Handheld 6x7 MF Camera Advice

JohnMeadows · Nov 1, 2011

I use a Pentax 6x7 handheld and don't find it that bad to deal with, and I have shot 1/60th handheld successfully with it (although I prefer 125th and above).

swhiser · Nov 2, 2011

These are all good suggestions and trying many of them would be rewarding. I like the Koni Omega idea: inexpensive and versatile. Mamiya 7 came quickly to mind (and they can be rented).

What I like about my Pentax 6x7 ...

o bright viewfinder
o sharp, contrasty glass (in all key lengths & types including leaf shutter and PC-shift)
o lenses are affordable & plentiful
o did I say the viewfinder is bright?
o shutter is loud but does not materially affect my images (down to 1/30)
o great meter (in the metered prism)
o 6x7 bodies are inexpensive and there are good service people in the US
o 67ii model has a nice grip that makes handholding easier (but it's well more expensive)
o built strong
o oddly a good street camera, especially with the waist level finder.

Negatives ...
o bulk
o not very stealthy / hard to get candid portraits

JaZ99 · Nov 2, 2011

Hi, I'm a Pentax 67 user, too. And indeed, there is no problem with mirror slap. I shoot handheld all the time. The lenses are superb, focusing is fast and easy, and metering prism is perfect. This image was taken in very crawded place, so no time to precise measure with a spot meter:

Other positive: you can get 21 frames out of a 220 film (it is a pity the Provia 100F 220 is available in Japan only)

The only problem with P67 is loading and unloading a film. If you are using Fuji Easy Loading spools, you are fine. If I shoot with Kodak -- I have to use a duct tape to take out the spool.

narsuitus · Nov 2, 2011

b.cipolla said:
I was wondering if any of you had any other suggestions for good handheld 6x7 MF cameras.

I use two Fuji cameras primarily for shooting weddings, posed group shots, full-length portraits, scenic shots, and the architectural shots that do not require the perspective and depth-of-field adjustments provided by large format view cameras. With the 6x7 Fuji, I can take 10 shots on 120 film or 20 shots on 220 film. With the 6x9 Fuji, I can take 8 shots on 120 film or 16 shots on 220 film.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11336821@N00/5266483453/

guitstik · Nov 2, 2011

I have the RB, RZ and the Mamiya 645 and the one I gravitate to the most is the RZ. I have handles for all three and have used each one handheld. The RZ is smaller and lighter than the RB but not as small as the 645 but it has the 6x7 format as well as the rotating back.

Besk · Nov 2, 2011

The Mamiya Press Universal cameras have a combined rangefinder/viewfinder, are easy to shoot and cheap these days. They aren't light or compact however with the handle. I like mine a lot. They are easier (or less tiring) to hold if you remove the handle and trip the shutter directly with your finger. I adapted a close-fitting grip to mine to make it a little easier to grip.

ParkerSmithPhoto · Nov 2, 2011

b.cipolla said:
Hey guys. I have been shooting 4x5 for the past couple of years and want to make the move to MF for more portability and versatility without sacrificing negative size by shooting 35 mm. Ideally, I would like to shoot 6x7, but I've got the feeling that tripods are often used with cumbersome 6x7 SLR systems like the Pentax 6x7 and Mamiya RB or RZ systems, which I would like to get away from after shooting 4x5. At first, I wanted an SLR because I did not love the focusing system of a rangefinder or twin lens reflex. However, I got the feeling that if I want to shoot 6x7, I'm going to have to get used to a rangefinder or a twin lens reflex if I don't want a very large camera. In general, I am looking for a good handheld MF camera, that I can find for a moderate price, for a range of subjects, that will take a good negative. I don't tend to focus on one subject matter. I was wondering if any of you had any other suggestions for good handheld 6x7 MF cameras. Thanks!

If you shoot both horizontals and verticals, you should really consider the Bronica SQ, square format. They are DIRT CHEAP at KEH.com, and the lenses are really sharp. And did I mention DIRT CHEAP? There are no rotation issues, just crop to what you want. Electronic shutters, nice build.

I use my big dog Mamiya RZ for my projects when I'm on location, both handheld and tripod mounted. But my everyday, keep it in the car camera is my Bronica SQ. It's a very light and compact MF, even with my 110 Macro lens.

The other issue is really one of accessories. Do you need to have multiple lenses and backs with you at all times? If so, nothing is very light or compact! I'm a big believer in one camera and one lens; focus on the picture and not on the endless choices an overloaded camera bag will supply.

removed-user-1 · Nov 2, 2011

I have an RB67. Would I use it handheld with the prism finder and 100-200mm zoom (with bracket)? Ummmm, no. Definitely too heavy and cumbersome.

However, it's a different story with the 90mm or 127mm lens and a waist level finder. I use this combo handheld with no problems. It's a bit big hanging off my shoulder by the strap, but I don't find it too heavy to use.

Thingy · Nov 2, 2011

I have recently started using a secondhand Mamiya 7 (I have three other MF cameras) and love it. It's much lighter than my 35mm Nikon F4, easy to hold, the shutter is astonishingly quiet and as has been said before, it can be hand-held at 1/15th second (like my MPP Microcord). If you're not bothered about weight, then the Fuji cameras would be excellent value.

Handheld 6x7 MF Camera Advice

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