Having multiple MF cameras

BetterSense · May 24, 2011

I feel certain that my 4x5 Speed Graphic and 4x5 field camera weigh less and are more compact and easier to carry than my RB 67, which mostly sits on a shelf.

Film and film holders for 4x5, on the other hand, are many times larger for the speed graphic. I can carry probably 100 RB67 exposures in the same space as 2 4x5 film holders, and I don't have to worry about bringing film boxes and changing bags.

jp498 · May 24, 2011

M.A.Longmore said:
.
You are 17, and it's tiring to carry around a 4X5 camera ?
When I was your age, I had to carry my 4X5 barefooted ...
Ron
.

Uphill, both ways, in the snow.

When I go on a hike or other camera carrying outing, I'll carry as much camera gear as I'm comfortably able for the distance and temperature. Format doesn't matter.

If I'm just bringing a DSLR, I'll bring 3 lenses with it. If it's 4x5, I'll bring as many film holders as I have room for with my speed graphic. If it's just the TLR, I'll bring a DSLR along for another option.

I'm slowly recovering from GAS (just need a few more lenses for LF and I'm temporarily healed), and I've got the stuff to choose from (such as 4 8x10 cameras). I like the TLRs (yashica c and rolleiflex) and will crop them if I want a non-square print. The more you use one TLR, the better you will get at it. Same goes for sticking with one film choice for a while.

If you've got money to spend, stockpile some film for the freezer.

Texsport · May 24, 2011

I've thought about the same things and have decided on the following stuff:

(1) Pentacon Six--6X6 for portraits.(Rangefinder cameras don't focus very closely for head shots)
(2) Fujica 690-----6X9 for groups, street, scenics.
(3) Linhof---------6X17 for landscapes.
(4) Noblex 150----6X12 for wider landscapes.

Too much equipment and too little time!

Texsport

Ralph Javins · May 24, 2011

Good morning, guys;

Have you noticed something here? This is a seventeen year old kid, from California, no less, and he is working with film. He is even here on APUG asking questions of us old geezers!!!

See, there is hope. Not all of them are digi-snappers with the built-in camera in their telephone-texting machine. This kid is real.

Luseboy, welcome to APUG. Go ahead and ask questions and report your observations and your progress. And, do not worry too much about that fascination with equipment. I will merely say that for Medium Format, around here there is a pair of Kiev 88 6x6 cameras with a bunch of lenses for them, and a pair of Koni-Omega Rapid M 6x7 cameras with only two lenses for them, but I admit that I am looking for the Hexanon/Omegaron 4.5/180mm lens for one of them. The other K-O will keep the 4.5/58mm WA lens on it.

Then there is the problem with 35mm gear. Oh, yes, this is not the day of the week for Cameras Anonymous, is it? OK, I will only say that the computer file print out of the camera inventory is now just over 80 pages long, but in defense I will say that it is a detailed inventory.

Sirius Glass · May 24, 2011

Ralph Javins said:
Good morning, guys;

Have you noticed something here? This is a seventeen year old kid, from California, no less, and he is working with film. He is even here on APUG asking questions of us old geezers!!!

Good for him!

Sirius Glass · May 24, 2011

M.A.Longmore said:
.
You are 17, and it's tiring to carry around a 4X5 camera ?
When I was your age, I had to carry my 4X5 barefooted ...

uphill in the snow for 50 miles against the wind to save a nickel on the trolley!

Give the guy a break!

Sirius Glass · May 24, 2011

My serious work is with my Hasselblads.

I am starting up with 4"x5" cameras because I want to learn about movements. What I have learned is that too much cheese stops the movements and too much dried fruit or milk loosens the movements.

So what ever moves you!

tomalophicon · May 24, 2011

You should try fresh fruit! DDDDaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmnnnnnnn!

pbromaghin · May 24, 2011

Luseboy said:
OK! so i think for now i am going to kick the idea of having more cameras out of my head...

You think you can kick it, but it never really goes away.

mwdake · May 24, 2011

uphill in the snow for 50 miles against the wind to save a nickel on the trolley!

For me it was uphill both ways

nosmok · May 26, 2011

To get back to some of the thrust of the original question, I think 6x9 is a great format to have-- the most negative in a carryable format. Some old folder or a 2-14/ by 3-1/4 Graflex with a roll back or two would do anyone well. Just don't go hog wild with it like I did. My best 6x9 folder is so good it's kept me from trying out my cheapo 4x5.

--nosmok

ArtTwisted · May 26, 2011

im a broke photography student, i love collecting cameras, but at some point you have to stop yourself. I have a YashicaMat, thats my only medium format, its not the sharpest lens ever, its a pain to focus, and it somtimes has issues with the first frame of the roll but spending money on more medium format cameras wont make my pictures any better. I say get a 645 back if you want for film economy, with 120 prices thats a valid way to go and break even pretty quickly (especially with colour film)

SFC · May 28, 2011

I currently own 2 complete systems: a Mamiya 6, and Bronica S2 with all the lenses. However, I'm currently auditioning a Hasselblad 500 c/m. It's very possible I may keep the Hasselblad and sell the other 2. All of the cameras on the market are a compromise in some manner, but in looking at all the available choices, and for versatility, it seems the Hasselblad seems to be able to do it all and is well-supported. The Mamiya's lenses are excellent and the system is small and light, but a 2nd body is now around $1000, and it's marginal for serious portrait work. The Bronica's very low flash sync can be problematic, as a recent session proved. And the Bronica's lenses cannot compete wide-open with the Hasselblad (they are also prone to flare).

It is definitely burdensome having several systems, and I personally wouldn't recommend it, both for psychological reasons ("oh no--which camera should I use? Maybe I should take all of them..") but for things like filters and accessories. It's just simply a big fat hassle to have bags and bags of equipment, and very expensive to have multiple accessories.

The Hasselblad is not cheap and is certainly not perfect, but it is probably the one direction to go. I have not yet done an objective lens test, but it seems the Zeiss lenses are much sharper than the Bronica (from the afore-mentioned shoot in which both systems were used side-by-side) and at least no worse than the Mamiya. Also, the Hasselblad is surprisingly light, almost a half-pound lighter than the Bronica.

This is very subjective, but I have seen very little interesting 4x5 work. Ever. Mostly technically perfect but totally bland scenic stuff, just like John Sextant.

mmelvis · May 28, 2011

Austin your enthusiasm is very refreshing. Wanting to try all the formats is really a wonderful journey. Shooting each format will have you seeing the world in many ways. I find myself using 4x5" and 6x9cm formats the most, I am still adjusting to the 6x6 and 6x7 formats. If you want to get a general idea on how the 6x7 or 6x9 formats will work for you look at some older equipment. The older equipment I am referring to is older box cameras that use 120 film. You can pick up one of these older cameras for $10 to $30. You can shoot a scene with the older camera and then follow up with the newer equipment you have as you are already familiar with hoe the image will look, set your base line with with what you know. Take detailed notes of what the scene looked like to you and how you thought the image might appear when the film is developed. I find using this method I have been able to train myself to see in the new format. Give it a shot and see what happens and keep enjoying the adventure.

2F/2F · May 28, 2011

Enjoy your S2 (especially since you just had it worked on). It is a good camera, unless you want to use fill flash. In that case, go to an SQ.

6x6 is convenient, and you have enough meat on the film to crop it however you want if you don't want square pix.

revdocjim · May 29, 2011

I happen to own a bunch of MF cameras. I love them because they take wonderful photos and are just plain cheap!
Having said that, they are always much more satisfying when you actually use them!

As for specific cameras and formats, I find that 645 is a lot like 35mm in terms of shape so I don't find it all that aesthetically pleasing but it is great for the portability compared to bigger formats and for the increased IQ compared to 35mm. I find the aesthetics of 6x6 and 6x7 very pleasing, but that's just me.

By the way, as Dave said earlier, if you don't like carrying around a 4x5 camera skip the RB67. And shooting 645 on an RB67 is really silly if you ask me. I love my RB67 but not for its portability or ability to shoot 645.

As for Bronica, I prefer the newer ones (ETR, SQ, GS-1) because of their leaf shutters which make shooting handheld much easier. And they are really flexible. Go with a WLF and crank and you are in Hassey-land. Slap on an AE-prism finder and speed grip and it feels like a slightly oversized 35mm SLR!

Jeff Kubach · May 29, 2011

Go with the RB67. it is cheap.

Jeff

MattKing · May 29, 2011

The best three arguments for a 645 back (as an extra!) for an RB67 are:

1) effectively one gains most of the benefit of a longer focal length lens without having to add one to the bag; and
2) if, like me, you don't have a 6x7 slide projector but do have a slide projector that works with 6x4.5 or 6x6 slides, you can shoot slides with the RB67 and project them; and
3) with 645, you don't have the problem with the one extra negative that won't fit into the negative preserver page .

BrianL · May 31, 2011

Too many cameras or too many addons/accessories can be a distraction. Take 1 camera and 1 lens and learn it. Learn DoF, composition and what the camera sees vs you. Sadly, many persons have too many user cameras and never learn these lessons well. Think about what interests you photographically and pick a camera that fits the style and you.

I am 1 who fell into must having multiple cameras of multiple formats and trying to accessorize all of them. Found out a few things: 1) you end up with a lot of stuff you'll end up never usings, 2) you end up with no money and, 3) all that work reduces time to actually do anything meaningful with the gear.

Decades ago, I got my MF system that I still use today. When I got it, I pretty much grabbed every accessory available. Decades later a good deal of them have never been used. Likewise for lenses. Carrying all the system around with a heavy tripod was a back breaker at times and today impossible, getting too old. Finally, sat down and asked myselfwhat do I NEED to produce a decent result. Stripped the motor drive, speed grip, metered prism, and put on the waist level finder, settled on a 40mm lens and pocketed either my Weston Ranger or Metrawatt hand held meter. With that combo and a couple of backs loaded with different film, I found the only other system I wanted but, did not need to carry was my Leica. I even stripped the Leica system down to just the body, the 40mm lense and the 90mm. The MF is a 645 and I can slap a 35mm back on it and do from time to time as in this configuration, it is light and having learned the camera and lens can be handled quickly when needed to get the job done.

I do have a 6x6 and do intend to get it serviced and to put it into service as an alternative to the 645 at some time but today, I'd not go looking for 1 to add to my collection. The rest of the cameras are either shelf ornaments or about once every couple of years will run a roll through them.

Don't let the film format size be an impediment. I've seen some excellent photos from 16mm Minox cameras as in the end it is your eye and imagination and light that makes the photo and not the equipment.

cfclark · Jun 1, 2011

I have a Pentax 6x7 and 645, one a gift, the other a purchase--my rationalization for having both was that they'd be different tools for different purposes. The actual reason, of course, is GAS, which can be particularly acute when prices are so reasonable. In retrospect, I probably should have stuck with one for a while. I have tended to use the 6x7 for landscapes and other situations where I can take my time to compose and pick my exposure (and reload), and the 645 for street situations where I want to travel light and lean on the AE. (Plus 645 film backs are cheap through KEH, which makes reloading easy.)

I have vowed to at least stick with MF for now, though, and have kept that vow...the last thing I need is 35mm gear proliferation.

Discoman · Jun 2, 2011

Ralph Javins said:
Good morning, guys;

Have you noticed something here? This is a seventeen year old kid, from California, no less, and he is working with film. He is even here on APUG asking questions of us old geezers!!!

See, there is hope. Not all of them are digi-snappers with the built-in camera in their telephone-texting machine. This kid is real.

Luseboy, welcome to APUG. Go ahead and ask questions and report your observations and your progress. And, do not worry too much about that fascination with equipment. I will merely say that for Medium Format, around here there is a pair of Kiev 88 6x6 cameras with a bunch of lenses for them, and a pair of Koni-Omega Rapid M 6x7 cameras with only two lenses for them, but I admit that I am looking for the Hexanon/Omegaron 4.5/180mm lens for one of them. The other K-O will keep the 4.5/58mm WA lens on it.

Then there is the problem with 35mm gear. Oh, yes, this is not the day of the week for Cameras Anonymous, is it? OK, I will only say that the computer file print out of the camera inventory is now just over 80 pages long, but in defense I will say that it is a detailed inventory.

Quoting to say an additional welcome from me! Nice to not be the only 17 year old Californian who prefers film.
however, I'll gladly throw my $.02 in as well.
I use my 4x5 speed graphic for most of my work, except for studio, where I ask (nicely) to borrow a monorail. worked every time so far.
but my filmholders broke, so until I can get new ones, I'll just stick to my seagull.
don't worry about gear acquisition paralysis. you can get over it somewhat.
just, when every you get a new camera, take it out for a while, just see how well it gets out of your way and allows you to interpret your vision onto its film.
besides, expensive gear gets expensive repair bills.
i made the mistake of thinking an expensive TLR would end up making my MF work easier. not improve the pictures, but allow me to create work much easier.
nope. but a $50 seagull from eBay has been the best MF camera I have ever used. focus is broken, uses a knob and red window like the holga for frame advance, cheap chinese lens, body, shutter, etc. chinese lettering for the name, focus is off, etc. but, pick it up, and it just gets out of your way.
feel free t buy and try lots of gear. it's a great way to find what truely works for you. but remember, sell the stuff you never use, regardless of the name of the company who made it.

just my experience. don't fall into the same trap I did.

F/1.4 · Jun 3, 2011

At least with film, it's not like it will go out of style like digital

jreitsma · Jun 5, 2011

One never has "too many" cameras.....especially MF

Folks;

I have a number of medium format cameras: Hasselblad 500 C/M, 80mm, 150mm, 250mm lenses and 2x teleconverter; a Mamiya C330 with 80mm and 135mm lenses; an old Voightlander Perkeo II and a Bessa I. I use the Perkeo and Bessa for "walking around" street photography; the Hassy and the C330 for landscape work and night photography.

Anyway, I like MF cameras...started shooting when I was 12 years old with an old Yashica D and graduated to the Yashica MAT-124G when I was 14 (worked all summer at the library to pay for it....all of $60.00 in 1972).

Find a camera that you like and that fits your style.

Later--Joe

PaulMD · Jun 9, 2011

Dan Daniel said:
Excuse me, but you are 17. I suggest one of two paths. One is to be a gear slut, crank film through any and everything that comes your way. Hang out at seedy flea markets, cruise the lower bins in the backs of vans, whatever falls into your hands- as long as it has a light-tight box, slide some film in and see how you and it get along. Eventually, the thrill wears off, you find yourself spending more and more time with one camera at a time, and the next thing you know....

I did this. I eventually ended up spending more and more time with my Pentax 67 and the 55mm f/4. I have a 150/2.8 for portraits and a 105/2.4 for general shooting, but I generally only take 2 lenses and the 55 is always one of them.

I still have a lot of 'situational' cameras though - an Olympus XA or a Zeiss Novar Ikonta for a car camera, a Yashica Lynx 14E for extreme low light shooting, and a Pentax ME for just messing around, usually with a 50/1.4 or the EXCELLENT 35/3.5.

Remember though, to get over GAS you need to get out and shoot. Your equipment is probably not your weak point, you can work with pretty much anything. The best gear for you is the gear you work well with and like the results from.

Dr.Pain-MD · Jun 10, 2011

jreitsma said:
Folks;

Find a camera that you like and that fits your style.

Later--Joe

I could not agree more. While I love trying out new gear and playing around with other cameras, I have finally found a camera that fits my style of shooting perfectly and I could not be happier. I still love trying out new gear, but I am more than happy to go out and shoot with my TLR which is a perfect match for me. Once you find it, you will know.

Having multiple MF cameras

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