MF with a reguler viewfinder....

Sagelike · Jun 24, 2008

I'm working with a Rollei TLR now. Love it to death.

However I would like to get another MF with a regular viewfinder.

I rather not get an eye level viewfinder for my Rollei because it doesn't feel natural to shoot that way. Would like to get something that feels like a 35mm. I'll probably be using it for a lot of street photography.

Can I get some suggestions on a MF camera that has an eye level viewfinder and also stays as close as possible to 6X6 format.

papagene · Jun 24, 2008

Rangefinder or SLR?

Sagelike · Jun 24, 2008

papagene said:
Rangefinder or SLR?

Either is fine.

I need to look at all my options.

Resoman · Jun 24, 2008

The Mamiya 6 is a great complement to a twin lens Rollei. They're my two favorite (and most used) MF cameras.

Gary,

East Snook, TX

Michel Hardy-Vallée · Jun 24, 2008

RF: Mamiya 6 or 7; certain folders (the old Mamiya Six, etc), Rapid-Omega, Mamiya Press, Fuji 6x7/8/9

SLR: Pentacon 6, Kiev 60, Pentax 67

There are a few 645 options as well.

jovo · Jun 24, 2008

The classic description of the Pentax 67 is a "35mm on steroids". It's 1 mm more than a 6x6 of course, but you don't have to print the extra mm. However, sometimes that slightly larger neg is welcome. It's also a rather heavy SLR with a mirror slap and shutter shake that's nearly seismic, but, on a tripod using mirror lock-up it is a superb camera. I think for hand held street shooting, the Mamiya 6 or 7 is probably the best choice.

Travis Nunn · Jun 24, 2008

jovo said:
The classic description of the Pentax 67 is a "35mm on steroids". It's 1 mm more than a 6x6 of course...

Umm...I believe that should be 1 cm more than 6x6

jovo · Jun 24, 2008

Travis Nunn said:
Umm...I believe that should be 1 cm more than 6x6

Umm...I believe you're right. Sorry about that, chief!

r-brian · Jun 24, 2008

Bronica SQA with the prism finder and Speedgrip. Handles as easy as a 35mm SLR. I love my setup.

Curt · Jun 24, 2008

Wasn't there a cigarette commercial that goes "a silly millimeter longer" or something like that?

Greg_E · Jun 24, 2008

If it is a Rolleiflex, then some of the models had an optional prism that you could put on them. Probably cost you as much as a nice Mamiya RB or RZ system, but it might be more valueable to you than just simply functional.

papagene · Jun 24, 2008

I would recommend the Mamiya 7 or 6. I have a couple of the Fujis - the 6x7 and 6x9 w/wide angle. But for street photogy, I think the Mamiyas are more flexible and a lighter system.

gene

Sagelike · Jun 25, 2008

Thanks for the replies everyone.

After hearing some of the suggestions and talking to some other people I figured I would look into these two types

Mamiya RZ/RB
Bronica SQ series

They seem to fit my budget and practical needs.

Before I head out and do a search for this here, can I hear some opinions of what would work best for me in terms of working with street photography.

Thanks in advance.

Michel Hardy-Vallée · Jun 25, 2008

RB/RZ is not going to be light for street. It might be fun, and attract people, but it won't be light!

Sagelike · Jun 25, 2008

mhv said:
RB/RZ is not going to be light for street. It might be fun, and attract people, but it won't be light!

So Bronica is the way to go then huh?!

Hmmmm.....

I was looking into the rangefinders. But the price and the fact that I would have to figure out where my frame is because of the viewfinder kinda kills the deal.

Michel Hardy-Vallée · Jun 25, 2008

You could also go with a TLR and prism, Rollei or Mamiya, depending on your budget/availability if you want 6x6. Bronica models (6x6 or 645) should work with prisms too. In the realm of 645, you could also go with a Mamiya 645AF.

Sagelike · Jun 25, 2008

mhv said:
You could also go with a TLR and prism, Rollei or Mamiya, depending on your budget/availability if you want 6x6. Bronica models (6x6 or 645) should work with prisms too. In the realm of 645, you could also go with a Mamiya 645AF.

I am still looking into a prism for my Rolleicord. But in terms of street photography and catching those quick shots it would still be too clunky.
I need something that essentially handles like a 35mm.

Now isn't the thing with the 645's that they measure 6x4.5cm, as in the Mamiya 645 and Bronica 645?

Anscojohn · Jun 25, 2008

However I would like to get another MF with a regular viewfinder.

In eye level viewfinder and also stays as close as possible to 6X6 format.

******
The Ukrainian Kiev 88 or its most modern version comes with a prism finder with a meter in it, in addition to the WL. I bought one years ago to see if I could be comfortable with a Hasselblad-shaped camera before I sprung big bucks. As an old TLR, WL finder fiend, I just was not sure about using it with the eye level prism, since I have a Pentax 6x7 I just love. I found the "Hasselbladski" so much fun to use, I just have not gotten around to replacingit. I did add a rapid wind crank--cost about forty-five bucks from Arax. Considering that you can buy the outfit for about four hundred bucks, including shipping, it's really a pretty good deal, since it includes two backs, and a set of filters as well. And I must admit to a certain reverse snob appeal shooting with it. Kiev camera in GA sells them, checked for quality control, with a return guarantee if not satisfied. Mine came from overseas. It's been ok for me. Google RuGift if you want to deal overseas. They have been very good for me and Arax has a great reputation as well.

Michel Hardy-Vallée · Jun 25, 2008

Sagelike said:
Now isn't the thing with the 645's that they measure 6x4.5cm, as in the Mamiya 645 and Bronica 645?

The negatives; not the camera!

Greg_E · Jun 25, 2008

Rolleicords did not have a prism, only the Rolleiflex as far as I know.

Larry Bullis · Jun 25, 2008

Graphlex XL, too. Although I don't often use the RF, it works fine when I do. It allows 6x6, 6x7, 6x9 depending on the back you use, and there is, if you can find it, even a 4x5.

Nick Zentena · Jun 26, 2008

Sagelike said:
Mamiya RZ/RB
Bronica SQ series

They seem to fit my budget and practical needs.

Before I head out and do a search for this here, can I hear some opinions of what would work best for me in terms of working with street photography.

Thanks in advance.

Neither. Of the two I'd choose the Bronica but there are other choices for street.

Fuji made small 645 rangefinders. The later models had all modern comforts.

Or if you want a bigger negative the 6x9 Fujis.

In some ways the Pentax 645 is a great snap shot camera. Built in meter,winder and prism.

Any of the system cameras can be outfitted with the finder of your choice.

Curt · Jun 26, 2008

I have a 645 with wlf and metered prism and the prism is on it most of the time now, it's not that heavy. I have an RB67 with the wlf and a prism, the prism is very heavy and since it doesn't have a meter in it I'm not sure what value it is other than bringing the camera up to eye level, the wlf is going to be on that camera most of the time.

For street shooting, which I don't do anymore, I could use my Nikon F3hp. The big problem with street shooting with big mirror cameras is the klump, klump of the mirror. If I had to do some street type of thing today it would probably be with my Busch 23 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 and a roll film back. That's what it was made for. Leaf shutter and RF, no mirror just a work horse.

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