The Right Medium Format Camera - Take Two

[Paul in Arizona]

A further attraction of the Bronica ETRSi is that it is usually sold in pieces and the price of the total package is not very high. That is, it is modular and should any one part go bad it can be replaced at a very small cost, less than a repair would cost. That was my thinking when I bought a near mint body; prism; 2 lenses and several backs. Image quality is outstanding and comparable to a Rollei's so absolutely no complaints there. It does everything an SLR is supposed to do very well.

That said, I found myself going back to the Rolleiflex for no other reason than I just prefer the act of using the TLR over an SLR.

 

[GRHazelton]

Please note that the Pentax 645n and 645nii are rather different from the original 645. The "n" models offer autofocus (with AF lenses) focus indicator, a brighter viewfinder, really intuitive handling - compared to the 645 - no drilling down through menus. The n's handle much like a big 35mm. Ken Rockwell asserts that the n's have much better viewfinders. For once he right. The n's also imprint exposure data on the film and yield 16 exposures per roll, versus 15.

I really feel that the n models are so much better than the original as to make the choice a "no-brainer." Yes, I own a 645n. Super camera, with excellent lenses. Please note that the inserts can easily be changed from 120 to 220 film, or vice versa.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Have you considered a Rolleiflex 2.8 F or later model? They have prisms and interchangeable focusing screens available, are lighter in weight and more compact in form, phenomenal optics, great ergonomics and simplified handling because of the square format. I know, they don't change lenses, but you'd be amazed at what you can do with just that one lens. I've done two major trips with my 2.8E, and between the two ran something on the order of 110-120 rolls of film through it, and been absolutely blown away.

 

[Mark Fisher]

The hasselblad is insanely easy to focus if you have an Acute Matte screen. I'm also a fan of their 45deg prisms....very easy to focus. After using Rolleiflex, mamiya C220, and Pentax 645, I ended up with the Hasselblad. I like the quality of the camera, the square image and the ergonomics. The image quality is great, but I didn't find any of them to be less than great. I do still have the Rolleiflex just because it is such an amazing piece of art!

 

[frank]

The hasselblad is insanely easy to focus if you have an Acute Matte screen. I'm also a fan of their 45deg prisms....very easy to focus. After using Rolleiflex, mamiya C220, and Pentax 645, I ended up with the Hasselblad. I like the quality of the camera, the square image and the ergonomics. The image quality is great, but I didn't find any of them to be less than great. I do still have the Rolleiflex just because it is such an amazing piece of art!

+ 1 ^^^

 

[Sirius Glass]

The hasselblad is insanely easy to focus if you have an Acute Matte screen. I'm also a fan of their 45deg prisms....very easy to focus. After using Rolleiflex, mamiya C220, and Pentax 645, I ended up with the Hasselblad. I like the quality of the camera, the square image and the ergonomics. The image quality is great, but I didn't find any of them to be less than great. I do still have the Rolleiflex just because it is such an amazing piece of art!

I have the Acutte Matte screen and the 45° PME on my Hasselblad and I agree with you.

 

[RattyMouse]

Every time I read the thread title I think that it is a recommendation to carry two medium format cameras!

That's what I do, carry two medium format (6 X 7) cameras. My two GF series Fujifilm rangefinders are light and compact and fit into a simple Billingham Hadley Pro bag. So light, I carry them easily. All. Day. Long. 8 hours is nothing, they are that light.

Most of the time I have a Nikon FM2n in that bag as well. Imagine that, two 6 x 7 rangefinders, and a 35mm SLR (usually with a 20mm lens on it), all in the same bag, easily carried.