Matus
Well-known
I would say, most of medium format RF cameras are built "well enough" and even if some may withstand smaller accidents better than others, none of them is really suitable to be used as hammer - as all of them do have a rangefinder which is a rather delicate mechanical device.
If you want a really rugged camera you may look at cameras that are simpler technically like TLRs for example.
I used to have Rolleiflex T and now have Mamiya 6 and surely the Rollei was more rugged. And while the Mamiya is no slouch either, I would NOT want to have it dropped from 3 feet on concrete. That is why I always use a DIY wrist strap to keep it more secure (I do not like/use neck straps).
If you want a really rugged camera you may look at cameras that are simpler technically like TLRs for example.
I used to have Rolleiflex T and now have Mamiya 6 and surely the Rollei was more rugged. And while the Mamiya is no slouch either, I would NOT want to have it dropped from 3 feet on concrete. That is why I always use a DIY wrist strap to keep it more secure (I do not like/use neck straps).
f16sunshine
Moderator
As others have said, it feels like plastic because it's coated in it. The Fuji GW690iii has been really great for me. The lens is probably as good as you can find on a modern 6x9 and quite fast for this sort of a rangefinder. When I shoot a kids parties I have dress mine up like a clown (hula skirt with rubber legs around the bottom and two goggly button eyes attached to the top plate). They can't resist the big funny camera.
I have a few old german folders also. The build quality is superior in luxury terms but not in ruggedness imo. The Bessa RF Heliar I bought from a member her last year is truly a remarkable performer. I would recommend it.
I have a few old german folders also. The build quality is superior in luxury terms but not in ruggedness imo. The Bessa RF Heliar I bought from a member her last year is truly a remarkable performer. I would recommend it.
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d_ross
Registered User
How many of you have actually measured a proof sheet image, I just did and my negs from a GSW69111 are 5.6 x 8.3 cm? so neither a 6x8 or 6x9 even though the camera says its a 6x9 on the body. a rather pedantic point I know. Anyway whatever the image area this camera has one of the nicest lenses made in my opinion.
Abbazz
6x9 and be there!
4.5x6, 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9 are conventional denominations but they do not reflect the actual size of the pictures taken by these cameras. Usually, 4.5x6 is 40.5 x 56mm, 6x6 is 56 x 56mm, 6x7 is 56 x 70mm and 6x9 is 56 x 84mm, but these figures do vary from one camera to another. Here's an useful table (in French, but should be understandable by anyone): http://dirapon.be/Docs/Focales24x36Autres%20formats.htm
Cheers!
Abbazz
rxmd
May contain traces of nut
This thread is an impressive display of the "heavy = good build" meme.
MaxElmar
Well-known
Perhaps, but I would submit that the Medalist is both better-built than either the Mamiya Press or the Koni-Omega and considerably lighter... of course, it would be, without the interchangeable backs and lenses.
I'm surprised only one person brought up the K-O in this discussion. It's pretty well-made... and the lenses are excellent.
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Rogier
Rogier Willems
Get a Holga or two.
These things are so light and simple they are had to break. And even id you do, who cares, you can buy about 50 Holga's with your budget ;-)
These things are so light and simple they are had to break. And even id you do, who cares, you can buy about 50 Holga's with your budget ;-)
Gary Briggs
mamiyaDude
Compared to the Mamiya 6, the Fuji are too heavy - I hated carrying it all day.
But most importantly the mamiya gave better pics, better lenses, they are stunning.
But most importantly the mamiya gave better pics, better lenses, they are stunning.
besk
Well-known
Ditto on the Mamiya Universal. I have one but replaced the handle with a grip that attaches closely to the side to make it more compact and pleasant to hold. Very versatile system. Several of the lenses have a very good reputation.
ErnestoJL
Well-known
Kodak Medalist II as long as you don´t need interchangeable lenses. Made so tough so as to survive military use. Only disadvantage is 620 film format, but the camera can be modified to accept regular 120 spools.
Cheers
Ernesto
Cheers
Ernesto
120/220
Newbie
Depends on what is meant in this thread by "build quality". If that means "rugged and almost indestructible", then I'd vote for any of the Mamiya Press/Universal/Polaroid models. But if you want something that is rugged but easier to handle, I'd go for the Fuji G690BL.
thegman
Veteran
I'd say the Mamiya 7 build is so-so, wouldn't say it "sucked", although it's probably the least well built camera I've ever had, apart from a Lomo. The results you get from them cannot be faulted though.
The GF670/Bessa III is far nicer built, not necessarily more sturdy, but certainly "nicer" built.
The GF670/Bessa III is far nicer built, not necessarily more sturdy, but certainly "nicer" built.
Bob Michaels
nobody special
Last week my camera repair friend commented that he had never seen my Mamiya 7 which I have owned for 7 years. It has been used hard, has a few nicks and scrapes, but it has never even needed a RF alignment.
He has serviced every ZI I have owned, my Bronica SQA, my Contax G1 and G2, even my Nikonos but never the Mamiya 7.
I do not see where weight has much bearing on reliability.
He has serviced every ZI I have owned, my Bronica SQA, my Contax G1 and G2, even my Nikonos but never the Mamiya 7.
I do not see where weight has much bearing on reliability.
unixrevolution
Well-known
I have a Polaroid 600SE (Mamiya Universal) and a Kodak Medalist, and they are both absolute tanks. The 600SE is great, but the Medalist...That thing is built like no other camera I've ever seen. A solid lump of steel! Many cameras are noted for their toughness, but only one camera I know of was ever brandished as a melee weapon on a comic book cover: The Medalist!
unixrevolution
Well-known
And respooling isn't such a hassle anyway. I bring empty spools and a changing bag when I know I'll shoot it a lot.
Bob Michaels
nobody special
If build quality were a function of weight, a Boeing 767 would disintegrate on takeoff and very early FSU cameras would have ultimate reliability.
What works for anvils does not translate to cameras.
KoNickon
Nick Merritt
One camera that hasn't been mentioned is the so-called Zeiss Ikon Mess-Ikonta folder. Uncoupled rangefinder in 6x9 (I forget if there was a 6x6 version). Mine has the Novar lens, but you can find it with a Tessar. Superb build quality, which is true with every one of the ZI folders.
oftheherd
Veteran
They are heavy and tend to hold up well. Some I think have had RF problems of dimness. I don't know if that is build quality or usage. My Super Press 23 does not have that problem. I had a film back that went bad when my wife didn't know there was a lever to release the film wind. Other than that, good cameras and lenses.
DominikDUK
Well-known
Linhof 220 good product Linhof need I say more and the Ur -Omega pre-Konica build like a tank and just as heavy. The Bertram comes to mind a german build reporter/rangefinder camera rare but a lot less than 2000 $.
The best all around camera is probably one of the Fuji cameras.
Good luck
Dominik
The best all around camera is probably one of the Fuji cameras.
Good luck
Dominik
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
I visited this thread looking for a more balanced view of the mamiya 7II, after reading Ken Rockwell's discouraging remarks about its build quality:
"The Mamiya 7 is an expensive camera with fantastic optics, but it's built with only second-rate mechanical quality. It can produce consistently spectacular images. I love it, but don't be disappointed when things start falling off your new $3,600 camera. Just look at the film you get back and you'll be ecstatic (happy)."
Although there are some similarly critical comments on this thread, the consensus seems to be that things are not all that bad if you take reasonable care of the 7II. As an amateur who takes good care of his gear, I'm thinking of getting one. (I've thought of the Fuji GW/GSW series as well, but I seem to like the focal length selections for the Mamiya a little better.) I'd like to see any updates to this thread, with any further comments you may have.
I used to have a Pentax 67, and I still remember the IQ I got with the 6 x 7 format. An RF seems a better choice for this aging body.
"The Mamiya 7 is an expensive camera with fantastic optics, but it's built with only second-rate mechanical quality. It can produce consistently spectacular images. I love it, but don't be disappointed when things start falling off your new $3,600 camera. Just look at the film you get back and you'll be ecstatic (happy)."
Although there are some similarly critical comments on this thread, the consensus seems to be that things are not all that bad if you take reasonable care of the 7II. As an amateur who takes good care of his gear, I'm thinking of getting one. (I've thought of the Fuji GW/GSW series as well, but I seem to like the focal length selections for the Mamiya a little better.) I'd like to see any updates to this thread, with any further comments you may have.
I used to have a Pentax 67, and I still remember the IQ I got with the 6 x 7 format. An RF seems a better choice for this aging body.