You list of 'wants' is pretty much cancelled out by your list of 'nots'. As in, you are looking at a super heavy RB67 and don't want to use a tripod, which I don't think is realistically possible if you want to reliably take full advantage and use fine grain film.
Medium or large format is a slower way of working. So assuming you already have a 35mm camera slow down with that first and see if it suits you. Get some super fine grain slow film, use a tripod, use the lenses you have at their optimum apertures, use a cable release for vibration free exposure, etc. get some ND filters for long exposures, and you are almost three quarters of the way to a medium format way of working and getting excellent quality negatives. If it's simply equipment doubt you are suffering and need some inspirational fun put a different film in your 35mm camera, something like infrared and slow down with that (because you will definitely need a tripod), or rate a fast film at 3200 ISO and go all out for the grain.
If you enjoy the pace of slowing down, contemplating the scene, adjusting your tripod an inch to the left or right, and waiting for a cloud to come along, or a gust of wind to die down, you will enjoy medium format. You may also enjoy slowing down with the cameras you already have. But ultimately I think the type of camera your GAS is searching for will become self evident whether it's large or medium format.
I got to thinking, after your last reply, that something like the Mamiya C330 might be just right. Pretty darn portable, very good to excellent interchangeable lenses, about every accessory you could imagine including a sheet film back and holders. I just checked the big auction and there is a back with four holders. I only found one on there, but it looks to be something that might work for you. Otherwise I don't know what to tell you.
Yes, I have owned the C33, C220 and C330f with 55mm, 80mm, 105mm 180mm. They are workhorses and I had absolutely no problems with any of the outfit. I will be honest that when I read what the OP was looking for this system didn't pop to mind. The only drawback I see is using some out-of-the-ordinary lens on the Mamiya TLR's body, but I'm sure some clever person could figure that out too.The Mamiya TLRs (C22, C33, C220, C330) offer great flexibility in lenses: 55, 65, 80, 105, 135, 180 and 250 which need only 2 different filter sizes. As John Wiegerink points out, they make up a real system with paralax and bellows extension indicators in the ground glass, chimney and eye-level viewfinders, hand grips, and more. I find that a good substitute for a tripod is to adjust the neck strap so the camera is hanging at my chest and tripping the shutter with a cable while holding my breath and no hands touching the camera.
Yes, I have owned the C33, C220 and C330f with 55mm, 80mm, 105mm 180mm. They are workhorses and I had absolutely no problems with any of the outfit. I will be honest that when I read what the OP was looking for this system didn't pop to mind. The only drawback I see is using some out-of-the-ordinary lens on the Mamiya TLR's body, but I'm sure some clever person could figure that out too.
I think we are back to a Baby Speed or Graflex with Graflok back. Finding one with functioning focal plan shutter may take time and effort as OP lives in the EU. How common are Speeds and Gralfex's in the E.U.?
I think we are back to a Baby Speed or Graflex with Graflok back. Finding one with functioning focal plan shutter may take time and effort as OP lives in the EU. How common are Speeds and Gralfex's in the E.U.?
A Busch Pressman, available in both 6x9 and 4x5.... no focal plane shutter needed....or
Linhof, baby Linhof,..... Horseman....
Right. Just the thing for barrel lenses.
It often feels like the quest for a great set-up is the key to unlocking great potential but in truth, it comes at the expense of making great images.
Take it from someone who has scoured and collected great kit over the years, but who has very few images to show for it.
What I'm saying is, it's easy to blame the gear but it's easier to improve the kit than to improve the photographer.
Fantasizing about additional gear is a good way to avoid doing anything with the gear in hand. On the one hand, fantasizing without buying is a good way to avoid making a mistake. On the other, fantasizing and not buying can be a mistake. Whatever we do will be wrong.
I think we are back to a Baby Speed or Graflex with Graflok back. Finding one with functioning focal plan shutter may take time and effort as OP lives in the EU. How common are Speeds and Gralfex's in the E.U.?
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