Looking into purchasing Medium Format. Advice?

MLSullivan · Nov 26, 2007

Having studied at a small liberal arts college, we weren't given many options as to what format to study. Obvoiusly 35mm is the standard when learning, but I'm looking for a change in perspective and new inspiration. I'm wanting to invest in a medium format camera and unfortunately, my Nikon loyalty will not help me there.

Would anyone be willing to offer experienced buying advice in terms of models and getting started with equipment, lenses, tips?

Any advice is welcome. Looking forward to that new (to me) camera smell.

keithwms · Nov 26, 2007

MLSullivan said:
I'm wanting to invest in a medium format camera and unfortunately, my Nikon loyalty will not help me there.

Says who? The plaubel makina sports a sharp Nikon 80mm f/2.8...

But indeed, unless you shoot LF, there aren't many ways to stay true to your brand. There are some really great Nikkor LF lenses though, keep that in mind!

There are many great medium format cameras out there, but they come in totally different sizes and with very different features.

I would suggest beginning with these questions (in no particular order):

(1) you need/want AF?

(2) Do you want an SLR, TLR, or rangefinder?

(3) What total investment do you want to make for your starter kit, including lens(es) and all peripherals such as backs?

(4) How transportable should your system be? Comparable to a 35mm SLR or do you care? Will it be primarily handheld or are you okay with working from a tripod? Will it be used in a studio, in the street, on the road...?

I think once you answer these questions then you will get plenty of great advice.

jeroldharter · Nov 26, 2007

You don't mention what sort of photography you enjoy (e.g. portraits, landscapes, etc.) But if you are just starting out I assume that your interests are evolving and your budget is limited.

I have a Pentax 67 system which is great: built like a tank, sharp lenses, handles like 35 mm (+ 5 pounds), and relatively cheap. The main drawback is a focal plane shutter with mirror slap and low flash sync speed. The newer Pentax 67II has TTL flash and built in spot meter but still costs alot (~$1200 used).

I think you could get a Bronica or Mamiya 6x7 system for a low price used. I would be careful about some of the used Mamiya systems, just worried that they were used by pros for years prior. These two have leaf shutters in the lenses and faster sync speeds so they would be better for portraits (and maybe macro).

No doubt some will suggest Hasselblad but they still command quite a premium to the others.

JBrunner · Nov 27, 2007

My advice would be to get something simple and cheap, like a good old TLR, and try out MF to see if it is what you are looking for. You may really want to move right into LF, or maybe you will be happy staying with 35mm, or maybe you find MF is just the thing, and go for it.

The real question is why before what, so get your feet wet, before you jump all the way. JMHO

Sanjay Sen · Nov 27, 2007

MLSullivan said:
... I'm wanting to invest in a medium format camera and unfortunately, my Nikon loyalty will not help me there.
<snip>

Sure you can, if you go for Bronica's "classical" models - the S, S2, S2a, etc. - you can use Nikon glass.

I use the newer (relatively speaking, Bronica is not manufactured any more) Bronica SQ-A and am extremely satisfied. It's a modular design 6x6 SLR, with backs available for 35mm (normal & panoramic), 6x4.5 (120 & 220), 6x6 (120 & 220) and Polaroid. You can use a variety of interchangeable finders, and choose from two series of lenses - the older (and cheaper) Zenzanon-S series and the newer Zenzanon-PS series.

Good luck with your search.

Best wishes,
Sanjay

Nick Zentena · Nov 27, 2007

Decide on goals. With used MF being priced so low don't worry about getting the perfect camera. Get something that will do what you want well. Decide on format.

The two things will answer many of the other questions. The smaller 645 cameras are easier to handhold and some can even be used like an over grown 35mm. Basic kits aren't too expensive. The bigger formats bring different things to the party. But gain size,weight and often lose some of the helpfull add ons the smaller cameras have.

So what do you intend to do with the camera? Landscapes? Portraits? Stuck on a tripod?

Sirius Glass · Nov 27, 2007

JBrunner said:
My advice would be to get something simple and cheap, like a good old TLR, and try out MF to see if it is what you are looking for. You may really want to move right into LF, or maybe you will be happy staying with 35mm, or maybe you find MF is just the thing, and go for it.

The real question is why before what, so get your feet wet, before you jump all the way. JMHO

*2

Stay within your budget. You can spend more later when you can do it without guilt or strain.

Yes I own a Hasselblad and I think it is a great camera. However I owned a Mamiya C330 before and they are much cheaper. There are other Mamiyas, Bronicas and Pentaxs in a price range in between. First start inexpensively and see it you want to stay in MF for the long haul.

Steve

MattKing · Nov 27, 2007

Here is my suggestion.

Invest in a subscription to APUG. Then wander through the galleries, to see the wide variety of results that one can realize with a wide variety of equipment. If there are any photographs using Medium Format that catch your eye, ask some more questions, and see if you can actually examine an example of the camera used, at a store, or from a friend.

I have three different moderately current types of MF cameras. One of which (the Mamiya C series TLRs) is very well suited to me, and the other two of which (Mamiya 645 SLR, and Koni Omega RF) I am learning, becoming adapted to, and beginning to fully appreciate.

You may be the type of photographer who can easily move from camera system to camera system, and take full advantage of each. Alternatively, there may be one system that is far and away best for you to use. Without knowing more about you, or your photography, it is hard to make a recommendation.

It is fun, though, to try a bunch out.

Matt

Woolliscroft · Nov 27, 2007

I'd agree with Keith's questions, but there are others: like which format you want, do you need interchangable lenses/backs? what flash sync speeds do you need? etc.

John Koehrer · Nov 27, 2007

And in your quest check out KEH in Atlanta for a dealer that gets excellent recommendations.

Cheryl Jacobs · Nov 27, 2007

I disagree with J (but I still like him. )

TLRs, rangefinders, and SLRs are totally different animals. You may hate a TLR but love an SLR. (That's the case for me.) Buying a cheap anything before you really have an idea of what you're after and how you want to work is likely to be a waste of money.

Best thing you can do is 1) consider the questions posed in the first response, and 2) see what feels most comfortable in your hands.

- CJ

pentaxuser · Nov 27, 2007

You might want to visit a local camera club or clubs to check who uses MF. That way you will be able to talk directly to users and might even get a chance to try several. You can take your time the way you probably can't even in the most customer friendly camera shop.The problem I have found with visiting APUG galleries is that scans are the great but artificial leveller reducing all shots to much the same level whether they be 35mm MF or even LF. Real galleries with real prints are of course another thing all together and are worth visiting to help you decide.

pentaxuser

Sirius Glass · Nov 27, 2007

Everyone will tell you that whatever they have is the best. Take their advice with several kilos of NaCl.

Steve

Cheryl Jacobs · Nov 27, 2007

Sirius Glass said:
Everyone will tell you that whatever they have is the best. Take their advice with several kilos of NaCl.

Steve

Actually, I don't believe anyone in this thread thus far has done that.

- CJ

Sirius Glass · Nov 27, 2007

Cheryl Jacobs said:
Actually, I don't believe anyone in this thread thus far has done that.

- CJ

I was refering to the real world. I stayed away from doing any more than mentioning Hasselblad and I behaved myself by not dissing the C330.

Steve

IloveTLRs · Nov 27, 2007

An old 120 folder may be a good entry. I'm not sure of pricing outside Japan - are they cheaper than TLRs?

copake_ham · Nov 27, 2007

I've recently begun shooting in MF. I prefer the SLR format, in part because it is "familiar" to a 35mm Nikon shooter (we share that aspect).

I have both Hassey (6x6) and Bronica (6x4.5) systems and like the interchangeable backs because you have relatively few shots per roll compared to 35mm. However, I now also have a Pentax 67II and while it is a brick (a friend calls it a 35mm on steroids) - I find the similarity of functions to my Nikon F3 to be very nice.

The drawback is that there is no interchangeable back and at 6x7 you only get 10 shots on a 120 roll. That's why I'm stocking up on 220 film which will get me 21 shots - almost as many as a "short roll" of 35mm.

But as one poster points out - it's a ton of camera!

Jersey Vic · Nov 27, 2007

Any MF camera will give you 'better' negs. Maybe you can rent some different cameras and see what you like best?

I like TLR's. I found this out using a $40 Czech Meopta Flexaret (the Czechs made/make some good images). The negatives blew me away. Next it was a Rolleicord IV. Awesome Schneider optics, tiny, light simple. $175. That being said, I use a $15Holga most of the time now and although many feel that it's hardly a camera, it's the purist form of image making I can imagine. Have fun and keep shooting.

MLSullivan · Nov 27, 2007

Thank you everyone!!!! I appreciate your advice, and I obviously have a lot of research ahead of me. Regardless of what I decide, it's going to be a good investment. With that having been said, I can always use more good advice.

Thanks again, and happy shooting.

23mjm · Nov 27, 2007

Hello--

About 5 years ago I wanted to move up to a MF so I looked around and decided on a Mamiya M645-1000s with a 80/1.9 lens loved the camera got a 45mm and 150mm to get me a good range. I have shot 1000's of shots and have been very happy. Then me and friend got 4 Mamiya C330 and a bunch of lenses in a lot auction. We fixed them up and off a shooting I went. Really liked the C330 quirky old camera that makes great images now I own 3 lenses 55mm, 80mm, and 135mm all take great images!! So for the hell of it I got a Mamiya RB-67 ProS and 50mm, 90mm and 250mm lenses. Love that camera too, but its a big ol' tank

If I had it to do over I still would start with the M645-1000s---you could even pick up a 645e for a great price, it has a built in light meter that is great or get a metered prism for the M645's. Lenses are reasonable priced you can pick up extra film inserts to preload film to load film quicker--kinda helps with the camera not having a removable film back.

PS I got all my MF stuff off eBay!!! Have never have had a bad experience!!!

JBrunner · Nov 28, 2007

Cheryl Jacobs said:
I disagree with J (but I still like him. )

TLRs, rangefinders, and SLRs are totally different animals. You may hate a TLR but love an SLR. (That's the case for me.) Buying a cheap anything before you really have an idea of what you're after and how you want to work is likely to be a waste of money.

Best thing you can do is 1) consider the questions posed in the first response, and 2) see what feels most comfortable in your hands.

- CJ

Well, as long as you still like me...

Actually your advice is spot on. I tend to think more about negatives, and less about cameras, when regarding formats, and I think my advice was biased toward that end.

Looking into purchasing Medium Format. Advice?

MLSullivan

keithwms

jeroldharter

JBrunner

Moderator

Sanjay Sen

Nick Zentena

Sirius Glass

MattKing

Moderator

Woolliscroft

John Koehrer

Cheryl Jacobs

pentaxuser

Sirius Glass

Cheryl Jacobs

Sirius Glass

IloveTLRs

copake_ham

Jersey Vic

MLSullivan

23mjm

JBrunner

Moderator

Looking into purchasing Medium Format. Advice?

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