Downsizing from Large Format to 35mm/What Camera

JW PHOTO · Jul 2, 2016

ozmoose said:
I am solidly with Nikkormat for travel photography.

35mm is not LF, and your images will never be as sharp or detailed as, but the Nikkormat/Nikkor images will astound you. Once returned home and done with the post-process processes, you will be truly liberated, and you will never, ever look back.

Again, I don't totally agree with the above. 35mm is every bit as sharp as 4x5 or larger, but there is a catch. The catch is, "How big ya wanna go"? A 4x enlargement from a 35mm negative is just as sharp or sharper as a 4x enlargement from a 4x5 negative, but the print size is certainly not the same. The advantage of large format is that you can specially develop each sheet and enlarge to a much bigger scale before the image starts to degrade. Other than that the 35mm negative shot with good glass is extremely sharp. Like I said, "Just how big do you want to go"?

ColColt · Jul 2, 2016

Original question...

Last trip used Fuji 6x7, excellent results. However, looking for something less bulky, thinking 35mm. Small enlargements, no landscapes, black and white. Camera, suggestions? Thanks.

Small(5x7 or so?) enlargements then to fit the bill 35mm is excellent. Choices are like looking for cereal in the grocery store. If it were me I'd opt for a Nikon F2 series with the 50 f1.4 and 35 f2 lens. Or, the super lightweight Leica M2 with a couple of lens like the 50 and 35mm.

Alan Klein · Jul 2, 2016

I know how it feels getting old and using something light. Although I use an RB67 MF at home for those special shots, when I travel I'm using MFT digital but if I wanted to shoot 35mm film, definitely a rangefinder. It's light!!

John Koehrer · Jul 2, 2016

Let's see. "Less bulky" than a Fuji 6X7?
In my mind that rules out most full size SLR's but Olympus and Pentax MX fit the bill, so do Leica M or LTM cameras with a
collapsible normal fl lens. Both are pocketable with a light jacket or sports coat.
There are a couple of tiny lenses for the Pentax too.

DaveO · Jul 11, 2016

Merg Ross said:
Long time (60 years) with large format. Making short trip to Europe, want to shoot film. Last trip used Fuji 6x7, excellent results. However, looking for something less bulky, thinking 35mm. Small enlargements, no landscapes, black and white. Camera, suggestions? Thanks.

www.mergross.com

Zeiss Ikon used to make a small rangefinder that can use Leica M42 lenses that would be cheaper than used Leica cameras. They supposedly had a better rangefinder than the Leicas.
If you would be interested in Nikons, the FM series ( FM2, FM2n, and FM3 varieties are not very expensive and relatively small. Nikon still makes the F6, but it is a larger and heavier film camera. If you stay with non zoom lenses, you should be able to enlarge to a larger size if needed.

Thomas Bertilsson · Jul 11, 2016

Les Sarile said:
I agree that the LX and MX are the smallest of their kind with the largest viewfinders.
However I have fully tested my 40mm f2.8 and it is sharp wide open and only gets better which is inline with it's reviews. I believe the only thing it get's dinged for is that it takes a little getting used to due to the proximity and size of the focus and aperture rings.

I know this is academic, but thought this might be of use:

Dead Link Removed

The 40mm lens is fine, but not super sharp wide open. At f/4 it's very good, and at f/5.6 it's superb.

Les Sarile · Jul 11, 2016

Thomas Bertilsson said:
Dead Link Removed

I remember reading his results and tried to contact him unsuccessfully to fully understand the methods and analysis. Since I could not verify independently, I do not rely on his results unequivocally.

GRHazelton · Jul 11, 2016

jimjm said:
Merg -
Any preference regarding SLR vs rangefinder? Want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, or the simplicity of a fixed-lens camera? Need autofocus?
For a solid, capable SLR system, I'd look at something from Nikon, which offers probably the largest selection of bodies and lenses available on the used market today. If I was traveling with one body and a few lenses, I'd take an FM2 body with the 28/2.8 AIS, 50/1.4 and 105/2.5 lenses. I also like the Nikon F3 - a bit heavier than the FM2, but built to take a beating. Olympus OM, Minolta MC/MD and Pentax K mount bodies and lenses can also be very good, but Nikon alone can accommodate it's F-mount lenses with newer AF film and digital bodies (with some exceptions), if you ever need to do so.
For rangefinders, I'm partial to Leica bodies, but the cost factor goes up a bit. Not as convenient to use as an SLR if you like lenses longer than 90mm, and Leitz wide-angle lenses can be pricey, although Voigtlander makes some very nice wide lenses at reasonable prices. I use an older M2 with hand-held or shoe-mount meter and it's very quiet and nice to shoot with.

BTW - Wonderful portfolio on your web site! I'm guessing you do your own printing, and am very impressed by your work. I'm striving to reach that level of skill myself someday....

Ummm. Any Pentax K mount lens can be used on any 35mm Pentax AF body or DSLR. Period. There are some inconveniences, but particularly if the diaphragm ring has the "A" position the lens will work on Pentax DSLRs without AF, but with auto-exposure. Without the "A" position stop-down metering is required.

Other than that I am in agreement with the post.

Huss · Jul 11, 2016

ozmoose said:
I am solidly with Nikkormat for travel photography.....

35mm is not LF, and your images will never be as sharp or detailed as, but the Nikkormat/Nikkor images will astound you.

I use Nikkormats, Nikons, Leicas etc. That statement is a bit of an exaggeration unless the gear you've been using to that point has been really sub par.
I really like my FT2, but it's not exactly compact or lightweight or quiet. If any of that matters. But it is crazy cheap, which is a serious bonus!

A fantastic small, light super quiet and inconspicuous 35mm travel camera would be a Minolta CLE. It also has the best RF viewfinder for 28mm lenses out of any 35mm RF that I have used (Leica, Voigtlander Bessa etc). I happen to have two mint/like new ones for sale but I swear that is neither here nor there...

A wacky option would be a Nikonos V with the 35mm lens. Built like a jack stand, AE and manual exposure, seriously weather and shock proof, huge VF, fantastic dampened shutter.
Only downside is you need to estimate the focusing distance, but that is pretty easy with a 35mm lens. Great results, and works well as a club if you happen upon some miscreants in your travels.

cliveh · Jul 11, 2016

Any Leica with a standard 50mm lens.

haziz · Feb 24, 2017

Not 35 mm, but how about a Rolleiflex? not much bigger than an SLR and a much larger negative. A Mamiya 7 is also a great choice, but probably more expensive.

wiltw · Feb 24, 2017

Merg Ross said:
A "normal" lens has more appeal for my work than wide angle.

What lens FL was your most often used, for what sheet film size?

removed account4 · Feb 24, 2017

Merg Ross said:
Long time (60 years) with large format. Making short trip to Europe, want to shoot film. Last trip used Fuji 6x7, excellent results. However, looking for something less bulky, thinking 35mm. Small enlargements, no landscapes, black and white. Camera, suggestions? Thanks.

www.mergross.com

hi merg
just wondering what you settled on ?
i didn't see this thread when it first appeared,
so my response is over 6 months too late

i would have suggested a pentax me super and whatever lenses you
wanted to go along with it. the pentax is a compact useful body
and pentax lenses work well.

i hope your trip was a good one !
john

Montaggio · Feb 24, 2017

Nikon F3 - tough, smallish, newer model, great lens selection and you can still shoot if you lose battery.

Merg Ross · Mar 13, 2017

jnanian said:
hi merg
just wondering what you settled on ?
i didn't see this thread when it first appeared,
so my response is over 6 months too late

i would have suggested a pentax me super and whatever lenses you
wanted to go along with it. the pentax is a compact useful body
and pentax lenses work well.

i hope your trip was a good one !
john

Hi John,
I settled on a Fuji GA645Zi. It worked out well, and the trip was a grand success.
Thanks for checking in.
Best,
Merg

Leigh B · Mar 13, 2017

Montaggio said:
Nikon F3 - tough, smallish, newer model, great lens selection and you can still shoot if you lose battery.

Another vote for the Nikon F3.

It's an extremely robust, reliable, and versatile camera with innumerable accessories.

Of perhaps greater importance is these were popular worldwide, so service should be available anywhere.

-Leigh

etn · Mar 13, 2017

Ian Grant said:
If I was only shooting 35mm I guess my first choice would be a Leica M3 and 50mm Summicron.
Ian

+1 on that if you want a light, simple travel package with normal lens. The collapsible Summicron has the smallest size, and rigid or Dual Range
has the best looks in my opinion - both on the camera as well as on the pictures. Being from the same era it marries very well with the camera.
A Nikon equivalent would be the S3 or SP with the 50 1.4. You can look for the S3 Millenium, the year 2000 reissue of that legendary combo.
It's a really good camera, albeit with a slightly different philosophy than the Leica. Not really comparable. I was hooked the minute I hold one in my hands.
They might be harder to get by than Leicas.

Another "one standard lens" alternative and a GREAT travel camera is a Rolleiflex. It's not that much larger/heavier than a M3
and you could get a nice 2.8E or 2.8F for the budget of an M3 + Summicron or S3 Millenium kit. The sweet spot in terms of price is,
in my opinion, the E version. You get as good as all the features and quality of the F at a much lower price.
If you can afford a bit more look for a GX or FX, they come with a very, very good built-in meter.

Hope this helps!

etn · Mar 13, 2017

Merg Ross said:
Hi John,
I settled on a Fuji GA645Zi. It worked out well, and the trip was a grand success.
Thanks for checking in.
Best,
Merg

I didn't realize when posting my earlier post that the thread was already started a while ago.
So you settled for medium format. I thought that coming from large format you might have been
disappointed by 35mm. Glad you enjoyed the trip and the camera!

Merg Ross · Mar 14, 2017

etn said:
I didn't realize when posting my earlier post that the thread was already started a while ago.
So you settled for medium format. I thought that coming from large format you might have been
disappointed by 35mm. Glad you enjoyed the trip and the camera!

Thanks for the detailed reply above. Yes, no doubt I would have been disappointed with 35mm coming from the 8x10 and 4x5 format. I have, however, become fond of the Rollei SL66 and Fuji 6x7 roll film cameras. The Fuji GA645Zi gave fine results, with less weight and bulk than the aforementioned camera. Mission accomplished, and thanks to all who provided very helpful input.
Merg
www.mergross.com

Bill Burk · Mar 14, 2017

Merg Ross said:
Thanks for taking the time to respond. No real preference to SLR vs rangefinder. Would prefer a single lens, do not need autofocus. Nikon seems highly thought of and on my list. A "normal" lens has more appeal for my work than wide angle.
Thanks for the kind comment, yes I have always done my own printing, gelatin silver....a process I have no plans to abandon!

Took an OM-1 to the snow a couple weeks ago, with a 35mm f/2 lens. Took an OM-4 to a Luau Saturday night with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. Out of all the choices I have, I can't imagine a better set of cameras/lenses to have for traveling light. Mechanical for the hazardous weather, electronic's OK for civilization (I set the electronic camera to manual because I didn't trust Auto to hold the shutter speed I want under mixed light). Shot TMAX 400 on both occasions.

I've found in my recent adventures, that I can be satisfied with the results from 35mm just as well as 4x5... I still pick up the 4x5 when I want landscapes though.

Bill Burk · Mar 14, 2017

haaa just noticed this was an older thread... Still an OM and normal to wide lens is a pretty good camera for adventures.

baachitraka · Mar 21, 2017

A mechanical camera with a 50mm lens is all I can recommend.
I treat other focal lengths as special cases.

>95% frame coverage, bringht view finder, etc., are some other properties I can also look from the camera.

guangong · Mar 21, 2017

The problem for people in this situation today is the paucity of cameras stores, because the best way to choose a camera is to tty a bunch and pick the one that feels the best. The range of better choices has been listed above. I would avoid any cameras with electronics because once broken they are broken forever. But the list is pretty long. Leicas, Leica flexes, Nikon,canon,Minolta. The quality cameras will have that certain feel of a quality camera;a Petri will just feel like a petri. Although I love shooting with them, I would avoid Zeiss cameras simply because of the difficulty of finding competent repairman.

Downsizing from Large Format to 35mm/What Camera

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