Which 6x6/6x7 Cameras Have Removable Backs?

braxus · Aug 29, 2021

Im looking for a medium format 6x7 camera that has removable backs. I'd also like it to have the 6x6 option. Not interested in Hasselblads due to extreme prices on them and they can't do 6x7.

The only cameras Im aware of are the Bronica Zenzas (but which ones?), and the Mamiyas (again which ones?). Even prices on those are up there. Id assume its maybe Mamiya RB or RZ? Bronica- not sure which one does 6x6?

I'd be looking at using just a standard lens with it.

braxus · Aug 29, 2021

I take it I might be looking for a Bronica Zenza GS-1 that can do both 6x6 and 6x7? And also the Mamiya RZ bodies that can also do both? Any others that I missed? Doesnt have to do 6x7 of course. Which lenses give nicer results? Also are the Bronicas more compact then the Mamiyas?

Im leaning towards the RZ bodies that has the 6x6 back option. How are the lenses on the Mamiya system? Do they compare against Pentax 67 or are they close to a Zeiss lens as well? If I get the RZ system, which normal range lenses do you recommend?

AgX · Aug 29, 2021

Arsenal Salyut

Arsenal Salyut-C/Kiev 80

Arsenal Kiev 88

Kowa Kowa-Six II

Kowa Kowa-Super 66

Rollei Rolleiflex SL 2000 F

Rollei Rolleiflex SL 6000 series with several models

Rollei Hy6

awty · Aug 29, 2021

RZ lenses are high quality professional lenses as good as they get when it comes to medium format. It only becomes a mater of which flavour you prefer when they get to that standard.

braxus · Aug 29, 2021

I see the RZ lenses are more expensive then the Pentax system. This could get pricey. For the 110mm 2.8 lens, Ebay wants around a grand Canadian. Not cheap.

mpirie · Aug 29, 2021

I would make sure you can find a 6x6 back for the RZ if that's the selling point for you......i think they are relatively hard to find.

Mike

hsandler · Aug 29, 2021

Also rangefinders like the Koni-Omega Rapid M, the Mamiya Press, miniature Graphic and the Horseman 985 have interchangeable backs.

narsuitus · Aug 29, 2021

braxus said:
Im looking for a medium format 6x6 camera that has removable backs. If it can also do 6x7 thats a bonus.

I use the RB67 medium format 6x7cm SLR with removable backs. I routinely carry three loaded extra backs and a 90mm f/3.8 standard lens.

Mamiya RB67 by Narsuitus, on Flickr

Kodachromeguy · Aug 29, 2021

If you like your cameras really odd: the Konica Koni-Omegaflex M. Great lenses!

villagephotog · Aug 29, 2021

braxus said:
I take it I might be looking for a Bronica Zenza GS-1 that can do both 6x6 and 6x7?

The GS-1 does fit your bill. I like mine a lot. Operates well and takes superb pictures (with all three lenses that I have). IMO, cons for it are mostly related to its rarity -- Bronica didn't sell a whole lot of them, so things like 6x6 backs are not that plentiful. A cursory glance at eBay shows that you can find them, but they're selling for $200+. Also, there aren't as many repair people willing to work on this camera system (I encountered this issue with a sticky shutter on a lens once; was hard to find anyone who could work on it). Another thing to think about is that the normal lens is a 100mm f/3.5, which might be a little long for a normal if you're mostly shooting it 6x6. They did make an 80mm/3.5 for it, but those are evidently very rare.

There's a fairly long recent thread here about the GS-1:

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/bronica-gs-1-first-impressions.185781/

The similarly designed Bronica that does 6x6 maximum is the SQ series, of which there were 4 or 5 variations. There are far, far more of these out there in the world.

Somebody above mentioned the Mamiya Press system; there are indeed 6x7 and 6x6 backs available for it. I actually rig my Mamiya Universal to shoot 6x7 most of the time, but I'm not sure I would recommend it for someone who wants to shoot mainly 6x6. The system is built for the 6x9 format, meaning it's large-ish (although, because it's a rangefinder, it's able to remain within shouting distance of a reasonable size). Anyway, you could certainly shoot it 6x6. There are 100mm and 90mm f/3.5 lenses available for it, but I believe the built-in viewfinder only matches the 100mm; not sure if there's an external viewfinder for the 90mm. There's a 75mm lens in the system, too, but it's an f/5.6; it definitely needs an external viewfinder.

AgX · Aug 29, 2021

hsandler said:
Also rangefinders like the Koni-Omega Rapid M, the Mamiya Press, miniature Graphic and the Horseman 985 have interchangeable backs.

I assume the OP is looking fior an SLR.
The Horseman not only is not a SLR, too big by format, but in contrast to the other two does not even got a coupled magazine.

campy51 · Aug 29, 2021

Kodachromeguy said:
If you like your cameras really odd: the Konica Koni-Omegaflex M. Great lenses!

I have one on the way this week. Looking forward to comparing to my 6x6 cameras.

hsandler · Aug 29, 2021

AgX said:
I assume the OP is looking fior an SLR.
The Horseman not only is not a SLR, too big by format, but in contrast to the other two does not even got a coupled magazine.

P7026 back is 6x7

Autonerd · Aug 29, 2021

braxus said:
Im leaning towards the RZ bodies that has the 6x6 back option.

Bear in mind that the Mamiya 67s are VERY big and heavy cameras -- I use a friend's RB67 that is over 6 lbs in shooting configuration. Expensive as they are (and they are too expensive for me) one clear advantage of the Hasselblad its its small size and light weight, even compared to the comparably-sized Mamiya M645.

Aaron

Jeremy Mudd · Aug 29, 2021

AgX said:
Arsenal Salyut

Arsenal Salyut-C/Kiev 80

Arsenal Kiev 88

Kowa Kowa-Six II

Kowa Kowa-Super 66

Rollei Rolleiflex SL 2000 F

Rollei Rolleiflex SL 6000 series with several models

Rollei Hy6

The only Kowa Six that I know of that has the removable film backs is the Super 66.

What is a "Six II"? The only three Kowa Six models that I am familiar with are the Six, SixMM, and Super 66.

Jeremy

etn · Aug 29, 2021

Trying to think out of the box a bit here -
what is your intended purpose of having removable backs? How many backs do you plan to have?

If, for instance, you only plan to have 2 backs, one for Tri-X one for Portra: having 2 cameras with fixed film (such as 2* TLRs, 2* Rangefinders, or even one of each), can be an option too. This, assuming you only want to use a standard lens as stated in your post.
The advantage is that you would carry much less weight when you only want to use one film type.
Obviously, it limits you in terms of future expansion: adding more lenses, more backs, more accessories etc. Even if you only want to use a standard lens now, what about in 5 years? Having this option is nice.

Bottom line, modular systems with interchangeable lenses and backs have their advantages but also have their disadvantages (mainly bulk and weight). I'm assuming you already went through the pros and cons before asking your question. If not, time to do so

Good luck and keep us posted on your decision!

btaylor · Aug 29, 2021

braxus said:
I see the RZ lenses are more expensive then the Pentax system. This could get pricey. For the 110mm 2.8 lens, Ebay wants around a grand Canadian. Not cheap.

RZ lenses include a shutter, so they are a bit more involved than the Pentax. Why would you pick out the 110 2.8? The standard 90mm is not expensive. I see the 6x6 Bronicas at very low prices given their image quality. The Kowa Super 66 is probably inexpensive, I liked the lenses on mine.

xya · Aug 29, 2021

mamiya rb67 are entirely mechanical and cheaper, so IMHO they are a better second hand choice. after more than 20 years mine are still without faults.

if you can live with a rangefinder, have a look at the mamiya universal series.

ic-racer · Aug 29, 2021

Almost all medium format press cameras will have interchangeable backs. When all the medium format SLRs die from electromechanical failure, the medium format press cameras will inherit the earth....
That is why I have both a Rollei Hy6 and Horseman VH-R.

MattKing · Aug 29, 2021

If you have Mamiya RB67 lenses, they will work on both RB67 and RZ67 bodies.
The RZ67 lenses will only work on RZ67 bodies.
A late model RB67-SD with the latest version of the RB67 lenses will perform in a very similar matter as a RZ67.
The biggest practical differences are the two step cocking and winding on the RB67, and the fact that the 110mm f/2.8 lens is only available for the RZ67.
I guess the electronic shutter control on the RZ67 is nice too.

ic-racer · Aug 29, 2021

BTW AgX, check out the Horseman ER-1 press camera. Very sophisticated for its time. Has electronic confirmation that darkslide is removed and the rollfilm back is cocked.

AgX · Aug 29, 2021

Yes this camera is very interesting, as Linhof did not offer such. At them you had to chose between the Technika 6x9 "field" and "press" versions.

Lee Rust · Aug 29, 2021

Don't forget the Graflex XL.

Alan Edward Klein · Aug 29, 2021

Braxus, I don't think you mentioned what you're going to do with it. If it's handheld portraits, rather than tripod-mounted landscapes, then weight becomes a factor. Keep that in mind. Also, a 110mm lens with an RB67 was a fairly common portrait combo. Pros shot the hell out of them. So be careful with the camera and lens you buy. Alan.

grat · Aug 29, 2021

Crown Graphic 2x3 will do 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9 (and 2.25x3.25 film). Can use a rangefinder, or ground glass.

Fuji GX680 will do 6x8, has removable backs, but is a mother of a monster camera. I believe 6x6 and 6x7 backs are available (but rare).

Bronica SQ/SQ-A/SQ-Ai have removable backs, can do 6x6, but not 6x7, and there's also the Bronica S2A (6x6).

Which 6x6/6x7 Cameras Have Removable Backs?

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