120 RF for Travel

[Austerby]

The Fuji gs645s felt good in my hand and the weight is superb

Definitely look for the GA645i in that case before you buy the GS645S: the GA is a newer model, with a retracting lens that reduces the overall size considerably for travelling. It's light and portable with a great lens, and even has a built in flash.

More info here: http://www.antiquecameras.net/fuji645cameras.html

 

[chakra]

Went through the same dilemma ...

Went through the same dilemma ...

I tried out the Mamiya 7 (80mm lens/ 65mm lens) , Fuji 645 (the automatic versions), Rolleiflex 2.8 (TLR), Fuji G690Bl (100mm lens), Fuji GW plus GSW series and the Bronica RF 645 (65mm lens).

I kept the RF645 as an all purpose camera including travel. It's small, light and compact. Beautifully designed controls really speed up the shooting process and the camera becomes a part of you very quickly. The rangefinder is brilliant and super easy to focus. The meter on mine is exceptionally accurate and consistent after you have run the basic film speed and development tests. The 65mm lens is very sharp. The negatives you get are far better than anything from the 35mm world including the Leica/Zeiss Rangefinders.

I did not like the focusing and noise on the automatic Fujis. The 6x9's were too big for travel though the GSW690 (I) is a great camera. The Mamiya 7 is wonderfully sharp but considerably larger than the Bronica. The controls on the Bronica are much better. And it is a LOT cheaper to boot. I recommend getting the 65mm and 45mm lenses along with one body to start out with. That combination just sold a few weeks ago on the aucSite for less than a 1000 dollars.

-Santanu
www.santanuchakraborty.com

 

[filmtwit]

Oddly enough no one has brought up the Mamiya M645.
I've traveled pretty easily with mine and single lens too.
It's not small, but it isn't big either and isn't that weighty either.
Lots of lens choices too.

 

[al1966]

Thanks to all but a Fuji GS546s Should be here tomorrow, all round it was the best compromise. I shall if it is here early enough go out and spank a roll of Tri X or Acros to see how she works.
Filmtwit I have a Bronica ETR I find it too big with grip and too awkward with out, I have to wander light or Im in bed by noon.

 

[deirdre]

Thanks to all but a Fuji GS546s Should be here tomorrow, all round it was the best compromise.

Not that I'd wish a flare on anyone, but I'd love to know how it works out for you on a bad FM day (that's still good enough to do any photography at all) as I'm a fellow sufferer.

 

[oftheherd]

Not that I'd wish a flare on anyone, but I'd love to know how it works out for you on a bad FM day (that's still good enough to do any photography at all) as I'm a fellow sufferer.

My sympathies for all with FM. My wife has it, and has since before they gave it a name. Back then, she was just told "It's all in your head," and "You'll never get any better." Sure made her day brighter.

Al1966 - I have a Mamiya Super Press 23 and love it. But there is weight to it. A wide strap helps, but weight is still there. Especially if you change to a 50mm or 250mm lens. The 65mm and 150mm aren't so bad, especially the 65. But if you can manage it, the photos are to cry for.

I mentioned folders before. I good one with a good lens might keep you out longer in the day. Weltas are nice, and I have a Zeiss 6x9 that although a little big (6x9 after all), is very light, and takes really good photos. Might be worth a try, if only for those times when you just really want to photograph, but can't afford weight.

 

[al1966]

My sympathies for all with FM. My wife has it, and has since before they gave it a name. Back then, she was just told "It's all in your head," and "You'll never get any better." Sure made her day brighter.

Al1966 - I have a Mamiya Super Press 23 and love it. But there is weight to it. A wide strap helps, but weight is still there. Especially if you change to a 50mm or 250mm lens. The 65mm and 150mm aren't so bad, especially the 65. But if you can manage it, the photos are to cry for.

I mentioned folders before. I good one with a good lens might keep you out longer in the day. Weltas are nice, and I have a Zeiss 6x9 that although a little big (6x9 after all), is very light, and takes really good photos. Might be worth a try, if only for those times when you just really want to photograph, but can't afford weight.

When I get one it will probably be a tripod job with an assistant 😀. Its just one of those things I have always fancied.

 

[kzphoto]

Only other suggestion I can add to this is that a Rolleiflex can do some interesting close-up work with adapters.

 

[oftheherd]

When I get one it will probably be a tripod job with an assistant 😀. Its just one of those things I have always fancied.

If you ever do get one, you will love the photos it produces.

 

[deirdre]

Now I'm going to have to see one of the Bronicas in person and see what it feels like to hold.

 

[filmfan]

From experience = Rolleiflex 3.5F
In dreams = Plaubel Makina

 

[kipkeston]

I'd wager a Mamiya 6 with 50mm lens would be a great travel combo. That or a 7ii w 65 or 80/50 combo.

 

[david rowland]

I Think it depends out what sort of travel photography you are doing. I have found that family holiday traveling the best combo is 2 mamiya 6 bodies with 50, 80, and 150mm lenses one with Ektar 100 in and the other with something B+W in it. I have recently added a GF1 as a snap camera for when I want to shoot the less serious shots of the kids and the ability to shoot video means no need tote a video camera around as well. But for me the Mamiya's are just brilliant travel cameras just getting harder to find at sensible prices.