Looking for my next system.

Physical_Medium · Mar 22, 2016

I recently acquired a Contax G2 kit with 28 2.8 Biogon and 90 2.8 Sonnar that I'm wanting to trade for a Medium Format kit to build and grow on. I've previously used a RB67 which I liked but had a hard time focusing with (prism view) but from what I gather I should be able to find a kit of nice quality if an even trade is made.

My problem is I don't know exactly what I want. I have a 6x6 already, have shot 6x7, have never shot 6x4.5, and pretty well can manage either of the typical standard formats. I'm looking at maybe a RZ kit or a Pentax 67ii kit, but I want your opinions.

If you in theory had 1200 to spend/trade value with, what kit would you go with and why? Have the option of a Hassy 500C and 80 2.8, though I'm not certain if that would fair me or the other better in the end.

Jager · Mar 22, 2016

I would suggest Hasselblad, even if you didn't already have that potential deal in hand. Whether that particular deal is fair or not depends a lot on condition, how it was used, and how long since it's been CLA'd. There are quite a few 500 w/80 combos available in your price range. And for just a few hundred more you really have a whole lot of Hassy options. I'd recommend looking for a 500C/M model, which would allow you to swap out the focusing screen if you like (a lot of us prefer the brighter Acute Matte D screen), something you cannot do with the 500C.

There are so many wonderful cameras. I will say, for me, the Hasselblad 500 series provides the most wondrous shooting experience of them all. That long, rolling shutter release, with the camera alive in your hand, is the most exquisite, rapturous thing I have ever felt in photography.

It compels you to step up your game.

Welcome to the forum!

Paul Howell · Mar 22, 2016

Physical_Medium said:
I recently acquired a Contax G2 kit with 28 2.8 Biogon and 90 2.8 Sonnar that I'm wanting to trade for a Medium Format kit to build and grow on. I've previously used a RB67 which I liked but had a hard time focusing with (prism view) but from what I gather I should be able to find a kit of nice quality if an even trade is made.

My problem is I don't know exactly what I want. I have a 6x6 already, have shot 6x7, have never shot 6x4.5, and pretty well can manage either of the typical standard formats. I'm looking at maybe a RZ kit or a Pentax 67ii kit, but I want your opinions.

If you in theory had 1200 to spend/trade value with, what kit would you go with and why? Have the option of a Hassy 500C and 80 2.8, though I'm not certain if that would fair me or the other better in the end.

If you were not fond of the RB focusing not sure if a Hassy will be any better. You might want to think about either a rangefinder or a AF 645, Pentax or Mamyia.

Physical_Medium · Mar 22, 2016

It's not that I wasn't fond of the process, it is that it was visually dark. It may have been the prism itself. I'm not sure. I loved the camera as a whole, it was just dark. My TLR on the other hand, is a touch brighter and I'm able to use it well. It does have a magnifier though.

CropDusterMan · Mar 22, 2016

RZ Pro II body (has up-graded internals over previous versions)
RZ Prism (metered or un-metered)
110mm F2.8 lens
120 back

It's fantastic optically and well built.

If you get lucky, you may even slide a 65mm in there too.

paul ron · Mar 22, 2016

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuji_GX680

How can you pass this up?

Physical_Medium · Mar 22, 2016

If the GX680 were an option (someone bought my G2 rather than trade) I would certainly look at it.

Alan Gales · Mar 23, 2016

The RZ67 is really a studio camera and works well on a tripod. You can also shoot hand held but you wouldn't want to backpack with the thing. Wide and long lenses are heavy too. RZ's with their reversible removable backs were very popular for portraiture.

The Pentax 6x7's handle like oversized 35mm cameras. They load like 35mm cameras too so there are no removable backs. They are very popular with landscape photographers.

Hasselblad is a great system but as you know expensive. If you are walking around with a camera hanging from your neck they sure beat the other 3 cameras.

I've never touched the Fuji GX680. I'm assuming it's a big heavy camera that you would always want to shoot on a tripod. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

All four are great cameras. What are you going to shoot and how are you going to use the camera?

Slixtiesix · Mar 23, 2016

1200$ is way too much for a 501C with lens. You could almost get a 501CM for that.

Wayne · Mar 23, 2016

Physical_Medium said:
I've previously used a RB67 which I liked but had a hard time focusing with (prism view) but from what I gather I should be able to find a kit of nice quality if an even trade is made.

Maybe experiment with some different RB viewfinders, and/or focusing screens. If you use a tripod you could even try a dark cloth. I don't know much about other MF cameras except I'd like one of each please.

Physical_Medium · Mar 23, 2016

Things are leaning towarsds the Pentax 67 variety as of now. I like the format, and the portability of it would be nice.

CropDusterMan · Mar 23, 2016

Alan Gales said:
The RZ67 is really a studio camera and works well on a tripod. You can also shoot hand held but you wouldn't want to backpack with the thing. Wide and long lenses are heavy too. RZ's with their reversible removable backs were very popular for portraiture.

All four are great cameras. What are you going to shoot and how are you going to use the camera?

Alan had a few good points in his post above, although I think that the RZ Pro II is often only though of as a studio camera, only for tripods, I disagree. Even Annie L. (above) used it hand held, sometimes with a strap. I mentioned in another thread, I used to shoot cycling racing in Europe with one from a motorcycle. Granted, it was a little heavier, and took some getting used to, but not as bad as one thinks, and the quality was unparalleled. Most photographers I knew in New York in the film days shot it hand held on location and in studio.

you could always put a left hand grip on it, but I shot it on location without one hand held all the time. As a kit, RZ II + Prism/back and two lenses is not that much weight for a photo backpack though, but then again, I'm not factoring the condition and drive of the person lugging it! Lol. The Fuji 680 is such an incredible machine...I never had the chance to use one personally, but assisted guys from time to time who did...awesome control!
They are so CHEAP on Ebay, and I don't understand why!? It must be size that scares people away.

But yes, Alan's question of how you plan to use the camera is a good one...

Alan Gales · Mar 23, 2016

CropDusterMan said:
View attachment 153106

Alan had a few good points in his post above, although I think that the RZ Pro II is often only though of as a studio camera, only for tripods, I disagree. Even Annie L. (above) used it hand held, sometimes with a strap. I mentioned in another thread, I used to shoot cycling racing in Europe with one from a motorcycle. Granted, it was a little heavier, and took some getting used to, but not as bad as one thinks, and the quality was unparalleled. Most photographers I knew in New York in the film days shot it hand held on location and in studio.

you could always put a left hand grip on it, but I shot it on location without one hand held all the time. As a kit, RZ II + Prism/back and two lenses is not that much weight for a photo backpack though, but then again, I'm not factoring the condition and drive of the person lugging it! Lol. The Fuji 680 is such an incredible machine...I never had the chance to use one personally, but assisted guys from time to time who did...awesome control!
They are so CHEAP on Ebay, and I don't understand why!? It must be size that scares people away.

But yes, Alan's question of how you plan to use the camera is a good one...

I had the "L" grip for my RZ and it made a world of difference for me. I did shoot mine hand held some but mostly on a tripod with studio strobes. I have a bad back so I didn't carry it around much.

Anyone who can shoot an RZ from a motorcycle definitely has my respect!

jerrybro · Mar 23, 2016

I love my blad. I started with the basic body, 80mm and folding hood. I've been able to add enough accessories that I can configure it for whatever I am doing with it. If you buy one and it doesn't fit you or some reason, you can get out of it pretty easily, just like a Leica.

Sirius Glass · Mar 23, 2016

I recommend Hasselblad. Accessories, parts and service are readily available.

RalphLambrecht · Mar 23, 2016

Jager said:
I would suggest Hasselblad, even if you didn't already have that potential deal in hand. Whether that particular deal is fair or not depends a lot on condition, how it was used, and how long since it's been CLA'd. There are quite a few 500 w/80 combos available in your price range. And for just a few hundred more you really have a whole lot of Hassy options. I'd recommend looking for a 500C/M model, which would allow you to swap out the focusing screen if you like (a lot of us prefer the brighter Acute Matte D screen), something you cannot do with the 500C.

There are so many wonderful cameras. I will say, for me, the Hasselblad 500 series provides the most wondrous shooting experience of them all. That long, rolling shutter release, with the camera alive in your hand, is the most exquisite, rapturous thing I have ever felt in photography.

It compels you to step up your game.

Welcome to the forum!

I agree; go for a Hasselblad;It's not getting much better than that.

CropDusterMan · Mar 23, 2016

Alan Gales said:
I had the "L" grip for my RZ and it made a world of difference for me. I did shoot mine hand held some but mostly on a tripod with studio strobes. I have a bad back so I didn't carry it around much.

Anyone who can shoot an RZ from a motorcycle definitely has my respect!

Ha! Thanks Alan. It wasn't easy, but worth it! I had a driver I worked with weekly at each race, and he had this beautiful BMW with these great saddlebags he had re-designed to give the photographer
access while on the go. A lot of the photographers used to rib me a bit in fun, as they all thought they had it covered with 35mm chrome, until I showed them a 6x7 Chrome of the race winner in
action over the cobblestones...then they could see the method to the madness. I used a modified Mamiya grip (almost like a slimmed down Stroboframe) that put my nikon flash right above
the lens along the prism to eliminate the awful fill-flash shadows you'd see everyone else had when they went vertical. RZ...rotate, yer in business.

I hear you on the back thing too...nothing worse.

cooltouch · Mar 24, 2016

I just checked prices on eBay. You can pick up a Hassy 500 C/M outfit for less than $1200. (WLF +80mm + A12) But since you're leaning toward a Pentax 6x7, I'd just say lean away. I bought into a Pentax 67 outfit last year. Currently, I have a 67 body with TTL prism, 45mm, 135mm, 200mm, and 2x TC, and I've probably spent right at $1200. One of the nice things about the Pentax 6x7 outfit is that lenses are relatively cheap. And them being Pentax and all, you gotta know they're gonna be razor sharp. Yeah, it's a big camera, but it handles well, and I really like that big 6x7 negative (or slide). The main drawback is a slow flash sync because of the focal plane shutter, but there are a couple of leaf-shutter lenses Pentax made for it, which make up for that.

KidA · Mar 24, 2016

I believe that a Hasselblad system, although on the more expensive side, is so worth it. They are fantastic cameras. They are just so smooth and beautiful…and practical! They're not huge like many MF systems (not small either, but for a system with interchangeable backs, I think it's quite compact). It's really hard to ask for anything more in a system. I can almost assure you, you will be very happy with the entire process in working with this machine. Do it! (no pressure…)

I was in a very similar boat to you… I wanted something cheap and with interchangeable backs. But then I thought, this is likely going to be the only serious MF system I will own, might as well spend a few more bucks and know I'll be happy with it; and guess what? I am. Very happy.

Brett Rogers · Mar 24, 2016

"My problem is I don't know exactly what I want."
It's a case of considering the type of images you plan to make, the format you would like to use and focal lengths and finders you need. Once you've made some decisions you can work out the type of camera: SLR; TLR; rangefinder, etc (you did not actually overtly specify the *type* of system you seek, everyone assumed it is a SLR).

Once you've done that it's likely you'll be able to pose better questions and get more useful answers, too. In the meantime, most people will recommend their own preferred camera, because this is the internet, and that is, apparently, what people do.

Physical_Medium · Mar 24, 2016

I plan to shoot more portraiture than anything in the coming year. I've never dove into it, but I know I enjoy looking at portraiture. I need to make myself do it. Having a capable and quality camera would do that. I should add, this will be used on location, though weight isn't my main concern really as I will have a tripod if not for full support, for some help and stability if nothing else. I don't mind rangefinder but would much rather either a Pentax67 or an SLR type.

Sirius Glass · Mar 24, 2016

Physical_Medium said:
I plan to shoot more portraiture than anything in the coming year. I've never dove into it, but I know I enjoy looking at portraiture. I need to make myself do it. Having a capable and quality camera would do that. I should add, this will be used on location, though weight isn't my main concern really as I will have a tripod if not for full support, for some help and stability if nothing else. I don't mind rangefinder but would much rather either a Pentax67 or an SLR type.

For portraits with the Hasselblad consider the 150mm or the 180mm lens with either the 80mm or 100mm lens as the normal.

Brett Rogers · Mar 24, 2016

Physical_Medium said:
I plan to shoot more portraiture than anything in the coming year. I've never dove into it, but I know I enjoy looking at portraiture. I need to make myself do it. Having a capable and quality camera would do that. I should add, this will be used on location, though weight isn't my main concern really as I will have a tripod if not for full support, for some help and stability if nothing else. I don't mind rangefinder but would much rather either a Pentax67 or an SLR type.

The importance of deciding which ratio(s) you prefer cannot be overstated. TLRs have a lot of things going for them but if you have little interest in the square, it's pointless to discuss them. The Pentax obviously is a 6x7. If you like 6x7, great. If it's not a frame you much care for, not so great. I believe that is the first decision to make. It eliminates a lot of candidates. Once you know that you can work through the pros and cons of the remaining choices.

removed account4 · Mar 25, 2016

get a 3x4 graflex slr. they take barrel lenses
they can be fixed, don't cost a fortune, and
youcan use a roll back. they are meant for making portraits.

the other gizmos are nice, but if it was me ( you asked in your op if i had 1200 $ )
i'd get a nice graflex, some nice lenses ( an assortment of sharp and portrait )
and a bunch of film. i don't really have a MF camera, but i use a roll back in the larger graflex series D 4x5 model and it is also a dream to use...

people look at these cameras ( both the 4x5 abd 3x4 )
and say " too big, hard to hold hard to focus hord to handle" ...
typically, these folks haven't ever picked one up / used one, they are perfectly weighted and a dream to use ...

good luck finding a new system !

Wayne · Mar 25, 2016

jnanian said:
get a 3x4 graflex slr. they take barrel lenses
they can be fixed, don't cost a fortune, and
youcan use a roll back. they are meant for making portraits.

the other gizmos are nice, but if it was me ( you asked in your op if i had 1200 $ )
i'd get a nice graflex, some nice lenses ( an assortment of sharp and portrait )
and a bunch of film. i don't really have a MF camera, but i use a roll back in the larger graflex series D 4x5 model and it is also a dream to use...

people look at these cameras ( both the 4x5 abd 3x4 )
and say " too big, hard to hold hard to focus hord to handle" ...
typically, these folks haven't ever picked one up / used one, they are perfectly weighted and a dream to use ...

good luck finding a new system !

I recently passed up the chance on local Graflex at a really good price that I really wanted because I thought there was no practical way to use it. Weird film size, as I recall

Looking for my next system.

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