New to Medium Format and on a Budget

[aloha]

I'm looking at getting more serious about medium format, I currently have a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 515, which seems to be great at fogging film, but when it works, it seems to work well, so, I'm wondering if I wanted to buy a cheap TLR, what gives me the most bang for my buck?

 

[2F/2F]

A cheap Yashica or Minolta, or even a Rolleicord for the right price, would be a good and inexpensive choice if you just want a simple camera with a normal lens. Adding a set of quality close-up lenses (e.g. Rolleinar) for more versatility is well worth it IMO.

However, IMO, a Mamiya C series TLR gives you the most bang for your buck in a TLR, by far. The C series by Mamiya would be more versatile than the aforementioned fixed-lens cameras, if that is something you care about. You can usually get a kit for around (or sometimes well under) $200 U.S. The lenses are superb IME (though I have not used every one of them; only the 65, 80, 105, and 180).

 

[LudditeJay]

The Mamiya C series are quite good. I haven't owned one, but have used a C330 w/ an 80/2.8. It was a very solid camera. I have also used a Yashica Mat 124, another very nice camera. You lose the ability to swap lenses but I much preferred carrying the Yasicha around.

 

[36cm2]

Wirelessly posted

What 2F/2F said, 100%.

 

[dehk]

If you look at the right place, and wait around, you'll find something cheap.
Picked up a Rolleiflex T with a 3.5 Tessar for 180$ years ago, clean it up a little bit and it turned into one of my best purchase.
But then i recently Bought a Mamiya 645 PRO off craigslist with 3 lens (55 80 150), 5 Magazines (120 and 220), Prism, Motor Drive, and a bunch of stuff for $400.
I also see Yashicamats for sale for under 100$ online.
Look around and wait.

 

[steven_e007]

Depends what you mean by 'cheap'. I definately agree with the Mamiya C suggestion for 'bang for buck' - although they are starting to get long in the tooth now - a bit tricky to get repaired - and are not what some people would call 'cheap'. Great cameras building into a great outfit, though.

If you want really cheap then Lubitel 166, Lubitel 2 are some of the least expensive... the optics are a bit primitive but quite useable. I bought a new 166U, the only new film camera I've ever bought! Very cheap second hand, now. This was a good introduction to TLRs and convinced me to invest in a C330f outfit.

There is also an oriental camera based on the same 'interlocking gear focussing' idea which is sold as the Ricohflex. Alledgedly made by Ricoh in japan, it is a camera which seems to have been mass produced and badged (or copied) with all sorts of different names. Very common and also very cheap but quite useable to try out TLRs without breaking the bank. I've got the Halina AI version, apparently made in Haking in Hong Kong - but identical to a Ricohflex VII. It has better optics than the Lubitel and came from a junk shop for the price of a large coffee.

If you are not yet sure about TLRs - give something like this a try - if you're already convinced then I definately agree with a Mamiya C.

A C2 might be a good start - being simplest it is cheapest and also least likely to be a source of trouble (less features to go wrong!)

Thing here is to make sure it comes with a good lens with a reliable shutter. You can then keep this and upgrade bodies later.

 

[Rick A]

If you want to get a MF camera for really cheap, look at some of the folders that are out there. You can still find Agfa (or Ansco) 6x6 or 6x9 forders for under a hundred bucks(most under $50). The only thing to really watch for is film size. Nearly all European models take 120 film while Kodaks mostly use 620(a good many can be modified for 120). Some of my favorite shooters are mid-50's folders (and TLR's). They are basic, set speed and aperture, check the distance scale(focus) compose and click. Sure, it would be grand to own a Hassy or RZ/RB, or whichever, but these are basic makes ya learn exposure value beasties, that allow the user to concentrate on what is important, the composition, not the machine.

 

[altair]

Yashica A TLR. Basic but competent. Do a search on fleabay and you'll see that they're quite cheap. Don't underestimate the Yashikor lenses they come with, they're as sharp as the Yashinons, if not better, when stopped down to f8 or so.

 

[lewis-richards]

I used to own a Mamiya C330S very cheap to buy about £200 with 80mm lens. Very enjoyable to use, easy and superp photographs achived from it. Pitty I got rid of it really you always want what you don't have anymore. Go for the C330S in my opinion.

 

[guitstik]

A few of my shots with a 1932 Voiglander Baby Bessa with an Anastigmat Voigtar 1:6,3 lens
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51976716@N08/

 

[VaryaV]

As for TLR's I have both a Yashica A and C330 (Mamiya). The Yashica is nice and light-weight. As others stated the Mamiya is versatile as you can change lenses but it's a beast of a camera and weighs in close to 5 lbs if that makes a difference for you, the bellows is nice to work with, but it is harder for me to lug around.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

It depends on what you mean by cheap. There are a few TLR's out there which are excellent for the money. You might want to check out the Mamiya RB67. Look up KEH Used Cameras.

Jeff

 

[Robert Budding]

Minolta Autocords are nice. Excellent lenses and I like the lever focus. Just be aware that those with a Citizen shutter are easier to service.

 

[VaryaV]

If you're looking at MF other then TLR, I would also like Jeff, to recommend the M645. I use it as my standard MF camera and you can get them relatively cheap at Keh where I bought of mine.

 

[CGW]

Pick a format size based on your objectives and physical strength 8^)

Overall, I'd advise against relics unless you're keen to ad camera repair guys to your circle of friends.

645 is probably the best value now with Mamiya 645(Super/TL/ProTL over the ancient metal-bodied series) and Bronica ETRS(i). Pentax 645 is another option.All have good glass and seem to be getting cheaper.

6x6 options have been covered above. I'm partial to Bronica.

6x7 is easy. Mamiya RB67. Just do a search on the big auction site and you'll usually get around 500 hits. Best current value for its negative real estate/$ quotient.

I've got all 3 formats covered but use my Mamiya RB67 Pro S kit the most--weight, clumsiness, and excessive lever-cranking aside, it let's me do pretty 16x20 prints faster than I can pay for them.

 

[VaryaV]

You guys are bad recommending the RB67, you now have got me thinking and I need another camera like I need a hole in the head......

For shame.

 

[Christopher Walrath]

Isn't there a Seagull TLR or something floating around out there somewhere?

 

[CGW]

"You guys are bad recommending the RB67, you now have got me thinking and I need another camera like I need a hole in the head..."

Life's short and film's waning--get an RB67 ASAP.

Thanks to luck, I found a NOS RB 67 Pro S+ a like-new 90mm C for a shade more than $200 last summer. Dumb fun!

 

[VaryaV]

"You guys are bad recommending the RB67, you now have got me thinking and I need another camera like I need a hole in the head..."

Life's short and film's waning--get an RB67 ASAP.

Thanks to luck, I found a NOS RB 67 Pro S+ a like-new 90mm C for a shade more than $200 last summer. Dumb fun!

But aren't they awfully heavy, more then the M645? and then I'd need another enlarger..... oh, woe is me

But, I do love the idea.

 

[totalmotard]

I found this Walzflex at an antique mall for $25. I fixed the focus and now everything works great.

 

[mablo]

Seek for a Ricoh Diacord. It's a sleeping gem among classic TLR's. You can have one for less than $100. It's just as good as any Tessar equipped TLR including Rolleiflex T and Minolta Autocord. It has a meter too!

 

[CGW]

"But aren't they awfully heavy, more then the M645?"

Well, yeah...But then there's so much more to love. It's zaftig compared to a Mamiya 645, like the difference between Nigella Lawson and Giada De Laurentiis: both cook but differ a bit in terms of body type.

The rotating back and close focus capability without ext. tubes or diopters clinched the deal for me. The 6x7 negative really is the grail.

 

[altair]

Recently I thought a Mamiya C220 was heavy too, until I bought one last week. It's a shade heavier than my Yashica TLR, but not by much. Easily handholdable. Now, unless you get your hands on an RB, you might never know if it's right for you. I have, it's undoubtedly heavier than the M645, but can you live with that? Only you can decide.

 

[fmajor]

I'm recently entering the MF World also. I picked up a Minolta Autocord and really like using it. I like the way it handles, the big viewfinder and just the simplicity of it. A friend let me borrow his as-new Yashica Mat124 and gotta say i like my Autocord better. The focus-lever is placed such that focusing while adjusting shutter-speed/aperture is really easy. If you're shopping for one, make sure the focus-lever isn't broken or stuck b/c the lubricant siezes up and the lever is not of good-quality metal and prone to breaking.

I suspect the Mamiya C220/330 are also excellent TLR's, but for me the Autocord got the nod because it *seems* like a simpler camera to use. The Autocord Rokkor optics are at least equal or better than the Mamiya's (both deliver superb images). Just my amateur opinion....

 

[Mark Fisher]

If you want really cheap, you can simply find the light leaks in your camera and seal them up. They are probably in the bellows. A small, cheap paintbrush and a can of Plasti-Dip (hardware store) can do wonders to plug small holes in the bellows.

I have a Rolleicord and had a C220 and could also recommend those highly if they are in your price range. The Rollei (or Yashica or Minolta) is smaller, the Mamiya more flexible.