Which TLR

gerryyaum said:

I find that the Mamiyas are the way to go because of the bellows, which allow you to focus up close.

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This page on the C-series at The Bokeh includes a close-up photo taken with a Mamiya. I'm not even positive what the object is, though, or what the scale is, but it's clearly pretty small. Specifications for Dead Link Removed and Dead Link Removed C-series lenses indicate reproduction ratios of as much as 1:1.14 (for the 55mm lens), which is very close to true macro (1:1) reproduction.

My suggestion is to find an inexpensive TLR and give it a try. You can usually get your money out of one if you are not happy assuming you don't overpay when buying.

My primary cameras are TLR's. I have a Mamiya C330 system with many lenses. It is good equipment, but heavy to lug around if that is you intention. I found an early 1950's Rolleicord which has moved up to the top of my favorite list. It is very light and portable, with a very good lens. I am free to take it almost anywhere because of its compact size, light weight, and one fixed lens configuration. I carry it in a fanny pack with a small meter, light weight flash, lens shade, filters and film.

After years of carrying the heavy Mamiya around (such as on vacation), I realized that I was taking 95% (or more) of my pictures with the 80mm (normal) lens. I still enjoy the Mamiya, but it gets carried in and out of the trunk of my car with a tripod, not on a walking trip through the city.

The TLR's do require more deliberation than shooting with an SLR or rangefinder. I want to try a 6x7 or 6x9 light weight rangefinder for street photography.

Loren Sattler said:

....The TLR's do require more deliberation than shooting with an SLR or rangefinder. I want to try a 6x7 or 6x9 light weight rangefinder for street photography.

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Hi Loren,

I'm not sure if this would suit you, but I have a Kodak Realist I would loan you. 6x9 neg, sharp lens. Two downers on it are 620 spool, so you have to respool 120 film onto a 620 spool (I've got several 620 spools). Other is the camera lens gets stiff in cold weather. It's a great camera, but only in summer, until I spring for a CLA. Oh, and a 3rd item - it's not light.

You'd be welcome to use it. Produces beautiful negs. Having seen your work, I'm sure you'd do well with it.