medium format for the field

Tom Hoskinson · Jun 11, 2008

scott k said:
Wow! that says a lot. Are you exaggerating or are you serious? The only advantage of the Mamiya RB/RZ would be the macro capabilities. I also like macro a lot but I realize that not one camera system will fit all needs. Is the Mamiya 7 really THAT good? I would like to check one out but I'm kind of isolated here and have never seen one in person. It seems like a lot of cash for 6x7 but if it is as good as 4x5 it might be worth it. If I sold off my 4x5 gear I could get the Mamiya 7 and lighten my load quite a bit but it seems like a hell of a gamble.

Scott

I have a Hassy system.

I also have a pair of Mamiya 7 II 6x7 cameras with an assortment of lenses (one body for color, one for Black and White). I shoot with the Mamiyas - the Hassy sits at home.

I also have a Crown Graphic 2.25" x 3.25" and some excellent lenses. I'd rather schlep and shoot with the Crown than the Hassy.

Travis Nunn · Jun 11, 2008

I have an RB67 and I love it. Yes it's heavy. No it's not too heavy for me to take it and a couple of lenses and a tripod on an 8 mile hike. Honestly I really don't understand it when people say it's too heavy to carry around. Granted, there are times when I want to travel lighter or my RB setup isn't practical for the situation and thats when I take my M645 Super.

As has been mentioned, you shouldn't try to solve everything with one camera.

Glenn M · Jun 11, 2008

My suggestion would also lean towards the RB67. Heavy, yes. But... they also have a lens to consider that is wonderful for architectural photography or landscapes with structures... and... you won't fully loose the movements offered on your 4x5. Take a look at the Mamiya 75mm K/L Tilt/Shift lens. Rather pricey and not seen all that often used, but offers enough movements to straighten lines on buildings. Oh.... only fits on the later versioned RB67 Pro-SD, or other versions for the RZ's... and... it's a heavy bugger.....

Don Wallace · Jun 11, 2008

Travis Nunn said:
I have an RB67 and I love it. Yes it's heavy. No it's not too heavy for me to take it and a couple of lenses and a tripod on an 8 mile hike. Honestly I really don't understand it when people say it's too heavy to carry around. Granted, there are times when I want to travel lighter or my RB setup isn't practical for the situation and thats when I take my M645 Super.

As has been mentioned, you shouldn't try to solve everything with one camera.

I have a really good LowePro backpack for my RB and it makes all the difference. I pack the RB with two backs, 3 lenses (90, 127, 180), spotmeter, incident meter, various odds and ends. I also carry a Manfrotto tripod that is reasonably light. That's a pile to lug around, but as long I am not expected to look fresh and clean at a dinner party after I shoot, it's fine. I would still love to try a Mamiya 7, though.

geoferrell · Jun 11, 2008

I like the Mamiya Super 23 and Universal for older generation good users in the field. With some holders you can use 645, 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9 formats. Also, with the Universal you can use Polariod. And the system has lenses from 50mm up to 250mm. The Super 23 has a bellows in the back for closeup work, too. More modern, the RB67 is a great system that has a macro capability with a bellows in the camera body. The Rollei SL66 system has macro capability and some limited movements for the camera lens, but is somewhat more expensive. I like 4x5 even though it is somewhat more time consuming to use to use than a 6x7 which can get up to 20 shots on 220 film.

keithwms · Jun 11, 2008

david b said:
My view is from using a 150 on the Mamiya 7, not the Mamiya 6.

sure, but even so... I am curious what in your opinion sucks about the 150 and why is the 210 pointless...

Anyway, obviously people have different opinions of gear, and that's fine.

weasel · Jun 12, 2008

I have recently been using a pentax 645 as my travel camera. A 50 and 150 lens make a great combo that is no bigger really than a dlsr or big 35. Yes, the negative is smaller than some, but the lenses are great, the camera is well built, with a very good viewfinder, an accurate meter, and some automation.It makes for a great portable travel rig.

panastasia · Jun 12, 2008

Travis Nunn said:
I have an RB67 and I love it. Yes it's heavy. No it's not too heavy for me to take it and a couple of lenses and a tripod on an 8 mile hike. Honestly I really don't understand it when people say it's too heavy to carry around. Granted, there are times when I want to travel lighter or my RB setup isn't practical for the situation and thats when I take my M645 Super.

As has been mentioned, you shouldn't try to solve everything with one camera.

I've been doing the same with my RB system - many miles, over mountains, etc. - for a number of years but now I need something weighing less because my age is forcing me to travel lighter, especially with overnight camping gear included in my pack. I turned 60 last week and discovered, while hiking a 2500ft vertical rise with my 3 son's, that 30+ lbs on my back is too much for me.

I've been looking at the M645 Super with 2 lenses, @ only about 5-6 lbs total (less tripod) - I figured that the weight is about the same as my Galvin 2x3 w/roll film holder and 2 lenses, lupe, lens boards, etc. - and gives me the option of shooting hand held rather than missing the shot due to a lack of speed (setting up).

scott k · Jun 12, 2008

What about the Bronica GS-1? Does anyone have experience with this camera system and can compare it to the SQA, RB, 500 C/M? iI happen to like square images but I can crop a 6x7 to make a square but if I crop a 6x6 I may as wll shoot 645.

Scott

medium format for the field

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