'Coolest' Medium Format Camera?

[demonboy]

I'm looking to do a fun blog piece on 'cool' cameras but I don't want just new, digital suggestions, I'm open to any type of camera. Since I know next to nothing about medium format cameras I'm interested in polling you experts on what the 'coolest' medium format camera is. It has to be able to perform but this is really about design and desirability. A camera you can pull out in front of friends or other medium format enthusiasts, making them drool! Old, new, digital, analogue, any suggestions?

 

[Chris Lange]

any Hasselblad 500 series will do the trick. I have four or five people a day at least comment on mine when I'm shooting on the street.

They're beautifully designed too, same guy who designed the first Saab concept car did the 500 series. There are similarities between the two if you compare them.

Rolleiflexen of all sorts...

There's loads more, but that gets rid of the easiest ones.

 

[Chris Lange]

Also, the Rollei Hy6 would've been a sweet, sweet thing to use, if it had ever hit the big time.

 

[zach]

Hasselblad 500cm.
Plaubel Makina 67.
Rollei SL-66.
Alpa 12.

There's probably a whole bunch more, as far design goes, they are my pick.

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

Besides what have not been named...
Older Chrome faced Plaubel
Linhof Super Technika 6x9s
Lunar Orbiter Payload Camera
Kodak Super Six 20
Fuji 6x9's Texas Leicas

 

[Schlapp]

Kowa 6

 

[sandermarijn]

In my experience people find TLR's (Rolleiflex, Rolleicord, Yashicamat etc) cute, disarming, interesting.

 

[steven_e007]

You may need to expand on your definition of 'cool'.

What makes members drool on APUG and what makes your friends drool, may not be the same thing for the same reasons ;-)

I'll add "Corfield 66" to the list, because they are very rare and very desirable...
Pentax 67 because they are so big, beautiful and useable...

But in it's own way, the Kiev 60 can be pretty cool, especially if someone tried to mug you. I would certainly rather be carrying a Kiev than a Hassleblad in this situation. Less likely to get you mugged in the first place, no great loss if it gets nicked or broken in the ensuing fight - and a pretty handy weapon.

 

[lxdude]

Fuji GX680 series, because of its bulk, and the sheer amount of stuff on it.

Actually, any Fuji G-series.

And the Bronica RF645.

 

[amsp]

Hasselblad 500 series for sure, nothing beats them for pure cool factor and sexiness. Rolleiflex f/2.8 coming in a close second.

 

[R.Gould]

Any TLR, plus any of my MF folders, people always want to talk to me about them
Richard

 

[antmar]

I would say that Hasselblad still looks quite exotic for most of the people and a Rolleiflex easily takes a "wow what a beautiful camera".
I agree with Richard that people always talk to me when I am walking in the streets with a Rolleiflex.

 

[erikg]

Combat Graflex rangefinder.

 

[chuck94022]

Without question, the New Mamiya 6 or 6MF.

 

[Moopheus]

I can tell you from experience that carrying a Mamiya RB67 in public is a guaranteed conversation-starter. Size matters.

 

[Johnkpap]

How about a Fuji Rangfinder


Johnkpap

 

[Someonenameddavid]

Zeiss Super Ikonta, any version.

 

[CGW]

Large and in charge--Mamiya RB67.

 

[narsuitus]

To grab the attention of the public, I would use one of the following:

1. Rolleiflex TLR telephoto version
2. Mamiya TLR with telephoto lenses
3. Twin-Lens Gowlandflex with telephoto lenses (technically a large format camera; not a medium format camera)

 

[sharperstill]

+1 for Mamiya 6

 

[Slixtiesix]

Rolleiflex SL66

 

[removed account4]

the bencini koroll is the coolest mf camera i have ever seen ( and used )

 

[jp498]

A TLR for sure (such as Rollei or Yashica) based on personal experience. Good results and people love it. Old people reminisce, young people assume credibility.

The 120 SLRs can look and sound cool. I havent' owned 120 SLRs, but I'd agree the Hasselblads look the nicest and have a pro reputation (despite the fact that pretty much all 120 SLRs were made for pros)

The folders can be pretty darn cool and take good photos too. The oldest ones look cool but can be difficult to focus for short depth of field as they have scale focusing. Something rangefinder folder can be also cool. The fuji gf670 looks modern and quaint at the same time. A shame it's so expensive. certo6 is a popular ebay seller for old and oldish folders.

 

[toolbox]

Zeiss Super Ikonta, any version.

X2. I love mine...

Funny story--I took this thing to a local historical event to shoot a few snaps...everyone was looking at me like I had three heads. Even the people dressed up like it was 1890 were looking at me like I was crazy LOL. Weirdest thing. Wonderful camera though, and the IQ is outstanding.

My other vote would be for the Kodak Medalist. Only gripe with this one is having to respool onto 620. Other than that, an outstanding camera that would double as a hammer if you put it on the end of a stick.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

Combat Graflex rangefinder.

Yes, the Contax on steroids.