Looking for a MF Camera to fit between A7 and 4x5

Atracksler · Apr 30, 2015

I have a Sony A7, which is great, also I have a Toyo 45G, also great....

Looking for a suggestion for a MF camera to sit between them.

I Have a 120 macro 645 lens which I use on my A7, I don't know if 645 is "big enough". Also looking at the RB67 (Since they are pretty cheap) and maybe a Fuji GW690

I know that I could probably pick one and be happy.

Mostly taking still lives and portraits with it...

Any pros and cons would be greatly appreciated....

//ad

paul_c5x4 · Apr 30, 2015

To throw in an alternative - How about adding a roll film back to the Toyo ?

Atracksler · Apr 30, 2015

If I'm going to haul the toyo out, I'll use the whole 4x5.....Want something a little more hand-hold-y and nimbler...

nanthor · Apr 30, 2015

IMO, both the fuji and the Mamiya you mention are not that easy to use handheld, both are large and unwieldy. If 645 is too small for you then either a Hasselblad 6x6 or a medium format rangefinder is my suggestion, just due to ease of use and portability. If SLR type appeals to you, you can't go wrong with the Hasselblad or the Bronica square for a better price point. The cameras you currently have don't allow for looking down into a viewfinder, that might be something that makes you happy, a new perspective. Good luck, Bob.

JLP · Apr 30, 2015

To keep it simple and a bit different than what you have, Rolleiflex with a 2,8 or if smaller budget a 3,5
It is a very rewarding experience too see the images from one of those when it comes out right and i said that because it does take a little patience to get it right but you will be rewarded.

Mike Bates · Apr 30, 2015

Here's the logic, even though it won't be popular.

A 645 isn't a big enough negative to satisfy your medium format Jones. That also rules out anything 6x6 square because by the time you crop to rectangular print format, you're back to 645 usable negative size anyway.

That leaves 6x7, 6x8, and 6x9. The only affordable 6x8 is the Fuji GX680, which is every bit as big and heavy as your Toyo. I have one. I love it, but it doesn't fit your needs. Throw out 6x8.

Not counting old folders, the only 6x9 cameras are Fuji fixed lens rangefinders. I like them. They are HUGE in your hands, but they are relatively light weight. You may find the fixed lens limiting.

That leaves 6x7, my favorite medium format. The Mamiya 7 rangefinder is expensive. The Fuji 6x7 rangefinders are nice but also fixed lens. The Pentax 67 is huge and handles best with the wooden handle, which makes it even bigger. You know about the RB and RZ, both pretty big system cameras. My favorite in this category is the Bronica GS-1. It's physically much smaller than the RB, partly because it doesn't have bellows and a revolving back. It handles well off the tripod with the prism finder and speed grip. The lenses are outstanding. The system isn't nearly as plentiful on the used market, but prices are quite reasonable.

Two23 · Apr 30, 2015

The whole thing about photography is to match the gear to what you shoot. Have no idea what you shoot or exactly what you're after here. You need to think this through and better define what it is you want. For me, I just like really fine old cameras, for casual use. My two favorites are a 1937 Voigtlander Bessa RF and a 1951 Rolleiflex. Both have the look and feel that are important to me. What is important to you?

Kent in SD

Sirius Glass · May 1, 2015

Hasselblad.
Packard advertized "Packard, ask the man that owns one." The same thing goes for Hasselblad which advertized "Square is the perfect shape."

After shooting 4"x5" you will appreciate the large clear viewfinder.

Alan Gales · May 1, 2015

Atracksler said:
If I'm going to haul the toyo out, I'll use the whole 4x5.....Want something a little more hand-hold-y and nimbler...

I used to own an RZ outfit. I'd just as soon take your Toyo monorail out in the field as the RZ. If you want to use more than one lens then I would recommend a Hasselblad. I used to own a 500/cm and it was great to carry around. Of course I like square pictures. If you are going to crop to rectangle you might want a 645 system. The Bronica 6x7 mentioned above might also work. I don't have any experience with it though.

250swb · May 1, 2015

Two23 said:
The whole thing about photography is to match the gear to what you shoot. Have no idea what you shoot or exactly what you're after here. You need to think this through and better define what it is you want. For me, I just like really fine old cameras, for casual use. My two favorites are a 1937 Voigtlander Bessa RF and a 1951 Rolleiflex. Both have the look and feel that are important to me. What is important to you?

Kent in SD

Good common sense.

Clairvoyance is a skill I don't have either, so if you, the OP, are in any way similar to me, primarily a landscape photographer who's lens use becomes more refined the larger the format, then it seems there are two possibilities. For landscape you might want something practical, with the largest negative, and relatively easy to carry. This would translate into the Mamiya 7 or the Fuji GW690/GSW690. So 6x7 or 6x9, although it should be said you can buy both a GW690 and GSW690 for the price of one Mamiya 7.

Steve

film_man · May 1, 2015

I disagree that 645 is not big enough. Big enough to what? Compared to the A7 it is a different look, one is digital the other is film, ie a different look and shooting experience. 645 is the most portable of all MF cameras so for portraits on the go they are great.

Saying that for still and portrait you can't beat a RB67/RZ67, sure your 4x5 can beat it but I think the one you have is a monorail? So a RB/RZ will be infinitely more handholdable (make sure you get the grip, the adjustable for the RB is amazing). By the way, I have a RB67 and I use it 99% handheld.

Alternatively any of the 645 cameras are great for portraits and even still with the right lens and the same can go for pretty much any SLR. I wouldn't get a rangefinder or TLR simply because still life and portraits are the two weakest things for these types of cameras.

Since you have a 645 macro lens get a body for that. If you don't like it you can sell it and lose no money. What lens is it by the way?

I would also get a RB67 kit. They are so cheap nowadays everyone should have one!

Richard Man · May 1, 2015

Go with 6x6 at least. I have been using a SWC/M for 3-4 years and now just added a Hassy 203FE. The 4x5 are still better of course but the Hassy can make huge prints.

dynachrome · May 1, 2015

You can get a nominal 6X8 format by using the correct RB or RZ back. For tripod use and only occasional hand held use an RB or RZ is good. For more hand held 6X7 SLR use a Bronica GS-1 with a Speed Grip and prism finder is good. There is also the Pentax 6X7/67 for hand held use. At one time lenses for these cameras cost less than lenses for the Bronica and Mamiya systems because most of them (the Pentax lenses) have no shutters. By now the Bronica and Mamiya lenses have come down a lot in price even with the built-in shutters. One nice thing about the RB equipment is that with the exception of meter prisms they are not battery dependent.

Atracksler · May 1, 2015

I think the RB67 is probably the best fir for me right now.... now to find on in my price range....

Texsport · May 1, 2015

While I really love all my Fujica 670 and 690 cameras, lenses, and gadgets, one of my other go to cameras are the Rittreck/Warner/Norita series of 6X6 cameras and lenses.

Adapters are now available to attach Rittreck/Noritar lenses to either Nikon F or Canon EF cameras. This would also low use of these MF lenses on your Sony I believe. (Fujica lenses cannot be used similarly because the shutters are on those lenses instead of in the camera)

The Noritar 80/2 is a spectacular lens for portraits, allowing rare 6X6 head shot portrait capability (only surpassed by the 6X9 head shots produced on 6X9 by Fujica 690 with 100/3.5 AE and closeup Auto Up attachment).

Norita 66 also offers 55/4, 40/4, 160/4, and 240 lenses to use for still life shooting.

The Noritar 80/2 should be in your collection of go-to lenses - the Noritars also produce stunning results on adapted smaller format cameras.

Texsport

Sirius Glass · May 1, 2015

didjiman said:
Go with 6x6 at least. I have been using a SWC/M for 3-4 years and now just added a Hassy 203FE. The 4x5 are still better of course but the Hassy can make huge prints.

Wisely spoken.

Looking for a MF Camera to fit between A7 and 4x5

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency