I'm looking to buy a medium format Camera

isabel okoro · Jul 12, 2019

I owned the Mamiya RB67 Pro S with the 127mm f3.8 lens and I was satisfied for about a year or so but I want to switch it up. I don't like the way the camera shoots (having to hang round my neck and look down) so would you recommend I just try a different viewfinder?
Anyways, I'm looking to buy a new Medium format camera to either replace my Mamiya RB67, or serve in addition to it.

What film format would you recommend and what camera for that film format?
Right now I have my eyes on the Pentax 6x7... is it heavier than the RB67?

Thank you in advance!

Thank you to everyone who's replied me so far, I appreciate all your useful information. I might not be able to reply to everyone but know I've read it and appreciate your input. Thank you again!

cramej · Jul 12, 2019

Prism finder II for the RB

Luckless · Jul 12, 2019

I think that trying with a good prism finder for your existing camera is your best first shot.

If you're also not a fan of that, then you'll probably want to sit down and carefully think about what aspects of the rig aren't working for you, and then you can talk more about what other options exist.

Making good suggestions to people without knowing what they really need and want out of a camera is hard. I can easily suggest cameras that I like, but that's not actually all that helpful in sorting out what you like.

Paul Howell · Jul 12, 2019

Mamiya Press or Universal, rangefinder, with nice set of lens, either 6X7 or 6X9 back. Other thought, Graphic 2X3, another rangefinder with interchangeable backs, standard back and 2X3sheet film a crippled view camera, with roll film back 6X9, and I have seen 6X6 backs as well.

narsuitus · Jul 12, 2019

Consider a 645 SLR.

isabel okoro · Jul 12, 2019

cramej said:
Prism finder II for the RB

Thank you!

isabel okoro · Jul 12, 2019

Luckless said:
I think that trying with a good prism finder for your existing camera is your best first shot.

If you're also not a fan of that, then you'll probably want to sit down and carefully think about what aspects of the rig aren't working for you, and then you can talk more about what other options exist.

Making good suggestions to people without knowing what they really need and want out of a camera is hard. I can easily suggest cameras that I like, but that's not actually all that helpful in sorting out what you like.

That's fair enough. I like my RB67 a lot but I just find that it's not very ergonomic. I thought about maybe just getting a prism finder and a good tripod but I've had it for a year and also thought it might be a good time to try some new equipment since I've gotten the hang of this.
A lot of people are suggesting trying out the prism finder first so I'd do that along with a tripod. Thank you!

isabel okoro · Jul 12, 2019

Paul Howell said:
Mamiya Press or Universal, rangefinder, with nice set of lens, either 6X7 or 6X9 back. Other thought, Graphic 2X3, another rangefinder with interchangeable backs, standard back and 2X3sheet film a crippled view camera, with roll film back 6X9, and I have seen 6X6 backs as well.

Thank you so much. I'm looking into the Mamiya Press as well

isabel okoro · Jul 12, 2019

narsuitus said:
Consider a 645 SLR.

Would you recommend a Pentax 645 or Mamiya 645?

Rick A · Jul 12, 2019

If you buy a 645 you still have the same options as you have now, waist level or prism finder. Just buy a prism finder for what you have already, besides why step down in negative size.

warden · Jul 12, 2019

If you want a more streetable camera you could try a Mamiya 7. I've never tried one but people really seem to like them.

And I'll echo the comments about viewfinders being important. I couldn't warm up to a Hasselblad until I put an accessory viewfinder on it.

jim10219 · Jul 12, 2019

What's your budget? What do you shoot? How light do you need it? Do you use a tripod? What about interchangeable lenses?

If you're complaining about the ergonomics of the RB67, understand that a lot of medium format cameras are set up in similar fashion. You might consider something like a Fuji GW690 if you're wanting something like a larger 35mm style camera. On a budget, you might consider a folder. Though if you're wanting interactable lenses, you'll want to look elsewhere.

voceumana · Jul 12, 2019

I own a Pentax 67II, Mamiya RB67 Pro-SD, a Bronica SQ-Ai, and a Fuji GW69III. Of these, the Fuji rangefinder is easiest to hand hold, the Bronica is 2nd easiest. I would not try to hold the Mamiya--I simply don't have the strength to do so. The Pentax 67II can be hand held, and it is a little lighter than the Mamiya, but it is best on a tripod for the sharpest photos.

Rangefinders are probably best for hand holding, so the Mamiya 6/7 or the Fuji GW or GSW cameras are options. Fuji is the most affordable but they have fixed lenses (the older series with interchangeable lenses are too old and rare for me to suggest). Used Mamiya 7 systems are still expensive.

If you are OK with the 6x4.5 size, the cameras are much more compact--I'd probably look at the Bronica ETRSi system with a prism finder and speed grip. Of course Mamiya and Pentax made 645 systems, too. Bronica made a 6 x 4.5 rangefinder camera for a short while, but I don't see them for sale very often.

By the way, a prism finder for the RB adds significant weight.

isabel okoro · Jul 12, 2019

Rick A said:
If you buy a 645 you still have the same options as you have now, waist level or prism finder. Just buy a prism finder for what you have already, besides why step down in negative size.

That's true. The larger negatives are one of the reasons I made the switch to MF in the first place so downsizing might not be the smartest. Thanks!

isabel okoro · Jul 12, 2019

jawarden said:
If you want a more streetable camera you could try a Mamiya 7. I've never tried one but people really seem to like them.

And I'll echo the comments about viewfinders being important. I couldn't warm up to a Hasselblad until I put an accessory viewfinder on it.

Thank you so much!

isabel okoro · Jul 12, 2019

jim10219 said:
What's your budget? What do you shoot? How light do you need it? Do you use a tripod? What about interchangeable lenses?

If you're complaining about the ergonomics of the RB67, understand that a lot of medium format cameras are set up in similar fashion. You might consider something like a Fuji GW690 if you're wanting something like a larger 35mm style camera. On a budget, you might consider a folder. Though if you're wanting interactable lenses, you'll want to look elsewhere.

Yes! That's exactly what I'm looking for... basically a larger 35mm camera. I love my RB for portraits and assignments but I'd like to do more street photography on medium format.
I'll check out the FUJI GW690. Thankyou!

isabel okoro · Jul 12, 2019

voceumana said:
I own a Pentax 67II, Mamiya RB67 Pro-SD, a Bronica SQ-Ai, and a Fuji GW69III. Of these, the Fuji rangefinder is easiest to hand hold, the Bronica is 2nd easiest. I would not try to hold the Mamiya--I simply don't have the strength to do so. The Pentax 67II can be hand held, and it is a little lighter than the Mamiya, but it is best on a tripod for the sharpest photos.

Rangefinders are probably best for hand holding, so the Mamiya 6/7 or the Fuji GW or GSW cameras are options. Fuji is the most affordable but they have fixed lenses (the older series with interchangeable lenses are too old and rare for me to suggest). Used Mamiya 7 systems are still expensive.

If you are OK with the 6x4.5 size, the cameras are much more compact--I'd probably look at the Bronica ETRSi system with a prism finder and speed grip. Of course Mamiya and Pentax made 645 systems, too. Bronica made a 6 x 4.5 rangefinder camera for a short while, but I don't see them for sale very often.

By the way, a prism finder for the RB adds significant weight.

Thank you so much for this detailed response. Appreciate it!

campy51 · Jul 12, 2019

I just bought a Fuji GW690II and shot only one roll but I love it so far.

LiamG · Jul 12, 2019

It really depends on what you want to shoot- e.g., do you need to carry the camera all day, will you carry a tripod, how much will you balance speed/ease of use with control. I've used a bunch of different cameras, folders, Bronicas, Pentax 67, Rolleiflexes, Mamiya rangefinders- but there are so many medium format options, it's kind of bewildering anyways. For me, I decided what format I wanted (6x7), and worked from there. I ended up wanting something light, that could be used off a tripod for photojournalism- I tried the rollei for that, and it was good, but I had reliability problems. Pentax 67 was both too heavy and too loud, a tripod camera in my opinion- but a good one. Bronicas and Mamiya SLRs were too heavy- I ended up with a Mamiya 7 and a few lenses (they were also a bit cheaper in the past, I think), and it's worked great for me, even as I've transitioned to more landscape stuff. It's a flexible camera, fairly light, can be handheld, can be tripod mounted. The only issue with rangefinders is that framing isn't super precise, but you figure that out the more you use a particular camera too.

Now that I'm hopefully past the days of heavy gear abuse, I bought another Rollei too, and they're really great cameras. Probably the perfect medium format camera if you can accept the one 75/80mm lens choice (excluding pricey wides and tele bodies). Very small, very light, well designed. 6x6 format is very enjoyable for me, but I tended to stick with 6x7 in the past- I like both formats.

voceumana · Jul 12, 2019

If you get a Fuji rangefinder, the choices are 6x7, 6x8, and 6x9; 6x9 gives you the closest aspect ratio to 35mm, though 8 exposures per roll. You can get one with a 65mm lens or a 90 mm lens. Not all formats/lens combinations were made. The cameras are all essentially the same size--only the innerds vary with format/lens. You probably will never regret getting the Fuji RF--but, in the event you do, they sell pretty easily.

voceumana · Jul 12, 2019

By the way, if I ever found a great buy on the Mamiya 7 with lenses, I'd buy it.

Paul Howell · Jul 12, 2019

Similar to the Mamiya press is the Konica Rapid 100. Unlike the Mamiya when film is film is advance the pull push lever the shutter is cocked, which is why it was called the rapid. In operation more like a 35mm than a Mamiya, only 3 lens were made for it, Konica made very good glass, some of the best. It's a 6X7 with interchangeable backs. Will run a lot less than a Mamiya 7 but a little more than a Mamiya press. If you find one that has been rebuilt a Kiev 60, 6X6 rather than 6X7, glass is pretty good.

Sirius Glass · Jul 12, 2019

Hasselblads weigh a whole lot less and the bodies go for about $300US to $500US, most CF lenses are in the $300US to $600US range. There are more accessories, parts, lenses, film backs and service available than for any other MF camera. There are even digital backs for Hasselblad cameras.

narsuitus · Jul 12, 2019

isabel okoro said:
Would you recommend a Pentax 645 or Mamiya 645?

I would be happy with either. However, I know an Alaskan landscape photographer who uses a pair of Pentax 645 cameras and based on his images and his comments, I would be biased toward the Pentax 645.

narsuitus · Jul 12, 2019

isabel okoro said:
I owned the Mamiya RB67 Pro S with the 127mm f3.8 lens and I was satisfied for about a year or so but I want to switch it up.

I also own the Mamiya RB67. When I want to use a lighter eye-level medium format camera, I use a Fuji rangefinder.

Medium Format Kit by Narsuitus, on Flickr

I'm looking to buy a medium format Camera

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