Thread for List of Suggested Cameras? (MF/otherwise)

analoguey · Nov 3, 2013

Wonder if it's a good idea to make a list of suggested or a Poll of suggested cameras/systems from APUG members. Considering that there seem to be enough people wanting to move into film/up to MF or large format etc.,? Sure each new thread allows to add in a post or two, but seems to me like it will save more forum space if camera reccos were captured in a more tabular manner or so? Or even a pie chart.

Probably a more "central" reservoir of the wealth of APUG knowledge at least on suggested cameras for suggested uses.

/Should this go under site suggestions?

Two23 · Nov 3, 2013

There are so many types of cameras, and so many different interests. I mostly like cameras made between 1920 and 1950. Cameras from 1970-1990 are far more popular, but I have no interest in those at all. My favorite to use are the Leica IIIc, Rolleiflex, and the Voigtlander Bessa. These aren't as convenient to use as newer ones. I also love to shoot 4x5 but here again I rarely use modern lenses and prefer those from 1840s-1850s, or early 1900s. I only shoot b&w. There's a very wide range of interest and possibilities. Any "list" would have to get pretty specific.

Kent in SD

analoguey · Nov 3, 2013

Not really, Kent. It could even be a list of lists, or something that an Excel file could cook up.
something with options that could go like:

"Oh, long hike? less-heavy Medium Format shooter? Limited lens combos?... here you go, get X camera by 8 APUG users and get Y camera by 6 APUG users."

A few such shortlists and soon, most new system/camera seekers would have a ready reckoner.

bernard_L · Nov 3, 2013

Too many parameters. And to some large degree subjective. With the same requirements, each individual will make different choices, based on cost, weight, optical quality (real or carried by the internet rumor), need for flexibility, real or perceived need for film area to reach "adequate" quality, etc, etc. You can get useful information by reading in threads not which camera is "best" for a given purpose, but why this or that user prefers this or that system, and filtering through your own needs and preferences. A little like movie critics: there is not a single one whose advice you agree 100% of the time. And a movie seat costs less than a camera.

BrianShaw · Nov 3, 2013

Show me the table (or the pie) variables and I'll contribute my 2-cents worth.

Mustafa Umut Sarac · Nov 3, 2013

To have a good, old or classic camera does not make you a good photographer. Some guys go to trip to europe with several thousands dollars worth of m7 and shoot on expired fuji film. There are people gives 400 dollars or more to a 8X10 pinhole camera. I learned that there is only 10 or less good photographer in APUG to be considered serious. If you want lists of lists , we have gallery and with searching a film , camera , paper , you find whom used what.

Alan W · Nov 3, 2013

Mustafa Umut Sarac said:
To have a good, old or classic camera does not make you a good photographer. Some guys go to trip to europe with several thousands dollars worth of m7 and shoot on expired fuji film. There are people gives 400 dollars or more to a 8X10 pinhole camera. I learned that there is only 10 or less good photographer in APUG to be considered serious. If you want lists of lists , we have gallery and with searching a film , camera , paper , you find whom used what.

Maybe the 10,or less, good photographers can give the O.P. their opinion.

Dali · Nov 3, 2013

analoguey said:
Wonder if it's a good idea to make a list of suggested or a Poll of suggested cameras/systems from APUG members. Considering that there seem to be enough people wanting to move into film/up to MF or large format etc.,? Sure each new thread allows to add in a post or two, but seems to me like it will save more forum space if camera reccos were captured in a more tabular manner or so? Or even a pie chart.

Probably a more "central" reservoir of the wealth of APUG knowledge at least on suggested cameras for suggested uses.

/Should this go under site suggestions?

What do you prefer? reading posts or staring at a pie chart?

David Brown · Nov 3, 2013

Mustafa Umut Sarac said:
I learned that there is only 10 or less good photographer in APUG to be considered serious.

... and they are? :munch:

eddie · Nov 3, 2013

David Brown said:
... and they are? :munch:

I'm curious, too. I can think of far more than ten, without even peeking in the Gallery. Minnesota, alone, has a handful... :confused:

Dali · Nov 3, 2013

"To have a good, old or classic camera does not make you a good photographer. Some guys go to trip to europe with several thousands dollars worth of m7 and shoot on expired fuji film. There are people gives 400 dollars or more to a 8X10 pinhole camera. I learned that there is only 10 or less good photographer in APUG to be considered serious. If you want lists of lists , we have gallery and with searching a film , camera , paper , you find whom used what."

I wonder where does the OP make reference to a "good" photographer or a "serious" one, to paraphrase you, unless you know better than the OP what he meant...

analoguey · Nov 4, 2013

bernard_L said:
Too many parameters. And to some large degree subjective. With the same requirements, each individual will make different choices, based on cost, weight, optical quality (real or carried by the internet rumor), need for flexibility, real or perceived need for film area to reach "adequate" quality, etc, etc. You can get useful information by reading in threads not which camera is "best" for a given purpose, but why this or that user prefers this or that system, and filtering through your own needs and preferences. A little like movie critics: there is not a single one whose advice you agree 100% of the time. And a movie seat costs less than a camera.

Agreed on the parameters, but again, might be a good way to get the information out there.
My idea is not on ridiculing the thread format or on anyone asking questions, but on "archiving" (loosely put) the information that APUG users richly have and provide in an easy to access format. Again, I agree with the reviews, I have some personal likings someone else the opposite - but its not that hard to capture it really. (Maybe my background in using spreadsheets for inane comparisons- work related- and lists helps me that way..)

The key idea was/is to capture the information in one place.

Ken Nadvornick · Nov 4, 2013

Mustafa Umut Sarac said:
I learned that there is only 10 or less good photographer in APUG to be considered serious.

David Brown said:
... and they are? :munch:

I'm on the tenth floor, standing in front of an open window, waiting to hear if I made the list...

:eek:

Ken

analoguey · Nov 4, 2013

Mustafa Umut Sarac said:
To have a good, old or classic camera does not make you a good photographer.

Sorry, that wasnt my question at all. And mind you, this is the equipment forum

Dali said:
What do you prefer? reading posts or staring at a pie chart?

Could be an app or a single thread. Idea was just information collation and presentation.
Reading posts can be quite confusing even at the end of all the reading (as can pie charts!)

David Brown · Nov 4, 2013

OK, getting back to the OP question; I don't think this is really answerable, but I'll play:

645 fixed lens: Fuji rangefinders

645 interchangeable lenses: Mamiya/Pentax/Bronica

6x6 rangefinder : Mamiya 6

6x6 TLR fixed lens: Rolleiflex, Minolta Autocord

6x6 TLR interchangeable lenses: Mamiya

6x6 SLR: Hasselblad, Bronica, Rolleiflex

6x6 “budget”: Yashica TLR, Kowa 6

6x7 fixed lens: Fuji 670

6x7 interchangeable lens rangefinder: Mamiya 7

6x7 SLR: Pentax 67, Mamiya RB/RZ67, Bronica

6x9 fixed lens: Fuji 690

6x9 “press”: Mamiya Press, baby Graflex

6x9 view camera: any view camera with a roll film back

... let the games begin!

Richard S. (rich815) · Nov 4, 2013

David Brown said:
OK, getting back to the OP question; I don't think this is really answerable, but I'll play:

645 fixed lens: Fuji rangefinders

645 interchangeable lenses: Mamiya/Pentax/Bronica

6x6 rangefinder : Mamiya 6

6x6 TLR: Rolleiflex, Minolta Autocord

6x6 SLR: Hasselblad, Bronica

6x6 budget: Yashica TLR, Kowa 6

6x7 fixed lens: Fuji 670

6x7 interchangeable lens rangefinder: Mamiya 7

6x7 SLR: Pentax 67, Mamiya RB/RZ67, Bronica

6x9 fixed lens: Fuji 690

6x9 press: Mamiya Press, baby Graflex

6x9 view camera: any view camera with a roll film back

... let the games begin!

Yes! Just append one:

6x6 SLR: Hasselblad, Bronica, ROLLEIFLEX (SL66 and related)

TareqPhoto · Nov 4, 2013

David Brown said:
OK, getting back to the OP question; I don't think this is really answerable, but I'll play:

645 fixed lens: Fuji rangefinders

645 interchangeable lenses: Mamiya/Pentax/Bronica

6x6 rangefinder : Mamiya 6

6x6 TLR: Rolleiflex, Minolta Autocord

6x6 SLR: Hasselblad, Bronica

6x6 budget: Yashica TLR, Kowa 6

6x7 fixed lens: Fuji 670

6x7 interchangeable lens rangefinder: Mamiya 7

6x7 SLR: Pentax 67, Mamiya RB/RZ67, Bronica

6x9 fixed lens: Fuji 690

6x9 press: Mamiya Press, baby Graflex

6x9 view camera: any view camera with a roll film back

... let the games begin!

David, this is a good start, and if each add something then we can have that thread which can be a good reference, sure it will not stop posting threads for new members, but it will help a lot in answers and even those new members may not start threads asking many questions after looking at that reference thread.

I suggest we start with one size format, then when we include most important things not necessary 100% details then we can move to another size format, let's start with 6x4.5 then 6x6 then 6x7,...etc.

In film field of MF i have only 6x6/6x7 and 6x9, i can contribute with what i have, but i am not an equipment expert, i sometimes come here to ask or find information about something i have or want to get.

How about first start by categorize the type of cameras in MF world, then we can put each type on different format sizes.

David Brown · Nov 4, 2013

rich815 said:
Yes! Just append one:

6x6 SLR: Hasselblad, Bronica, ROLLEIFLEX (SL66 and related)

touche'

removed account4 · Nov 4, 2013

hi OP

as for large format ....

there are several branches of this sort of photography but here goes

anything "graphic or graflex "
( speed, crown view, viewII, slr &c )
is a workhorse and a great camera for most applications.

for olde timey sorts of things, there are box and magazine cameras
that will have simple lenses and shutters and be a bit more unpredictable than something
more modern. box cameras were made in all shapes and sizes, small roll films, large sheet films
and will usually give you a lo-fi lo-tech, atmospheric image like a modern lomo or holga or ?
for a fraction of the $$

Rick A · Nov 4, 2013

David, you failed to list Mamiya TLR's for 6x6.

BrianShaw · Nov 4, 2013

I have a question: which one do you suggest?

TareqPhoto · Nov 4, 2013

BrianShaw said:
I have a question: which one do you suggest?

4 cameras

Richard S. (rich815) · Nov 4, 2013

David Brown said:
touche'

David Brown · Nov 4, 2013

Rick A said:
David, you failed to list Mamiya TLR's for 6x6.

Doh! :confused:

I own and use one! Just goes to show how hard it is to make such a list ...

(List edited)

MattKing · Nov 4, 2013

It is true, we do need another "deleted" thread.

I think the challenge is that the format of the website isn't conducive to this.

An accumulating "polling" type format might be better.

Thread for List of Suggested Cameras? (MF/otherwise)

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