Price categories

[JGOB]

Has there ever been a thread about the price categories of medium format camera's?
I've been patiently waiting for a good deal on a 500c/m for more than year now, but maybe I should widen my search.
Wich medium format camera should I look out for when I would want to spend:
- less than 250
- between 250 and 500
- between 500 and 750

Thanks!

 

[saman13]

I've never spent more than $100 on a camera, and I have two medium formats. I got a Mamiyaflex C2 plus 135mm lens for $85 (I then added a 65mm lens for $25 so, okay, that brought me to $110). I also got a Yashica D TLR for $37, but fixed lens doesn't appeal to everybody. For an inexpensive, high quality Interchangeable lens MF camera, I think the Mamiya TLRs are hard to beat for the money. So, I'll add a sub-$100 category to your list and put the Mamiyas there.

 

[WilmarcoImaging]

The RB67 system can be compiled over time with each item costing less than the highest price you listed.

A good deal on a 500CM for a camera in good condition with lens will likely, for the foreseeable future, be higher priced than the highest price in your range. The EL series of cameras seem to sell at noticeable lower prices than the manual bodies.

 

[Paul Howell]

Under $250, Yashicaflex, 124 or Ds are a lot less, Minoltacord, Rolleicord, Mamyia Press 23 with standard lens, early Bronica with standard lens and film back, Kowa 66 with 85 2.8 the Supers might run over $250, Mamyia, Pentax, 645 SLRs with standard lens, RB67 maybe lower end with standard lens and film back. In the $250 to $500 range, Mamyia Universal with standard lens and back, ugly Hassy, Kowa super 66 with back and standard lens, better quality RB 67, Rolleiflex with 3.5 Tessors, Rollie 66, maybe, later Bronica with lens backs. There are many more systems, Fuji fixed lens MF cameras are a good buy.

My complete Kowa system, Kowa 66 and supper 66 bodies, WL and eye level finders, 55, 85, 150 and 250 lens, total in todays dollars, around $2000 or less. My Mamyia Universal, 2 bodies, 3 backs, 65, 100, 140 less than $1200.

 

[John Koehrer]

The OP's in the EU so US prices may not do him much good other than some useless information. What format would you prefer?
645. 6X6,6X7, 6X9 folders are available in any range you have. In my area a 500C complete can run from under $500 to well over $750.
If you look for "medium format camera" with no brand name mentioned there you may find more.

 

[pdeeh]

Just a reminder that the OP is in Europe, and prices of used cameras are usually significantly higher here than they are in the USA, where you have a glut of supply and the likes of KEH to help you out.

 

[Alan Gales]

I sold a Hasselblad 500cm with 80mm Planar for about $1,000 a couple years ago here in the U.S. It was in mint- condition though. It also had an extra Beattie Intenscreen (bright screen) included in addition to the original screen.

Bronica SQ-A cameras are copies of the Hasselblad and go for much less. I just did a quick check on Ebay and you might get one with an 80mm lens for as low as $300.