narsuitus
Well-known
I don't know why I am responding to this ancient thread but...
If I were looking for a medium format camera based on the original poster's specs, I would pick the Pentax 645N.
If I were looking for a medium format camera based on the original poster's specs, I would pick the Pentax 645N.
randy stewart
Established
travel medium format camera
travel medium format camera
I'm sure you understand that there exists no medium format camera which meets all of your specifications. That said, I think the Fuji GS645S or GA645 are closest to meeting the majority of your requirements. Your size, weight and cost limits will eliminate all of the 6x7 cm medium format cameras others have mentioned, except for the Koni Omega. The KO has the additional advantage of interchangeable lenses of excellent quality; but it is bulky and heavy - not my pick for a backpack travel camera. The Makinas are so delicate as to be little more than museum pieces. The Graflex XL system is bulky and fragile - plastic focus mounts now too brittle to function properly. Among 645 format cameras, your budget is the major limit. The Bronica 645 system is over budget, and it has function problems Bronica didn't have time to sort out. Of the Fuji GS series, only the GS645S meets your specs, and does so well. However it has a very weak focus/lens mount which is often damaged. Hard to find in good condition??? It has a reputation of shutter problems in extreme cold; so keep the camera from freezing - simple. It's mechanical except for the meter. Of the Fuji GA series, The GA645Zi is over budget, but the GA645/GA645i can price in budget. Contrary to urban legend, the GA645 doesn't have focus problems, most often stated in the form of limited autofocus zones. The autofocus is virtually seamless (932 zones), but the manual focus user override option does manually focus in 10 or so zones - not a problem given depth of field. 60mm f4.0 lens (same as GS645S) is roughly 35mm equivalent in 35mm format - universal focal length for fixed lens travel camera. For a one camera, fixed lens travel camera, excluding the GA645Zi, I'd go with a GA645, or GA645i (newer) if priced right. (I own or have owned and used most of the foregoing cameras or one of a series, except the Makina and Bronica.) If you give on the weight and a bit on bulk and price, a Pentax 67 (SLR) with 90mm 2.8 lens (equiv 45mm) isn't out the question.
travel medium format camera
I'm sure you understand that there exists no medium format camera which meets all of your specifications. That said, I think the Fuji GS645S or GA645 are closest to meeting the majority of your requirements. Your size, weight and cost limits will eliminate all of the 6x7 cm medium format cameras others have mentioned, except for the Koni Omega. The KO has the additional advantage of interchangeable lenses of excellent quality; but it is bulky and heavy - not my pick for a backpack travel camera. The Makinas are so delicate as to be little more than museum pieces. The Graflex XL system is bulky and fragile - plastic focus mounts now too brittle to function properly. Among 645 format cameras, your budget is the major limit. The Bronica 645 system is over budget, and it has function problems Bronica didn't have time to sort out. Of the Fuji GS series, only the GS645S meets your specs, and does so well. However it has a very weak focus/lens mount which is often damaged. Hard to find in good condition??? It has a reputation of shutter problems in extreme cold; so keep the camera from freezing - simple. It's mechanical except for the meter. Of the Fuji GA series, The GA645Zi is over budget, but the GA645/GA645i can price in budget. Contrary to urban legend, the GA645 doesn't have focus problems, most often stated in the form of limited autofocus zones. The autofocus is virtually seamless (932 zones), but the manual focus user override option does manually focus in 10 or so zones - not a problem given depth of field. 60mm f4.0 lens (same as GS645S) is roughly 35mm equivalent in 35mm format - universal focal length for fixed lens travel camera. For a one camera, fixed lens travel camera, excluding the GA645Zi, I'd go with a GA645, or GA645i (newer) if priced right. (I own or have owned and used most of the foregoing cameras or one of a series, except the Makina and Bronica.) If you give on the weight and a bit on bulk and price, a Pentax 67 (SLR) with 90mm 2.8 lens (equiv 45mm) isn't out the question.
Ted Striker
Well-known
The GA645 is such a low cost camera that everyone should have one in their collection.
You will never find a sharper lens and 645 IS substantially better than 35mm. The difference can be seen in prints as small as 4 x 6. The tonality is far better than 35mm film.
You will never find a sharper lens and 645 IS substantially better than 35mm. The difference can be seen in prints as small as 4 x 6. The tonality is far better than 35mm film.
BernardL
Well-known
+1 (esp. tonality)
Folks who spent on a 67 camera need self-justification, hence their dismissive comments re 645.
Ted Striker
Well-known
i have both 645 cameras and 6 x 7. The difference between those two formats is much smaller than the difference between 35mm and 645. Much smaller.
leicapixie
Well-known
The Rolleiflex is light, portable, easy to load and use.
A modern bright screen makes focusing easy.
Great choice.
A modern bright screen makes focusing easy.
Great choice.
zillauser
Member
Koni Omega might just be the one for you. They are not real expensive. Check them out.
jawarden
Well-known
This ten year old thread was resolved back in 2013 (post 117) when the OP got a Kiev 6S and some lenses, which he didn't like.
RObert Budding
D'oh!
This ten year old thread was resolved back in 2013 (post 117) when the OP got a Kiev 6S and some lenses, which he didn't like.
It wasn't resolved if the OP ended up with a camera that he didn't like! Time to chime in with new advice.
jawarden
Well-known
The OP hasn't been seen in years (his last post was in 2015) but I'll chip in with my advice: he should get anything other than a Kiev 6s.
I think he got loads of good advice from this thread, he just didn't take it.