suggest MF treat, after these 18 years post major med. diagnosis?

[Dan Fromm]

... I can second this. It's nigh indestructible, and with the graflok back, there's loads of options for film / format. I'm in the process of cleaning / adjusting one I bought up recently. It's a nifty little camera.

Many lenses possible too. I went wild. Not necessary but highly recommended.

 

[voceumana]

If you like how the Yashica handles and works, then a Bronica SQ-Ai or SQ-B with waist level finder would be my recommendation. Similar handling, but a little more compact, and the option to have different lenses and film backs. The B is a stripped down version, but not significantly so, and is about the same as an SQ-A, but newer.

 

[mrosenlof]

Since you have a Yashica, I'll note that I'm a fan of the Mamiya TLRs. You could get a C220(plain,f) or 330(plain,F,S) with maybe the 55mm or the 135 depending if your preferences are toward wider or longer. It's not too fancy. But most of all congratulations on the 18 years!

 

[mgb74]

Since you have a Yashica, I'll note that I'm a fan of the Mamiya TLRs. You could get a C220(plain,f) or 330(plain,F,S) with maybe the 55mm or the 135 depending if your preferences are toward wider or longer. It's not too fancy. But most of all congratulations on the 18 years!

No, no, no, no, no

Since the OP already has a TLR, the treat is to get a MF camera that is the polar opposite. Not because one is better than the other, but because one is different than the other. So I say something like the Fuji 690. Or, if in a more thrifty mood, a nice Zeiss Ikon 6x9 folder.

 

[wiltw]

Eighteenth year anniversary of a life-threatening medical diagnosis (yep, that one), still around, still receiving therapy but maybe phasing that out soon.

Returning casual photographer, and new to MF (Yashica TLR) and liking it, I wonder what would be a MF camera treat.
Something not too fancy, or fragile, so I would not feel nervous about taking it about.

??

You should be made aware that medium format SLRs which sold new for $3000 with one film magazine and pentaprism, 'normal lens' and one film magazine can be had pretty routinely for $300-600 today, a small fraction of original cost!
So dismiss your original ideas about affordability, as those ideas are indeed obsoleted by the market change so strongly for digital.

 

[Rick A]

Eighteenth year anniversary of a life-threatening medical diagnosis (yep, that one), still around, still receiving therapy but maybe phasing that out soon.

Returning casual photographer, and new to MF (Yashica TLR) and liking it, I wonder what would be a MF camera treat.
Something not too fancy, or fragile, so I would not feel nervous about taking it about.

??

Congratulations !! Since you have 6x6 covered, might I suggest a 6x9 folder for your next medium format pleasure.

 

[Steve Goldstein]

I second Rick A's suggestion.

6x9 folders have a couple of small advantages. First, they typically have 100mm or 105mm lenses compared to 75mm or 80mm for nearly all 6x6 TLRs, which means you get a very mild telephoto if you crop to 6x6 or 6x7 for printing (or even if you don't). It'll give you slightly tighter framing than your Yashica TLR, and might be helpful if you feel your TLR's 6x6 images often have too much boring foreground or too much empty sky. It's precisely the reason I bought a 6x9 as a skiing/hiking camera.

A second subtle advantage is that folders are often used at eye level while TLRs are usually used at waist level. You might enjoy the slightly different perspective.

 

[Danner]

Fuji GF670, super nice, IMHO.

 

[jay moussy]

Fuji GF670, super nice, IMHO.

A old thread from 2009 on here covering budget 6x9?
https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/best-budget-6x9-folder-camera.56042/


Older 6x9 folders: may be difficult to find in working condition, and at a price?

 

[Auer]

A old thread from 2009 on here covering budget 6x9?
https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/best-budget-6x9-folder-camera.56042/


Older 6x9 folders: may be difficult to find in working condition, and at a price?

If you buy a non-RF folder theyre not that expensive to get up and running if there are issues.
Also consider a 6x4.5. Fun walk arounds with 16 shots and can be had at great prices usually.

 

[choiliefan]

Lomography Belair:
https://shop.lomography.com/en/cameras/belair-cameras/belair-jetsetter

 

[removed account4]

I love spending someone else's money

Lomography Belair:
https://shop.lomography.com/en/cameras/belair-cameras/belair-jetsetter

+1
great company to support too !!

 

[Bill Burk]

I enjoy using a Voigtlander Bessa II 6x9 folder with Color Scopar. I like it’s coupled rangefinder viewfinder and the clever pop-out shutter release.

Wish it had double exposure prevention but you can’t get everything

There are several in the range of just under $500 now and a couple with APO Lanthar that are more than double the price.

 

[mgb74]

A old thread from 2009 on here covering budget 6x9?
https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/best-budget-6x9-folder-camera.56042/


Older 6x9 folders: may be difficult to find in working condition, and at a price?

Buy this before I do (and I don't need a 3rd 6x9 folder): https://southcoast.craigslist.org/pho/d/wrentham-voigalander-bessa-camera/7277679071.html

 

[jvo]

congratulations on your anniversary...

i'd recommend closing your eyes and visioning what you would dream being on a strap around you neck as you spend a day shooting one of your favorite subjects.

 

[Grim Tuesday]

I second the Mamiya C220 or C330 suggestions from earlier in the thread. It's a tank so you don't need to worry about it, and has interchangeable lenses and a sufficient increase in image quality over your Yashica TLR to make it "worth it." And it's still cheap, too. Wonderful camera.