What MF Camera for $500 or less?

[C7R92]

Hey guys! I'm looking to buy a medium format camera for $500 or less and I was curious what you guys would recommend. I would prefer a 6x7 or 6x9 format camera and one with a lightmeter but neither of those are absolutely necessary. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Alan Gales]

How about a Mamiya RB67 or Pentax 6x7. Carry a meter separately.

The RB has the advantage of interchangeable backs. The Pentax handles like an oversized 35mm SLR. Both produce sharp 6x7 images and can take interchangeable lenses.

Or you could look at one of the Fuji rangefinder fixed lens offerings.

 

[Ektagraphic]

If you are looking for something fairly compact to walk around with for a day, check out the Mamiya 645 systems. I have the older cameras and can't say enough great things about them for what they are. They have various viewfinders- waist level and prism. Some of the prisms have meters, some do not. The lenses on the system are excellent, and it is nice to get 15 shots per roll for 120. If you want a larger negative, and don't need to keep the camera around your neck for the day +1 for RB67.

 

[Roger Cole]

RB67 or RZ67 (RZ preferred based on my asking about the two recently myself) if, as they said, you don't want to use it handheld.

I agree about the M645, but the OP wants 6x7 or larger negative. I like my M645 Pro system quite a bit. Though I actually think I enjoy using my Yashicmat 124 more, it's much more limited - one fixed lens, no interchangeable back so no mid roll film changes, waist level finder only. Those are limitations, but also sort of help to focus ones vision. But with my M645 Pro I have the AE prism with three AE modes, motorized advance, eye level viewing that handles as well, albeit heavier, than my 35mm cameras, interchangeable backs for mid roll film changes, quick load inserts for those backs so I can pre-load more rolls if I want and reload the backs themselves quickly, interchangeable lenses (I have the 55, 80 and 150,) Polaroid back for proofing etc. (Yes the image is small but it is good for exposure verification for critical shots.) And - the Yashicmat with Luna Pro SBC, hood, filters, extra film etc. fits in a small shoulder bag made for a digisnapper. My entire M645P system occupies a large bag that weighs a ton and the camera (with prism, winder grip, back and lens) while not really bad is way bigger and heavier than the little Yashica.

There are always tradeoffs. While I've never handled one I hear that the earlier, pre-Pro M645s are quite a bit smaller and lighter, BUT they don't have interchangeable backs so no mid roll film changes.

 

[Slixtiesix]

Please tell us more about what you need. Do you want to shoot portraits? Landscapes? Do you need a camera for traveling or use in the studio? Which focal lengths do you prefer?
Do you want to use flash?

 

[Alan Gales]

RB67 or RZ67 (RZ preferred based on my asking about the two recently myself) if, as they said, you don't want to use it handheld.

I like the RZ better than the RB too but I was trying to keep his costs down. He is going to need a camera and lens plus either a metered finder or a separate light meter. The metered finders are heavy on an already heavy camera so I prefer the waist level finder with a separate meter. Of course he could use the meter in his 35mm camera if he had to. It won't be no time though before he wants another lens, an extra back, and the "L" grip.

 

[trythis]

Way, way less, try a box camera. There are some brownies that use 120 instead of 620. They weight nothing and light meter isnt really that needed since they usually only have 2 or three apertures. OK, now back to reality.

Do you want SLR or Rangefinder? Interchangeable lenses?

 

[Fixcinater]

I love my Pentax 6x7 MLU. I prefer using the WLF for most things, especially since it saves so much weight over the prisms, but the prism comes in handy. I don't really use in-camera meters any more so having the metered version of the prism is not worth the weight. I have the 105 Super Takumar f/2.4 and have no complaints. The 45/4 is an amazing wide, and I've yet to figure out my favorite tele. I'll probably settle on a 150 or 165mm due to the f/2.8.

6x7 Velvia slides are a guaranteed good time and Portra 400 looks fantastic at that size.

I can't speak to any other systems besides the Mamiya RB: ungainly, awkward operation to me, never got on with it especially due to slow lenses. I like wide apertures even if I'm not always shooting wide open.

 

[C7R92]

Thanks for all of the responses! The consensus seems to be that the Mamiya RB67, Mamiya RZ67, or the Pentax 6x7. To answer Slixtiesix's question I'm probably going to use this camera primarily for landscape and maybe the occasional portrait. So I guess my question now is which would be easier to haul around?

Also since many have said to use an external light meter does anyone have one that they would recommend?

 

[film_man]

The Pentax is the easier to carry as it is just like an oversized 35mm SLR but I have no problem lugging my RB wherever and using it handheld, just get the grip for it. Both are excellent cameras for landscape and portraits.

 

[Roger Cole]

Pentax is more portable for hand holding. You give up the interchangeable film backs which allow both mid roll film changes and shooting 7x7 square Polaroids (well, Fuji instants) on the RB.

If I planned to hand hold it much I'd get the Pentax. If I planned to use it mainly or entirely on a tripod I'd get the RB or an RZ.

Disclaimer - this is based on having seen, but never used, both an RB and a Pentax.

 

[Slixtiesix]

If you chose the Pentax make sure it is one of the versions with mirror pre release. Apart from that, the answer seems simple: If you like the handling of a 35mm SLR, take the Pentax, if you prefer waist level finders take the Mamiya.

 

[Prest_400]

Seeing you mention 6x9 you could take a look at the Fuji 6x9 RF's.
A GW690 mk I or II is well within that budget. No meter and no interchangeable lens but a self contained package.

 

[baachitraka]

Voigtländer Bessa RF or Voigtländer Bessa II(color-skopar or Heliar) and they will go really well with Isolette II. ;-)

 

[Chrismat]

I have a Pentax 6X7 and love it, and I think you would be really happy with one. For 6X9 you might want to consider the Kodak Medalist. I have a Kodak Medalist I for 6X9. Mine is currently with Ken Ruth at Bald Mountain Camera for a cla. The downside is that being 620 you have to re-spool 120 to 620 spools, which has never bothered me. Ken Ruth will convert the camera to use 120, but it isn't cheap. For a little less money he will convert the unexposed film side to 120 and leave the take up side as 620. I'm having him just do a basic cla and leaving the camera as 620.

Chris

 

[j-dogg]

RB67 / 90mm

Have the whole system get the 50 for it too.

 

[Hatchetman]

too many options. Consider a Rolleicord V. Super light and portable.

 

[jspillane]

I would also consider a Mamiya Universal / Press : good to handhold, very good interchangeable backs, 6x7 or 6x9 options. Ground glass options if you want to go nuts on a tripod.

Also, if you don't mind 6x6 I would say look at TLRs: Any of the Rolleiflex 3.5 models, Rolleicords, Minolta Autocord. The Mamiya TLRs are bulkier than fixed lens TLRs, but they are very interesting cameras, and I would certainly prefer them over an RB/RZ for handholding (opposite story on a tripod, of course). Main disadvantage of the Mamiya TLR is that the age of their lens designs shows a little in comparison with the MF SLRs.

(One or two more pages of this and this will just be a list of every MF camera available... The secret is, they are pretty much all good, will do what you want, and have their individual defenders.)

 

[baachitraka]

...but OP's preference is 6x7 or 6x9.

 

[mweintraub]

...but OP's preference is 6x7 or 6x9.

"I would prefer a 6x7 or 6x9 format camera and one with a lightmeter but neither of those are absolutely necessary."

 

[baachitraka]

"I would prefer a 6x7 or 6x9 format camera and one with a lightmeter but neither of those are absolutely necessary."

I also suggest Rolleicord V. The reason is the winder and focus knob is on right-hand side.

+ With Rolleicord V, using hammer head flashes are easy since both the knobs on right-hand side.
+ They are light weight.
+ Accessories are cheaper: Lens hood, Rolleifix, Rolleinar(I and II), Rollei filters(Yellow, Green, Orange and Red) additionally Rolleigray and Rolleipol.
+ Xenars are bitingly sharp and contrasty when stopped down. I shot in-betwen f/8-f/16 on tripod.
+ Service is somewhat cheaper. Paid Euro 250 for CLA, which reasonable for Rolleicord.

* Me eyeing on 6x6 projector to see how 6x6 positives will look when projected.

- Focus screens are not that bright but I have no problem focusing even with older screens that come with Rolleicord II.

++ Try to get a working camera, which you can shoot out of the box.

 

[flavio81]

Welcome to medium format! My guide for medium format is as follows:

Short Version
If it says "Mamiya" or "Rollei" then it is perfect.

Long Version
Any of these cameras:

SLRs:

* Mamiya RB67
ARAX 60 camera

TLRs:

* Mamiya C330 or C220 or the Mamiyaflex C2
Mamiya M645 or similar
* Rolleicord with Xenar or Tessar lens
Rolleiflex with Xenotar or Planar, be it f3.5 or f2.8

Rangefinders:
For under USD 500? No idea.

* are my particular recommendations.

As for size and weight, i even handhold the RB67 and carry it with me on 3h long walks with no problems, so don't worry too much about that. Nevertheless if size and weight considerations are important, the Rolleicord is a good choice.

I don't recommend the Hasselblad 500C series (if you can get one for under 500) because of some reliability problems, and because it needs the use of Mirror Lock Up under about 1/125 or 1/60 if you don't want to induce camera-vibration-related blur. The Pentax 6x7 may be a choice but haven't used one yet. The RB67 has no camera vibration problem (in this regard, even better than some 35mm SLRs!) and perfect reliability.

The ARAX 60 is a reworked (calibrated and improved) KIEV 60 camera, it can be seen as an alternative to the Pentax 6x7, uses the Pentacon bayonet mount and there are a lot of lenses available for this mount, including inexpensive russian lenses and tasty german lenses by Carl Zeiss Jena and Schneider.

Regarding lenses, don't worry -- all the systems mentioned above have good lenses.

If money is no problem then consider the Rolleiflex SL66 and the Mamiya 7 cameras.

 

[flavio81]

+ Xenars are bitingly sharp and contrasty when stopped down. I shot in-betwen f/8-f/16 on tripod.

+1
That Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar 75/3.5 is a stellar lens, even perfectly usable wideopen.

Let's leave the higher-priced Rolleiflex/cords with Zeiss lenses to the collectors. Schneider for the win!

 

[PtJudeRI]

I may take some flack for this, but if you can "settle" for 645, then the Fuji GA645 is a sweet camera. I have had tons of fun with the little guy. Autofocus, auto exposure, manual settings, its basically a medium format P&S. Lots more useable that you may think. Got mine for a little less than $300.

 

[bernard_L]

+1 for GA645.
Think twice before commiting to a RB67 or a Pentax 67: I bet these cameras weight more at the end of a day in the field than they did when you first picked them up: some mysterious effect. Unless "if it's more than 50ft from the parking lot, it ain't photogenic", in which case you are OK with these beasts.