6x9 that not break the bank

[borrel]

The Mamiya Universal deserves more than just a passing mention. If the issue is balancing bank, bulk and quality, the Mamiya might be the compromise choice. It IS quite handleable in spite of the size - which is not THAT much greater than the folders. It is a true rangefinder, has interchangeable (flat) backs, takes Polaroid (both pack and 4x5), the lenses are both interchangeable and superb AND quite affordable. With the 100 or 75mm lens it rides quite nicely on your shoulder. The 100/3.5 "Tessar" is as good as any and the 100/2.8 "Planar" is comparable to its German counterparts. The camera is extremely robust and cheap enough to allow for backups, you might even want to consider a Super 23 with tiltable back for when you miss 4x5. The only "drawback" considering its versatility is the non-coupled shutter release and film advance. One has to be able to count to 2. 🙂

- Børre

 

[iamzip]

Agreed.....although it's not a r/f........100 dollars?.....mmm, - there's one in my drawer doing nothing, that I'd take half that for! 🙂

Cheers, Dave.

Ok,
I'll bite... How much do you think it would cost to get it to the states?

 

[john_van_v]

This is an interesting discussion; it seems that you have make your choice using different equations, dropping and adding requirements.

It would be interesting to look at this question just from the perspective of lenses, dropping all the other considerations. (35mm photography, in my experience, seems more about putting fancy film carriers on the backs of lenses.)

"Breaking the bank" considerations are important obviously; they are also the theme of this discussion thread. Also availability of lenses is important. And there should be some overlap between those two considerations if you believe in the economic ideas of "supply and demand."

Personally, I am leaning towards the Voits, as my personal favorite 35mm is a Vito B. I am not certain about the lens issues yet, hence my asking.