MF Format Choice

[brimc76]

I started with my father's twin lens Richoflex and went on to a Bronica ETRs.

 

[AndrewH]

buy a Mamiya C330f and an 80mm lens and learn the format. It's cheap, good lenses, and built like a tank. If you like it, buy another lens, if you don't, sell it.

 

[JohnArs]

Hi

I vote for the Bronica GS1 6x7 ( its only around 1 kg) or if you are happy with a rangefinder the mamiya 7 with booth you get 10 pictures and with the Bronica you can shoot with a 4.5x6 , 6x6, or 6x7 back so you have all the choices!
Jerry Uelsmann works with the Bronica so it can't be bad!
Mine is 15 years old and I had not one single problem with it! Bronica is the most underrated camera in the world!

 

[Cheryl Jacobs]

I'm 6x6 format, myself. I prefer that format over anything else because I just naturally see in squares. With 35mm, I always end up cropping off one end or the other (empty, meaningless space.) I have a Bronica SQ-Ai, and used to have a Hassey (which I loved, but had to give up.) Really, I don't care the kind of camera as long as it's solid and dependable. It's the neg size / shape that I'm after.

 

[Ed Sukach]

Cheryl - I agree, I have become enamored with the "square" as well. To me, it is not a compromise - it just works well.

 

[dr bob]

deleted, sorry.

 

[dr bob]

I am not enamored with any particular format although photographs made with my Koni Omega (6x7) sell well ;-)

I too use all formats from 35mm to 4x5. However my assessment of the type I would recommend always comes down to the Hasselblad (6x6). It seems to have every advantage: light weight, interchangeable lenses, interchangeable backs (choice of films), choice of either between-the-lens or focal-plane shutter, no parallax problems, essentially bullit-proof, and ----

Holy cow! I already have a camera with these features, a 4x5 Speed Graphic. It does seem to be a little large and heavy in comparison.

Truly, dr bob.

 

[Thomassauerwein]

Every camera has it's own special oppertunities, to limit your self is not allowing for a full range of creative tools. Each formatt gives something different that is there and available as a foundation to build from. Yes square is great, so is 6x9 so is 4x5 so is 8x10.and on and on.

 

[Cheryl Jacobs]

Thomas, yes, that's all true. I speak only for the way my eye / head work when I mention 6x6. Of course, there's no reason to limit yourself. At the same time, certain formats just click for some people. For me, 6x6 was like coming home.

 

[Black Dog]

Today in my local Jessops I saw a Mamiya C220 (similar to the 330 but an earlier model I presume) for £199 with 80mm lens-sounds like a great way into MF. Lovers of 6x6 might also take a look at the now discontinued Mamiya 6 if they want more features including metering. It's hip to be square as a cheesy 80s hit once put it!

 

[lee]

I believe that the Mamiya C220 is the camera like the C330 that has a few less features but not an earlier model. The earlier models were, in backward order the C33 and the C3 models. They were all similar with interchangable lenses. And very reasonably priced.

lee\c

 

[glbeas]

I personally prefer the 330 over the 220 by a country mile. The one feature it lacks is the automatic shutter recock on winding and that is a royal pain.

 

[Black Dog]

Thanks for that-I was wondering what the difference was. Still not a bad buy though.