Which Medium Format Camera should I buy?

srtviper15 · Jul 9, 2024

I'm facing the classic dilemma of which camera to buy next.

Currently, I own a Yashica Mat 124G. I aspire to own a Hasselblad, specifically the 503CW, but I'll need to save up for it. In the meantime, I'll likely start with the 502CM. (After I save up)

I'm considering the Mamiya 645 Pro TL with an 80mm f2.8N lens. Can anyone suggest a reasonable price range for this setup, or recommend other alternatives?

Thanks!

etn · Jul 10, 2024

I had a Yashica Mat 124G, same as yours, for a few years. I liked it so much than, to me, the next logical step was to have a "real" Rolleiflex - which went everywhere with me in the world for the next 10 years. It was the only camera I used for that period. Then the need/want to change lenses brought me into the Hasselblad world but I still use my Rollei regularly.

Hasselblads are great, possibly the smallest/lightest 6x6 with interchangeable lenses. It is a well thought out systems with loads of accessories.

If you find a 501CM, you'll be as well served as with a 503CW. The only difference between the two is that the 503CW has TTL flash, for an obsolete system you are unlikely to use. Mechanically/optically (=Gliding mirror system) they are identical, and were manufactured around the same years.

There are obviously other options, lower priced than Hasselblad.

I will let others answer about the Mamiya 645 but here's one question to ask yourself, do you want to shoot 6x6 or 6x4.5?

Hope this helps,
etn

guangong · Jul 10, 2024

If your desire is for a MF SLR, my recommendation is a nice, clean, Hassy CM because of price. For most applications the later versions have no advantages, except that they are somewhat newer. Meanwhile, save your pennies for a later model if so desired. I bought an “ugly” CM from KEH in anticipation of death of my 2000FCM (don’t buy one of these!). Far from being ugly, the camera was blemish free and worked properly.
A Hasselblad is relatively small compared to other SLRs, and in the long run much cheaper than changing from one brand to another. Take your time and shop around. Meanwhile, I suggest reading one of Wildi’s Hasselblad books in preparation for shopping.

Dustin McAmera · Jul 10, 2024

Get the Mamiya. I have the 645 Pro (not TL) and I love it. I would get both a prism and waist-level finders. My camera came with the standard lens, and I got the 55mm, the 150mm and the 45mm later. If I was only to have one lens, I'd probably have the 55mm, and I have sometimes taken the camera out with just that lens.
For stuff like this, I wouldn't buy it from ebay; go to a decent dealer who will sell it to you as in good working order, and has the expertise to say so.

Consider a Bronica, obviously. With Bronica you can get either a square one or a 6x4.5.

srtviper15 · Jul 10, 2024

Dustin McAmera said:
Get the Mamiya. I have the 645 Pro (not TL) and I love it. I would get both a prism and waist-level finders. My camera came with the standard lens, and I got the 55mm, the 150mm and the 45mm later. If I was only to have one lens, I'd probably have the 55mm, and I have sometimes taken the camera out with just that lens.
For stuff like this, I wouldn't buy it from ebay; go to a decent dealer who will sell it to you as in good working order, and has the expertise to say so.

Consider a Bronica, obviously. With Bronica you can get either a square one or a 6x4.5.

nice! I was looking at one on eBay in mint condition. It’s an auction. And at $361 so far.

Which shop would you recommend?

I will look at Bronica as well!

Robert Ley · Jul 10, 2024

Check out the Pentax 645, the older non AF version, they are cheaper than the latter AF version. It is a great little camera (I had two of them) and the MF lenses are superb and fairly cheap. It uses inserts that can be preloaded and the meter and shutter are very accurate. A feature that I really liked was that it had two tripod mounts, one on the bottom and one on the side. I put arca plates on each tripod socket and going from vertical to horizontal was easy and the camera was always centered on my ball head.

Paul Howell · Jul 10, 2024

I would go with the Mamiya 645, it is a good system with more than decent lens, as it uses a focal plane shutter rather than in the lens leaf shutters lens tend be a bit cheaper.

Dan Fromm · Jul 10, 2024

Hmm. If budget is an issue and interchangeable lenses are wanted, consider a used press or technical camera. They don't have all of the conveniences of SLRs but have virtues the SLRs don't.

srtviper15 · Jul 10, 2024

guangong said:
If your desire is for a MF SLR, my recommendation is a nice, clean, Hassy CM because of price. For most applications the later versions have no advantages, except that they are somewhat newer. Meanwhile, save your pennies for a later model if so desired. I bought an “ugly” CM from KEH in anticipation of death of my 2000FCM (don’t buy one of these!). Far from being ugly, the camera was blemish free and worked properly.
A Hasselblad is relatively small compared to other SLRs, and in the long run much cheaper than changing from one brand to another. Take your time and shop around. Meanwhile, I suggest reading one of Wildi’s Hasselblad books in preparation for shopping.

Sounds good! I’m looking at a nice Hassy right now waiting to hear back. It’s a 501CM with Planar 80mm f/2.8 CFE. It’s a good price and close to me as well!

srtviper15 · Jul 10, 2024

Paul Howell said:
I would go with the Mamiya 645, it is a good system with more than decent lens, as it uses a focal plane shutter rather than in the lens leaf shutters lens tend be a bit cheaper.

Cool! If all goes well with the eBay auction I should have one this evening! Just have to find out what a good price is for one. So I don’t over bid

srtviper15 · Jul 10, 2024

etn said:
I had a Yashica Mat 124G, same as yours, for a few years. I liked it so much than, to me, the next logical step was to have a "real" Rolleiflex - which went everywhere with me in the world for the next 10 years. It was the only camera I used for that period. Then the need/want to change lenses brought me into the Hasselblad world but I still use my Rollei regularly.

Hasselblads are great, possibly the smallest/lightest 6x6 with interchangeable lenses. It is a well thought out systems with loads of accessories.

If you find a 501CM, you'll be as well served as with a 503CW. The only difference between the two is that the 503CW has TTL flash, for an obsolete system you are unlikely to use. Mechanically/optically (=Gliding mirror system) they are identical, and were manufactured around the same years.

There are obviously other options, lower priced than Hasselblad.

I will let others answer about the Mamiya 645 but here's one question to ask yourself, do you want to shoot 6x6 or 6x4.5?

Hope this helps,
etn

Those are all good points. I’m currently looking at a 501CM. Thanks for the tips!

Pioneer · Jul 10, 2024

I much prefer my Rolleiflex as I prefer a lighter kit nowdays. But I do agree that the Pentax 645 is a great alternative if you want an MF SLR.

BrianShaw · Jul 10, 2024

srtviper15 said:
Those are all good points. I’m currently looking at a 501CM. Thanks for the tips!

Well that shoud be easier to source than the 502CM mentioned in post 1.

I heartily endorse the 501 over the 503, if a Hassellad is what you really want... for reasons mentioned earlier by someone else about obselete flash/strobe system. For flash, I pair mine with either an old Vivitar 285 or a slightly more modern Nikon SB-16. Once upon a time I was smitten by the Hassy strobe but got over that quickly.

Ian Grant · Jul 10, 2024

I went Mamiya 645 back in the early 1980s, after my Mamiya C33 & C3 were stolen. Great cameras & lenses, far more of them around than the Pentax 645 cameras.

My Mamiya's now get little use, I'm predominantly an LF shooter, and carry a Rolleiflex alongside.

Ian

MichaelMcC · Jul 10, 2024

For price the RB67 is worth a look maybe. I have the original Mamiya 645 and the RB67 pro s and always chose the latter when going out. Quality and experience are beautiful

srtviper15 · Jul 10, 2024

MichaelMcC said:
For price the RB67 is worth a look maybe. I have the original Mamiya 645 and the RB67 pro s and always chose the latter when going out. Quality and experience are beautiful

I’ll check out the RB67. Is the pro S a lot better?

MichaelMcC · Jul 10, 2024

srtviper15 said:
I’ll check out the RB67. Is the pro S a lot better?

It's yes. The interlock works great and the price difference is negligible as there are far more Pro S bodies for sale as it ran for longer.

srtviper15 · Jul 10, 2024

MichaelMcC said:
It's yes. The interlock works great and the price difference is negligible as there are far more Pro S bodies for sale as it ran for longer.

Cool! Thanks! I’ll look at the Pro S. Now how about the RZ ? I saw a few bins about that. It’s lighter and can take RZ lenses

Sirius Glass · Jul 10, 2024

I owned several MF TLR cameras including one SuperDolly folder with a wonderfully sharp Zeiss lens and a Mamiya C330 with the 65mm, 80mm and 250mm lenses and every option known in the known world. I traded in the later for a Hasselblad 503 CX in 2006 and I have never looked back. I also own the Hasselblad 903 SWC. It is my go to camera for serious work. I recommend borrowing or renting one preferably applied to an pending camera sale to make sure that the camera is for you. The ultimate test of any camera is how that camera fits in your hands, on this the opinion only your opinion is important.

Marcelo Paniagua · Jul 10, 2024

RB67/RZ67 are great cameras and Mamiya glass is awesome. From Mamiya I have C330, RB67 and Press Super 23. Can't go wrong with the lenses. RB67 has one of the few (if not the only) square format fish eye on medium format. Not too expensive if you like those.

By the way, about the Mamiya 645, I had the Mamiya 645 1000s but sold and moved to the ETRS, because the lens selection and removable back suited me better, but it is a great camera.

Also, remember that Mamiya 645 1000s have one of the fastest Medium format lens around (80mm f/1.9) if that is your cup of coffee. I had that lens and really like it.

Marcelo Paniagua · Jul 10, 2024

srtviper15 said:
Cool! Thanks! I’ll look at the Pro S. Now how about the RZ ? I saw a few bins about that. It’s lighter and can take RZ lenses

I went with the RB67 for a fully mechanical camera, mostly because of my preference.

Marcelo Paniagua · Jul 10, 2024

Sirius Glass said:
I owned several MF TLR cameras including one SuperDolly folder with a wonderfully sharp Zeiss lens and a Mamiya C330 with the 65mm, 80mm and 250mm lenses and every option known in the known world. I traded in the later for a Hasselblad 503 CX in 2006 and I have never looked back. I also own the Hasselblad 903 SWC. It is my go to camera for serious work. I recommend borrowing or renting one preferably applied to an pending camera sale to make sure that the camera is for you. The ultimate test of any camera is how that camera fits in your hands, on this the opinion only your opinion is important.

Quite a sound advice. In the end, all that count is that the camera suit your needs and taste (as well as how deep your pockets are).

Paul Howell · Jul 10, 2024

For those with deep enough pockets for a Hasselblad, it makes the most sense. I have a couple of Kowa 66s, nice cameras, good lens, the super takes film backs, but hard to maintain. I would include in the cost of a Hassy system the cost of a body and the lens one would likely need along with accessories, and there are many, backs, finders, screens, macro gear come to mind.

cliveh · Jul 10, 2024

Rolleicord IV Medium Format TLR 120 Type, 6x6cm, Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar Lens

Paul Howell · Jul 10, 2024

If I was considering a TLR, I would get a Mamiya 220, great lens, bellows, options for viewfinders, and a little lighter than the C330.

Which Medium Format Camera should I buy?

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