Existential Crisis

[NaChase]

Okay, so I recently asked for help deciding between a Hasselblad 500c/m and a Mamiya 7II with the Mamiya coming out on top. Now, however, I have a problem of an entirely different sort. My Canon digital is on its last legs and I have to decide whether I want to go with the safe practicality of a 5D MK II or go for the Mamiya. My heart says Mamiya, but my head says Canon, and barring a lottery win, I can only have one or the other. Thoughts?

 

[sojournerphoto]

Will you have time to do any photography with just film.

Love it, but it's no use if you're not taking photos.

Would you sell your 35mm film gear for a 35mm digital camera?

All questions you probably should ask

Mike

 

[f6andBthere]

I'd go with the Canon 5D Mkll I think and then start attempting to build the bank back up for your foray into MF.

A full frame DSLR is a very versatile camera that can do almost anything ... not so the Hassy or Mamiya IMO.

 

[NaChase]

Well I just got a nice Franka Solida, so I can still do MF, and I have a Crown Graphic for 4x5, so I am not exactly hurting in those respects. Also, I don't quite have the time for film right now (I am in the Army moving around all the damn time), and have to send my film to NCPS for development and scanning since I don't even have a drugstore lab in town. I have wanted the Mamiya for years, but I feel the Canon will fit the bill better for the time being, particularly since I have a decent lens setup for it.

 

[SomeDayBeyond]

If you go with the Mamiya, chances are you can sell it for approximately purchase price if the set up does not suit you. You have a free rent of an excellent system. That won't happen with any digital set up you choose, as far as the camera is concerned.

But there is a lot more hassle to analogue work. If it's only about a few pictures, doable. If you have a high output, film costs will add up and time will be a major factor.

I'd choose Mamiya or equivalent myself.

 

[shadowfox]

In your shoes I would find a used 5D (half the price or less compared to Mark II).
That leaves you with enough money to buy the Mamiya kit.
You'd probably have to wait for a bargain deal, but that's about it.

 

[thegman]

Why not sell the M6 (you've still got the M3...), and get the Canon and the Mamiya. Or maybe just get a much cheaper DSLR. If you can live with a crop factor, then you can spend a fraction of the cost of the 5D.

Having said that, perhaps digital suits you better considering your lack of access to labs.

But personally, I'd get rid of the M6 and get a Mamiya it's place.

 

[jsrockit]

In your shoes I would find a used 5D (half the price or less compared to Mark II).
That leaves you with enough money to buy the Mamiya kit.
You'd probably have to wait for a bargain deal, but that's about it.

I agree with this... and I would probably go for the Mayima 6.

 

[kzphoto]

Nick,

If you use the Canon for work, then don't hesitate. The Canon will pay for itself in a matter of time. The "fun" stuff may not make you money but you will enjoy it.

 

[Matus]

If you do some photography for money, than most probably you want a DSLR. If it is just a hobby, just decide on your taste.

I myself slowly develop (mentally) in the direction of using MF and 4x5 for film and leave the rest to digital (plan on some mirror-less camera in the future). I would not buy DSLR until I would have specific reasons to do so (I don't so far).

On a side note - isn't a replacement for 5DII to be around the corner? I do not say wait for a "better" camera, but maybe the 5DII will get cheaper then.