Which MF for hiking?

[RalphLambrecht]

I'm looking at purchasing my first MF camera. One of my considerations will be how manageable it will be to take the camera, a tripod and a couple of lenses on a full day hike. I'm wanting to cover some very hilly countryside and an average return trip of 12 Km (7.5 Mls). To answer my own question, I am thinking Hasselblad but I would be interested to know what other hiker/photographers are using. I would like to be considering the RB67 because it ticks so many other boxes for me, but I'm quessing it might be too big and bulky. I use a nice Lowepro camera backpack but wouldn't be able to fit much else into it if I went with the RB67 ... Any ideas? ... Opinions?

I would not take a Hasselblad on tour. The camera is a small for MF but still too bulky and the lenses are very large and heavy. My first choice would be a Mamiya 6. It has the the full 6x6 format and excellent small optics. My second choice would be the Mamiya 7, but I like the retractable lens mount of the Mamiya 6. It makes for a nice small package.

 

[Venchka]

Bottom line: Any camera will do. There are so many variables-light, vision, film, processing, printing-the camera is only one small link in a long chain. The rest is up to you. Get out there and make photographs.

 

[Perry Way]

....One of my considerations will be how manageable it will be to take the camera, a tripod and a couple of lenses on a full day hike. I'm wanting to cover some very hilly countryside and an average return trip of 12 Km (7.5 Mls).....

All day hike eh? Well I can fit my complete RB67 kit, 3 lenses, two film backs, 3 finders (waist, chimney, prism), two meters (incident and spot), color filters, cokin filters and adapters, plus more gizmos like grip, cables.. I'm probably missing a few things, and enough film to shoot for several days in the backpack I have. I routinely sling it over my shoulder and go for a nice hike. It is a very comfortable backpack. I go about a mile or two. I am none the worn out either. Even though it probably weighs 40 pounds. But also I'm not hiking up a steep incline either, just mild hills. But you say all day and 7.5 miles. Quite honestly if I was going on an all day hike it would not be for hunter/gathering the photographs, it would be to get out into the wilderness and just enjoy the passing scenery and to get as much variety as possible.

In that case I wouldn't even think about bringing along anything like my RB at all! Nor a Hasselblad. Nor any boxy camera like a TLR Yashica or Mamiya or Rolleiflex. Also, I find that the way I shoot, I have my 50mm lens on my RB most of the time.

Therefore if I was going all day, I wouldn't even think about the complexity of multiple lenses or how to protect the gear against other things in the pack. Heck I'd not even put it IN the pack, I'd just have it handy and ready to go at a moment's notice. And instead of a tripod I would Macguyver up somethign with one of my hiking sticks or poles as a makeshift monopod. Forget the hassle of setting up the damn tripod and getting it level. If you're on the side of a cliff with a trail on an incline you're going to look mighty foolish there bending over to get the legs just so.. a monopod is good enough or just simply don't bring one at all. You don't need one under sunny 16 conditions.

I don't have a medium format camera like this but I have seriously considered one of those Mamiya 6 rangefinder folders many times. Not the new plastic one.. the old ones, like post WWII, with bellows that fold up nice and neat. Yeah it's a fixed lens. Yeah it is old. But it's a folder and it's lightweight, and its top notch quality. The optics are stellar (Zuiko lens otherwise known for being mounted on modern Olympus cameras). But if I could not get my hands on a non-project Mamiya 6, I would consider one of those Fuji 645 rangefinder folders. Light, easy to wield, and very good quality optics.

 

[mcgrattan]

For me, no question, it'd either be a Rolleiflex or the Fuji GS645S that I have. Rolleis are surprisingly compact and light -- I can easily fit mine plus a couple of rolls of film and a compact meter in the small holster case I have for a 35mm SLR. The Fuji fits in the same case and leaves some space for a 35mm autofocus compact as well. Either of those options is comparable to a moderately sized 35mm SLR + compact zoom lens, they really are that small/light.

I like the square format, and I don't find the fixed focal length a problem, so most of the time, for me, it'd be the Rollei.

I have used a borrowed RB67 when walking in the woods near my home, and that was fine for a couple of hours and when photography was my primary purpose, but I don't think I'd want to be carrying something as heavy if I was hiking any real distance.

 

[Venchka]

A friend of mine bought a Fuji GS645 from KEH for about $350. The camera doesn't appear to have ever been used. I found it for him. I didn't buy it. Go figure. I've seen the reuslts. You could do worse for more money.

 

[Perry Way]

You could do worse for more money.

I'm sensing you don't like the results of this camera since your evaluation was made in the negative sense, but maybe that's colloquial.... Anyway, am I sensing correctly or incorrectly? My reason for asking is because all the verbiage I've found as to reviews says that the fixed lens versions of the Fuji 645 cameras are very sharp. And I've been looking for a good buy on one of these for some time and just now found one and thinking of buying.

 

[stealthman_1]

It's an expensive option at the moment, but for modern cameras the new Bessa III is really nice for hiking. I've hiked with a Blad and a GW690II and their is no comparison with the ability to fold the lens away and have a flat body. If you can live without a light meter, a Bessa II or a later Zeiss Ikonta, both in 6X9 are very easy to live with in the back country.

 

[2F/2F]

I have a few suggestions:

645 - Mamiya, Pentax, Bronica (all versatile, good, and cheap)
6x6 - Hasselblad, Mamiya C series TLR, Mamiya 6 (all fairly pricey except the TLR)
6x7 - Mamiya 7 (if you can afford it, this is my #1 suggestion, or the Mamiya 6 if 6x6 is fine)
6x7/6x9 multi format - Mamiya Press Universal, 2x3 Crown Graphic or 2x3 Linhof Technika (6x6 is also possible with these cameras, as is 6x4.5 vertical with the Mamiya, with the multi-format back.) The Universal is big, but not nearly as heavy as it looks (and much lighter than the Super 23). The Crown is relatively small and light, but is limited to one lens with hand held use. The Technika is somewhat of a hybrid between the Universal and the Crown, and is likely the heaviest (though most versatile) of the three of them. It has quite ample movements. The Crown and the Technika can accept any lens you can mount to a board, and they can be used with the ground glass. The Technika can be used handheld using the rangefinder with a variety of lenses, if you have the proper rangefinder cams. The Universal can be hand held with any of its lenses, though you need accessory viewfinders for the wide ones. I consider the ground glass back a most invaluable accessory for the Mamiya Press series of cameras.

I would personally have no problem hiking long distances with an RB/RZ, though they are big and relatively heavy cameras. I would opt to leave these ones behind for space considerations on longer (multiple day) hikes, but would have no problems hauling one for a one-or-two-day outing. I am a fairly healthy and athletic person, however, and I am also used to being a pack mule.

Hasselblads have the advantage of being quite compact, plus most of the advantages of an RB/RZ (high-quality component/system camera).

I have an RZ, a Universal (and a Super 23), 4x5 Linhof Technikas, 4x5 Speed Graphic, Mamiya M645, and Mamiya C-series TLR kit. I usually opt to bring the two-body, three lens Mamiya 645 kit (along with a 35mm kit) when hiking, though I have brought all of these except for the Speed. The Universal is really a great option...I just don't have as many lenses and backs for it as I would like. If I had a Mamiya 6 or 7, I would certainly bring them quite a bit...maybe even all the time.

P.S. I forgot to mention Horseman 2x3 technical cameras. They are basically like the Linhof.

 

[Venchka]

I'm sorry

I'm sensing you don't like the results of this camera since your evaluation was made in the negative sense, but maybe that's colloquial.... Anyway, am I sensing correctly or incorrectly? My reason for asking is because all the verbiage I've found as to reviews says that the fixed lens versions of the Fuji 645 cameras are very sharp. And I've been looking for a good buy on one of these for some time and just now found one and thinking of buying.

My verbal shorthand gets me in trouble sometimes. What I meant is that for $350 the camera is outstanding. I have no first hand experience, but I would think that there are more expensive cameras for sale that won't neccessarily be any better. Hence, my statement that a person might spend more money for a camera that was not as good.

All clear now?

 

[Perry Way]

My verbal shorthand gets me in trouble sometimes.....

You and me both

All clear now?

Yep. Though I will say this bit.. I held off on bidding on the last Fuji 645 folder on eBay I was watching out of trepidation (I shun buying things of possible substandard quality because I can't test before I buy on a website). Instead, I bought a Zero Image 4x5 Pinhole camera I've been planning for some time because I knew that was a for sure thing. Maybe this time next month I might buy a Fuji 645. It has been on my agenda...

You know come to think of it, now that I mentioned the Zero Image.. one of their medium format models would be a most excellent choice to take in the field as well because it is not heavy at all. I have a pinhole 4x5 I sling over my shoulder already and frequently take it hiking. There is the extra bit of requiring a tripod, but they are so light, you can bring one of those super lightweight tripods that are kind of flimsy and meant just for 35mm cameras and it is hardly a weight burden.

 

[paul ron]

Yashica LM... 6x6. light n fun to use.

I have one for sale at $100. It's in great shape n meter works.

Paul
automax1@juno.com

 

[Venchka]

Did somebody say M645?

Mamiya m645 1000s

metered prisim

additional ground glass with gridlines

150mm f3.5 lens
80mm f2.8 lens
55mm f2.8 lens
All lenses have filters, front & rear caps

3 220 film holders
1 120 film holders

All the lenses are in great condition.
Camera body has some brassing, one pealing leatherette (?) panel and velcro applied to top by previous owner.
I have shoe one roll of film and had no mechanical difficulties with the body prisim or any on the lenses. I will develop film Saturday and update again then.
$350.00

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum/buy-sell/113199-mamiya-m645-1000s.html

 

[Dave98498]

Camera for hiking

I like my Rolleicord. And an inexpensive tripod.

 

[Pumal]

Mamiya M645. Lenses are fast and sharp. Unless you are going to do something very unusual with the negative; this is the way to go.

 

[Paul Goutiere]

I like my 501CM, 80mm and waist level finder the best for hiking. Yes it's heavy but the thing is so versatile I'll put up with it. I use a monopod.

Next, I like my Super Ikonta B. When the camera is folded up it takes very little space and it is light. Pretty good with a monopod and a lens hood but it seems not as sharp above f8. I'll use this before I take my M2.

 

[Uncle Bill]

I have hiked with a Rolleiflex and either a small Olympus OM or Nikon FM kit (body and three lenses). with ease.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

Zeiss Nettar/Ikonta/Super Ikonta. Especially nice in 6x9. Some have meters, most don't. The better ones come with Tessars and the plebeian Novar lens works great at f11/16.

Only needs the lightest of tripods - or instead of a tripod take a hiking stick with a small ball head, a c-clamp that will take the ball head and a bean-bag (empty, fill with pebbles locally). A few close-up lenses and a 3' cloth tape measure for flower shots.

 

[Frank Bunnik]

When I was trekking in Ladakh, India, last summer, I used a Fuji GW670III and a Fuji GS645S. Both delivered excellent photos, some of those can be seen on the website of the Fuji Rangefinder pages. Although both camera's had no removable lenses, I did not mind this.

I now also have a Crown Graphic 4x5 camera. With this you can shoot 4x5 inch but also 6x7, 6x9 or 6x12cm with the appropriate roll film holder. Easy to carry.

Good luck with your search,
Frank Bunnik
www.flickr.com/photos/asialover

 

[Pupfish]

One requirement for my ideal hiking camera that few MF cameras possess is dust seals. For me in many of the backcountry places I regularly go during the dry months in the western states, dust is a major, major issue. With a camera hung from the D-rings of a pack while hiking, dust-proofness is essential, and a Rocket blower bulb is never far from hand. The OP is in Australia, and perhaps encounters similar semi-arid conditions. Hopefully others will chime in with their experiences with how well all their favorite listed MF cameras resist dust (and mud and rain and snow).

Most any camera can be stored away in a pack but the one that you can have at the ready while hiking will result in many more images and fewer lost opportunities. The MF camera that I'm using most often for this is a Pentax 645N with the SMC-A 35mm f/3.5. While perhaps not quite as weatherproof as my Pentax LX or Nikon F5 or D300 it's nearly so--surprisingly good-- holding up well to activities like CC skiing and snowshoeing (blowing snow, falling down, etc). It's reasonable to carry either on the waistbelt in a tele-zoom type bag, or on short tab Tamrac buckles hanging from the D-Ring straps of my pack. The one lens I have for it is an absolute stellar performer from about f/6.7 to f/22. The P645N has enough mass and low enough shutter and mirror vibration that I can achieve sharp shots to 1/8s handheld most of the time. Another point in it's favor is that the film inserts can be preloaded and swapped out within a couple of seconds --literally-- in bad conditions. It's also small enough that I've never needed more tripod than my Manfrotto 3221 and Novoflex Classic 5 ballhead.

 

[photobum]

One thought that has not been addressed here. I found this out the hard way while hiking/skiing in the Alps one winter. I humped a Mamiya 645 1000's over 10,000 feet. Shot a bunch of film and found it was all over exposed from cold related battery drain.

Everything I shot with a cheap 35mm spring loaded camera worked fine. I swore I would never again use a battery powered camera on a major trip.

Hasselblad 500 CM and a TLR Rolleiflex has never failed me under any conditions ever.
The TLR is a lot lighter. Built in and much lighter than a reflex finder for a TLR is the pop up sport finder.

 

[mattk]

I vote for a Mamiya 6 (or 7). I just got back from Costa Rica hiking about in the heat and humidity and my 6MF followed me everywhere I went. My water bottle was more of a hassle. Light, compact, meter is very nice (although takes some getting used to) and the optics--well lets just say that I'm the weak link.