Lightest medium format SLR?

The Pro TL can be made much lighter than the Pentax 645N by fitting a waist-level finder and basic wind-on crank. With an 80mm f/2.8 it still makes for an easy all-day-long carry; substitute a 45mm f/2.8 and 150mm 3.5 and it's still a reasonable load. Even adding the GL402 L-grip won't push up the weight much.
 
The Pro TL can be made much lighter than the Pentax 645N by fitting a waist-level finder and basic wind-on crank. With an 80mm f/2.8 it still makes for an easy all-day-long carry; substitute a 45mm f/2.8 and 150mm 3.5 and it's still a reasonable load. Even adding the GL402 L-grip won't push up the weight much.
Click to expand...

That's the problem. It is quite light with the waistlevel finder and manual crank and a single lens. But then you add a grip "because it isn't much weigth and easier to handle". And another lens "isn't much either". Before you know it you need a forklift...

Get a Baby Graphic with wide lenses and a 6x9 film holder.
Click to expand...

Shouldn't have said that. Now I want one. :D
 
Spanik said:
That's the problem. It is quite light with the waistlevel finder and manual crank and a single lens. But then you add a grip "because it isn't much weigth and easier to handle". And another lens "isn't much either". Before you know it you need a forklift...
Click to expand...
Or not. Most people are capable of packing just what they need - and in any case the combination is light enough for all-day carry.
 
Mamiya 645 Pro with crank and waist level is very light. With prism and motor drive it becomes a bit chunkier. Also feels odd to use either prism without motor drive and vice versa.
 
Would you buy one?
Click to expand...

Good question. If they were light and reasonably priced probably I would. I more or less understand why there are no plastic lenses but I cannot see why nobody tried. Or did they?
 
One thing to bear in mind is that the shutter release button on the Pro TL body is utterly rubbish - it sits almost flush with the surrounding locking ring, meaning that one usually ends up trying to press it with the very tip of one's finger. Adding the L-grip is a massive improvement.
 
I second the Mamiya 645e.

Very light setup with the 55/2.8 and 80/2.8. Everything is integrated, so if you don't need the flexibility of a modular setup and don't need interchangable backs, I can't see it getting any lighter than that.
 
Okay, I packed the 645ProTL with the 35/55/8/150 and a light meter. Got the Fuji 645zi as backup if it turns out my shoulder complains. Any other suggestions are too late :D
 
Congrats! That's a really nice kit. I have 55/80/150/210. Mamiya-Sekor lenses are relatively cheap, but are very good performers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom