What Camera to Get Next?

tonywilson · Dec 11, 2015

I've been using my grandfather's 35mm Canon AE-1 for a couple years now and I feel comfortable enough to upgrade to something else. I've done a little research on medium-format cameras and was curious to see if anyone here could suggest some.

My price range is $300-700. After researching cameras on eBay and B&H, I noticed that my price range is probably a little low for medium-format cameras, but I'm looking to buy something used so hopefully theres one that I can afford.

Let me know, thanks!

OptiKen · Dec 11, 2015

It may be just me, but I've never spent $300+ for a film camera
In medium format, I mostly use my Mamiya C330 (under $200), Minolta Autocord (under $100), Rollicord (under $100), and various folders (most under $50)
At $300 - $700 I would be looking at a Rolliflex 2.8 or similar

frank · Dec 11, 2015

I'd also suggest looking for a rolleicord. Simple, rugged cameras. Old world build quality, excellent optics. Not really a system camera so you won't be tempted by aux finders/backs/lenses. Excellent repair knowledge/service available should it require it.

Sirius Glass · Dec 11, 2015

Welcome to APUG

I, of course, recommend Hasselblad Series V because lenses, parts and service are available. The prices of the lenses are about half of what they were five years ago. The camera et al cost more but that means that one waits longer between buying the next lens. One cannot change the type of film with any of the TLRs [Rollei, Mamiya, Yashica, ...] so I can take both black & white and color of the same subject. Since the shutter is in the lens, if one shutter should stop working one can use another lens to keep shooting [Mamiya Cxxx can do the same thing]. The view finder with the Accomat screen is much brighter than the Rolleis and Mamiya TLRs.

sagai · Dec 11, 2015

+1 for the C330

I have found that for MF there is an ultimate need for a proper light meter plus a tripod.
And yes, all money you save can be spent on ... FILM!

Price-wise ... you can have a Holga, or .... an empty coke can with a hole in it can do for some guys too

Alan Gales · Dec 11, 2015

Bronica ETR series 645 cameras go for dirt cheap if you want a camera you can change lenses and backs. Since Jimmy Koh retired I don't know of anyone who will service them but they are so cheap that you can trash the camera if it fails and buy another.

If you want a larger negative look at a Mamiya RB67 or Pentax 6x7. The RB has interchangeable backs but the Pentax does not.

Or you can go with the suggestion of a TLR if you are fine with just a normal lens and no backs. You can change lenses on the Mamiya C330 mentioned above.

The Hasselblad V series is a great choice but is of course more expensive.

bdial · Dec 11, 2015

There are lots and lots of choices. Much depends on what kind of work you'd like to do with the camera.
For example;
Mostly indoors/studio?
Street and urban?
Landscapes?
Hiking to remote locations?
Fast action?
Portraits?

And features;
Are interchangeable lenses important?
Interchangeable backs? (so that you can switch film types mid-roll)
Eye-level or waist level viewing?
Leaf or focal plane shutter?
Heavy or light?
reflex viewing or rangefinder?
SLR or not?
Do you want to do a lot of close-up work without extra equipment?

The lists could go on, but answering those things will narrow the choices a lot. With only a few exceptions your max budget will at least get you started with just about anything that's available. In some cases it will buy you so much stuff it will be hard to lift.

Sirius Glass · Dec 11, 2015

By the way this is when everyone jumps in an pushes their camera-drug of choice.

ambaker · Dec 11, 2015

Pentax 67 and macro lens, Hasselblad 500C and F 2.8 80mm lens, Mamiya 645 Super & 3 lenses, Mamiya Super 23 Press and 2 lenses. Rolleicord, Yashicmat, all were picked up well within or under your budget.

-They tie Mountain Climbers together so that the sane ones can't go home...

Paul Howell · Dec 11, 2015

At the low end under a $100

Yashica 124 or D

At mid range $100 to $300

Rollicord or a Rollifex with 3.5

any number of 645 SLR, Mamyia, Pentax

6X7 or 6X9 Mamyia Press or Konica Rapid, or old school 2X3 Gralfex or Bush with roll back

SLRs, Mamyia 6X7

Hi end 300 to 700

SLR or TWR with a few lens, more lens for a 645.

Maybe a well used Rolli with a 2.8

Before you buy consider. How do you process, wet darkroom or digital? Do you want a camera that is good in the field or a studio camera. What formate 6X6.45 6X6 6X7 or 6x8 or 6x9?

Would you be better off up grading your 35mm gear?

Kirks518 · Dec 11, 2015

hmmm... de ja vu.... (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

tonywilson · Dec 11, 2015

I assumed someone has posted a similar thread, couldn't find one though, thank you for sharing!

tonywilson · Dec 11, 2015

I would be doing mostly street photography and portraits, is the Mamimya C330 a good choice for that kind of work?

Also did some research online about the Pentacon Six, can anyone vouch for that camera?

Edit: Even more specifically- I don't mind what format, I'm also indifferent on changeable lenses, I prefer B&W film, but I also use color film every now and then (depending on what I'm shooting).

mweintraub · Dec 11, 2015

If you're interested, I have a Kiev 88CM for sale and it can take Carl Zeiss Jena lenses. Ad's in the For Sale area.

John Koehrer · Dec 11, 2015

Try a Yashica or Rollei as a first MF. Mamiyas tlr & SLR are heavy so are Pentax & Pentacon. Some folks like the Lomo or Seagulls but those seem to be hit or miss on reliability.
Another thing would be a 120 folder from less than $100 to as much as you can borrow. The Soviet era copies of Zeiss Ikons can be very good for less than $100.
Folders come in 645/66/67 & 69 sizes with and without rangefinders. Without it's guestimation focusing.

Ron789 · Dec 11, 2015

tonywilson said:
I would be doing mostly street photography and portraits

Then a 35mm is just perfect. Try a Canon AE1 or something like that.

Paul Howell · Dec 11, 2015

tonywilson said:
I would be doing mostly street photography and portraits, is the Mamimya C330 a good choice for that kind of work?

Also did some research online about the Pentacon Six, can anyone vouch for that camera?

Edit: Even more specifically- I don't mind what format, I'm also indifferent on changeable lenses, I prefer B&W film, but I also use color film every now and then (depending on what I'm shooting).

A rangefinder press camera, Mamyia or Konica, large viewfinders easy to use in dim light, a normal, wide and short tele which is also good for portraits, at the very top maybe you can find a Mamyia 6.

Sirius Glass · Dec 11, 2015

tonywilson said:
I would be doing mostly street photography and portraits, is the Mamimya C330 a good choice for that kind of work?

Also did some research online about the Pentacon Six, can anyone vouch for that camera?

Edit: Even more specifically- I don't mind what format, I'm also indifferent on changeable lenses, I prefer B&W film, but I also use color film every now and then (depending on what I'm shooting).

Well you can use a Speed or Crown Graphic for street photography, but the Rollei SL66, the Hasselblad and the Bronica are smaller and lighter than the Mamiya C300 camera and less noticeable. The first two have swappable film backs so that you could easily switch between black & white and color.

What Camera to Get Next?

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