said:
Well I managed to win a Rollei 2.8C w/ the Planar that looks to be in very good condition. The seller was honest with his communication and description and told me the camera belonged to his father (who recently passed). But he did specifically mention that it had been in for a CLA within the last year so we'll see how accurate that is

Looking forward to trying it out! Fortunately there is enough interest in Rolleis that if its not for me I won't have a problem locating a new home for it.

Nice win. I like how it's already listed in your signature. Did you use Gixen? The only problem with it that I've found is if the item doesn't get any bids a day or two before it ends, the seller will often cancel the auction.

agphotography · Oct 16, 2011

I sure did! Great tip! And heck yeah it's in my signature in so excited to get the camera. Gotta go snag some film now, I've only got 35mm in the fridge.

I'll totally be using that service in the future!

SafetyBob · Oct 17, 2011

If that camera was actually CLAed and it was a quality service, you should have a wonderful camera for many, many years to come. It is a wonderful performer and should hopefully be a good conversation starter too. Bet you within 30 minutes of lurking on the street, some old Rollie user will come up to you and reflect on how much they love(d) their old Rollie.

Congratulations!!

Bob E.

agphotography · Oct 17, 2011

Well I'm going to run a roll through it as soon as I get it to check for any obvious issues. If something's off I'll just send it off to Mr. Fleenor at Oceanside camera and get a full overall (and probably the bright screen I have been reading so much about)

are there any operational quirks unique to these cameras I should be aware of? I skimmed through the manual online and it seems fairly straight forward.

At any rate I'm excited to get one. I was looking for a 2.8E, but I actually like the look of the C w/o the meter looks nice and clean. Is it true the C has a 10 blade aperture?

Wilcoxson David L. · Oct 17, 2011

Congratulations on your new 2.8C. I have one with the Schneider Xenotar and absolutely love it! I actually like the fact it has no meter and therefore less to go wrong. I had Mr Fleenor overhaul it about a year ago and also had the Maxwell screen installed at the same time. It's smooth as silk. I don't have it in front of me right now, but I do believe it has a 10 blade shutter. I hope you like yours as much as I like mine! Cheers.

Ric Trexell · Oct 17, 2011

The price is of little concern.

In your original post you mentioned you were looking for something low cost. I have found over the years that when it comes to cameras, get what you can afford or a little higher. I would rather pay $300 for a camera that I can sell for $300 a year from now, and thus have a camera that cost me nothing, than to have a $150 camera that will only bring $35 when it is sold. I have two Minolta X-700's and two RB67 Pro S's and I'm very happy with them all. I think a lot of people go for the low cost items in life and are never satisfied with their purchase. You can't go wrong with your Rollei. I hope it brings you a lot of joy. Ric.

ntenny · Oct 17, 2011

agphotography said:
are there any operational quirks unique to these cameras I should be aware of? I skimmed through the manual online and it seems fairly straight forward.

The only "quirk" I can think of (besides the need to thread under the "feeler" film roller, which is covered in the manual) is the potential for a double exposure on the first frame. You advance to the first frame by turning the advance crank for a while, and when it stops, the shutter is already cocked---for some reason I have a weakness for taking the picture at that stage, after which I take the crank backwards through a half-turn, which cocks the shutter. So now I've got an exposure on frame 1, which is still in the film gate, the shutter is cocked, and the film won't advance until I fire. It's easy enough to cover the lens and fire the shutter, and you may not have my annoying habit of shooting early.

Also, you can't set the shutter to 1/500 while it's cocked. Changing among the other speeds after cocking is fine.

-NT

agphotography · Oct 17, 2011

Good to know! Thanks Nathan. I'll have to fiddle with it before I run some film through the camera. (Wish I had a dummy roll I could use)

I'm quite looking forward to having this camera in my lineup, it strikes me as one that will far outlast my digital bodies, and I will continue to use it as long as 120 film is available. If I can manage to get 10 years out of it I would be so thrilled (I've not had any piece of gear that long, everything is so quickly replaced these days)

I'm thinking that I'll actually sell my little X100 (though I do enjoy that camera) and use the Rollei for everything I would have used the X100 for. I noticed that numerous people responded about TLRs in general and how they seem to be a very "non-threatening" camera to strangers and even nostalgic for some. That immensely appeals to me and I would love to strike up casual conversations with people and have them pose for a portrait.

Anyways, thank you all so much for your tips and suggestions. I'm glad I was able to find a 2.8 that I could afford, albeit an older one, but I imagine after a good CLA it'll work just as well as any model.

"Budget" Medium Format options?

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