120: love the photos but the cameras, eh.

[Armoured]

I'm still not clear what the OP likes or doesn't like, but this may also be a situation for the Bronica SQ-A. Close enough to the Hassie in many respects, system, lenses like a good wide not too expensive. Prism or WLF to taste.

 

[Godfrey]

If you want something small and fixed lens, the Voigtländer Perkeo II is a good choice. I found a very nice one for $250, had it CLA'ed for $190, so it fits well within your budget. Similar for a Balda Baldix, but the Voigtländer has a better lens.

Top notch, modern MF equipment is still more expensive than $500 can obtain easily, although you can get good deals on cameras like the Mamiya 6/7 and Bronica RF645, which are both reasonably compact and have all the modern conveniences.

G

 

[Matus]

As mentioned before - there are compact options for 645 - Bronica RF645 if you need more than one lens, or Fuji GA645, GA645w and of course the older but very compact GS645.

 

[RObert Budding]

As mentioned before - there are compact options for 645 - Bronica RF645 if you need more than one lens, or Fuji GA645, GA645w and of course the older but very compact GS645.

I really liked my RF645, but I sold it because the winder was sketchy. I had it replaced once under warranty, but it started to misbehave again after about a year of light use.

I'd recommend either a Bronica ETRSi or Bronica SQ. Both have leaf shutters, so you'll have flash sync at all speeds. And either system will easily come in under your budget.

 

[lic4]

Hi Robert, I bought your rf645 six years ago, though i don't remember any winder problem. I sold it a few months later because I found the images unsuitable. I have also gone through the same disdain for MF cameras as you and have currently settled on a GF670, at least for now. The Fuji GS645 was the best RF style camera I used, but it wasn't very reliable and froze up in cold weather. Mamiyas gave me color I didn't like, and the Plaubel was too slow in operation. My very favorite was the Pentax 645N2, which gives images a very nice tone and is very easy to use. Versatile too, I often wish I kept it. The camera is on the heavy side, which is why I decided to let it go; I found myself always leaving it at home. If you don't mind the weight, I suggest this camera the most. Before going digital, Salgado was using the 645n2 system for his earth project - it seemed to be holding up well in tough conditions.

 

[FrankS]

These are my choices. I have several folders as well, the Perkeo ll being the nicest.

 

[kuzano]

I truly like your sig quote... However

I truly like your sig quote... However

I really liked my RF645, but I sold it because the winder was sketchy. I had it replaced once under warranty, but it started to misbehave again after about a year of light use.

I'd recommend either a Bronica ETRSi or Bronica SQ. Both have leaf shutters, so you'll have flash sync at all speeds. And either system will easily come in under your budget.

Consistent with the fact that we are on a photography forum, I would change it slightly, to:

"Given an infinite number of Chimps, equipped with an infinite number of DSLR cameras, and an infinite amount of time, the Chimp(r)s will eventually capture all the great pictures of the world. However, since there is too much 'focus on infinity' in this statement, it does not look like we are going to reach full saturation on that point."

OK, perhaps a bit too abstract...

 

[Sunti]

How about the Fuji GF670?...

+1 I love the Fuji GF670. Produces great negatives. Accurate meter. Excellent overall handling. Its leaf shutter is near-silent, literally pin-drop level. The very first exposure I thought the shutter didn't fire. Substantial enough but light. You have a choice of 6x6 or 6x7.

I bought mine used a year and a half ago, and have never had any problem with it. I took it with me to South America last year and on many local trips.