need some direction in medium format view cameras

[rlouzan]

OK then: Hasselblad SCW (fixed lens), Rolleiflex F3.5 (fixed lens), Norita 66, Kowa 6, Exacta, Iskra (fixed lens), Super Baldex Fixed lens), ...

 

[fbf]

Another vote for : mamiya 23 super or mamiya universal. The price in Japan is very low and from what I have seen, they are widely available too.
Great lenses, many accessories available.

 

[aizan]

the only 6x6 view cameras are the hasselblad flexbody and arcbody. you can only use hasselblad lenses on the flexbody (smaller image circle), while the arcbody uses view camera lenses. everything else is 6x7 and 6x9.

 

[johannielscom]

Well, have a look at the Bronice ETRS series then. As close as you can get to a Hassie without buying one, and easily available. There is a 6x6 version, right?

Or, have a look at a Mamiya RB-67.

 

[kuzano]

No ETRS in 6X6... But there is a bronica 6X6

No ETRS in 6X6... But there is a bronica 6X6

Well, have a look at the Bronice ETRS series then. As close as you can get to a Hassie without buying one, and easily available. There is a 6x6 version, right?

Or, have a look at a Mamiya RB-67.

The closest thing to a Hasselblad in a 6X6, but better is a Bronica SQ (for Square) in SQ-A, SQ-AI, and in a purely mechanical SQ-B.

Also in Bronica, there is the 6X7 Bronica GS-1.

The ETR, ETRS, and ETRSi are all 645.

ALL BRONICA system lenses are leaf shutter for flash sync at all speeds.

 

[flip]

I have been successfully overwhelmed by the bounty of input. Thank you - I can see this will take some time to sort-out. :-D

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Phil,

Quite honestly, if you don't want movements, almost anything will do. I have at least half a dozen MF cameras, plus MF backs (from 6x7cm to 6x12cm) for all my 4x5 inch cameras, and you need real rubbish before the sharpness starts to let you down. Even with 'junk' cameras (eg Lubitel) the tonality still wipes the floor with all but the best 35mm, perfectly processed, though sharpness is another matter.

On the other hand, my feeling is that if you're willing to go to the hassle of MF, movements (on a 'baby' Linhof, a 6x9 Cambo view [the cheapest I know], or a 4x5 inch with MF back) will give you even more of an advantage for comparatively little extra hassle. For more about movements, see http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/camera movements.html

Cheers,

R.