Recommend 6x6 MF camera - not Mamiya

Rob MacKillop · May 24, 2018

I'd love to have the Mamiya 6, but prices in the UK have shot up in the last three years, almost double what they were. Something with good-quality lenses would be ideal. I generally work hand-held. Budget: plus or minus £300.

Cheers,

Rob

voceumana · May 24, 2018

I don't know what prices are in the UK, but the Bronica SQ-Ai is reasonably priced in the USA and has good lens. Very capable of hand held shots with wide to short tele lenses with WLF (waist level finder).

markjwyatt · May 24, 2018

How about the other Mamiya 6x6? The C330 TLRs are quite budget friendly and excellent cameras, certainly within £300.

ReginaldSMith · May 24, 2018

Rolleiflex, Yashica - both make VERY affordable TLRs.

Paul Howell · May 24, 2018

Do you want a rangefinder, TLR or SLR? Fixed lens is ok? Built in meter? Any change of a 6X4.5?

Rob MacKillop · May 24, 2018

Thanks, guys.

The Bronica is a contender, but looks a bit heavy - not as heavy as the RB67 I used to lug around!

I used to have a C330s with Blue Dot lenses - sorry I let that one go, and wonder why I blanked it out of my mind this time round. Good suggestion.

Built-in meters are handy if they work properly. I have a Minolta Flash Meter IV to help with that. Have not made my mind up re TLR/SLR or Rangefinder...

Rolleis are expensive here too, though Yashas are a possibility.

Thanks for the recommendations - I'm just beginning to get my head back into medium format.

M Carter · May 24, 2018

I'll toss in a "regardless" choice - I have an Isolette III that I really love. I primarily shoot RB, 4x5 field camera and 4x5 pinhole lately. But the "6x6 in your pocket" (literally, though you need a decent belt!) has let me grab shots I would have missed otherwise. It has an uncoupled RF and no meter, but focusing is great if a bit slower than an SLR; and it's forced me to get more competent with sunny-16 style exposing (and there's always the phone meter app). Mine has the mid-level (Apotar) lens, which really has decent IQ when stopped down a bit. And the cool-factor is way up there with a folder, it's always fun to chat with civilians when they see me unfold it. Regardless of what you settle on as your mains squeeze, a decent folder is just an excellent thing to have.

Rob MacKillop · May 24, 2018

Quite a few Isolette's on eBay, and cheap too. Thanks for the tip.

BradS · May 24, 2018

Mamiya TLR.

Sirius Glass · May 24, 2018

Hmmm ... something 6x6 other than Mamiya ...

Hasselblad

.

markjwyatt · May 24, 2018

Sirius Glass said:
Hmmm ... something 6x6 other than Mamiya ...

Hasselblad

.

...for £300

RalphLambrecht · May 24, 2018

Rob MacKillop said:
I'd love to have the Mamiya 6, but prices in the UK have shot up in the last three years, almost double what they were. Something with good-quality lenses would be ideal. I generally work hand-held. Budget: plus or minus £300.

Cheers,

Rob

good luck at that budget.

jimjm · May 24, 2018

For a 6x6 SLR, I'd recommend a Bronica SQ-A or SQ-Ai. Great lenses, especially the later PS versions, and fairly hand-holdable with waist-level finder and a speed grip. You'll still have the loud thunk from the mirror/shutter that most medium format SLR's have. I have an SQ-A that's been chugging away with no problems for over 15 years. Very versatile system. I would also consider Hasselblad, if money was no object.
Don't overlook Rolleicords, if you want a TLR with the same build quality as a Rolleiflex, but less cost. If you can live with a one-lens camera, these are fairly light (less than a 'Flex, much less than a Mamiya C3, C330, C220, etc.). Schneider and Zeiss lenses on the Rolleis are really amazing.
Folders are also an option, Zeiss Super Ikonta or Voigtlander, a few others makes as well. Condition of the bellows and struts is important, maybe check out a seller like Cert06 (Jurgen) and see what he has to offer.

1kgcoffee · May 24, 2018

If price is a concern, get a kiev 6c or 60. The 6c does both 120 and 220 and has some really decent glass available. I get 13 frames per roll. Get one that has been CLA'd, there are a few dealers on ebay. Use a cable release with it (important for sharp images.) For 300 pounds you could get a body with prism and two or three lenses. If you want high end, go for the zeiss. The kaleinar 150mm is spectacular for the price.

ReginaldSMith · May 24, 2018

Sirius Glass said:
Hmmm ... something 6x6 other than Mamiya ...

Hasselblad

.

Being a proud new daddy of one.....I SECOND THAT!

mshchem · May 24, 2018

SQ-AI cameras and lenses have been cheap here in US. I have 4 bodies, all the lenses, what can I say I'm a sucker for a deal. The motor drive grip is awesome. The Ai finder is great, adjustable diopter, same with the 45 degree finder. Harder to find clean cheap these days . I bought a lot of mine when KEH was drowning in them. I had the (new price 20 grand) Fluorite element 500 f8. Made no sense, paid 900 bucks for it from KEH on sale. I sold it to a guy in Australia.
My first medium format camera was a Yashica TLR someone gave it to me. Sent it in had shutter cleaned adjusted. Awesome little camera ,light, great camera. That's what I would recommend if you don't want to end up like me
Best Regards Mike

P.johnson14 · May 24, 2018

I'll give another vote to the Isolette. I've been shooting a Ansco Speedex Special R for the past few months and have been impressed. I too have the Apotar lens. The price is good, it's lightweight, and the results are great.

Rob MacKillop · May 25, 2018

Thanks again for all the suggestions. Much appreciated. You've given me a lot to mull over. This is going to be fun...

mristuccia · May 25, 2018

I would add the Iskra medium format folding camera to the list.
It's a Russian fully coupled ragefinder with a tack sharp lens. I own one and find it great. Always with me when I go around for street photography. Its central shutter is very silent.
See here for an overview: http://www.reportajes-jmserrano.com/iskra.htm

Rob MacKillop · May 25, 2018

Thanks. Never heard of the Iskra - looks interesting.

RauschenOderKorn · May 25, 2018

How about a Zeiss Super-Ikonta?

I have a 532/16 with a Tessar from 1939 (uncoated) which I picked up on the bay for a third of your budget. The rangefinder works well, and the pictures are super-sharp.

macfred · May 25, 2018

RauschenOderKorn said:
How about a Zeiss Super-Ikonta?
...

+1 - I have a 531/16 and I really like it !

--
For a TLR I would recommend a Rolleicord Vb - in good, working condition it will fit your budget.

removed account4 · May 25, 2018

check out the classifides HERE there seems to be inexpensive/user rolleicords every week one is in there now for $110.

chris77 · May 25, 2018

voigtlander perkeo II . best 6x6 folder i have used. great lens, reliable and stable, yet small enough to carry everywhere.

guangong · May 25, 2018

I would put my money in a piggy bank and save up for what I really want. My Hasselblad went for decades with only a 60 mm f4 lens. Although was able to adapt a couple Leica and Kilfitt lenses.

Recommend 6x6 MF camera - not Mamiya

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