When Size Matter... MF and Portability

Bob Marvin · Nov 28, 2013

If, like me, you don't print square a 6 X 4.5 folder is tiny and has a negative that's functionally the same as 6 X 6. My Zeiss Super Ikonta A (531) is as small as they come. Mine, with a Tessar, produces images that seem every bit as good as those made with my beloved Rolleiflex (which I use for most of my work, EXCEPT when I want a camera that fits in my pocket).

Jeff Kubach · Nov 28, 2013

lxdude said:
MURDER!!! When I saw that my blood ran cold!

It had to have been a digiphile. Not even the most rabid owner of a Swedish or German film camera would do something like this!

The detestable sociopath never even used the camera he killed. His scrawny arms are proof enough of that.

The murderer's time will come. He will be caught and sentenced to having an RB 67 dropped on his head from a distance of one inch, and that will be the last of him.

I just hope Kubach never has to see what I just witnessed.

I was lucky never saw it. Of course if it was my head the camera will never surive.

Jeff

David A. Goldfarb · Nov 28, 2013

Get an 8x10" camera, and then you'll start thinking of the RB as your lightweight snapshot camera.

Tom1956 · Nov 28, 2013

David A. Goldfarb said:
Get an 8x10" camera, and then you'll start thinking of the RB as your lightweight snapshot camera.

Ain't that the truth. Specifically a Horseman 8x10, which I mount atop my Tiltall, believe it or not. Like a Sherman tank on toothpicks.

MDR · Nov 28, 2013

The Fuji RF cameras especially the AF 6x45 cameras are small they might not have the fastest lens but they are light and the lenses are quiet sharp another option though not small are the Texas Leicas again from Fuji the GL670 or GL690 are great cameras and lighter than the RB. A recent Rolleiflex (FX or GX) with a Planar is a better choice than a Hassy it's lighter and the Rollei lenses are just as sharp if not sharper. But for shear portability nothing beats the 531 Super Ikonta it's tiny.

I'll second David Goldfarb opinion get a 8x10 and built some muscles and all your problems will be solved.

brian steinberger · Nov 28, 2013

Mamiya 6. I cannot believe no one has mentioned this system yet. The most lightweight and portable MF system with multiple lens options, slightly smaller than the Mamiya 7, which is a great lightweight system too. It also has the sharpest lenses in MF.

Neither the Mamiya 6 or 7 are purely mechanical however, both have electronically controlled shutters. If that is what you are after, I'd go Hassy, which isn't much lighter than your RB though.

Regular Rod · Nov 28, 2013

brian steinberger said:
Mamiya 6. I cannot believe no one has mentioned this system yet. The most lightweight and portable MF system with multiple lens options, slightly smaller than the Mamiya 7, which is a great lightweight system too. It also has the sharpest lenses in MF.

Neither the Mamiya 6 or 7 are purely mechanical however, both have electronically controlled shutters. If that is what you are after, I'd go Hassy, which isn't much lighter than your RB though.

Mamiya-6 Folding is quite capable of making good negatives if 6x6 is acceptable.

RR

gone · Nov 28, 2013

A Rolleicord. Small, relatively light, and simple. I'm partial to the ones w/ the the Triotar lenses. They can be bought for a lot less money than the Tessar models, and make wonderful portraits. The three element Triotar is 3-D sharp in the center w/ very nice bokeh.

dodphotography · Nov 28, 2013

Ah yes, the 8x10. I have one in my arsenal, it's the heaviest thing I've ever trekked with. I have a Burke and James Commercial, they call it a field as it's not a monorail but it's also non folding, which plain sucks.

I can't go with the a mamiya 6 or 7, I need a mechanical rig. I like to know if something mechanically breaks it can be fixed... The same can't be said for electronic items.

paul ron · Nov 29, 2013

If you are looking for true portability in 6x7 or larger you really can't beat a folder. They fit in your cargo pants pocket' use 120 film n are real cheap... Even cheaper if you DIY restorations.

Anothe overlooked 6x7 that has made me a fortune as a wedding photographer n has served me right to this day as a beautiful take along is the Omega Rapid. It's a fun camera to use.

Then my street shooter is my trusty 645 ETRS. Beautiful negs n a system can be had for $300.

If weight is a concern... Yashicamat 6x6! Dirt cheap n so much fun to use. Beautiful camera at a bargain basement price.

dodphotography · Nov 29, 2013

paul ron said:
If you are looking for true portability in 6x7 or larger you really can't beat a folder. They fit in your cargo pants pocket' use 120 film n are real cheap... Even cheaper if you DIY restorations.

Anothe overlooked 6x7 that has made me a fortune as a wedding photographer n has served me right to this day as a beautiful take along is the Omega Rapid. It's a fun camera to use.

Then my street shooter is my trusty 645 ETRS. Beautiful negs n a system can be had for $300.

If weight is a concern... Yashicamat 6x6! Dirt cheap n so much fun to use. Beautiful camera at a bargain basement price.

I'm definitely not bound to 6x7, in fact I think I'd rather 6x6.

Sirius Glass · Nov 29, 2013

Hasselblad for decades advertised the "Square is the Perfect Format".

Regular Rod · Nov 29, 2013

dodphotography said:
I'm definitely not bound to 6x7, in fact I think I'd rather 6x6.

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Film plane coupled rangefinder focusing, slide in pressure plate to ensure film stays flat, Olympus Zuiko lens that is pretty sharp, bright viewfinder for the period, frame counter wind-on. Fits in a jacket pocket. It needs a Leica style adapter for the cable release.

(is from bokuwanihongasuki's photostream on flickr)

You wouldn't want to part with it once you'd used it a couple of times. (This is actually a problem, folks want to keep them, so they are not freely up for sale like the Zeiss folders are...)

RR

RalphLambrecht · Nov 29, 2013

in my opinion ,the Msmiya 6 is by far the best MF travel camera.It combines light weight with optical excellence and simplicity of operation; I recommend the 50,75 and 150mm lenses for it. It won't let you down; one disadvantage is that it cannot be used as a boat anchot. your RB67 is much better for that.

dynachrome · Nov 29, 2013

The RB is a handful. I haven't tried the left hand grip yet but I think a Bronica GS-1 with a Speed Grip is easier to hand hold. When I want to use a medium format camera which isn't too heavy I take a Bronica SQ-A with a Waist Level finder, back and 80/2.8 lens. It's a lot lighter than the RB and I don't mind the laterally reversed image. Even with a prism finder and Speed Grip is isn't too bad but it is heavier.

hsandler · Nov 29, 2013

Assuming you like ground glass viewing, as well as inexpensive, try a Japanese TLR like a Yashica Mat, Autocord or Diacord. They have fairly bright viewing screens and decent Tessar-type lenses. Personally, I don't see what the big deal is about strictly mechanical cameras though. An SLR with an electronically-controlled shutter, like a Bronica ETRS or SQ series will have accurate shutter speeds, and the battery lasts and lasts (if you are not using a metering prism). You can carry a spare silver oxide battery in a little pocket of your bag if you are concerned and you are good for years. My ETRSi seems to work fine even in freezing conditions. An SQ or ETRS with normal lens and WLF is about the same size and weight as a TLR and somewhere in price between a Rolleicord and a lower end Rolleiflex. The main thing to keep it light and compact is to use the WLF and not a prism or speed grip.

Sirius Glass · Nov 29, 2013

hsandler said:
Personally, I don't see what the big deal is about strictly mechanical cameras though.

I am sure you are wonderful and this has never happened to you ...

In cold weather when one is outside for a while, the battery dies.

When you can least afford a problem, there are no stores for great distances, you have a once in a lifetime moment, the battery dies.

No matter how well prepared we are when we need things to work, the battery dies and there is not a spare.

spijker · Nov 29, 2013

Batteries have come a looooong way. Read this: http://www.dantestella.com/technical/mechanical.html.
My Mamiya 645 Pro is still running on the same batteries for at least the last 2 years, both the winder and the camera with a metered prism. Spare batteries and the hand crank in the camera bag. There are also low self-discharge NiMh batteries nowadays, search for "Sanyo Eneloop".

Sirius Glass · Nov 29, 2013

spijker said:
Batteries have come a looooong way.

The laws of physics and chemistry have not changed. Spend a day in the snow at 10°F [-12°C] and see if the batteries are still working. Or -25°C at Sunshine in Banff or Kicking Horse or Fernie and tell me what happened to your batteries.

spijker · Nov 29, 2013

Correct, the laws of physics and chemistry say that only at 0°K (-273.15°C) it all ends. Above that temperature it's "just" a matter of using the right materials. And that's where technology and innovation kicks in.

I have photographed at -25°C, both in Canada and Kazakhstan with 35mm SLR & DSLR cameras. It worked and I think that on those occasions I was more bothered by the cold than the cameras. Different example, my car with a diesel engine always starts without a problem after having spent the whole day in the parking lot at -20C. It gets that cold here. Different type of battery and a different application but it works.

dodphotography · Nov 29, 2013

I always tend to a mechanical camera because a mechanical issue can be fixed with more ease, as opposed to an electronic issue that limits who can fix it and increases the price.... Plus I like knowing no matter where I am in any condition my rig will function.

dynachrome · Nov 29, 2013

I agree that a Bronica with an electronic shutter has accurate speeds and that the battery lasts a long time. Last summer I had a problem with the battery in a Mamiya M645 1000S which had a PD prism finder. I had to search around Cape May, NJ to find a PX28. Who had it? Radio Shack in North Cape May. Unfortunately they only had the alkaline battery but it worked and my photos with the 1000S wwre fine. For now my only medium format SLR which does not need a battery is a Mamiya RB67 Pro S. I have numerous other Bronica and Mamiya medium format cameras and they all need a battery to work.

dodphotography · Nov 29, 2013

I have such a love hate with my RB67 ProSD... its in great shape, produces great negs, but takes up my ENTIRE camera bag!

Kawaiithulhu · Nov 29, 2013

I'll go ahead and rule out a century graphic, with a 120 back those things weigh a ton and are a oddly shaped

dodphotography · Nov 29, 2013

Kawaiithulhu said:
I'll go ahead and rule out a century graphic, with a 120 back those things weigh a ton and are a oddly shaped

this is my dream bag... 1/2 way there! M6 and the bag, still looking for that 120 combo to complete

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fore1/8412963199/sizes/l/in/photostream/

When Size Matter... MF and Portability

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