Advice on acquiring a 6x6

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noah b

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Hey all, I'm highly considering getting a 6x6 soon and was looking at the Bronica SQ-A. I read some reviews and it seems within my price range. I've tried Rolleicord and Mamiya C330 and don't care for the TLR systems. Anyone else know of any great 6x6 cameras that aren't hassy priced?
 
Anyone else know of any great 6x6 cameras that aren't hassy priced?
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It depends on the deal you find. I got my 500C/M full kit with 80mm C T* for $500 at a local camera swap last year. It's been working flawlessly to date. I bet that's not much higher than SQ-A. If you have access to local sources like camera swap/craigslist (or equivalent in your location) it's worth checking out regularly.

Also with Bronica, SQ-B might also be a good choice. It still needs battery for operation (except for 1/500) like SQ-A brothers, but less circuits and wires to worry about. I got one from KEH before Hassy, and like it quite a bit although it felt more of "studio camera" rather than carrying-out-to-field-for-projects camera. (It had some problem and went back to KEH after a couple rolls, then I scored the Hassy)

Another cheaper option would be Kowa Six. It's quite small because it doesn't have interchangeable back. It's like a compact TLR proportion but still SLR. You can find one on ebay for quite cheap.
 
Held in hand and using them in the field, you can certainly see when your money is going in a Hasselblad over a Bronica. You're likely not going to lose money on either if you find it's not for you and want to move them along. Drop a couple hundred extra and treat yourself to a Hasselblad. There's really nothing to regret now that they're not priced like family cars.

In my experience, there's something special about T* glass that the Zenzanon stuff (while very good) doesn't exhibit.
 
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I'm also shopping a Bronica. Can't afford the hassy, especially as I want a 40mm lens to go with and the Distagon would go for more than the entire Bronica kit.
 
It's difficult to find a cheaper system than a Kiev from an initial-investment point of view if you want interchangeable lenses. If you decide to go that route, I strongly recommend the 60 over the 88. It looks clunkier, but it's a lot more robust and cheaper to boot. (I have experience with both.) I have had my K88 overhauled by Arax when I was in Kiev, and they did good work, but there was also something wrong with the camera that would have meant sending it back if I hadn't been in town, and sending your camera to Ukraine every time there's a problem may not be for everyone.

A Kiev 60 with a Zeiss Flektogon 50/f4 can be had for $250 to $300 if you look around a little bit. However, I'd seriously consider spending a little more on your initial investment. A Hassy 500CM might need a CLA, too, but prices for MF systems are so low nowadays that the relative savings from ketting a Kiev aren't that outstanding anymore.
 
I used to have Kiev 88 system - it was good with great glass. I used to have Hassy and it was good too. Expensive lenses. Both systems have their problems and features. Backs/light leaks with both seem to be the weak spot. I now have a Kowa Six system - very nice - glass is as good as Hassy from what I compared. I cant tell a difference. No backs to mess with. And much cheaper than Hassy. Pretty reliable too, in my experience, unlike some stories on the web tell. I'm pretty happy with Kowa.
 
You don't like the TLR system, now you think about the SLR System. What about Rangefinders? I have got several Hasselblads, several TLRs but what I like best are 6X6 RFs - like the Mamiya 6. Thats a fast and quiet shooter - you should say something about your kind of photography - if it's landscape tripod photography go for a SLR - if its fast shooting (street) with some landscape etc - then go for RF.
 
Rolleiflex SLX (second version, with the black shutter button surround and side plate). Great lenses, great handling, wide range of accessories, and about the simplest loading there is.
 
I love my Bronica SQ-A. The lenses and backs are so cheap. I've built my setup up to consist of the following for less than $900.
A body
Prism
WLF
50mm
80mm
150mm
2x 120 backs
1x 220 back
1x 220j (6x4.5) back

It's definitely a durable, long lasting camera. Mine has been through hell and still works flawlessly. I've never been dissatisfied with the sharpness of my lenses (I've made prints up to 24x24). Even if you get a basic Hassy setup for cheap, acquiring more lenses and backs will definitely be more expensive than the Bronica route. I've had my SQ-A for over 3 years now and even though I've had the funds to "upgrade" to a Hassy, I've never really seen the point and can't justify how much more it would cost.
Here's a 100% crop from a shot using my 150mm PS lens and E100VS slide film. I made a 24x24 print with this scan and it looks gorgeous.
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2571110777_237cfa3835.jpg
 
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I've also been very happy with my Bronica SQ-A. Quality of the bodies, finders and lenses is very good, as well as costing much less than Hasselblad (unless you find a screamin' deal). I've found the system to be very versatile - works great for studio, still life, macro, landscape and portrait photography. I've also used it for street photography in good light, with the speed grip and metering prism attached it feels similar to a large 35mm SLR. I think my Nikon F4s may actually be heavier than the Bronica due to the weight of all the batteries. Obviously, it's not very stealthy with that big mirror slapping around and you will quickly learn when you can/cannot handhold it. I've gotten great results with nighttime and low-light photography as well. If I was going to take it backpacking, a rangefinder like the Mamiya 6 or 7 would probably work better - bit lighter weight and much less bulk.
 
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