Would like to start MF

[Markok765]

I have a Beselar 67 enlarger. I shoot a holga, so I know how to develop it.

I was recently in toronto and looked a photo from china. I think it was 30x40.

The person there said that it was MF, scanned. I would like to print my own MF, and would like to get a real MF camera [no seagull,lubitel] I would like preferably 645 with RF, or a 6x6.

So, in conclusion, I'm asking what:

Camera in 600$ with lens, used

Enlarger lens.

Negative holder.

I should get.

Thank you all!

 

[Nick Zentena]

If you're stuck on a RF then I think the only modern choice in your budget is one of the Fuji fixed lens cameras.

If you can live with a SLR more choices. Bronica ETRSI should be well within your budget. Pentax 645 likely. I'd also expect the older Mamiya 645 to be possible.

Depends on what features you want. The Bronica is a leaf shutter. The Pentax will have a built in meter and winder.

 

[Markok765]

I can live with a SLR, just RF is lighter.

I have a Pentax spotmeter v, if that matters.

 

[kraker]

If you're thinking of 6x6, a Mamiya C2xx/C3xx should be well within your budget. It's a big brick, but it's very versatile.

 

[Mick Fagan]

Marko, haven't seen you for a while, must be heavy going at school.

One of the interesting things about the Fuji 645 folder camera I once owned, is that the film gate is in portrait mode, when the camera is held normally to the eye.

35mm film is in a landscape mode, when the camera is held normally.

Therefore, if you wish to do a lot of landscape photography with a Fuji and/or many other 645 cameras, you may decide to go the 6x6 route instead. Certainly saves you turning the camera sideways for a landscape.

A 75mm enlarging lens will cover 6x6, I personally prefer 80mm for 6x6. As your enlarger is a 6x7 type, why not get something that will cover up to 6x7. This means that when you get any negative from 645 through to a 6x7 negative from either your camera or somewhere else, you can comfortably enlarge it.

I personally use a 105mm lens for enlarging 645 through to 6x7 negatives. The trade off is that for a given enlargement of the smaller 6x6 format you will have to lift the head slightly higher.

 

[mcfactor]

They are slightly more expensive, but the mamiya rangefinders are great. i saw the mamiya 6 for around $600 somewhere on the web (maybe ebay). I have a mamiya 7 and i just did a 40x50 color print (inkjet scan) that looked great (the film was fujipro 160S).

 

[Ole]

A Bronica ETRS with 75mm lens, back and finder should be less than $200. I believe that this is the best value for money you will find at the moment!

Enlarger lens - I use a Meopta Anaret-S 80mm myself. But with corrent second-hand darkroom prices, I would look for a Rodagon, Componon or similar.

 

[matti]

I like my Rolleiflex. But then I never change my 50mm lens on the Leica either, so pretty much like that perspective.
/matti

 

[Toffle]

I have a Beselar 67 enlarger. I shoot a holga, so I know how to develop it.

I know everyone has their own preferences, but if you have the 67, you might want to consider shooting 6X7 negatives. You can catch a lot of detail on a 6X7 negative.The Bronica GS-1 is a great camera, and considered light for its class. I picked mine up in "bargain" condition from KEH in July, and have shot virtually nothing else since. You would need an enlarger lens of at least 80mm for this size negative.

You can get a GS-1 with a 100mm normal lens, a prism or waist level finder and maybe even a speed winder grip well within your budget. (with money left over to get a half-decent tripod... they say it's light, but you'd find hand-holding very tiring after only a few rolls.)

I know this doesn't make the choice any easier. Part of the fun is just finding out what's available.
Cheers,

 

[MenacingTourist]

Also consider if you want to go big with your enlargements and want the sharpest negs you want to shoot on a tripod. Consider the RB67. It's amazingly cheap and the lenses are very good. I shoot one with a 90 and 180 but if I didn't shoot LF I'd get a wide angle for it.

There are other similar systems for similar prices out there. You'll certainly find a complete set up for your price. Just look around for a while.

Alan.

 

[Michel Hardy-Vallée]

The Rapid-Omega is big and heavy, but its lenses are awesome and for 600$ you could have the body, two backs, and two lenses.

 

[Marc Akemann]

Also consider if you want to go big with your enlargements and want the sharpest negs you want to shoot on a tripod. Consider the RB67. It's amazingly cheap and the lenses are very good. I shoot one with a 90 and 180 but if I didn't shoot LF I'd get a wide angle for it.

There are other similar systems for similar prices out there. You'll certainly find a complete set up for your price. Just look around for a while.

Alan.

Another really nice thing about the RB, is the rotating back. Without it, moving the RB67 on it's side for a vertical would be like moving a car battery on it's side. Lenses are excellent.

The Bronica GS-1 is a nice choice, too. No rotating back, but it's lighter and the lenses are also excellent.

I shoot with a Bronica EC-TL system and Nikkor lenses. Maybe not the best choice, but it's fun to use and I use Nikkor lenses for every format I shoot. Also, it's inexpensive, but hard to find all that you might want, like backs and prisms. 645 backs are really difficult to find for this system.

These days, you've got tons of choices with prices that are unbelievable, compared to just a few years ago. All of the suggestions from previous posts are good ones.

Marc

 

[Markok765]

Wow! And most of these are cheaper than a used Nikon F5!

Thanks, I'll write these down, and ask when I go to Henrys Toronto.

 

[Nick Zentena]

Wow! And most of these are cheaper than a used Nikon F5!

Thanks, I'll write these down, and ask when I go to Henrys Toronto.

Wait you're shopping at Henry's? Take all the prices and multiply by 3x

 

[Markok765]

any other good Toronto stores?

I really can't remember the photographer.