unixrevolution
Well-known
Hi, all,
I figured, since I was choosing between three different rangefinders, you could all give me some direction, point out some not-previously-considered options, or generally help me with something that's been rattling around in my head for a while now.
I have a Polaroid 600se and a Mamiya RB-67. These are my two medium-format system cameras. I'm pretty happy (Very happy actually) with the 600se. It's light, handles well, hangs on a strap pretty comfortably, and generally makes me feel good. Unfortunately, although I like its one trick very much, it's a one trick pony with only type-100 polaroid packfilm shooting instant pictures as its available ammunition at present, and there were only 3 lenses ever made for it.
The RB, on the other hand, is blessed with extreme competency but also extreme bulk. Though the RB67 is about the cheapest medium format SLR you can buy nowadays, its bulk is only light compared with a WWII-era battle rifle or an 8x10 view camera made of depleted uranium. This weight issue completely aside from the fact that putting it on a strap to carry it is a bad idea, and it has the ergonomics of a toaster with a lens on the end. As a result of this poor handling, it doesn't go out much. I realize the RB is more of a studio rig, but as I don't have a studio and the sum total of all the studio time I've ever had is somewhere between "bugger" and "all", it's gotten me thinking about replacement rigs.
I've found through playing with the 600se that I really like the big RF form factor. The 600se and my Kodak Medalist are constant companions of mine when I'm out somewhere to take pictures. Now, I'm not blessed with a great deal of wealth or a large amount of storage space, so even though I've been thinking about getting better/different rigs, doing so would necessitate getting rid of the 600se and the Mamiya to free up the money and to free up the space.
So, the list of candidates for replacements are as follows:
1. Change nothing, but buy a rollfilm adapter for the Polaroid, either the Mamiya Press backs, preferably an RB67 adapter so I can use the RB's rollfilm backs. This is doable with a little modification, and would give the Polaroid flexibilty to use rollfilm. With the RB backs adapted, it kind of ties them both into one big system except for the lenses, and I don't think I'd be buying scads of lenses anyway.
2. Ditch both, get a Mamiya Press. The Mamiya Press Universal would be able to use Polaroid or Rollfilm, and would have a larger selection of lenses and accessories. Unfortunately, Mamiya Press Universal bodies are expensive and their accessories and lenses are also expensive. I'd also totally lose the close-focusing of the Mamiya SLR.
3. Ditch Both, get a Super Speed Graphic
The Super Speed graphic also appeals, as it can shoot Polaroid (in the standard size or 4x5, depending on the back used) and it can also shoot rollfilm with the right back. The Super Speed also has a focal plane shutter allowing the use of barrel lenses, the included lens on most SSGs was a 1/1000 leaf-shutter, and it's a rangefinder to boot.
The Super Speed can also be used as a field camera, as it has very generous movements for a Speed Graphic. I can also use any accessories for it on my monorail camera. The only problem is that additional lenses would be view-camera only without an accompanying properly ground rangefinder cam. It's also expensive, and hard to find, but it looks badass.
If you want to suggest a completely different thing to what I have listed, keep in mind that I am mainly interested in having a manual exposure camera to shoot Polaroids with. That's my "thing". If you can't shoot polaroids with it, I don't want it! Other than that, suggest away!
I figured, since I was choosing between three different rangefinders, you could all give me some direction, point out some not-previously-considered options, or generally help me with something that's been rattling around in my head for a while now.
I have a Polaroid 600se and a Mamiya RB-67. These are my two medium-format system cameras. I'm pretty happy (Very happy actually) with the 600se. It's light, handles well, hangs on a strap pretty comfortably, and generally makes me feel good. Unfortunately, although I like its one trick very much, it's a one trick pony with only type-100 polaroid packfilm shooting instant pictures as its available ammunition at present, and there were only 3 lenses ever made for it.
The RB, on the other hand, is blessed with extreme competency but also extreme bulk. Though the RB67 is about the cheapest medium format SLR you can buy nowadays, its bulk is only light compared with a WWII-era battle rifle or an 8x10 view camera made of depleted uranium. This weight issue completely aside from the fact that putting it on a strap to carry it is a bad idea, and it has the ergonomics of a toaster with a lens on the end. As a result of this poor handling, it doesn't go out much. I realize the RB is more of a studio rig, but as I don't have a studio and the sum total of all the studio time I've ever had is somewhere between "bugger" and "all", it's gotten me thinking about replacement rigs.
I've found through playing with the 600se that I really like the big RF form factor. The 600se and my Kodak Medalist are constant companions of mine when I'm out somewhere to take pictures. Now, I'm not blessed with a great deal of wealth or a large amount of storage space, so even though I've been thinking about getting better/different rigs, doing so would necessitate getting rid of the 600se and the Mamiya to free up the money and to free up the space.
So, the list of candidates for replacements are as follows:
1. Change nothing, but buy a rollfilm adapter for the Polaroid, either the Mamiya Press backs, preferably an RB67 adapter so I can use the RB's rollfilm backs. This is doable with a little modification, and would give the Polaroid flexibilty to use rollfilm. With the RB backs adapted, it kind of ties them both into one big system except for the lenses, and I don't think I'd be buying scads of lenses anyway.
2. Ditch both, get a Mamiya Press. The Mamiya Press Universal would be able to use Polaroid or Rollfilm, and would have a larger selection of lenses and accessories. Unfortunately, Mamiya Press Universal bodies are expensive and their accessories and lenses are also expensive. I'd also totally lose the close-focusing of the Mamiya SLR.
3. Ditch Both, get a Super Speed Graphic
The Super Speed graphic also appeals, as it can shoot Polaroid (in the standard size or 4x5, depending on the back used) and it can also shoot rollfilm with the right back. The Super Speed also has a focal plane shutter allowing the use of barrel lenses, the included lens on most SSGs was a 1/1000 leaf-shutter, and it's a rangefinder to boot.
The Super Speed can also be used as a field camera, as it has very generous movements for a Speed Graphic. I can also use any accessories for it on my monorail camera. The only problem is that additional lenses would be view-camera only without an accompanying properly ground rangefinder cam. It's also expensive, and hard to find, but it looks badass.
If you want to suggest a completely different thing to what I have listed, keep in mind that I am mainly interested in having a manual exposure camera to shoot Polaroids with. That's my "thing". If you can't shoot polaroids with it, I don't want it! Other than that, suggest away!
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
Why not a Mamiya 7? Its small and light and has great lenses. Kinda expensive, about $1100 for the body and standard lens, but its probably the best 6x7 RF. Fuji makes some great 6x7 and 6x9 RFs that are cheap ($500-$900) but have noninterchangeable lenses.
oftheherd
Veteran
I personally like my Super Press 23. I find it to be a system camera with many accessories, good sharp lenses, and great versatility. It is not light however. But wide straps and backpacks help in carrying one. I would not expect it to be much if any heavier than your 600. With interchangable lenses and backs, ability to use cut film, bellows back, focusing backs, extention tubes, it just does a lot.
Last edited:
unixrevolution
Well-known
Mamiya 7s are great, and so are the fujis, but I still need that instant film back capability, which means I couldn't sell the 600se to raise funds for the purchase.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
I'm happy with the RF adapter on my Polaroid 600SE. I use a TEWE finder for 6x9 cm. I have 75 and 127 lenses.
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
Last edited:
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
I'd definitely ditch the Polaroid.
Sell it to the LOMO crowd, they'll go gaga seeing the *big* polaroid camera.
MUP kits are not rare on ebay and if you wait patiently, you'll get one eventually with Polaroid back (I did), plus you'll have more lenses to select from.
Sell it to the LOMO crowd, they'll go gaga seeing the *big* polaroid camera.
MUP kits are not rare on ebay and if you wait patiently, you'll get one eventually with Polaroid back (I did), plus you'll have more lenses to select from.
gdi
Veteran
A slight correction regarding the Super Speed Graphic, it does not have a focal plane shutter, that is the Speed Graphic. And all SSGs had the 1000th shutter, if not it was a plain Super Graphic. They aren't that hard to find, if you think you may want a Super Graphic (without 1000th) PM me, I might have a lead.
Frank Petronio
Well-known
You'e using two of the most bulky and balky medium-format cameras ever made... and if you also use a 620 Medalist then you are indeed a glutton for punishment.
Almost anything else you try will feel bantam weight.
I'm a minimalist, I'd opt for a single system with Polaroid and film capability. Perhaps a quality 6x6 Hasselblad 500C or a Mamiya 645 system? They are quite a bit more ergonomic and have a nicer build quality. You may focus them better and hold them steadier, helping to make up for the difference in the smaller neg. Certainly few people felt they gave up any image quality between an RB and a Blad.
Then again, close-up needs might be met with a smaller format or digital, Polaroids with a vintage Polaroid folder like the 195, leaving you free to use something all together different for your large negative needs - like a Fuji 6x9 or even the Medalist?
Almost anything else you try will feel bantam weight.
I'm a minimalist, I'd opt for a single system with Polaroid and film capability. Perhaps a quality 6x6 Hasselblad 500C or a Mamiya 645 system? They are quite a bit more ergonomic and have a nicer build quality. You may focus them better and hold them steadier, helping to make up for the difference in the smaller neg. Certainly few people felt they gave up any image quality between an RB and a Blad.
Then again, close-up needs might be met with a smaller format or digital, Polaroids with a vintage Polaroid folder like the 195, leaving you free to use something all together different for your large negative needs - like a Fuji 6x9 or even the Medalist?
Roger Hicks
Veteran
I assume he wants full-size Polaroids, which lets out most smaller cameras.
Cheers,
R.
Turtle
Veteran
What do you want to be able to do with your future kit? its not clear from the post what capabilities and applications apply.
Roger Vadim
Well-known
A Speed Graphic is as heavy as the RB67 & even bulkier & a pain to focus with the RF thingie it's got.
I've got one and rarely use it without the tripod. but if you go out with it Wegee style it sure gets attention!
I've got one and rarely use it without the tripod. but if you go out with it Wegee style it sure gets attention!
Last edited:
RedLion
Come to the Faire
Get a Fuji GW 690 III (lightweight 6x9 rangefinder) in the $500+ range.
I have one and they're Great!
Joe
I have one and they're Great!
Joe
unixrevolution
Well-known
Sorry this took so long, life interrupted.
I do have a Polaroid back for a Universal Press; It's the one I use with an adapter for my RB. I'd definitely like to find a Universal, but I don't know if selling my Polaroid is worth it, due to the fact that I'm most likely going to mostly be shooting Polaroid anyway, and the 600se is a known quantity.
Also, saying the 600se is for the LOMO crowd is kinda silly, as the 600se is a professional rig, and it's the same camera as the Universal anyway.
I'd like to know more about this.
Correct. I must have read something wrong; I thought the word "Speed" in the name implied a focal plane shutter. It just means 1/1000th. In regard to the Super Graphic, I have sent a PM.
I am mostly interested in a street photography rig that's toteable, light, and easy to shoot. I am almost exclusively interested in Instant film. It's a business idea I have to go Downtown in the District to shoot tourists' souvenir photos, with the instant prints being somewhere between a gimmick and a convenience. For this, I find the 600se almost perfect, but I am trying to add rollfilm capability to the concept rig for added flexibility when I go shooting for my own pictures. I am trying to determine if I need to switch rigs, or just buy some accessories.
I'm sure they are, but can it spit out a print?
Thanks everyone for your replies and advice!
I'd definitely ditch the Polaroid.
Sell it to the LOMO crowd, they'll go gaga seeing the *big* polaroid camera.
MUP kits are not rare on ebay and if you wait patiently, you'll get one eventually with Polaroid back (I did), plus you'll have more lenses to select from.
I do have a Polaroid back for a Universal Press; It's the one I use with an adapter for my RB. I'd definitely like to find a Universal, but I don't know if selling my Polaroid is worth it, due to the fact that I'm most likely going to mostly be shooting Polaroid anyway, and the 600se is a known quantity.
Also, saying the 600se is for the LOMO crowd is kinda silly, as the 600se is a professional rig, and it's the same camera as the Universal anyway.
I'd like to know more about this.
Correct. I must have read something wrong; I thought the word "Speed" in the name implied a focal plane shutter. It just means 1/1000th. In regard to the Super Graphic, I have sent a PM.
I am mostly interested in a street photography rig that's toteable, light, and easy to shoot. I am almost exclusively interested in Instant film. It's a business idea I have to go Downtown in the District to shoot tourists' souvenir photos, with the instant prints being somewhere between a gimmick and a convenience. For this, I find the 600se almost perfect, but I am trying to add rollfilm capability to the concept rig for added flexibility when I go shooting for my own pictures. I am trying to determine if I need to switch rigs, or just buy some accessories.
A Speed Graphic is as heavy as the RB67 & even bulkier & a pain to focus with the RF thingie it's got.
I've got one and rarely use it without the tripod. but if you go out with it Wegee style it sure gets attention!
THAT is a wonderful photo. Having never handled a real Graphic, I had assumed they weren't absurdly heavy and that the RF was easy to use. However, the attention it gets may be a help for the street shooting business idea...thingie. I have to decide now how much the "wow" factor and the fact that it'll shoot 4x5 instant as well as make a decent field camera is worth to me.
View attachment 88004
I'm sure they are, but can it spit out a print?
Thanks everyone for your replies and advice!
cjbecker
Established
You can get a polaroid back for the rb and it almost covers the entire type 100 fuji instant film. The press then is useless. sell it and get a fuji rangefinder.
unixrevolution
Well-known
I actually do have the Polaroid back for the RB, and though it's quite nice, I find I'd rather shoot Polaroid with the 600se anyway. The wasted space on the prints bugs me, and the edges of the 72x72 square format imaging area are sloped because of the shadow of the light baffle rest. In all, just not ideal for me; I'd rather use the 600se for Instant work.
I also wouldn't feel comfortable calling those prints good enough to be paid work, which they would be if my plan works.
The 7 would make an ideal replacement for the RB, except that I'd have to scrounge the money to buy it, and not sell the 600se to do so since the 7 can't shoot polaroids...but it's only money right?
EdSawyer
Established
Roid back for 7
Roid back for 7
There is a polaroid back for the Mamiya 7, btw. It's a fiber optic one made by NPC. Not very common, but they are out there. It shoots a 6x7 sized image, offset from center slightly, as I recall.
-Ed
Roid back for 7
There is a polaroid back for the Mamiya 7, btw. It's a fiber optic one made by NPC. Not very common, but they are out there. It shoots a 6x7 sized image, offset from center slightly, as I recall.
-Ed