Decision time for real

marton · Mar 31, 2015

Hail fellow film pigs

I've got two medium format cameras, a 645n Pentax, and a GSW690III. I truly love using both, and they have their advantages and disadvantages, but I want to become master of one, and for that purpose I need to get rid of the other - but which one? I know there's no actual right answer but I know there are more experienced folks on here than I and what their opinions might be.

Many thanks in advance.

trythis · Mar 31, 2015

I would go with ergonomics and film economy as my decision. Which will you carry most often and how often do you shoot? If you like to make many pictures and carry the 645n with enjoyment, ther you go.. If you shoot a picture here and there and dont change lenses: 690!

marton · Mar 31, 2015

Thanks trythis

I think I agree with your economy based approach. I do tend to go through much more film than is healthy for my wallet and I occasionally have to justify the expense with she who must be obeyed. However, I love the Fuji for its big negatives and sharp lens and easy operation. I may need to phone a friend. Seriously though, economy is a very convincing strategy. The negs still look brilliant in 645.

Ps; I relate to your signature!

winger · Mar 31, 2015

I've never used the 690, so I'll put that as a disclaimer up front. I also have a few too many cameras. I just tend to leave the ones I don't use as much in the closet more. I have a P645N and really love it. I sometimes wish it was a 6x7 or 6x9, but it's handholdable instead. And the negs are still quite large enough for decent enlargements. If I really needed money, I could possibly think of selling the ones I don't use often. But it's really easier to just leave them in the closet, just in case.

This isn't the best place to ask if it's time to unload something. We tend to be the "buy it all, keep the precious" types.

Bill Burk · Mar 31, 2015

I'll vote for 6x9.

With a big negative, you can find the one you want to print more easily. When you do get it right, the negative is breathtaking.

You can become an expert by just using it all the time. She can use the Pentax, and you'll know whose is whose.

That's my biggest problem now as my kids are getting old enough to maybe want to shoot... How will I know which roll is theirs and which is mine. That was easy when they were little. The roll with 20 cattywompus shots of the dog was theirs.

LMNOP · Mar 31, 2015

This is an interesting dilemma... Unless you have a financial reason for selling one of the cameras, I don't see the harm in keeping both. Yes, you will get better with one camera if you spend most of your time with it, but can't your just discipline to do just that? I own a 645 camera and a GW690, they are used for different purposes depending on my mood or where I am going. It is great to have the variety, not to mention my primary camera, an RZ. My goal is to master the RZ, and for that, I never leave the house without it, but I also have those other options to play with.

My vote: keep both. But if you can only keep one for other reasons. GW!!! That camera is unreal, I wish I had a mark iii just for the possible added lifespan. I have the mark ii and it is just lovely. I just scanned (sorry to say) a roll of Tmax from the GW tonight and I am always blown away by the results.

marton · Apr 1, 2015

Bill Burk said:
I'll vote for 6x9.

With a big negative, you can find the one you want to print more easily. When you do get it right, the negative is breathtaking.

You can become an expert by just using it all the time. She can use the Pentax, and you'll know whose is whose.

That's my biggest problem now as my kids are getting old enough to maybe want to shoot... How will I know which roll is theirs and which is mine. That was easy when they were little. The roll with 20 cattywompus shots of the dog was theirs.

Yeah, you're right. That big negative is just too sexy. Decision is made.

marton · Apr 1, 2015

Thanks everyone. Some excellent advice.

I'm going to go with the majority and keep the Fuji. That thing is just too sweet to let go.

250swb · Apr 1, 2015

I go with the 'you don't need to get rid of either' argument.

There is nothing special about 'mastering' one camera, and who's to say you mastered it, and what then? But there is a special attribute in knowing which camera to use and why. Such knowledge can be dangerous and lead you to another type of camera completely, but at least you'll be clear as to what you want to achieve in your photography, and then what equipment you need to achieve it.

So forget mastering one camera and learn to master choice, you are in charge, not the camera.

Steve

LMNOP · Apr 1, 2015

250swb said it best. I don't see the point in mastering just one, but at the same time, I could live with ONLY owning a GW690 and be totally happy. Some days I do wonder if I would be better off just shooting the hell out of one camera, and that would be the one. BUT when I only owned one medium format camera, and it had to be repaired, I was without it for 3 weeks. During those three weeks I ended up buying a second Mamiya because I just could not stand being camera-less.

adelorenzo · Apr 1, 2015

Sounds like your decision is made, and really it's only you that can decide, but here's my take:

I've owned both cameras, sold the Fuji (regrettably) and still have my Pentax. In fact it would be the last camera I ever sell, it's become the camera that I can just pick up and shoot without thinking about it much. But there is no secret to it other than the fact I've put many more rolls of film through it than any other camera I own. That and I feel the weight and feel of the camera is perfect for me.

EdSawyer · Apr 1, 2015

Good call. GSW690III is a great camera.

winger · Apr 1, 2015

So, if you're going to sell the Pentax, what lenses do you have for it and are you selling them? And where?

M Carter · Apr 1, 2015

I'm in the "keep 'em both" camp as well.

I almost sold my Mamiya setup when I realized 100% of my income was digital. That stuff sat in a closet for years and I would have dumped it if it had been worth much.

Now I'm back in the darkroom, and damn I'm glad to have that stuff (and the pile of Nikon film bodies, etc.) Not just because I'm really digging learning B&W in a really serious way - but because that gear paid my rent for many years - it's like running into an old friend (or getting a room with a former GF... yeah, that's closer.)

A decade plus in a Texas closet, and one stuck lens needed the shutter blades cleaned. If it's not a financial issue, pull the batteries, find out if shutters should be cocked or not for long term storage, and pack it away with some silica gel. Someday, you'll be thrilled you did. Or maybe your kids will.

CropDusterMan · Apr 1, 2015

Seriously Mate,
Keep the 6x9 Fuji...one of the best cameras ever...6x9 is a much better format. It's been everywhere with me from Nepal to Yosemite.
It is a Texas Leica. Years ago, when I worked in a camera store, we had a Pentax 645 that had fallen in a pool on rental. I attached the
restroom keys to it. LOL.

marton · Apr 2, 2015

The Pentax is on fleabay as of yesterday, and I've shot two rolls of B&W film with the GSW since. I think I've definitely done the right thing by what I want to do.

In response to the 'keep both cameras' argument; I may have if the Pentax was a Mamiya. I'm not overly fond of the Pentax in other words, so together with my original considerations, dumping it fits in with how I want to proceed in the long term. Also, I probably won't be buying another 645 system in the long term as far as I can see. I like the larger negatives I get with what I'm shooting now. If at some point down the track I do happen to get another camera body, it will more than likely be a Mamiya 7. (Hi Chris, if you're reading this)

Again, thanks for the responses.

LMNOP · Apr 2, 2015

marton said:
The Pentax is on fleabay as of yesterday, and I've shot two rolls of B&W film with the GSW since. I think I've definitely done the right thing by what I want to do.

In response to the 'keep both cameras' argument; I may have if the Pentax was a Mamiya. I'm not overly fond of the Pentax in other words, so together with my original considerations, dumping it fits in with how I want to proceed in the long term. Also, I probably won't be buying another 645 system in the long term as far as I can see. I like the larger negatives I get with what I'm shooting now. If at some point down the track I do happen to get another camera body, it will more than likely be a Mamiya 7. (Hi Chris, if you're reading this)

Again, thanks for the responses.

Don't sweat it, Marton. Black and white on the GW is the theme of my 2015 late-winter and spring. Cannot believe how amazing it is!

marton · Apr 2, 2015

LMNOP said:
Don't sweat it, Marton. Black and white on the GW is the theme of my 2015 late-winter and spring. Cannot believe how amazing it is!

Thanks, yeah I developed a couple of rolls yesterday in the lab at Uni. So much better than anything I was getting from a 645 camera. We don't have any 6x9 holders for the enlargers but the lab tech and I are going to modify a 4x5 holder next week so I can start printing. It's very exciting. It means I can use this camera for my honors research topic.

Decision time for real

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