'Coolest' Medium Format Camera?

Andrew K · Jun 20, 2012

The "Coolest" camera in terms of appearance I own is a Arca Swiss 6x9 SLR - it has a monorail front with full front movements, and a mirror box with focal plane shutter on the back...looks great, but not the easiest to use...

Coolest camera I use? That changes from week to week - generally the one I pick up to use....

Andy38 · Jun 20, 2012

When I use a RB Graflex (2 1/4 X 3 1/4), people want to know what I do...

2F/2F · Jun 21, 2012

Lots of medium format cameras are really cool, but I am gonna have to nominate the following as EXTRA COOL, based on both style and substance:

1. Fuji GX680 series. The deformed love child of the Mamiya RZ67 and the Linhof Technika...ON STEROIDS. The Batmobile of medium format cameras. (The ugly, bulbous, Michael Keaton Batmobile, not the bitchin' '60's one.) It terms of looks, it's high-tech, modern, and very late-80's/early-90s. However, it's hideousness is made COOL by the fact that it is such a kick-butt camera system. Not only is it an SLR that shoots 6x8 frames, but it has front movements! The only thing that could make it much better in my book would be if it shot 6x9 (and didn't need that damned battery). Oh well; I'll settle. It's one of the most capable cameras ever made that operates as quickly and seamlessly as it does. It's like having an RZ that is just that much better in the studio. (As if RZs are not good enough already.)

2. Mamiya C series. Interchangeable lens TLRs. As an every day user, there is not much cooler in the world of medium format IMHO. All the coolness of using a TLR, plus the benefits of cool things you normally don't get with a TLR (i.e. a 7-lens system). And the older ones with the silver lenses and gray "M" vinyl covering look SO COOL. I have shot so much with my C33 and C220 because they are absolute joys to use, and I LOOK SO COOL using them!

3. Mamiya Press series. Giant, multi-format rangefinders with interchangeable lenses. If only they were SLRs, they'd be the best cameras ever made. Oh well. They are still pretty darned cool, and have that same awesome Mamiya styling that I mentioned above. I must say that the old Fuji 6x9 RFs are probably better users, but they don't even approach the Press system in terms of cool factor.

Honorable mentions:

RB Graflexes and Arca-Swiss Reflexes
Linhof 6x9 view cameras
6x9 press/field cameras like Linhof, Horseman, and Graphics
Rolleiflex Wide Angle

Nick Merritt · Jun 21, 2012

Fun thread. But I can't tell whether "cool" is measured by reactions from others, or our own feelings of "coolness" when using them. Based on the previous responses, it seems like people react to big (as in, "What the heck is that??" -- Mamiya RB or Pentax 67 fit that bill) or retro (TLRs). And if they're shiny, and/or have stuff hanging off them like a finder, all the better.

I did recently see a guy using (actually using!) a gold-trimmed Hasselblad 501C. I thought he was pretty cool for not letting that sit locked away at home, but I don't know whether the average person on the street would have noticed particularly.

Dismayed · Jun 21, 2012

demonboy said:
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?

Why should I care what anyone else thinks of my camera? I'd much rather have them drool over my photos.

Chrismat · Jun 21, 2012

Another vote for the Pentax 6X7.

For pinholes, the Zero Image 6X9 is pretty cool.

mike c · Jun 21, 2012

The 500c with the chrome lens, or the c/m with black lens.

graywolf · Jun 23, 2012

Of the cameras I have owned, the Mamiya Universal Press with the 100/2.8 was the coolest. I mean 120, 220, and Polaroid. And on that Polaroid, think of it, a Polaroid with a 100mm f/2.8 lens that was sharp from corner to corner! It seemed to draw the most attention of anything I regularly used.

Of the cameras I currently have, I think the Iskra is the coolest. Proof that our government lied to us when they said that the Russians could not make great stuff. It seems to have the sharpest Tessar pattern lenses of anything I have seen, even web sized scans look incredible.

I think the Hapo 66e (rebranded Balda Baldix RF) gets the most comments. Usually of the "Nice camera!" sort, so I guess it wins "Coolest to non-photographers". Or maybe it is because it is obviously an old camera that looks pretty much like new. It is also my favorite pocket camera (it's a 6x6 folding 120 camera). I only wish it had a more sophisticated shutter on it. Some day I might find a nice clean Baldax (coupled RF version) that I can afford.

Another folder that I rate as way-cool is the Kodak Duo-620, I have not gotten around to re-spooling film for it, so I have not actually used it yet. What I find fascinating is that Amelia Earhart supposedly carried one like it on her ill fated round the world flight.

Uncle Bill · Jun 23, 2012

Two way tie between a Rolleiflex (or cord) and the Hasselblad 500 series with the chrome 80 f2.8 planar lens.

revdocjim · Jun 24, 2012

The fact that I own so many medium format cameras is proof of my inability to decide which one wins!
Right now I'm particularly interested in rangefinders. These three have been staying on my desk whenever I'm not using them, just so I can enjoy looking at them.

I also am very attracted to all four of my Bronica SLRs and even the Mamiya 645 Pro TL. But without a doubt the SLR that feels the best in my hand is the Pentax 645N.

Iskra 2 · Jun 24, 2012

Mamiya RB67 is my cool medium format. For the neatest the ISKRA 2 always gets the looks. Regards.

EKDobbs · Jun 25, 2012

All RB/RZ users should be familiar with the random "What kind of movie are you shooting?" passerby. I can't count how many times that's happened. Of course, a smile and a short, down to earth explanation usually helps. Showing people the viewfinder is also quite rewarding, for those who have never gazed directly upon a ground glass.

T-grain · Jun 25, 2012

Yahica mat 124
but otherwise, I prefer a Rollei 6000 series

Roger Cole · Jun 25, 2012

EKDobbs said:
All RB/RZ users should be familiar with the random "What kind of movie are you shooting?" passerby. I can't count how many times that's happened. Of course, a smile and a short, down to earth explanation usually helps. Showing people the viewfinder is also quite rewarding, for those who have never gazed directly upon a ground glass.

Am I the only one who has had to explain the ground glass and repeat that no, it is not electronic and does not use batteries? (Yaschiamat in my case.)

Leon · Jun 26, 2012

for sheer design and aesthetics ... it has to be the Bronica C:

revdocjim · Jun 26, 2012

Leon said:
for sheer design and aesthetics ... it has to be the Bronica C:

View attachment 52973

I like that one too, and always find it amuzing that so many folks ask if it's a Hassy. Especially considering that I paid $5 for mine!

scheimfluger_77 · Jun 27, 2012

I think the Texas Pentax for sure. When you trip the shutter, you know you've started something. Mamiya tlr which I use runs a close second, and has unbelievable optics.

mrisney · Jun 28, 2012

Autocord, and I have owned them all.

cfclark · Jun 28, 2012

Pentax 6x7, because I own one, and it gets attention (the wooden handgrip is a nice added touch). But my own personal favorite in the would-love-to-have-it-for-the-looks department? Rolleiflex SL66. (Not that I can afford one, or if I could, would be able to justify it.)

Folders are also neat to walk around with, and unfold theatrically--I have a Balda Baldax that makes quite an impression and is fun to shoot with (and is much less obtrusive than the Pentax).

k_jupiter · Jun 29, 2012

Pass... what a stupid discussion.

Roger Cole · Jun 29, 2012

k_jupiter said:
Pass... what a stupid discussion.

And if you find it stupid, why exactly did you feel compelled to tell us that with a reply on page 10?

I find lots of discussions online stupid. I don't jump into most of them saying so, though. I just figure other folks like talking about different things than I, and leave them to it.

k_jupiter · Jun 29, 2012

Roger Cole said:
And if you find it stupid, why exactly did you feel compelled to tell us that with a reply on page 10?

I find lots of discussions online stupid. I don't jump into most of them saying so, though. I just figure other folks like talking about different things than I, and leave them to it.

I guess I am feeling the last six or seven threads I have looked at on APUG have been so... mundane. Sorry to have offended you with my opinion. By Gawd I need a 'cool' camera.

What is this, PhotoNet?

tim in san jose

Roger Cole · Jun 29, 2012

k_jupiter said:
I guess I am feeling the last six or seven threads I have looked at on APUG have been so... mundane. Sorry to have offended you with my opinion. By Gawd I need a 'cool' camera.

What is this, PhotoNet?

tim in san jose

You didn't offend me, you just came across as pretty uptight. Been accused of that myself. There is an ignore thread feature but it's harder to find here than on some vBulletin forums I'm on (along with the #$%^ infuriating lack of the multiquote feature here.)

k_jupiter · Jun 30, 2012

Roger Cole said:
You didn't offend me, you just came across as pretty uptight. Been accused of that myself. There is an ignore thread feature but it's harder to find here than on some vBulletin forums I'm on (along with the #$%^ infuriating lack of the multiquote feature here.)

No harm, no foul. (or is it fowl?)... This is APUG. Perhaps I remember the days when a camera was a tool in the eyes of a serious photographer. A 'cool' camera? Givemeabreak. I shoot what works for me.
1.) The only camera I have bought new 1985 Nikon FM2.
2.) Mamiya rb67 Pro with about 7 lens, both waist and prism finders.
3.) Borrowed Mamiya 645 (borrowed from my daughter whom I gave it to).
4.) Mamiya C220 65mm lens.
5.) Various 3x4 and 4x5 Speed and Crowns.
6.) 3x4 Graplex
7.) 8x10 Deardorff.

Any 'cool' cameras in the lot?

Craig Swensson · Jun 30, 2012

k_jupiter said:
No harm, no foul. (or is it fowl?)... This is APUG. Perhaps I remember the days when a camera was a tool in the eyes of a serious photographer. A 'cool' camera? Givemeabreak. I shoot what works for me.
1.) The only camera I have bought new 1985 Nikon FM2.
2.) Mamiya rb67 Pro with about 7 lens, both waist and prism finders.
3.) Borrowed Mamiya 645 (borrowed from my daughter whom I gave it to).
4.) Mamiya C220 65mm lens.
5.) Various 3x4 and 4x5 Speed and Crowns.
6.) 3x4 Graplex
7.) 8x10 Deardorff.

Any 'cool' cameras in the lot?

No, but you felt compelled to list them.:munch:

'Coolest' Medium Format Camera?

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