Favorite type of MF camera?

[Jerevan]

Yea Jerevan,

But aren't you from Sweden??? :confused:

Rich

Rich, don't worry - I was just kidding a bit!

 

[Dan Fromm]

Hey, Aggie, I sent you a PM yesterday. No response, no read receipt, and no pending read receipts. Would you know whether there's a bug in the PM system or a feature that prevents deadbeats from sending PMs?

Cheers,

Dan

 

[Aggie]

Hey, Aggie, I sent you a PM yesterday. No response, no read receipt, and no pending read receipts. Would you know whether there's a bug in the PM system or a feature that prevents deadbeats from sending PMs?

Cheers,

Dan

I answered you. arrrrggghhh Aggie.P@gmail.com email me and I will get back to you asap, after a potty break.

 

[HerrBremerhaven]

The two most ergonomic medium format systems I have used are the Contax 645 and the Rollei 6008i with handgrip. Really easy to use for hand held shooting. I have enterained the idea of getting a MF rangefinder, either a Bronica RF645 or Mamiya 7 II, though the Bronica is frozen in development time by having few lens choices, and the Mamiya 7 just feels really cheap and fragile (except for the lenses).

I have rented/borrowed Mamiya RZ67 systems previously. Real workhorse camera, though nearly too much for hand held shooting. Another system I find interesting, though have not tried, is the Fuji GX680, another fairly heavy camera system.

So currently, other than sticking a Linhof back on my 4x5, I am using a collection of odd folding cameras, or assembled franken-cameras in medium format. My favourite is a 1937 AGFA Jsolette that allows 6x4.5 and 6x6 shooting, though it is a viewfinder camera with guess focusing. I also sometimes like using my old Polaroid 250 Automatic, though film choices are more limited.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
Dead Link Removed

 

[CGross]

Although not alot of experience with many of those already mentioned. I really enjoy my 2 Mamiya TLR's (C330f & C33). The only wish...a polaroid back!!
A bit heavy to carry around the neck, but in my Tamrac backpack one TLR with a 35mm setup, it's not too bad.

 

[Dave Wooten]

Bronica RF 645, I have been very happy with this camera and received one of the first ones made...the lenses I have are 45 mm 65 mm and 100 mm. Very light weight camera and comfortable to use.

Also for years I have used the RB 67 and I really like it .. the bellows is nice and the ability to rotate the back. I am planning to try the sheet film option on it, looks like fun and would like to get a really long lens, maybe the 500 if i get lucky and hit the lottery.... It is a good studio and portait camera and can be hand held. 20 x 24 portraits with this camera are quite impressive.. If I had to do a lot of 6 x 6 or 6 x 7 shooting hand held, I think I would go for a hassy 500 series as it also has a good selection of lenses.

And...I enjoy my old rolleiflex with its humble 2.8 Zeiss-opton. It was my first MF camera and has produced some of my best and favorite photographs, simple and good....really good.

 

[Matthew Gorringe]

Ebony SW23S is the my favourite (and only current) medium format system. Very versatile and reasonably quick once you accept the limitations of being on a tripod. Occasionally I wish I hadn't sold my Mamiya 6 system so I could have a handheld camera.

 

[jonw]

In MF, I truly enjoy my Bronica systems.... (645) ETRsi, S2A (6x6), and an EC-TTL (6x6) which on the way. The lens, especially the Nikkors, are excellent.

 

[Philippe-Georges]

Hasselblad V system, can`t get better than that in MF!

Cheers

André

YES!

Philippe

 

[gchpaco]

Rangefinders and SLRs are good for different types of work. I have a rangefinder system (Fuji GL690/GM670) and an SLR system (Bronica S2A); I use the former for handheld work, as the Fujis are simply superb, but the SLR is more useful for contemplative and especially tripod work. In some ways this reflects the greater specialization in medium format; I'm perfectly happy using my Nikons for anything in 35mm, but the S2A's strengths on a tripod (interchangable backs, waist level viewing, controls designed for top-down use) work against it handheld. Similarly for the Fujis; if I'm going to go through all the trouble to lug a tripod everywhere, I'd like to have an accurate idea of what's going to be on the negative, the minimum focus distance is a little short for my taste, and I hate crooking my neck and looking through a little hole when it's on a tripod.

I have a TLR, too, and it is an interesting intermediary between the rangefinders (as it's not bad handheld) and the SLR (as waist level viewing is still really nice on a tripod) but these days I find I don't use it much.

 

[P C Headland]

The Iskra is my favourite - small enough to carry anywhere, great lens and nice bright viewfinder.

The Pentacon 6TL is great for shots of the baby, or for when I want a wide-angle.

But, if I had to use just one camera, the Iskra would be the first choice.

 

[Sam2nd]

After using Rollei 6008 Professional, Pentax NII and Hasselblad 500 series, I love all they. Now I have only one, Hassel 501 CM, for me is the best feeling.
I shot mainly street photos, and I love this one, no batteries, fully manual, feeling handheld.
I love the Hassy system.
Regards.

 

[Black Dog]

I've used Hassys, have a couple of TLRs (Mamiya 330s) and intend to get a couple of Mamiya 6 RFs. It's great having interchangeable backs with the Hassys, but you can buy a C330 and 3 lenses for the price of 1 'blad and the lenses are still VG unless you're a real resolution weeny. RFs are the least bulky but not so good for closeup work.

 

[Tom Stanworth]

Rangefinders. Great handling, small light and super image quality. Mamiya 7 and RF645. RZ/RB/Pen 67s are too big and too heavy and offer inferior image quality and little speed advantage compared to a small 5x4. I own RF645 bodies and love them for their superb speed, untuitiveness and image quality. I would not say no to a Mamiya 7 outfit either. Oh, not fat mirrors bouncing about with rangefinders, quieter...need I say more. Then again I dont do studio or close ups...

 

[Bromo33333]

Rangefinders. Great handling, small light and super image quality. Mamiya 7 and RF645. RZ/RB/Pen 67s are too big and too heavy and offer inferior image quality and little speed advantage compared to a small 5x4. I own RF645 bodies and love them for their superb speed, untuitiveness and image quality. I would not say no to a Mamiya 7 outfit either. Oh, not fat mirrors bouncing about with rangefinders, quieter...need I say more. Then again I dont do studio or close ups...

Yeah, it depends upon what sort of thing you want to do. I find a Hasselblad works great in studio, and on location, but is rather difficult for me to use for "street" or "snap" shooting. The 501CM has mirror lock up, so it is doable without a lot of shake, just not convenient.

I never liked the bulk of MF rangefinders, so if you have to have a MF knockabout the Mamiya 7ii and or the RF645 would be the way to go I guess.

I find a MF TLR more useable for me than a MF RF as a knockabout camera, but it is just me and I know I am warped. For casual, "street" and such shooting I drop to 35mm and go with a RF or small SLR (Nikon FM2). Again, it's just me, and I know I am warped.

 

[DWThomas]

Well, after six rolls of film through it, I'm pretty happy with a new-to-me Bronica SQ-A. Of course, ignoring a Brownie Target 620 still in my possession, the Bronica is the total extent of my MF experience. As a retired engineering type, the Bronica was chosen as the practical congruence of specs, weight, and money; some compromising, as is the case with most of my purchases.

DaveT

 

[mawz]

I currently have a M645 and a Super Ricohflex TLR. I use the M645 far more (I've had it for less than a month and have shot more film with it than with the TLR I've had for a year). The reason is a combo of being able to switch between a prism and waistlevel finder, easier loading and winding and the auto-cocking shutter. I do prefer the 6x6 negs though. Might have to look at adding a Bronica or Hassy to the collection.

 

[Papa Tango]

For me, definately RB Pro with WLF, trigger grip, and motorized backs. Yes, its a heavy item, but that does not get to me handheld unless I am working a an event for more than a couple hours. Hiking, backpack necessity....

Sometimes for just a quick walkabout my Mat-124 is just the thing. Great for casual street photography.

 

[boilerdoc]

Started with a Yashicamat. Now have Contax 645 system. Awesome!
Love my Mamiya 7 (2 bodies). Oh yes, can't forget the holga!
BTW,
Steve

 

[rpsawin]

I own a Bronica SQb with most of the lenses (looking for the 40mm) with 120 & 220 backs. I really enjoy the system. I'm pleased with my results as well. As I have no other MF gear I can't compare it to anything else.

Bob

 

[Bromo33333]

I own a Bronica SQb with most of the lenses (looking for the 40mm) with 120 & 220 backs. I really enjoy the system. I'm pleased with my results as well. As I have no other MF gear I can't compare it to anything else.

My experience is with Hasselblad - but my wife has used Hasselblad, Bronica and Mamiya. She prefers Hasselblad first and Mamiya second, but says Bronica is no slouch - and is quite affordable.

 

[Jack Lusted]

A clear huzza for the C330 - also have a Rolleiflex and a Bronica ETRC, but the Rollie for some reason has never quite lived up to expectations and for some reason I've never quite trusted it. The Bron is good but a bit pedestrian, but the Mamiya is consistently trustworthy, the lenses are great, it's good for macro (esp with a 'paramender') and its cheap!

 

[tjaded]

I love my Rolleiflex MX-EVS and use it often, but if I had to pick a favorite it would have to be the Hasselblad. Especially after I got my hands on a 40mm Distagon. That lens is magical.

 

[JJC]

I started using a Mamiya TLR about four years ago and the thrill still hasn't
worn off. It's become one of my prized possessions.

 

[Schlapp]

My fav are as follows;
KOWA 6MM - slr . Very nice to use but a bit heavy. very good glass
Voigtlander Perkeo 1 - light and easy to use with nice lens.
Voiglander Bessa 6x9 rangefinder - need you ask?
Agfa Record 6x9 - landscape brilliance.
Kiev 60 - if I need something to throw at someone/thing !