"Walking around" 120?

Alan Gales · Jul 20, 2013

DanielStone said:
Pentax 67(not 6x7)

lenses are cheap, and plentiful

handles great(especially the 67II)

my 2nd runner-up would be the Pentax 645N(autofocus capable!) or the 1st gen 645 if you don't want/need AF capability.

-Dan

I have owned all three of the Pentax 645 series. The N and N2 are such better cameras than the original that I would buy one of them even if I were shooting all manual focus lenses. Of course if on a budget the original is dirt cheap.

mfmike · Jul 20, 2013

I'm currently using a Mamiya 7ii with an 80mm standard lens. This makes for an easy to carry kit and I don't have to worry about my fingers collapsing the bellows when reaching for focus like on my Fuji GF670. But I did love that Fuji lens!
Cheers,
Mike

mhcfires · Jul 21, 2013

For walking around, I would have to say Rollei. I also have a Mamiya RB67, but it is just too heavy for street use. Even the little Rollei starts getting heavy after a few hours on the street.

m

rhcgn · Jul 21, 2013

The RB 67 is one of my favourites I just love the format. It is heavy though.

If you can live with one, yet very versatile, focal length, I would strongly recommend you the Fuji GW670 III. The rendition of the lens is magnificent, and it is a charm to carry. It exists in a wide angle version as well, if that is your cup of tea.

Best regards.

TheToadMen · Jul 21, 2013

omaha said:
Ok, so I'm rocking on my RB67 these days. Really loving being back in film and loving the 120 format.

But...the thing is such a brick its no good for carrying around/casual shooting/informal family shots. Makes me think I might want to add something else that is more suitable.

So, whatcha recommend?

I like the mojo of the TLR. I'm curious though, the Rollei cameras are going for a hefty premium to the others. Is there a functional reason for that, or is that just "collector value"?

Hi,
I didn't read al the posts in this thread, so it may already be suggested, but did you consider a Bronica RF-645? It's a fine camera with excellent glass and easy to carry & use. I'll take it with me if I don't want to carry my Bronica SQ-B and it is even usable as a point & shoot camera. It has a coupled light meter.

jk0592 · Jul 21, 2013

I still take the hassie around, not lugging it for a full day, but for two, three hours walks. It seems heavier than it was 25 years ago, but i am so used to look down through the finder, more comfortable and inconspicuous than bringing up a camera to eye level.

abeku · Jul 21, 2013

When travelling light, I don't mind to put my Fujica 645s or Flexaret IV in the carry-on luggage. The Fujica delivers superb negatives and is fast to use as well. More retro, I've been fond of the Meopta cameras since they are easy to CLA and reliable. Replace the screen with a new one from Rick Oleson and go for the Belar lens, then you have a excellent performer.

omaha · Jul 21, 2013

Thanks again for all the suggestions!

In particular, I had completely forgotten about the folders. The comments here reminded me of spending many hours as a (very) young kid fiddling with my grandmother's old Agfa. I guess by the time I was old enough to be fascinated by it, she had moved on to "Instamatic" cameras (I remember her shooting with those square flashbulbs).

So, all that came together and now I have a reconditioned Isolette on the way from Jurgen (aka "Certo6"). Can't wait to give it a whirl.

dynachrome · Jul 21, 2013

For maximum quality I will carry a Bronica GS-1 with a prism finder, back, Speed Grip and lens. For light weight I will carry a Bronica SQ-A with a waist level finder, back, crank and one lens - usually an 80 or a 50. Now I have started to carry a Mamiya M645 1000S or Mamiya M645J with a PD-S finder and one lens- usually an 80 or a 55. The Bronica ETR series cameras are awkward to use with a light waist level finder for verticals. By the time I add a prism finder and Speed Grip I might as well use the SQ-A with a waist level.

2bits · Jul 22, 2013

Omaha, Good choice!

Simon Benton · Jul 23, 2013

Hasselblad with a 50mm Distagon and a 120mm Planar.

blockend · Jul 24, 2013

omaha said:
I have a reconditioned Isolette on the way from Jurgen (aka "Certo6"). Can't wait to give it a whirl.

Folders are the only way to carry a roll film camera 'on spec'. I often carry two ZI Nettars, colour and mono, one in each coat pocket. Do that with a pair of RB67s and you'd need an osteopath.

TheToadMen · Jul 24, 2013

blockend said:
Folders are the only way to carry a roll film camera 'on spec'. I often carry two ZI Nettars, colour and mono, one in each coat pocket. Do that with a pair of RB67s and you'd need an osteopath.

That's why I'm thinking of getting me a Kodak Retina IIa.

John Wiegerink · Jul 24, 2013

TheToadMen said:
That's why I'm thinking of getting me a Kodak Retina IIa.

I still have my Retina IIa, but don't know why, since I mostly shoot 120 now. If I want a little carry 35mm it's usually one of my Minox 35's or a Rollei 35T, but that's not very often anymore. I LIKE BIG NEGATIVES! If you want something easy to carry, really good lens and a fairly cheap purchase price then go for something like an Ikonta or Zeiss Nettar. I have both and find them easy on the pocket in more ways than one. I have several with coated Tessar, coated Novar, uncoated Tessar and uncoated Novar. I like them all, but the later Nettar with coated Novar and flash sync is a real sleeper. I just bought a late Ikonta 523/16 with a red "T" coated Opton Tessar, but haven't tried it out yet. If it is like the Opton Tessar on the Super Ikonta I'll be very happy. The Super Ikonta cameras are excellent, but heavier than I want in my pocket so I forgo the rangefinder for the lighter weight Ikonta. I have no problem guesstimating range with the simpler Ikonta's. I think bow hunting has helped me out in that department since it's very critical to know the correct distance before you let an arrow fly. There are also many Agfa/Ansco folders too, but watch out for pinholes in the bellows. I rather pay just a little more for the Nettar or Ikonta since they usually have better quality bellows. If you have more money you can move up the ladder, but any of the above can give professional results, but remember, a bigger negative helps in that department also. Absolutely nothing wrong with the Retina IIa's lens, but like I said earlier, "I LIKE BIG NEGATIVES". JohnW

paul ron · Jul 24, 2013

Love my ETRS fro walking around but you'll miss the bigger negative when printing.

John Wiegerink · Jul 24, 2013

paul ron said:
Love my ETRS fro walking around but you'll miss the bigger negative when printing.

Yes, I sold a Mamiya M645 1000S with AE prism finder and 80mm f1.9 lens that was just like carrying a slightly bigger Canon AE1 35mm camera. Just great for easy, fast shooting and you didn't even get tired from lugging it around. Of course the reason I sold it was I don't much care for the negative size. I will use 6x6, but really don't think things start singing until you get to 6x7. I use a Pentax 6x7outfit the most, but it sure doesn't fit in your pocket very easy. I have notice old folders are starting to go up a tad in price so others must be thinking the same as us. JohnW

StoneNYC · Jul 24, 2013

John Wiegerink said:
Yes, I sold a Mamiya M645 1000S with AE prism finder and 80mm f1.9 lens that was just like carrying a slightly bigger Canon AE1 35mm camera. Just great for easy, fast shooting and you didn't even get tired from lugging it around. Of course the reason I sold it was I don't much care for the negative size. I will use 6x6, but really don't think things start singing until you get to 6x7. I use a Pentax 6x7outfit the most, but it sure doesn't fit in your pocket very easy. I have notice old folders are starting to go up a tad in price so others must be thinking the same as us. JohnW

I'll tout the Mamiya 7 again, its a great camera, if I could afford two I would so I didn't have to switch lenses so much, but it's a great camera, lighter than my Canon 5D and smaller too(except maybe the box part in the front, but it's relatively the same size then) and the images are so crisp!

Folders are nice, but a pain to focus...

John Wiegerink · Jul 25, 2013

StoneNYC said:
I'll tout the Mamiya 7 again, its a great camera, if I could afford two I would so I didn't have to switch lenses so much, but it's a great camera, lighter than my Canon 5D and smaller too(except maybe the box part in the front, but it's relatively the same size then) and the images are so crisp!

Folders are nice, but a pain to focus...

Oh yes the Mamiya 6 and 7 are great and I almost owned a Mamiya 7 shortly after they first came out, decided to just use what I had at the time since the price was just a little high then. I was using a Fuji 6x9 with the 90mm and the Fuji 645S with 60mm and didn't see much gain. Plus, I was not thrilled with the close-up capability of either the Mamiya 6&7 or the Fuji's, but those Fuji lenses were first rate. Yes, the old folders have there slight drawbacks, but price usually isn't one of the drawbacks. If I were made of money I can think of many things I would "rather" have, but I'm not. If I were back to making a living off photography it wouldn't be with a 75 to 80 year old folder that's for sure. JohnW

StoneNYC · Jul 25, 2013

John Wiegerink said:
Oh yes the Mamiya 6 and 7 are great and I almost owned a Mamiya 7 shortly after they first came out, decided to just use what I had at the time since the price was just a little high then. I was using a Fuji 6x9 with the 90mm and the Fuji 645S with 60mm and didn't see much gain. Plus, I was not thrilled with the close-up capability of either the Mamiya 6&7 or the Fuji's, but those Fuji lenses were first rate. Yes, the old folders have there slight drawbacks, but price usually isn't one of the drawbacks. If I were made of money I can think of many things I would "rather" have, but I'm not. If I were back to making a living off photography it wouldn't be with a 75 to 80 year old folder that's for sure. JohnW

What got me back to film was a tag sales 1910-1920's Kodak autographic folder. Cost me $20 with bargaining, and found these 120 "medium format" rolls could be obtained, I was fascinated! 2 years later and I've spent probably 5,000-10,000 on film equipment and film etc, its almost an addiction. But for someone that only makes $30,000/year, it's a lot of money, so remember that getting a cheapy could lead you to more

~Stone | Sent w/ iPhone using Tapatalk

JDP · Jul 25, 2013

TheToadMen said:
Hi,
I didn't read al the posts in this thread, so it may already be suggested, but did you consider a Bronica RF-645? It's a fine camera with excellent glass and easy to carry & use. I'll take it with me if I don't want to carry my Bronica SQ-B and it is even usable as a point & shoot camera. It has a coupled light meter.

Certainly second this comment. For light travel it combines top quality optics (as good as anything out there), 6x4.5 format, and three interchangeable lenses (45, 65 and 100 or 135mm). It is my most used camera. It is the smallest and lightest of its kind, I believe.

John Wiegerink · Jul 25, 2013

StoneNYC said:
What got me back to film was a tag sales 1910-1920's Kodak autographic folder. Cost me $20 with bargaining, and found these 120 "medium format" rolls could be obtained, I was fascinated! 2 years later and I've spent probably 5,000-10,000 on film equipment and film etc, its almost an addiction. But for someone that only makes $30,000/year, it's a lot of money, so remember that getting a cheapy could lead you to more

~Stone | Sent w/ iPhone using Tapatalk

I couldn't agree more! More is better, right? I'm now on a "fixed income" and money isn't flowing in like it used to, but I still buy an occasional camera if the price is fair and it's what I want. Now, for my wife it's a different story. Less is better! She wants to audition me for that crazy Hoarder show on TV! Can you believe that? I just tell her she'll be sitting good when I croak 'cause she can sell all, what she calls junk, for a good price. I just hope she's smart enough not to call Goodwill. JohnW

selmslie · Jul 25, 2013

omaha said:
...I like the mojo of the TLR. I'm curious though, the Rollei cameras are going for a hefty premium to the others. Is there a functional reason for that, or is that just "collector value"?

Rolleiflex has a well deserved reputation for sharpness and it is worth the premium price. At just under 3 pounds, it is a great camera for walking around or traveling with. Even if you include a carbon fiber tripod it is still easy to take along.

"Walking around" 120?

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