The Best Medium Format RFs

arielleswagger · Apr 24, 2020

Hi all.

i’m new to this site and was hoping to get some help for my next photography endeavor. i’ve spent lots of time shooting medium format cameras in the past, however, none of them were rangefinders. i’ve always wanted to get a Mamiya 7 or something like that, but my budget is only about $500-$600. i was hoping i could get some recommendations for good rangefinders in that price range. i am looking to shoot with about a 90mm lens too, negative size preferably 67... thank you

Grim Tuesday · Apr 24, 2020

I think your best options are to look into Fuji's 6x4.5 rangefinders(GA645/GS645), as they come as close as possible to the experience that Mamiya 6 and 7 provide - they are lightweight, small, rangefinders with light meters and good lenses. The only problem is they are not 6x7. The GS645, in particular, would fit the bill and could be found near $400. In my opinion, most of the other options miss the mark:

Fuji 6x9 rangefinders - too heavy, no light meter, not 6x7
Fuji 6x7 folding rangefinder - too expensive
Plaubel Makina - too expensive
50s folding cameras - unreliable, sometimes no rangefinder, I've found lenses to be inconsistent and they often require shutter maintenance before use, only 6x6 or 6x9
Mamiya Press - too heavy, no light meter
Koni Omega - too heavy, no light meter
Bronica RF645 - too expensive, not 6x7

If you don't care about weight and light meter, the Fuji GW690, Mamiya Press and Koni Omegas could be good for you. But I don't feel like they really deliver anything close to what the Mamiya 7 offers.

macfred · Apr 24, 2020

Fuji GW series (6x7; 6x8 and 6x9) or -if you are okay with 6x4.5- the Fuji GA and GS series rangefinders. Those should be in your budget.
I have GW670iii; GW690ii and the GA645 and GA645Wi - I can all recommend them.

halfaman · Apr 24, 2020

Fuji GS645 has very well know problems with the bellows and with the shutter cock mechanism. Bellows are very bad and they are extemely prone to have ligh leaks, I had to buy one from custombellows because mine has leaks and I didn't trust original spare parts. The shutter cock is not very reliable but it is pure mechanical and can be repair.

macfred · Apr 24, 2020

halfaman said:
Fuji GS645 has very well know problems with the bellows and with the shutter cock mechanism. Bellows are very bad and they are extemely prone to have ligh leaks, I had to buy one from custombellows because mine has leaks and I didn't trust original spare parts. The shutter cock is not very reliable but it is pure mechanical and can be repair.

Yes, I first bought a GS645 but a I had issues with the bellows - later I switched to GA645 series (and GW series) - no problems after almost 3 years of using them.

guangong · Apr 24, 2020

I am partial to folders. I myself use Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta B for 66, and Fuji GF670;and Plaubel Makina 67. The Fuji now costs almost double for used than I paid for new, especially when necessary accessories are included. Makina67 usually costs a lot less
Super Ikonta B is extremely reliable camera with robust rangefinder.
I have a Kodak Medalist that shoots 69. Not a folder. Built to military specifications with a still competitive 100mm Ektar lens. Excellent cameras still available. Only drawback, they use 160 film, but spools ready available and rolling 120 tp 160 rather easy after you get the hang of it.
Or save up and increase your budget.

halfaman · Apr 24, 2020

I would suggest an Agfa Super Isolette.

I have an Iskra (the soviet copy) which has some problems of shutter fire reliability and back light leaks, but it is a very portable MF with a super bright viewfinder and excellent image quality. Super Isolette manufacturing standards were much higher and all these Iskra issues should be not present. Agfa prize was around 500USD last time I checked.

Donald Qualls · Apr 24, 2020

For your budget, you could get a Moskva 5 with the frame mask (same camera shoots both 6x9 and 6x6), and still have money for a good sized film purchase and processing.

Paul Howell · Apr 24, 2020

Mamiya Press or Universal with standard 100 3.5, Konica Rapid 100 or 200 with 90 2.5, or for fixed lens Mamiya 6 from the 50s and 60s, 75 3.5.

Sirius Glass · Apr 24, 2020

Prices were better a few years ago for Hasselblad, but the prices are still down so the choice from many great cameras is open. I recommend that you look for interchangeable lenses and changeable film backs for the most flexibility.

papagene · Apr 24, 2020

I can highly recommend the Fuji GW670 Ii or III. The lens is wonderful, it is very handholdable.

The Best Medium Format RFs

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