Abbazz
6x9 and be there!
The Fujinon 50mm for the G690 series has a maximum aperture of F/5.6. Not the brightest lens on earth but not bad for an ultrawide on 6x9
As for F/8 being 'not very attrative,' just have a look a the wonderful pictures taken by fellow RFFer Raid in Damascus with a 47mm F/8 Super-Angulon...
Cheers!
Abbazz
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raid
Dad Photographer
There is the Graflex XLSW with 47mm/5.6 or 47mm/8. It is relatively light.
kevin m
Veteran
I tend to like the smallest cameras in a given format, so if I go 645, I'm leaning toward the Fuji GS645 folder; if I want an SLR, then either the Mamiya 645 Pro TL or the Pentax 645n II. The vertical format of the 645 RF's is something I don't like, but perhaps I could get used to it.
I'd love a 6x6, 6x7 or 6x9 RF, particularly a folder, but the options seem either too delicate, with ancient viewing/focusing systems, or too expensive like the Plaubel Makina.
I'd love a 6x6, 6x7 or 6x9 RF, particularly a folder, but the options seem either too delicate, with ancient viewing/focusing systems, or too expensive like the Plaubel Makina.
b.espahbod
Optophile
oh i actually have two f8 lenses 75mm 8 technika Super Angulon and 47 8 both are superb lenses. I my self have no problem with lenses like that my favourite 28 is Hektro 28 6.3 but many guys think "oh that lens is impossible to take pics at 12 of midnight" by the way SA 75mm 8 has less distortion than 75mm 5.6 ;-)
S
StuartR
Guest
I have used basically everything...Hasselblad 500 and 200 series, Rollei 6000 series, Sinar Hy6, Fuji G690, Rollei TLR's, Iskra folding cameras, 6x9 rollfilm backs on 4x5 cameras -- for wide angle to normal use, nothing in medium format comes close to the Mamiya 7II for lens quality, ease of use and overall results. In particular, the 43mm and 80mm are absolutely top notch. 20x24 prints are tack sharp edge to edge, assuming you maintain proper printing technique. If you are only interested in shooting film, and doing things like travel, documentary and street work on medium format, the Mamiya 7 series (or the 6) is unbeatable.
Here are a few of my favorites with it:
Here are a few of my favorites with it:
kuzano
Veteran
The GS645 folder is only marginally smaller than the Fuji GA645Zi. With the folder you get one focal length 75mm.
But with the slightly larger Zi, you get autofocus, 55-90 Zoom, quieter shutter (Always have to look at the count to see if the picture took), autowind, Superb lens considering the Zoom function.
When I realized my Zi was not much bigger than the folder, I decided to keep the Zi. I've had three of the Zi's and they have all been flawless in operation.
Don't overlook the GA645Zi. It's a winner, and they are selling in low count versions for reasonable prices. Always 3-5 at any given time on eBay.
RObert Budding
D'oh!
Print size is just one consideration. I agree that there is a visible difference between formats even at small print sizes. But I still choose 35mm for most low light shooting because I get greater DOF and, because I can shoot at faster apertures, I can use slower films. And, for sports, AF really helps!
oftheherd
Veteran
Great photos StuartR. Hard to pick a favorite.
fbf
Well-known
simple solution: fuji GA series (645w, 645zi)
simple solution vs. showing off purposes: rolleiflex 2.8F, 3.5F
best image quality vs. RF characteristics: mamiya 6(6x6), mamiya 7(6x7)
best versatility vs. accessories availibility: hasselblad V series (6x6)
simple solution vs. showing off purposes: rolleiflex 2.8F, 3.5F
best image quality vs. RF characteristics: mamiya 6(6x6), mamiya 7(6x7)
best versatility vs. accessories availibility: hasselblad V series (6x6)
kevin m
Veteran
Stuart, I remember seeing those pics on photo.net, and they're still striking.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Kevin, you and I and some others know this.
I was addressing my comments to those who still goes around saying that MF and LF doesn't matter if you don't print BIG.
S
StuartR
Guest
Thanks Kevin. Sorry I have not updated them...I have been separated from my Mamiya 7 since February! I am moving abroad and sent much of my stuff already. They told me my visa would take 3 months, but it is going on 7 by now...
Anyway, I think you would do well with many of the cameras mentioned, but I do think it is probably best to skew modern if you are really interested in a leaps and bounds advantage over 35mm. The film flatness of the modern rangefinders is much better than the old folders. They may give you lovely tonality, but their sharpness is usually not as good as the best 35mm cameras, particularly if you are talking about edge to edge sharpness. For example, I have an Iskra, which while sharp, is not AS sharp as Leica negs, even if the Leica negs are grainier. The Mamiya on the other hand has the sharpness, resolution AND tonality. I would imagine the Bronica RF645 and Fuji GA645's have the same strengths.
chippy
foo was here
shoot a few dozen/hundred weddings and you can hand hold em with most all the lenses ..just kidding it doesnt take that long...really i found it quite easy after using one for a short time--i've never had any trouble using the longer lenses handheld
gdi
Veteran
I had to use a tripod for this Mamiya 7II shot ...
(Kevin may recognize this local landmark)
...(Kevin may recognize this local landmark)
snip
Established
Steve, that's why I'm shopping the 645, so the size doesn't become such an issue. Pentax 6x7's are so big I think I'd just rather jump to shooting 4x5.
I would imagine the RF's have an advantage in hand-hold ability, just as in 35mm, but is it possible to hand hold 645 SLR's and get good results?
I handhold my Hassey 500 all the time and get good results.
645 is silly, I prefer being able to choose later on from a 6x6 frame.
//Jan
kuzano
Veteran
mirror slap Mirror Noise....
mirror slap Mirror Noise....
Didn't read all the posts, but the mirrors in 120 slrs are an issue. They're big and they shake the camera. Make sure you have MLU (Mirror Lock Up) and be prepared to take the extra action to use it. This will mean mostly tripod work, since it is difficult to focus handheld, lock the mirror up and shoot blind without changing the composition slightly.
mirror slap Mirror Noise....
Didn't read all the posts, but the mirrors in 120 slrs are an issue. They're big and they shake the camera. Make sure you have MLU (Mirror Lock Up) and be prepared to take the extra action to use it. This will mean mostly tripod work, since it is difficult to focus handheld, lock the mirror up and shoot blind without changing the composition slightly.
retro
Well-known
I have a Pentax 67 and I don't think it's all that big. I use
it hand-held and I find it works fine. I don't use it for street
work much but I have done that too. It also has a neat
wooden handle that I find makes it easier to carry.
Now the RB is big to me. That would be a strictly tripod
mounted camera for me.
it hand-held and I find it works fine. I don't use it for street
work much but I have done that too. It also has a neat
wooden handle that I find makes it easier to carry.
Now the RB is big to me. That would be a strictly tripod
mounted camera for me.
oftheherd
Veteran
I have posted several times on my Super Press 23, and the Universal. Do a search on Super Press 23 and you should find some of my comments. Always worth a look before deciding on a MF RF.