Does such a camera exist?

[2F/2F]

I'm trying to find my ideal MF camera system, but I'm not sure it exists.

Here's what I'd like:

1. Lightweight
2. Either 6x6 or 6x7
3. Not a rangefinder
4. Non-waist level finder viewing (either a 45 or 90 degree prism avail)
5. Sophisticated TTL metering
6. Interchangeable, high quality lenses
7. NOT a Hasselblad (I've rented them multiple times to try them out and I just can't warm to it - far too many steps to do simple tasks)
8. Good ergonomics

I've found many systems that have some of those, a few have most, but none that I can find have all of those.

Is there a system out there that might have all that?

Thanks,

Mark
http://www.olwickphotography.com

Please list your criterion for something being "lightweight".

IMO, most good-quality medium format cameras match all of your criteria...however, we each have our own idea of what is heavy and what is not.

Personally, I would suggest the Mamiya RZ. It is basically a modern combination of a Hasselblad and a Graflex RB, in 6x7 format. They are high quality, versatile, and very affordable on the used market.

However, lots of people say that they are not lightweight. Relatively speaking, they are correct. However, I do not think they are so heavy as to be unmanageable.

They are fiddly, however. Kind of like a Hassy in that way, which is what you did not like about the Hassy. I find them, and Hassies, easy to use with just a little practice, but YMMV.

There is the Pentax 67 as well, which is easier to use (because no backs). However, the camera does not have a leaf shutter unless you get certain lenses. If that matters to you, this is a big deal.

If you can use a rangefinder for what you will do with the camera, and if you have the dough for it, I think the Mamiya 7 is a great choice.

P.S. No light meter is "sophisticated" in my book. A sophisticated light meter is one that is used by a sophisticated light meterer. However, that being said, hand held meters used with knowledge and experience will always give better exposures with far less work than an in-camera meter. So, IMHO, your "sophisticated TTL metering" criterion should be reconsidered, and you should invest in a decent hand held meter (or two).

 

[illumiquest]

Bronica's are getting a bit long in the teeth and don't have the best reputation for reliability but otherwise meet your specifications. Otherwise I'd suggest sticking with 645 and getting a Mamiya 645AF. I'd stay far away from a Mamiya RZ unless you like hauling something which weighs more than a 4x5 field camera around.

 

[lxdude]

Bronica's are getting a bit long in the teeth and don't have the best reputation for reliability but otherwise meet your specifications.

Maybe they don't have the best reputation for reliability, but they have a good one. They're designed for heavy use, so a machine in good shape should last well with typical amateur use. As with anything used, actual usage and condition is important.
Modern Bronicas are pretty simple mechanisms. I haven't heard of any particular problems with the electronic timing, which to me would be the biggest cause for concern. The backs are said to be the weakest point, though I haven't had problems. The biggest problem I've seen is lubricants in the cocking/release mechanism in lenses getting stiff and needing replacement. In that case the camera will have difficulty moving the release levers on the lens. Easy to check for; the levers should move very easily in the release direction. Lens CLA's are simple as leaf shutter lenses go, as they have no timing mechanisms.

Not all Bronicas are long in the tooth. They made them until what- '04? Factory supplied parts are available through November of next year. Considering that people are still getting S2's repaired, I think getting later Bronicas repaired won't be a problem for a long time.


From the requirements specified, I also think the best setup would be the Pentax 645n or 645nII. Image quality is going to be great, as good as cropped 6x6. Compared to 6x7, it's still not gonna be shabby.

 

[k_jupiter]

Sounds to me like you are a veteran 135 shooter.

Iffum I was you, i would keep that format for a once in a lifetime trip. You know your equipment.

But... if that isn't the way you want to go, I would advise a M645. Nice light (relative) camera with a grip and a sophisticated metering system, for 6x4.5 negatives. Superior optics and good reliability.

tim in san jose

 

[olwick]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I didn't really have a specific weight in mind, but something I could go on a modest hike with and not come regret taking it along. I realize this varies by person, so all I can do is try out various systems and see how they handle/feel weight wise. Some people could take an 8x10 view camera on a hike with lots of lenses and film holders and be fine. Others have a lower threshold.

As far as rangefinder, I do love the Mamiya 7 II and the Mamiya 6. The challenge I have with them is being able to work quickly when using filters, etc. They are still likely my best option though.

I hear everyone about the possibility of 645 systems too. I'll do some more investigation on that. I've tried the Contax 645 system and loved it, but the lure of the larger 6x7 negative is tempting.

Thanks again for all the advice. You've given me a lot to think about.

Mark

 

[clayne]

Fast, cheap, quality. Pick two. Same thing.

The lightest and quietest 6x6s out there are always TLRs. I've never understood what people's beef with WLFs are though. It's not that hard to compensate for.

 

[Pupfish]

A lightweight medium format SLR is not necessarily a good thing. More mass means more resistance to sharpness-killing vibration from mirror slap, which can be considerable on older designs prior to the late 70' and early 80's when mirrors became better damped.

Any 6x6 or 6x7 becomes rather heavy once you add prism, though, so it's all relative. If you want an ergonomic Bronica for handheld use, you're also probably going to want the Speed Grip or autowinder.

Too, consider the relative rarity and costs of the prisms in your analysis. From what I recall of looking closely at the Bronicas a couple of years back when I was deciding on MF the AEIII finders are huge and heavy, and somewhat rare and expensive. (ultimately picked a Pentax 645N, which I bought for slightly more than Bronica AE III finders alone were selling for at the time on Ebay).

 

[Tony-S]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I didn't really have a specific weight in mind, but something I could go on a modest hike with and not come regret taking it along.

I was hiking in Yosemite last week with a Bronica GS-1 with AE Prism, 50mm and 200mm lenses, two backs and a tripod. It's pretty easy to haul for a 6x7.