Newbie looking for first MF gear - opinions please

tkamiya · Dec 4, 2009

Barry06GT:
Yes, I am aware of the limitations you mentioned. In exchange, I get smaller size, weight reduction, and lower cost. I use film for B&W and digital for color, so the mid-roll film change issue isn't important to me.

Ektagraphic:
I won't be using Polaroid but indeed, more modularity is an appeal. In side-by-side comparison, the view finder on Pro-TL was a tad sharper and brighter, too. I'd probably not notice this since I wouldn't have both on hand.

What-to-do.... what-to-do... Right now, I'm leaning slightly to the Pro-TL route....

Please... no one mention any other brand at this time, PLEASE!

Ektagraphic · Dec 4, 2009

Well, not sure if you realize it or not, but the beauty of Polaroid is to preview your exposure to make sure it is spot on then you put on a film back and shoot.

2F/2F · Dec 4, 2009

Ektagraphic said:
Well, not sure if you realize it or not, but the beauty of Polaroid is to preview your exposure to make sure it is spot on then you put on a film back and shoot.

More expert advice from Ektagraphic.....:rolleyes: Where on Earth do these gems, and the authority with which they are stated, come from?

Polaroids are not good tools at all for deciding exposure. They do not behave like all of the many films you could be using. They have many good uses, but getting the perfect exposure is not one of them.

I'd go for the Pro. If you are going to get one without exchangeable magazines, just go for the cheaper '70s models IMO.

Ektagraphic · Dec 4, 2009

Thanks 2F/2F. I appreaciate your opinion. I have read that in a few diffrent places and that is why I understood it that way. What is the reason for the Polaroid back on MF? Even the new Fuji films arn't a good way to find exposure?

tkamiya · Dec 4, 2009

You probably meant "Composition" instead of "Exposure".... At my first encounter with a professional photographer, he used one after setting it all up, looked at it briefly and gave it to his assistant. I'm thinking he used it as sort of a sanity check - kind of like "chimping" in digital world. I don't think I'll be interested in doing that...

I don't think THIS purchase will be my last, so I have to keep that in mind, too.

Anyway, thanks for the tip.

Leighgion · Dec 4, 2009

Go with the Pro-TL.

Unless you're really content with one film at a time, the interchangeable backs alone are worth it. That's why I went with the Super, which was the first member of the line to have swappable backs.

MattKing · Dec 4, 2009

While I don't like to disagree with 2F/2F....

The 645E is light and quite modern, and is much less likely to have been the main user body for a busy pro than an older '70s model.

The 645E has an excellent variable diopter eye level viewing system, with a very usable in camera meter, that doesn't suffer from the problems inherent in older CDS technology, or the somewhat common unwanted "line".

You can get a similar eye level viewing system for the Pro, with a slightly better meter, but it is fairly expensive.

The 645E works with that neat rapid winder grip.

Personally, I think the 645E is prettier .

I will agree with 2F/2F that the Pro is even better. If you can swing one, a Pro Tl may be newer, and therefore slightly better still. If you have or intend to get one of the flashes that will work with the TTl function on the Pro Tl, it's better still.

I have 2 bodies - a Pro and a Super. I use the Super as a backup body.

I I had to choose between the Super and a 645E as a backup body, I would choose the 645E.

If I had to choose between the Super and one of the older bodies (say a 1000s) I would choose the Super.

Matt

tkamiya · Dec 4, 2009

MattKing:

Please elaborate on "doesn't suffer from the problems inherent in older CDS technology, or the somewhat common unwanted "line"."

What do you mean??

MattKing · Dec 4, 2009

tkamiya said:
MattKing:

Please elaborate on "doesn't suffer from the problems inherent in older CDS technology, or the somewhat common unwanted "line"."

What do you mean??

CDS meters have problems with "memory", as well as slow response in some circumstances. I wouldn't turn down a good CDS meter if I didn't have an alternative available to me (think a chimney finder for a Mamiya C330) but if I had a choice, I'd prefer some of the newer technologies such as silicon blue cells.

As to the "line" problem with prism finders for the older Mamiya 645 models (1000s and older), this refers to a problem with the construction or design that for many of the prisms results in an annoying but otherwise harmless line appearing in the midst of the viewed image. As I understand it, it tends to get worse over time.

Being an artefact of the viewing system, it does not affect the photograph itself, just the photographer .

When you consider these issues, you need to keep in mind that many of these cameras are 30+ years old.

Matt

tkamiya · Dec 4, 2009

Thank you. I didn't know either of those problems.

Venchka · Dec 5, 2009

A friend here in Houston has the 645E. He likes it. "E" for Education model. No frills. Inexpensive.

tkamiya · Dec 5, 2009

Today, I went to a local used camera store and looked/handled M645 and Yashica-Mat.... Didn't quite fall-in-love with them. Instead, I came home with a new-to-me enlarger.... (Beseler Print Maker 35)

himilsbah · Dec 5, 2009

I have had the 645TL for few years and I liked it lightweight and modularity. The lenses are fast, sharp and affordable. Mamiya 645E viewfinder isn't prism but reflective and have ugly barrel distortion. Thats not big issue but I prefer composing on matte screen anyway. Now I use 645AFD and I miss the WFL and detachable motor drive.

Because of the weight of my Mamiya AFD (2,1kg! with 55mm lens) I consider buying Hassy or mentioned Bronica GS-1. Bronica seems to be perfect in case of 6x7 format vs weight. GS-1 + WLF + 65mm - 1,9kg.

When you'll buy the Mamiya, be careful for aperture pin while attaching the lenses.

Bartosz

Newbie looking for first MF gear - opinions please

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Newbie looking for first MF gear - opinions please

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