Searching for the best (?) carry everywhere MF camera

[Hassasin]

Some call a view camera as "cary everywhere" it's more than a stretch, but how we define that aspect is everyone's choice. The comments I made here before I did not pay attention to that part at all. But on a second thought, it'd be kinda interesting to know what OP meant by the "everywhere" part.

 

[GregY]

Some call a view camera as "cary everywhere" it's more than a stretch, but how we define that aspect is everyone's choice. The comments I made here before I did not pay attention to that part at all. But on a second thought, it'd be kinda interesting to know what OP meant by the "everywhere" part.

Agreed.

 

[Hassasin]

We've certainly stretched the limit of the "carry anywhere" MF camera....with the Pentax 67 and RB67 and even Eli's Hasselblad kit. What exactly does 'going anywhere' mean? Just because you can carry it does it necessarily mean that you would? Certainly if photography was the specific goal you might.....but does it make it the best? If it spends most of the day on your car seat it might....but if you're carrying it all day long everywhere, it might quickly lose its charm....compared to a folder, new Mamiya 6MF or a naked Rolleiflex or 'cord.....
(photo Mamiya 6, 50mm)View attachment 334759

Could not agree more.

BTW, is this your shot? Love it.

 

[GregY]

Could not agree more.

BTW, is this your shot? Love it.

Thank you. Yes it is my photo. Here's another. Fuji GSW690 lll. Although i've owned both a P67 and an RB67 they would not have made these trips....

 

[abruzzi]

I interpreted "carry everywhere" not to mean carrying the camera to every location you want photograph, since aside from Linhof 8x10s I assumed we all do that anyway--maybe I'm wrong.)

I interpreted it as a camera that is always with you, whether you're planning to photograph or not, you carry it everywhere, so if that unexpected shot appears, you are ready. The flips side of the "the best camera is the one you have with you" argument.

 

[GregY]

I interpreted "carry everywhere" not to mean carrying the camera to every location you want photograph, since aside from Linhof 8x10s I assumed we all do that anyway--maybe I'm wrong.)

I interpreted it as a camera that is always with you, whether you're planning to photograph or not, you carry it everywhere, so if that unexpected shot appears, you are ready. The flips side of the "the best camera is the one you have with you" argument.

That was my read as well. That's what makes MF folders such an attractive option.....

 

[Hassasin]

Thank you. Yes it is my photo. Here's another. Fuji GSW690 lll. Although i've owned both a P67 and an RB67 they would not have made these trips....View attachment 334760

Pure vintage classics, great.

 

[Cholentpot]

Hasselblad 500C
View attachment 334679
from : https://mikeeckman.com/2021/12/hasselblad-500-c-1957/

Mamiya C220
View attachment 334681
from : https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/01534/01534.pdf

Must have been one of these internet truths.

This said, if one wants light, compact and dependable: Rollei TLR. Give up lens interchangeability. Lose? Depends.

Really? You pick the lightest of the series to make your point? How about the C or C33? I shoot with both of them, they're at least twice as heavy than a standard TLR if not more.

C33 with 80mm is 2040g. That's quite a bit heavier than the 500c. The C3 is even heavier. And putting aside the weight, those things are bulky. It's not a compact form of camera in any sense at all. They're very large. Lovely to use, comfortable to carry around but not at all compact.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Welcome to Photrio!

In your post you mention fixed lens cameras, a rangefinder, SLRs, TLR, and folder. Have you tried most/all of the above styles? Usually people have a preference and that can help you decide.

Anyway if your main concern is easy carry and you would be happy with just one lens I’d stay away from cameras like Hasselblad which would be overkill. If you need a “system” camera Hasselblads are great but there are simpler, easier to carry options if you don’t need all the extras.

From your list the Rolleicord is looking pretty good to me and Yashicamats are a less expensive option but still with quality glass. But you have to like the TLR way of doing things of course.

Also if you’re going to be doing your own metering anyway you might consider avoiding electronics in the camera. One less thing to go wrong.

How is buying a Hasselblad overkill?

• Buy one camera that last for life
• Buy one camera with abundant parts and services
• Buy one camera that is a system with a wide range of lenses to choose from
• Buy one cameran and NOT have to repeated by one camera after another that works, is serviceable and has lenses available and working.
• Not having to carry around a TLR with a normal lens, a TLR with a wide lens and a TLR with a telephoto lens

 

[GregY]

How is buying a Hasselblad overkill?

• Buy one camera that last for life
• Buy one camera with abundant parts and services
• Buy one camera that is a system with a wide range of lenses to choose from
• Buy one cameran and NOT have to repeated by one camera after another that works, is serviceable and has lenses available and working.
• Not having to carry around a TLR with a normal lens, a TLR with a wide lens and a TLR with a telephoto lens

You're right on many points Steve, but since the OP already has both a Mamiya 645 system and a Bronica SQ.....how is a Hasselblad not just further duplicating what he's got?

 

[warden]

How is buying a Hasselblad overkill?

 

[abruzzi]

That was my read as well. That's what makes MF folders such an attractive option.....

Exactly. The main problem with folders is most are old-ish. If you can afford a Fuji GF or a Plaubel Makina, then they are probably awesome, but I also have a soft spot for my Pearl III, but the op wants to avoid 6x4.5, IIRC.

 

[Mike Lopez]

View attachment 334778

 

[4season]

I think 6x6 has advantages vs 6x4.5 if you like the square format, you want to be able to project transparencies, or you wish to use a waist-level finder and avoid the inconvenience of rotating the camera when shooting vertical compositions. Otherwise, they are pretty much the same thing, IMO.

Larger formats: Have gotten very satisfying results from a Fuji GSW690 III - when I held the camera really steady! These big cameras were once a ubiquitous sight in Japan, where they were used to photograph groups of tourists at scenic locations. But the cameras were generally mounted atop a tripod. But for mixed shooting styles, where there might be some camera shake, I’d prefer the more economical 6x4.5 format.

 

[moggi1964]

I use an Agfa Isolette II with a beautiful Solinar F/3.5 75mm lens and its about as compact as you can get.

I also use my beloved Mamiya C3 with a selection of lenses. Fabulous setup, versatile but it's a heavy beast.

 

[4season]

Older cameras (including pre-WW2) can be wonderful shooters if you know how to repair old cameras or purchase from someone who does, like @Alex Varas.

 

[GregY]

Older cameras (including pre-WW2) can be wonderful shooters if you know how to repair old cameras or purchase from someone who does, like @Alex Varas.

For photogs in Western Canada, Gary Clennan lensmedicyyc.com does a great job!

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

I use Zeiss Nettars in this role. "Cheap and Cheerful," as the saying goes. The Novar triplets work remarkably well. I've never had any reliability issues. Available with Prontor shutters or simple 4-speed Vario/Pronto units. The Agfa equivelants have problems with the focus gumming up and light leaks in the bellows - though when these two issues are fixed they won't reappear (unless you fix the camera with your secret stash of Agfa's famous green lubricant/epoxy cement).

One problem with the 6x6 Nettars is they don't have strap lugs. A real failing as the (N)Ever-Ready cases live up to their name. I've managed to buy lugs on ebay to fix the issue. The 6x9 cameras have a carry-handle that a strap can attach to.

If you want to go upmarket there are the Ikontas available with Tessar lenses, Prontor and Compur shutters, coupled rangefinders and uncoupled meters. The variations in Ikonta models is rather, well, excessive.

 

[MattKing]

I think 6x6 has advantages vs 6x4.5 if you like the square format, you want to be able to project transparencies

FWIW, I have 6x4.5 slide mounts that work great in my medium format projector.

 

[Xylo]

For years I've believed that what makes a camera a carry-everywhere camera is not how heavy the camera is but how good is your back

But different handling positions will affect stability.

Now, I'm going to suggest something that is a bit of heresy: a Kiev
Either the 60 or the 88.
There are still repairs possible on them (by Arax), they can be used for self defense, are relatively affordable, have interchangeable lenses. Not completely horrible when you think about it.

 

[eli griggs]

Another advantage of the Hasselblad, is the interchangable backs, which can give you no only 6*6cm but also 6*4.5, 4*4, 35mm with adapters, and the 6cm long panoramic with the use of a 6*6 CM back, that has a (IIRC) single gear change and, if wanted, a window templet that lies between body and magazine.

Do no think you can no put the camera on its side to grab a vertical, a monopod or tripod makes this a good option, even when "square" is your main focus.

Use a mask with the 35mm adapters too.

I believe elsewhere in this site, someone found a premade gear to make that happen.

The savings are self-evident in most of these magazines, which wind on the appropriate lenght of film, ie. the 4*4cm back allows for 16 exposures instead of the standard 12 frames of the 6*6.

Hasselblad or third party masks are available for these formats to keep excess image areas 'clean' of light marks, which is nice, too.

think 6x6 has advantages vs 6x4.5 if you like the square format, you want to be able to project transparencies, or you wish to use a waist-level finder and avoid the inconvenience of rotating the camera when shooting vertical compositions. Otherwise, they are pretty much the same thing, IMO.

Larger formats: Have gotten very satisfying results from a Fuji GSW690 III - when I held the camera really steady! These big cameras were once a ubiquitous sight in Japan, where they were used to photograph groups of tourists at scenic locations. But the cameras were generally mounted atop a tripod. But for mixed shooting styles, where there might be some camera shake, I’d prefer the more economical 6x4.5 format

 

[Bill Burk]

I saw a Certo6 come and go a few days ago. @RoboRepublic sold it.

I thought Certo6 was just the name of the repairman but turns out it’s a nice 6x6 folder with combination rangefinder/viewfinder.

 

[Chrismat]

I have a Certo6 (East German) folder that I love, great lens, but for a folder it's a bit on the heavy side.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

The East German government drove the company into the ground. Nationalized in '72, dead by '82.

Certo was the name of the company, Certo Six is a camera made by same, and Certo6 is the name of a contempory firm that specializes in resurecting old German folders. Not to be confusing or anything.

"Workers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your livelihood."

 

[Rolleiflexible]

So far barely mentioned: A Voigtlander Perkeo with a Skopar lens. Small, elegant, pocketable.

My preference is the Rolleicord but it's not fitting in my pocket. The OP wants a camera to carry around. A lot of the cameras advocated above (Hasselblad really?) are too big and too heavy to fit that bill. A Rolleicord is a lot lighter and more compact, but still not a trifle to carry. A Perkeo (or other MF folder) can live unobtrusively in a pocket or a glove box.