Recommend 6x6 MF camera - not Mamiya

[Rob MacKillop]

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]

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]

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

 

[ReginaldSMith]

Rolleiflex, Yashica - both make VERY affordable TLRs.

 

[Paul Howell]

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

 

[Rob MacKillop]

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]

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]

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

 

[BradS]

Mamiya TLR.

 

[Sirius Glass]

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

Hasselblad





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[markjwyatt]

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

Hasselblad





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...for £300

 

[RalphLambrecht]

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]

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]

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]

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

Hasselblad





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

 

[mshchem]

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]

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]

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

 

[mristuccia]

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]

Thanks. Never heard of the Iskra - looks interesting.

 

[RauschenOderKorn]

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]

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]

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

 

[chris77]

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

 

[guangong]

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.