Small ,light medium format camera

[jpa66]

Having just returned from a trip, and having taken a couple of cameras with me, I've decided that I crave a smaller, lighter camera than the ones I currently have.

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good, small, and relatively light medium format camera ( 6X6 only ). Something like the Mamiya 6 is too big and heavy for what I want. I just want a relatively small, light 6X6 that will take sharp, quality photos.

Any suggestions would be welcomed.

JP

 

[hans voralberg]

Not sure about the quality department but the lightest 6x6s are by Seagull, the Chinese make.

 

[fraley]

Well, folders were the answer to small-light medium format. You might consider a 6x6 folder.

 

[Matus]

Well, I do not know, but if the Mamya 6 was too heavy you have little choice left - at least for a modern camera. Depends what you want, but you may want to have a look at Fuji Ga645 or if you want 6x6 or 6x7 at the new Bessa III from Fuji/Voigtlaender. There is also a Bronica RF645 but I think it is not much smaller/lighter than Mamiya 6 ...

 

[wpb]

If you do not require a rangefinder or are willing to use an auxiliary rangefinder the Voigtlander Perkeo (With Color Skopar) is an excellent choice. While there are built-in coupled rangefinder versions of this camera they are quite rare and expensive.

If you were referring to the more current Mamiya 6 in your post, you may want to explore the older Mamiya 6 sereis of folders.

A Voigtlander Brilliant is actually quite svelte, but may not be up to your imaging standards. It is a twin lens reflex style camera.

 

[sevo]

Smallest, but somewhat minimalistic, were the Bessa 66/Perkeo, not that much bigger and with a (uncoupled) rangefinder were the Mess Ikontas (their rangefinderless cousins are less attractive, being exactly the same size).

Among modern MF cameras, the Fujica GA645zi and (folding) GS645 were the only ones that are considerably smaller than the Mamiya 6/Bronica RF645 - but they still are more than double the Perkeo size.

 

[jpa66]

Thanks for all the replies.

The problem is that I had my big digital Nikon slr with 18-200 zoom, and my wife had a little canon digital elph ( it's actually mine 🙂. I found myself tiring of carrying the Nikon, as well as using it ( although I really like it ), and actually swiping the Canon from wife from time to time. I also brought my Canon AE1, with just a 50 mm lens, and loved it when I brought it with me instead of the Nikon. I also liked the pics from the Canon better ( I would have brought my Canonnet, but I only recently got it and haven't fooled around with it enough to be completely comfortable ). I also brought a Holga, which, although fun, has made me wish that I had a quality 6X6 camera with me. But I digress...

I'd actually love to check out the new Bessa III, but I'm not willing to part with that much money at this point in time.

I did fool around a long time ago with the Bronica, and it's too big for what I want. I actually have a Mamiya 645, with the grip and a viewfinder prism, and I actually don't like it. It's too clunky and heavy, and I found that I greatly prefer a 6X6 negative size. I also have an old Yashica that I've used, but some nicer glass and a meter would be nice ( and I'd like to hold the thing like an slr ).

I've thought about the Fujii in the past, but I really would like a square negative.

I'm unfamiliar with the Perkeo, but it looks worth investigating, as does the Ikonta. I simply don't know much about them, and am still a little wary of the bellows having light leaks. Is that a common occurrence, or are they generally well-sealed off from light? And are the lenses that they have reasonably fast ( or at least not too slow )?

In the meantime, I'll see what info I can dig up.

JP

 

[David R Munson]

Which 645 do you have? One of the originals like the M645 1000S with an 80/2.8, prism, and crank is pretty compact. FWIW the thumb winder for the 645E (works like the Bronica Speedgrips) fits the original M645 cameras as well and weighs very, very little.

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

Sounds like a folder is your best bet. If carrying all that gear while your out is tiring, drop some of the gear. Carry one slr and one point and shoot. Or consider picking up an nikon film body that can use your 18-200, cut back on weight with shared lens.

 

[Harry Lime]

Rolleicord III

I think mine is about 800 grams. Believe it or not the Cord actually is a rather compact solution.

Framing is very accurate, the 3.5/75mm Tessar is very sharp and draws beautifully.
Dead silent and very reliable, especially of you get it serived by a good shop (www.rolleirepairs.com) A steal at around $100-200. Throw in a full overhaul and
your still ahead of the Mamiya 6.

 

[Armoured]

Plaubel Makina?

Plaubel Makina?

Cheaper than the new Bessa. Other than that, TLR like Rollei or older folder.

 

[MaxElmar]

Another vote for Rolleicord. Pretty much any Rolleicord. III, IV give outstanding bang for the buck.

 

[Paddy C]

Rolleicord III

I think mine is about 800 grams. Believe it or not the Cord actually is a rather compact solution.

Framing is very accurate, the 3.5/75mm Tessar is very sharp and draws beautifully.
Dead silent and very reliable, especially of you get it serived by a good shop (www.rolleirepairs.com) A steal at around $100-200. Throw in a full overhaul and
your still ahead of the Mamiya 6.

This was going to be my recommendation as well (even though it seems counterintuitive). I have a Rolleiflex 2.8 and a Rolleicord Vb. The weight difference is unbelievable. The Rolleicord is even lighter (noticeable lighter) than my Bessa II. And, as mentioned, is capable of taking some lovely photos. And you won't be worried about banging it around, loosing it, or having it stolen as they aren't expensive.

 

[Gumby]

Another vote for Rolleicord.

Here's another endorsement of this option.

 

[Vics]

I'd vote Rolleiflex. and I'll soon be posting two of them on the classifieds here. I'm trimming down to one Leica and one lens and one film. The older Rolleis without meters are quite light in weight and the lenses are amazing. You'll love it! Aren't the 'cords all Triotars? I don't really know.
Vic

 

[venchka]

I can't help with the 6x6 option. I'm looking for the same thing.

I can suggest that you hunt high and low for the Sigma 24-70 Canon FD mount zoom for your AE-1. I have owned this lens for a long time. I put it on my Canon EF and take it everywhere. Small. Light. Sharp. Great focal length range. A perfect walk around lens.

 

[Darkhorse]

I'd like to plug the Autocord. I've had one for a few weeks and it's a great, affordable, lightweight performer.

 

[Graham Line]

I'll go with the flow. After experiences with rollfilm SLRs and RFs, the best way to go for light weight and a good neg are the various Rolleis. A 'cord will not set you back very much.
Occasionally you can find a nice Minolta Autocord and these have wonderful lenses.
Was very pleased to sell my Seagull at a decent price while it was still working. 😛 The images were good but it didn't have the smooth feel of a Rollei, and no one seems to be able to make them last.
Occasionally I use a mid-50s Franka Rolfix which can produce a nice photo, but the folding/unfolding routine is tedious . . . collapsible lenses also bug me.

 

[Gumby]

Aren't the 'cords all Triotars?

No, Schneider Xenar (4 element/3 group Tessar formula) was offered on IV and V models. The III model came in both Triotar and Xenar.

 

[andredossantos]

Maybe I'm nuts but for me personally the Hasselblad 500 series with WLF and either a 80mm or 60mm lens is the perfect compromise for a medium format camera considering image quality, 6x6, handhold-ability, and (relative) compactness.