Medium format on a bike.

[df cardwell]

McRoo: the Rolleicord sounds good. Be willing to put some money into it.

d

 

[Steve Smith]

I came across a Rolleicord Vb today in good shape for a decent amount of money. Fits the profile, might go for this cam..

I think it may do what you want. If I could only keep one of my cameras it would probably be my Rolleicord V.


Steve.

 

[maximus]

If you want to use SLR camera, you can try one of Bronicas (SQ series for 6x6 or GS for 6x6 and 6x7). They are small, light and have good optics.

 

[Schlapp]

Would a nice folder with coupled rangefinder work for you? Just have a lightmeter and you are away with little bulk or weight.
Enjoy your ride- 75 miles a day seems about right for a committed cyclist - loaded or not.

 

[Paul Byrnes]

McRoll
I think the Rolleiflex is a good option - you don't want too expensive, or too heavy, and the optics are great. Mine is the less expensive T and the portraits are lovely. Haven't used a Mamiya 6 but they have a great reputation, and solid build and seals would be an advantage - only thing is they might get stolen quicker than a TLR - although a thief is probably gonna take whatever you have, anyway. That is something to consider - the Mamiya might be a touch easier to conceal? I'd think about ditching the tripod and trying to come up with some way of mounting it on a bit of gear you are already carrying - like the bike or a tent pole - or a 'Leki' stick, those telescopic walking sticks or even a monopod. And since you didn't ask for opinions on whether you should ride a bamboo bike, or whether you need to choose between digital and MF, I don't see that it's anyone's business but your own how you go and what degree of difficulty you adopt. Like many on here, I wish you all the best. What a great adventure. Vaya con Dios. PB.

 

[Marco B]

Now how this relates to practice? I don't know. Nobody knows.. But this is part of the challenge, call us stupid, naive or whatever. We are still doing it You know there is even is a guy who is penny-farthing the world, with success I might add?

May not be bad, just see the track record for this bamboo mountain bike, especially all the update photos and comments down the page:

http://www.bmeres.com/bambooframe.htm

Marco

 

[bluedog]

I reckon Schlapp's idea is a good one. I have Voigtlander and Zeiss Ikon 6x6 folders and I am really pleased with the image quality. Considering the Voigtlander is 1932 vintage it is pretty amazing. It is so small it will fit in your pocket when folded. A great way to travel light with MF. They are also a great conversation starter.

 

[Venchka]

Work out a way to rotate your film stock. Exposed film sent back home to Europe will be much safer than on your bike. Unless you are willing to adopt Diafine exclusively, ditch the notion of developing film south of San Diego. Have fresh film sent to you and send exposed film back home. Will Dutch Consulates act as mail drops for you?

 

[mferrarini]

TLRs are bulky and heavy. Voigtlander Perkeo or Agfa Isolette III (with Solinar lens) are among the smallest and lightest MF cameras ever made. Properly calibrated they are capable of outstanding performance. If you want a coupled rangefinder look for an Agfa Super Isolette.

 

[raymeedc]

Voigtlander Perkeo folder w/Color Skopar lens..... smallest, lightest high quality medium format camera. I would suggest a CLA before you start out, just for that extra measure of assurance/reliability needed on a trip such as you're planning.

 

[2F/2F]

TLRs are bulky and heavy.

No, they are not.

 

[Steve Smith]

No, they are not.

That's what I was thinking!


Steve.

 

[McRoo]

If I had to choose between a hassy and a rollei (trl), the rollei is the better choice, right?

 

[Andy K]

TLRs are bulky and heavy. Voigtlander Perkeo or Agfa Isolette III (with Solinar lens) are among the smallest and lightest MF cameras ever made. Properly calibrated they are capable of outstanding performance. If you want a coupled rangefinder look for an Agfa Super Isolette.

No, they are not.

The correct answer would be, some are, some are not. A Lubitel is very light, a Mamiya C330 is not.

 

[Venchka]

If I had to choose between a hassy and a rollei (trl), the rollei is the better choice, right?

In a single lens, single film situation, the Rollei has fewer things to go wrong. The Hasselblad begins to shine with extra backs, extra lenses, etc. There is evidence to support the theory that the 2.8 Planar lens on the Rollei is superior to the 2.8 Planar lens on the Hasselblad. For optical design reasons.

Which is better? Better is a very subjective idea.

Old news about older lenses.

http://www.hevanet.com/cperez/MF_testing.html

I don't know the model number. A friend has a Fuji 645 rangefinder, 60mm or 65mm lens, front bumper around the lens, I think the lens retracts for travel. Very compact camera. Sturdy. Optics beyond reproach as you expect from Fuji. The photos from this camera are outstanding. I think he paid in the $350 range for it from KEH. You could go far with something like that.

 

[André E.C.]

If I had to choose between a hassy and a rollei (trl), the rollei is the better choice, right?

For what you want to use it, I think yes, for other applications maybe not! (Hell! Of course not)
Price was also mentioned, so, in that case, the Flex has cheaper options than the Hasselblad.

Find one Automat with a Tessar and shoot away!

 

[Venchka]

In rigid, non-bellows TLR cameras, don't overlook the Minolta Autocord or late-last model Yashicamat.

Awhile back in this thread I suggested buying 2-3 cameras. Leave the spares at home. Have them sent to you if needed. Of course you will have a month or more in the USA with access to good used cameras.