Something between a Holga and a Hasselblad

[Marvin]

What I would like to see in Medium Format would be a step above a Holga but not as expensive as a Hasselblad. About $500 would be a good range to shoot for and it would be simple but have a good lens. It could be all manual and not have interchangeable backs, finders, and possibly lenses. Not that many years ago you could buy a Yashicamat 124 for a little over $100 and even if it was twice that now would still be a good deal. I know new film cameras are few and far between but I would like to see one in this range
Marvin

 

[dasBlute]

[EDIT: oops - these are all used, not available new a.f.a.i.k.]
my order, no one else's, closer to the 'blad side of things:
rolleiflex [maybe not <$500],
mamiya C330, RB67
Fuji 6x7

 

[paul ron]

Today you can get a Yashicamat for $40, an RB67 kit for $400... why shoot for an over priced junker?

.

 

[jp498]

Lotsa nice used TLRs in your price range. Rolleiflexs with tessar lenses (automat) are right in the middle of that range. Yashica TLRs go from 0-$400 (pretty 124g with working meter) Mamiya TLRs are right in the middle too. Not brand new stuff, but the newer stuff isn't as pretty or as solid as the 50-60-early 70's gear.

A late model yashica 124g with a cla would be as close to new as you can get. There's such an abundance of good old gear, it'd be a tough market to crack for new quality TLRs if they are to compete against used gear. For big bucks you can get a bessa or fuji 120 folder. Also out of your price range is the newish rangefinders.

 

[Sparky]

Hmmmm... this is like asking (to me) to locate something halfway between a zebra and a vcr... what do you want? Something with it's own funky image characteristics like a Holga - or a semi serious technical camera like the Hassy? If you're looking for something that's a bit funky - maybe go with an old (40s ish) rolleicord or something along those lines... each camera type is a tool, each with their own characteristics - even the lower end can produce images just as captivating as the 'high end' - it's really not about the equipment in the end - you might never know it from reading these forums - but it's about what's between your ears that matters...

 

[Jon Shiu]

I think he's referring to new cameras.

Jon

 

[dphphoto]

What's wrong with a modular camera? Bronica ETR's are going on eBay for a song. I picked up a whole ETRS kit, 75mm lens, metered prism, speed grip, extra back, all in decent condition, for under $250. The 75mm is a great lens.

 

[MattKing]

I think he's referring to new cameras.

Jon

+1

 

[Sparky]

I see... I would strongly recommend the second hand market... why get a new KIA when you can get a second hand Lamborghini for the same price? Well that's my opinion. Maybe I'm a little cheap but I've never bought a new camera with the exception of my Sinar in 1998... I don't see the point in it. But that's me.

 

[CGW]

I'd recommend a Holga, lots of gaffer's tape, a dark bar with enough left to cover your tab as you admire your prints. C'mon...

 

[bdial]

I'm with Sparky, for 500 you can buy a Hasselblad ready to rock and roll, no need for compromises. In the in-between range you can by a multitude of solid well performing camaras that will give you whatever "features" you'd like.
For new gear, there aren't so many choices, and most serious ones will be more than the 500.
If you're uneasy about used, spend 250 +or - on the camera, and another 250 +- on a top-notch cla.

 

[Marvin]

I am in good shape for Medium Format I have 2 ETRSI Bronicas that I bought new in the 90s but was thinking of something new for the current market. With so much good used stuff on the market I suppose it would be difficult to market a new camera in this price range. Another option would be if someone revived the Bronica line and offered a digital back then it could be offered to film and digital users.

 

[Sparky]

not to mention the fact that a high quality mechanical camera like a hasselblad will, if decently cared for, WAYYYYYYYY outlast ANYTHING you can possibly purchase new for $3000 or less... not to mention take superior photos...