Medium format has got me!

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The nights are dark and empty

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Nymphaea's, triple exposure

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Nymphaea's, triple exposure

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Nymphaea

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Lars Daniel

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Joined
Mar 29, 2010
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55
Location
Copenhagen
Format
Multi Format
There is no real point of making this thread, except the feeling that somebody out there will understand me.
About a month ago I started looking for a polaroid cam. My research led to Polaroid 600 which in turn led to Mamiya Universal Press which led to the Mamiya MF slr´s. I narrowed it down to the RZ67 series because of features, the availability and the very nice prices. I found out that developing B/W negatives and then scanning would be a way to go (apart from having fun with polaroids).
I jumped on a deal locally for a pretty complete set of RZ stuff. It did not include the 110mm 2.8 that I really wanted, but I found a guy that was selling that PLUS the 37mm fisheye, so I will soon have 37, 65, 110, 180 for the RZ.
Man, I am just loving shooting with it! And without the prism finder the weight is really not that bad for walking the streets. There is just so many things about it that I like.

Then things got perhaps a little silly: I saw a local guy was selling a Rolleiflex 6008i in super condition. The more I read about it the more I wanted it. They are rare and what else has those features? I got it today, and it is soooo cool. I am going to use it for the more street orientated and casual stuff, as it has such "modern" features as aperture priority. Also selectable metering modes and other goodies. Too bad that Rollei crashed as they really had something to compete with Hasselblad. Lenses for the 6008 are far more expensive than the Mamiyas, so I will probably just keep it as it is: One very compact little unit (with 80mm 2.8).

I do feel a little too obsessed at the moment, but I am not worried, ´cause it just feels so right. And looking at my first shots from the RZ67 I know I have so many good things ahead.
My neighbour has a complete darkroom setup stored in his basement, so before long I may be making big prints too.

Anyway, I just had to babble a bit :smile:
 
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kauffman v36

Member
Joined
Sep 24, 2009
Messages
277
Location
Miami
Format
35mm
welcome to the dark side my friend. wait till you get a taste of some large format stuff. oh how the bank account disapears.
 

DanielStone

Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2008
Messages
3,114
Location
Los Angeles
Format
Multi Format
'disappears' is to say the least :tongue:. "poof" is more like it :D.

I feel ya on the RZ, damn fine camera, terrific glass, terrific prices(compared to Hassy or Rollei prices), and well built. replacements are easy to find too if something breaks(which I've never had happen in almost 3 years of ownership, and that was after 10 years by the prior owner :smile:!!!!).

-Dan
 

Shadowtracker

Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2010
Messages
265
Location
St. Louis
Format
Multi Format
Bronica SQ 6x6 was/still is, like that for me.... Love the format, the waist level finder, the size of the negs, the prints. I keep it simple but really love it. One other person in my class has MF as well and he even shoots 6x6 as I do. Enjoy, but yes, you have been assimilated.
 

brucemuir

Member
Joined
Dec 25, 2007
Messages
2,228
Location
Metro DC are
Format
Multi Format
Yep,
The RZ is incredibly versatile system.
I have the 50 (older non floating element Sekor Z) the 110, and the 180.
The first AE prism finder, Pro body and the adjustable style grip.
The grip really helps with handholding with both the prism or waist level due to the adjustable hand grip.
Cool gizmo.

I had to sell the 65, the 150 and the 250 with both tubes but I'll probably pick those back up when I'm more flush.

RZ chromes are tasty :wink:
 

kauffman v36

Member
Joined
Sep 24, 2009
Messages
277
Location
Miami
Format
35mm
seems like youve gone off the deep end. a good deep end may i add.

i have the rzproii w/ 50 ULD, 110 2.8, 140 macro, Waist level VF, and left handed grip. i dont think a right handed grip exists but i have seen a grip thats both left and right, either on ebay or keh one time. havent seen it since though. ahh wait till you shoot some chromes through it, or some plus-x, or even better some 120 tech pan! sorry sorry, im in a dreamy state myself right now. good luck to your and your credit card.
 

photomat-

Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2010
Messages
57
Format
Medium Format
I bought a cheap Yashica D on the bay last year. That led to a Rolleiflex Automat, Bronica SQ and lately a Hassleblad 500CM. Definitely lighter in the wallet! Have fun with it, I know I love shooting 6x6 with a waist level finder.
 

chris00nj

Member
Joined
May 29, 2008
Messages
47
Format
35mm
I bought a Rolleiflex Automat last year, which led to a Miniature Speed Graphic, and now will be on to a 6x9 folder.
 

Sim2

Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2009
Messages
492
Location
Wiltshire UK
Format
Medium Format
Woah, with all that gear - that must have been one hell of an itch you had! :tongue:
Just into m/f myself so share your excitement about the format, the Rollei is a cool camera, shame they went bust.
Sim2.
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
53,020
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
It can lie dormant for a long while, and then wake up with a roar.

I'm a case in point - first camera purchased 1976 or so. Next camera purchased 2004 or so.

And then BLAM!!!!

(now 9 and counting)
 

hspluta

Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2010
Messages
73
Location
Chicago Area
Format
Medium Format
Last night I was watching a special on Edward Weston and watching him shoot with a Kodak #2 really got me jonesing for shooting LF again.

Good thing I got the 'blad to keep me from really bad habits!

Then again just keep in mind that MF is a gateway to the hard stuff.
 

Black Dog

Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2003
Messages
4,291
Location
Running up that hill
Format
Multi Format
This is a dangerous time for you, when you will be tempted by the dark side...
 

Ektagraphic

Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2009
Messages
2,927
Location
Southeastern
Format
Medium Format
Medium Format is the best photography I think. Amazing photographs, large(r) negs, and especially amazing cameras that are portable. Large format rules the roost in terms of quality but when one needs high quality but highly portable, MF is the way! I had no idea what I was missing when I was a 35mm only person!!!
 

wclark5179

Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2002
Messages
504
Format
35mm RF
I have a course on getting rid of the desire to own medium format equipment. It is in 12 steps!

The first step is to send all your equipment to me.

Then you swear on a stack 1 mile high of photography books that any medium format stuff you buy goes to me.

The steps from 2 to 11 are only available after you sign up for my workshop. And it is very expensive.

Step #12 is that any medium format negatives you made with equipment I confiscate/steal/shove into brown paper bags belong to me.

Smiles & Grins!

May the medium format bug bite you forever!

It's a fun addiction to have!

May you never recover!

Have lots of fun!
 

36cm2

Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2008
Messages
645
Location
Northeast U.
Format
Large Format
Posted wirelessly..

You can't go wrong with MF. It's the most balanced format out there. I'm a 6x6 junkie myself (rolleiflex, perkeo and hasselblad), but all the mf kits make you smile somehow. Enjoy and learn.
 

Stew

Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
88
Location
New Brunswic
Format
Multi Format
I'm a medium format addict myself. I love my Yashica D and my Bronica Etrsi . They are the first things I think about when I wake up in the morning, and the last things I think about when I go to bed...................maybe I should go to MFA- Medium Format Anonymous !! Oh God !! I need help !! :wink:
 
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