Medium Format Daydreaming

photogolf · Sep 8, 2006

Just daydreaming about the following:

1. How many people are still using their medium format cameras?

2. What are some of your fond moments and/or experiences?

3. Which Do You Prefer To Shoot, Color or Black and White?

3. What type(s) of medium format camera/accessories do you own?

Me:

I use my Mamiya RB7 and Bronica ETRSI weekly in my home studio.

Every chance I get to use them is a great experience and then the development process is always exciting. Most rewarding moment was when I finally learned how to stop taking multiple exposures.

Shoot mostly B&W

Mamiya RB67 with 90mm and 127mm lenses
Bronica ETRSI with 75mm lens

Steve Smith · Sep 8, 2006

I also have an ETRS (not an 'i' though) which I like and use a lot. I originally got it with the 75mm lens and waist level finder but soon added the 50mm lens, plain prism and hand grip.

However, it is a bit bulky to take out when I want to go for a walk somewhere. Although I do still take the ETRS out, I prefer to take my Rolleicord V as it weighs much less.

I am currently thinking about something like the Bronica RF645 for this purpose though.

I normally use black and white film as that's all I print myself (I may try Ilfochrome one day). But I do use the occasional roll of Velvia 100 when the conditions are right. e.g. autumn colours.

Steve.

Jerevan · Sep 8, 2006

I used my Rolleicord IV, my Balda Baldax 6x4.5 (test roll in a well used camera, gummed up Prontor shutter and pieces falling off of it) and my Zeiss Ikon Nettar (although admittedly not with 120 film, I am doing cheapskate panorama stuff, running Efke 100 through it) just yesterday. All of them B/W. Best moment? When I trip the shutter - it's almost as magic as seeing the print coming out of the tray a good while later...

Best accessory? The green push-on 28,5 mm filter I finally got for my Rolleicord II.

Ole · Sep 8, 2006

Another ETRS here - I had no idea they were so popular!

The ETRS is my "travel camera" when logistics preclude LF. I've got 75, 150 and 40mm lenses, plain prism, two 120 backs, one 135W back and a Pola back. I just bought two extension tubes (14 and 42mm) to get closer, and a speedgrip.

Since I use the ETRS mostly on travels, I have only fond moments and special experiences! Highlights so far are Eritrea, Cairo, and Lofoten.

I also have a small selection of old MF folders, of which I tend to bring one along "just in case". I haven't tried colour film in any of those yet, partly because I'm all out of film at present!

Oh - and I have a Mamiya C3 too. Have to test that one too, one of these days - but just holding it makes me realise what a lightweight camera the ETRS is!

I shoot mostly B&W, with about 30% colour in the Bronica.

leeturner · Sep 8, 2006

Another vote for the Rolleicord. I used to have a Hasselblad 500 c/m but found I was using the TLR's a lot more when out and about. And, to be honest, I couldn't see a great deal of difference in the end result.

photogolf · Sep 8, 2006

Looking at getting a Hasselblad as well. Thanks for all the comments!

arigram · Sep 8, 2006

photogolf said:
Just daydreaming about the following:

1. How many people are still using their medium format cameras?

I don't use anything else. From studio portraits to street shooting I only use my Hasselblad.

2. What are some of your fond moments and/or experiences?

When my first 501CM kit came in a shoe box as a christmas gift. Every time I use it is a fond experience, everytime I look at beautiful negatives and prints by it.

3. Which Do You Prefer To Shoot, Color or Black and White?

Black and White. Although color in MF (and imagine LF) has a beauty that 35mm just can't match.

3. What type(s) of medium format camera/accessories do you own?

A fairly complete Hasselblad system, including two bodies, four lenses, four backs (one polaroid), all of the tubes, pro shade, winder and even a level.
All new btw.
(like I have mentioned, I sold my soul to the devil for it)

Film and MF is pretty much alive for me.

Ed Sukach · Sep 8, 2006

photogolf said:
Just daydreaming about the following:

1. How many people are still using their medium format cameras?

2. What are some of your fond moments and/or experiences?

3. Which Do You Prefer To Shoot, Color or Black and White?

3. What type(s) of medium format camera/accessories do you own?

1. Yes. "Still"? Of course. I don't know how I could make motion pictures with them. I suppose I COULD - exposing one frame at a time ... but that would take a LOT of film...

2. Which would you rather have me quote, Volume I, II, III, IV ... XXXIV ... or? THere are approximately the same number of volumes labeled "Frustrations" ...

3. Both.

4. Single Lens Reflex - Hasselblads, two (2) bodies and sundry bits and pieces to go with them.

BTW ... I also have ADT, fifty (50) attack Rottweilers, my son-in-law (living here) is a Police Detective, Radar, Sonar, Heat-seeking machine guns ... and my entire yard is mined.
Just in case anyone gets any "ideas".

Soeren · Sep 8, 2006

1.
Count me in as user of MF gear, "still".

2.
Every time I trip the shutter and the noise wakes me up
MF is so different form 35mm( and that other format) gear and I don't think it will be superseeded any time soon.

3.
I do prefer B&W but at this time Im shooting color negs.
(Fuji Pro 160S. To slow for everyday use with a f/4,5 lens)
The quality you get from the bigger negs is just amazing

4.
I have a Pentax 6X7 with a 45mm f/4 and a 75mm f/4,5 + the extensiontubes.
Althought 6X6 is a great format too and I would like an SQA-i or a TLR I may have to settle with what I've got.

(4.1)
I want a 90(105)mm f/2,8(2,4) and a 165mm f/2,8. A brighter screen is on the budget too.
f/4,5 is just too slow for shooting kids and indoors and though the 75mm has a good angle of view I'd like something a little longer + a short tele for portraits.

Cheers
Søren

Curt · Sep 8, 2006

Mamiya 645 all the accessories in the catalog. I use it when I can't decide on which format to take. Kind of a comfort tool. I like the format and I like loading and developing 120 film. I use to use 220 film but my arms aren't that long anymore holding the film up off the floor. I also have a complete 2x3 with tons of accessories. I can shoot roll or sheet. It's a very flexible system. Medium format is under rated in my opinion. I wish there were more films in all ranges for it. The Rollei Pan 25 is quite nice for BW. Ilford Pan 50 is very good and Adox and Efke are also good. Ilford and Kodak should make a 25 speed film.

juan · Sep 8, 2006

In the 60s, I shot a lot of film on my father's old Ciroflex 6x6 camera. I still have negatives of the first astronauts walking on the moon that I shot off of the TV. In the 70s I shot with a Yashica 635 that I bought new in a pawn shop. I never tried the 35mm attachment, but I shot a lot of 120 film in it. By the 80s, I had turned to large format and the shutter broke in the Yashica, so I was out of MF.

Earlier this year I got a super deal on an RB67 with the 90mm lens. I've had a ball with it - adding a prism viewer and a 250mm lens to the kit. I have sheet film holders that will fit it, so I use it like a small, reflex view camera in a way.

Oh, and I also have an unusual Agfa 6x9 box camera that appears to have been made in France - it has a three-position focusing device on top labeled in French, and a three position sliding f-stop. I just wish I knew the shutter speed. Ha. It appears to have been made in the 30s and works just fine with 100-speed film
juan

MAGNAchrom · Sep 8, 2006

90% of my shooting is using roll film these days -- primarily a Mamiya 7II system, but also a 6x9 or 6x12 back on my Linhof Technikardan or Gaoersi 4x5 "handheld". I pretty much only shoot Kodak Portra 400NC which I purchase in bulk from Adorama.

Soon I will have a 37mm fisheye to mount onto my Linhof for use with the 6x9 back -- I can't wait to try it out!

hka · Sep 8, 2006

I always use, now for about 40 years, mij MF gear and when not the 4x5" LF. I own a SLR- and RF-system. Quiet happy with it.

digiconvert · Sep 8, 2006

Bronica SQ-B and a Lubitel 160B (for 'fun ') are my main use cameras. I usually use Adox 125 film (FP4+ relabled) but I sometimes use Portra or Fuji transparency film. I have never seen anything more stunning than 6 x 6 chromes !

rbarker · Sep 8, 2006

1. How many people are still using their medium format cameras?

Add me to the list, but less frequently nowadays.

2. What are some of your fond moments and/or experiences?

I've used MF mostly for model work, and the models are occasionally less than fully clad. With careful casting, they've all been nice people, so all of the shoots have been pleasant.

3. Which Do You Prefer To Shoot, Color or Black and White?

Yes. But, the balance is heavier on the B&W side, I must admit.

4. What type(s) of medium format camera/accessories do you own?

6x6, Hassies.

Trond · Sep 8, 2006

I acquired a Bronica S2a from an APUG member some time ago, and I currently use it a lot more than my 35mm or LF equipment. I have three backs and have 40, 50, 80, 100 and 150mm lenses for it (a slight attack of GAS...).

In addition, I have a nice Yashica 635 (with a Yashinon lens), which I also use a lot.

I like the larger slide or negative I get from it compared to 35mm, and it´s easier to carry around than my LF gear. And I´ve always loved the square format.

Trond

Helen B · Sep 8, 2006

I still use a lot of medium format film, either Pro 160S or Portra 800. I shoot mostly colour neg. I'm rather ditzy and get confused with names, but I think that I have a Sony Seagull or something. It's the one with the knob on the side. No, I remember now, it's on the top. For a technical eye-opening sort of medium format memory, I guess that the results from the first time I used a Mamiya Super 23 to shoot 6x9 landscape stand out.

Best,
Helen

DougGrosjean · Sep 8, 2006

I use MF stuff regularly. Sometimes a roll a week if just local stuff, sometimes several rolls if I take a trip out of town. For subject matter I have a son, g/f, Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, farms, Lake Erie, Toledo and Detroit, museums, outdoors.

I usually shoot a Rolleiflex or a Rolleicord V, but if I want bigger images and rect. format, I also have a Kodak Medalist and a Zeiss Ikonta, both 6x9. But somehow, the groundglass experience of a TLR is more satisfying to me, or maybe more exotic since I grew up with SLR and rangefinder 35mm.

B/W is my workhorse film, with color reserved for special occasions (like vacation). I soup the B/W at home, but take color into a lab.

I love the big images, and would also like to try 8x10, or 4x5, and contact printing those negs.

roteague · Sep 8, 2006

I given a lot of thought to getting an RZ67 as well as a Mamiya 7II. Not sure which I will get first. Right now, the only MF I shoot is from a Horseman 6x12 back on my Toyo.

Gordon Coale · Sep 8, 2006

6x9
Mamiya Universal and Super 23, Brownie Bulls-eye, and a Burke & James 5x7 Commercial View with a 120 roll film back used on a 4x5 Graflok back.
6x6
Salut-S, Ricoh Diacord, Agfa Isolette II, Brownie Hawkeye Flash Model.

I usually use color negative film.

ricksplace · Sep 8, 2006

90% of what I shoot is MF. Rolleiflex T, Yashica A and D, Pentacon 6tl with four lenses, Century Graphic with four lenses, three folders and a holga. 99%B&W. Rollie gets the most use.

MenacingTourist · Sep 8, 2006

I still shoot with my medium format cameras. Mostly candid shots of my kids.
I have an RB-67 that isn't getting used much. The other less heavy cameras are a lot easier to chase the kids with. Mostly I use a Yashica-12, followed by the Diana and Diana clone (Pioneer). Of the toy cameras I much prefer the Pioneer to the original Diana.

I'd guess I'm using about 95% b/w film that I develop at home. Color goes to the lab.

JBrunner · Sep 8, 2006

I had ceased to use MF altogether. Then I got the 6x17. I have run through more 120 in the last 6 months, than in the preceding five years. I don't know for sure, but I guess the 6x17 would be considered MF because it uses roll film. Those are some pretty big frames though. I get 4 shots on a roll.

papagene · Sep 8, 2006

I use a couple of Fuji rangefinders... GW670 II and GSW690 III. I love using them and sometimes have a difficult time chosing between them and LF.

I shoot about 99.99% B&W.

I remember the first time a good friend and gifted artist saw me with the GW670 II, he laughed. He thought it was one of those toys that were just a BIG version of a small camera. He was surprised it was a Real camera.

MattKing · Sep 8, 2006

For me:

6x4.5 - 3 SLR bodies (Mamiya) plus lenses;
6x6 - 2 TLR bodies (Mamiya) plus lenses;
6x7 - 2 RFD bodies (Koni-Omega) plus 2 lenses;
6x12??? - one old Kodak folder, intended for 116 film, which I hope to adapt for use with 120.

I have at least 2 bodies in most of the formats, because I used to shoot weddings, and I never want to be without a backup.

The old folder was recently found again, after years in a box. It was the camera that my Dad had restored for me so that, at the age of 11, I could set up a contact printing darkroom. I am looking forward to trying a roll of black and white in it.

The Koni-Omegas are new to me, and need new seals, and the backs are of varying quality, but I'm hoping to get a lot of use out of them, both B&W and colour.

My TLRs dont get the use they should, but in years gone by one of them at least did a fair share of weddings.

I have one to many 645 SLR bodies for my needs - just like last year I hope to use these a lot during my upcoming holiday, and I hope to shoot B&W and colour slide.

Matt

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