Jodorowsky
Well-known
Hi,
Just popped over from the M8 pages to pick your brains.
I'm thinking of buying a medium format; digital's great but i'm lusting after film again. I've figured that buying another M or similar RF would be a waste of cash, as the M8 does the job for me. However, i want to invest in a medium format camera; the two above are an option at the moment. I've thought about Mamiya 7 and Hasselblad, but I don't want to splash out too much yet.
I'm confused by the different backs on offer; does the Mamiya press produce polaroids and negatives with the right film?
Basically MF is a whole new deal for me, and I'm not looking at building a system or anything, so any advice will be appreciated.
Just popped over from the M8 pages to pick your brains.
I'm thinking of buying a medium format; digital's great but i'm lusting after film again. I've figured that buying another M or similar RF would be a waste of cash, as the M8 does the job for me. However, i want to invest in a medium format camera; the two above are an option at the moment. I've thought about Mamiya 7 and Hasselblad, but I don't want to splash out too much yet.
I'm confused by the different backs on offer; does the Mamiya press produce polaroids and negatives with the right film?
Basically MF is a whole new deal for me, and I'm not looking at building a system or anything, so any advice will be appreciated.
oftheherd
Veteran
I think if you do a search of Mamiya Super Press 23, or Mamiya Universal, you will find several threads with information you may find useful.
I am not sure what you are asking on the Mamiya Press. If you are asking if you can use a Polaroid film that produces both a positive and a negative, I don't think so. However, I am not sure as I never used a Universal. I don't know what Polaroid film in any format is still available, or for how long.
I have a Mamiya Press Super 23. It is a system camera. You can change lenses and backs, use extension tubes, etc. It is RF. Most backs have a crank wind which is very 35mm like. It is heavier than a 35mm. But since there is a handle and you can hold it by the film back, it isn't as cumbersome as it might look. If it sounds like I like it, I do. YMMV.
I am not sure what you are asking on the Mamiya Press. If you are asking if you can use a Polaroid film that produces both a positive and a negative, I don't think so. However, I am not sure as I never used a Universal. I don't know what Polaroid film in any format is still available, or for how long.
I have a Mamiya Press Super 23. It is a system camera. You can change lenses and backs, use extension tubes, etc. It is RF. Most backs have a crank wind which is very 35mm like. It is heavier than a 35mm. But since there is a handle and you can hold it by the film back, it isn't as cumbersome as it might look. If it sounds like I like it, I do. YMMV.
Solinar
Analog Preferred
The Mamiya Super Press 23 is much more versatile. The Fuji GW series are self-contained one trick ponies, much like a Canonet in 135.
Although I like my GW690 III, it isn't a system camera. It's more of high quality stand-in for my 6x9 folders.
Although I like my GW690 III, it isn't a system camera. It's more of high quality stand-in for my 6x9 folders.
bsdunek
Old Guy with a Corgi
Right on! I love my Super 23. The 50mm lens makes a really nice WA. The longest lens I have is the 250mm f8.0. Very sharp, just a little slow.
Close upw are easy with extension tubes and extending the back. It's a very versitile camera, if somewhat heavy. Keeps me in shape carrying it. Built like a truck. Easily serviced. Not too expensive.
dmburke007
Newbie
Hello:
I am an amateur photophraph obcessed about getting sharp pictures.
I recently switched from Large format to medium format. (I am speaking about film cameras not Digital)
When one switches from 35 mm cameras to either a medium format or a Large format, one has to be willing to make compromises.
1-Prices, The price of equipment for medium and Large format goes up almost expodentially. The prices differentials has to do witih: in the antique cameras, the availability of parts, lenses and the ability to use 120 films rolls For new equipment this has to do with functionability and quality of lenses.
When one moves from a 35 mm film to a 120 format: either 6X6, (Hasselblad), 6X7 (Mamiya 7 or 7II) or 6X8 (Fuji) regardless of what camera you use, the fact that you do not have to enlarge the picture as much as the 35 mm(24X36) will improve the picture considerably.
I own both the Fuji 6X9 and Mamiya 7 and 7II.
The Fuji format 6X9 is larger, the inconvenience is that if you develop your own picture you will need large format enlarger.
The other inconvenience is that the lens is not interchangeable.
The pictures quality if fair in my opinion when prints are enlarged greater than 11 X 14
If you compare the colour prints produced by the Mamiya 7 6X7 and the Fuji 6X9 pictures, the Mamiya in my opinion will produce very saturated, colors when enlarged greater than 11 X 14 the Fuji enlargements will produce pictures which are a little fuzzy. ( I was never able to obtain the MTF curve from fuji to compare their lenses).
The price of the Mamiya is MUCH, MUCH more expensive than the Fuji. Their lenses however are superb. One of the down size is that you cannot take full face portraits without croping the picture with the Mamiya. (The engeneer at Mamiya claim that it is because of the way the lens was engeneered. In my humble opinion, especially in this new era of computers (CAD) I find this difficult to believe this, my feeling is that Mamiya do not want their range finder Mamiya to compete against their Reflex cameras, just my opinion...)
The Hasselblad is a medium format camera producing 6X6 square pictures.
The advantage of Hasselblad (aside from the fact that Niel Armstrong took picture with it on the moon) is their interchageability, the down side is that they are very expensive. I would use their new lenses by Zeiss with the T * symbol which are apochromatic and it makes a huge difference. This camera only comes as a reflex and not a range finder though.
to summarize:
Mamiya 7 or 7II
Pro: Portability, Very light (amazingly light with lens) Amazingly sharp picture rivals Large format 4 X 5, rugged, clear range finders easy to focus. great support from Mamiya look at their Mamiya 7 forums all questions will be answered. Great Light Meter, I often used a portable light meter though. Very good customer service with Mamiya. You can use a regular enlarger to develop pictures if you wish. has a Panoramic option as well.
Cons: Cannot do full face portraits without cropping picture, their polarizing lens is a little clumsy to use but very cleverly engeneered and effective.
Very Expensive . (But good re-sale value after several years of use and keeping this in mind this cost minus the resale value might offset the cost a bit)
Fuji 6 X 9
Pro: Less expensive, more bulky than Mamiya but still portable.
Cons: Noticeable lesser quality of pictures when enlarged greater than 11X14 in size, colors in my opinion are more hazzy. (difficult to obtain MTF curve of these lens) Light meter not the greatest, not interchangeable lenses. No panoramic option, no polarizing option.
Hasselblad: (Reflex camera only, no RF)
Pro: Interchangeable back, lenses, But comparing apples and orange at it is not a range finder camera.
Con: Very expensive, especially new Zeiss Apochromatic lenses.
My choice:
Get a second hand Mamiya 7 or 7 II, and lenses.
Use a Monopod for all pictures, will improve the quality significantly.
if full face portrait is not an issue, then this is in my opinion the best medium format choice .
Hope that this helped
Regards
David:bang:
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narsuitus
Well-known
David,
You wrote that the Fuji 6x9 did not have the greatest light meter.
However, I thought the Fuji did not even have a built-in light meter.
You wrote that the Fuji 6x9 did not have the greatest light meter.
However, I thought the Fuji did not even have a built-in light meter.