buying new medium camera - need advice

[Kim Catton]

Hi all.

Im on the lookout for a medium format camera. For about a year now ive used a flexaret 4, and this has worked very very well for me. beutiful photos in 6x6. Now Ive decided to upgrade. I need something a bit more versatile. Something that fits a standard tripod, hehe. Some of the things I want is:

+ Fits on a standard tripod

+ Spotmetering

+ Interchangeble backs (im doing 6x6 mostly btw)

+ The ability to add a remote release

+ Interchangeble lenses

well, thats some of the most important stuff... Can anything be surggested?

Its a jungle out there. hehe. Hope some of you APUGers can guide me through.

Got aprox. 800-900 us dollars to use at the most

 

[Mike Wilde]

TLR is a consideration at your price point

I have a lot of fun with my Mamiya system. I have a 330F body, and a 65, 80 and 180 lens.

It fits the standard tripod, if it is beefy enough.

As to your desire for interchangeable backs, the Mamiya way I am about to embark on is to pick up an older Mamiya TLR body only, Thius will allow me to keep it loaded with B&W, with the 330f more loaded with C-41.

For metering I have a old but still reliable pentax spotmeter.

 

[Nick Zentena]

Doesn't the Flexart take a normal 3/8" tripod screw?

Metering is the only part that seems an issue. If you're willing to use a handheld meter you can pick almost anything and get the rest. If you need a built in meter maybe the Bronica SQAI with the metering prism? I forget if that has spot metering or not. The Mamiya RZ can also mount a metering prism.

 

[Black Dog]

Surely the C330 is the finest MF camera available to humanity?The lenses are pukka and the whole system is cheap-a winner IMO, though no spotmetering. Rollei 6000 series cameras have built in spotmetering IIRC,though a C330 would leave a decent amount of spare wedge for a separate spotmeter.YMMV

 

[Kim Catton]

Ive been looking alot at the Mamiya RZ67 (II) pro. I think this is a really lovely camera, and judging on the many positive reviews on the internet I think it is really versatile. Any experiences with this camera anyone?

The C330 looks nice Black Dog - But I think im looking for some SLR.

 

[MattKing]

If 6x4.5 meets your criteria, I'd suggest a Mamiya 645 Pro or Pro Tl. With the right metering prism, it will meet all your criteria. The Mamiya 645 Super bodies are cheaper, but they are older, and not as robust (as a backup body they work well).

The older versions of the Mamiya 645 don't offer interchangeable backs, nor does the more recent 645E.

Matt

 

[keithwms]

RB67.

 

[Nick Zentena]

Ive been looking alot at the Mamiya RZ67 (II) pro. I think this is a really lovely camera, and judging on the many positive reviews on the internet I think it is really versatile. Any experiences with this camera anyone?

If you have a strong back love it Not the sort of thing I'd consider a quick snap shot handheld camera but on a tripod it's pretty close to perfect. If you stick with the waist level finder I think you can get a body,back and a couple of lenses within your budget. But it is big so don't be surprised.

 

[Discpad]

I have the Mamiya 645AFd system, and love it, because they are dirt cheap on eBay, as is both the autofocus and manual focus glass. If you don't plan on using a digital back, and you can tolerate the slower autofocus servo, then you can pick up the older 645AF kit (body, back, 80mm AF lens) for about $500. Extra 120/220 film backs can be has all day for under a hundred bucks; and extra cassettes (for fast film changes) run about $40.

[A used 645AFd kit (2002-2005) will set you back about $900; while the faster 645AFd II kit is $3k at B&H as of yesterday -- You won't find many used ones on eBay.]

 

[Kim Catton]

Ive tried the Mamiya RZ67 Pro and I like the fact that its big and bulky. Is it possible to shoot 6x6 or 6X4.something with this one?

 

[Kim Catton]

If you have a strong back love it Not the sort of thing I'd consider a quick snap shot handheld camera but on a tripod it's pretty close to perfect. If you stick with the waist level finder I think you can get a body,back and a couple of lenses within your budget. But it is big so don't be surprised.

Ive tried the Mamiya RZ67 Pro and I like the fact that its big and bulky. Is it possible to shoot 6x6 or 6X4.something with this one? and... and camera with a copule of lenses to that price.. where can this be found?

 

[Nick Zentena]

Surf over to www.keh.com

6x45 isn't an issue. I think 6x6 backs are fairly rare.

If you buy bargain grade from KEH and stick to the more common stuff you can put together a nice kit. Stuff like the fisheye are expensive or the very long lenses.

 

[garri]

Hi Kim, I am just about to put a Bronica S2 on the bay if you are interested.
2 backs, WLF and Turret finder. 75+150mm lenses. No meter but I always prefered using a seperate meter with larger formats.

Gari

 

[Roger Hicks]

Baby Linhof and a separate meter. Demanding spot metering (indeed, any metering) in MF limits your options a lot.

 

[Andrew Moxom]

spot metering in MF, couple of lenses, and with only $800 to $900, you will not likely find much that will fit that criteria, unless you get a hell of a deal on well used, and bargain condition equipment. Now if you wanted to start off cheaply and add that, then Mamiya 645 kit is likely the way to go. You can get a bare bones kit for that, and when you have more funds, add a metering prism with spot capability later. Similarly with lenses. start with a standard and piece together additional lenses as funds become available.

 

[Soeren]

Ive tried the Mamiya RZ67 Pro and I like the fact that its big and bulky. Is it possible to shoot 6x6 or 6X4.something with this one? and... and camera with a copule of lenses to that price.. where can this be found?

Hi Kim
800 - 900 $ ? That leaves you with E-bay or DBA as the only options. Look at Photograficas website and see howmuch they'll charge you for a RZ67 with 90mm and back, 15.000kr Some years ago I bought a Bronica SQA-i in as new condition at Foto C for around 4000kr. Then I made the biggest mistake of my life and sold it. Im fairly big and in very good shape and I don't mind big cameras either but carying a Pentax 6X7 + three lenses around all day gives even me a sour back. If you like 6X6 Id recomend you a Bronica SQ system. If you want 6X7 with interchangeable backs go for the Mamiya. Somehow I don't find 4,5X6 that apealing and I find lugging a 6X7 body around with a 645 back on it somewhat crazy In MF the formats I like best are 6X6 and 6X7. Sometimes the pics are best in square and sometimes they need a little extra on the sides.
Kind regards
Søren

 

[Kim Catton]

Hi Kim
800 - 900 $ ? That leaves you with E-bay or DBA as the only options. Look at Photograficas website and see howmuch they'll charge you for a RZ67 with 90mm and back, 15.000kr Some years ago I bought a Bronica SQA-i in as new condition at Foto C for around 4000kr. Then I made the biggest mistake of my life and sold it. Im fairly big and in very good shape and I don't mind big cameras either but carying a Pentax 6X7 + three lenses around all day gives even me a sour back. If you like 6X6 Id recomend you a Bronica SQ system. If you want 6X7 with interchangeable backs go for the Mamiya. Somehow I don't find 4,5X6 that apealing and I find lugging a 6X7 body around with a 645 back on it somewhat crazy In MF the formats I like best are 6X6 and 6X7. Sometimes the pics are best in square and sometimes they need a little extra on the sides.
Kind regards
Søren

DBA seems to have some good stuff, at times. On occasions I take off to Prague and look through the many good used-camera stores. I mean, the prices are rediculous. I found a Bronica system with lens and even a speedgrip, the lot! the price 3600DKR (652 us dollars). Sometimes - comparing the prices with photografica - You will find that even when youve paid for the bus two way, and a couple of nights at a hostel... its still cheaper.


The fact that Im a bit afraid about 6x7 is the simple fact that im not sure my enlarger takes this size, Ive got three different ones:

1xKrokus

1xOpemus 5

1xOpemus 4

Regards, Kim

 

[Steve Smith]

According to their website: http://www.meopta.cz/index.php?id=143&lang=en both the 4 and 5 (near bottom of the page) are for a maximum size of 6x6.

If it was my enlarger, I would make or modify a 6x6 holder to 6x7 to see if it would work - I suspect that it would be o.k. See what the difference in size of the projected light is both with and without the negative carrier in place. If it is a bit bigger without the carrier, you may get away with it.

I bought a Mamiya RB67 mainly because my enlarger goes up to 6x7. I don't mind carrying it around with the left hand grip. It's heavy but not un-useably so. I think the RZ is a bit lighter.


Steve.

 

[Kim Catton]

According to their website: http://www.meopta.cz/index.php?id=143&lang=en both the 4 and 5 (near bottom of the page) are for a maximum size of 6x6.

If it was my enlarger, I would make or modify a 6x6 holder to 6x7 to see if it would work - I suspect that it would be o.k. See what the difference in size of the projected light is both with and without the negative carrier in place. If it is a bit bigger without the carrier, you may get away with it.

I bought a Mamiya RB67 mainly because my enlarger goes up to 6x7. I don't mind carrying it around with the left hand grip. It's heavy but not un-useably so. I think the RZ is a bit lighter.


Steve.

I dont think i will be modifying the carrier.. well, at least not before ive studied the thing. hehe. Another thing, I will be throwing some money at a good tripod as well. Any recomendations anyone?

 

[Soeren]

Kim Are you a member of a photoclub?
Most of the darkroom equipment I have I got for free through the one here in Næstved. I did have a couple of Opemuses over the time but eventually I was given a Durst 707. Thats just to say that with a little patience you might get lucky. If you can find a Meopta Magnifax it will take 6X9 negs. Though they are rare here in Dk you might find it in Praque.
Tripod? The Mannfrotto 055 is very good value for the money but be sure to get a proper head for it. Personally I would like the Arca Swiss Z1 or the older B1. They'll hold your MF camera and though somewhat expensive I have seen higher prices on other tripodheads.
Kind regards
Søren

 

[Kim Catton]

Søren, Im not a member of a photoclub, but ive been lucky ass well. All my darkroom equipment has been given to me for free or at very very friendly prices. Meopta Magnifix - ill be checking that one out, as I will with the Manfrotto 055 tripod. Arca Swiss Z1 and B1, is this names of tripod heads?

regards

kim

 

[jordanstarr]

kim...

i've used the bronica sq-a system for a while and switched over to a hasselblad only resently. i find it only slightly less quality than the hasselblad. you can get a wide range of lenses, but you won't have a meter. it's extremely user friendly and has a mirror lock, it's lighter than many MF cameras out there, interchangable backs that come cheap, not to mention you can find a bornica sq-a plus a 50, 80 150 lens combo and a few backs on ebay for the price you're looking at.

if you're really looking into a spotmeter, you might want to buy one seperately as you might get the format bug and buy a large format camera within the year (and they don't come with spotmeters).

 

[Soeren]

Søren, Im not a member of a photoclub, but ive been lucky ass well. All my darkroom equipment has been given to me for free or at very very friendly prices. Meopta Magnifix - ill be checking that one out, as I will with the Manfrotto 055 tripod. Arca Swiss Z1 and B1, is this names of tripod heads?

regards

kim

Yes the B1 and Z1 are tripod heads. There is this online mag called Magnachrom. You have to subscribe but it wont cost you anything. The magazine is actually quite good and in the last edition there was a test of ballheads. You might want to take a look.
Kind Regards
Søren

 

[Kim Catton]

kim...

i've used the bronica sq-a system for a while and switched over to a hasselblad only resently. i find it only slightly less quality than the hasselblad. you can get a wide range of lenses, but you won't have a meter. it's extremely user friendly and has a mirror lock, it's lighter than many MF cameras out there, interchangable backs that come cheap, not to mention you can find a bornica sq-a plus a 50, 80 150 lens combo and a few backs on ebay for the price you're looking at.

if you're really looking into a spotmeter, you might want to buy one seperately as you might get the format bug and buy a large format camera within the year (and they don't come with spotmeters).

I really have no problem with a seperate meter.. Up until now ive spotmetered with my nikon f80 when using my medium format camera(the one i have now), and yes... the format bug. hehe. I know what you mean. How is the bronica lenses compared to Mamiya?

Søren, thanks a lot.. will take a look at that magazine

 

[Kim Catton]

By the way... Ive been looking at the Mamiya 645 - What are these like compared to the rz67 series? Can the two be compared?