Medium Format Camera for Beginner

[wt67]

My daughter (16) is a photography student at ICP in NYC and has been using a Nikon FM2 for a couple of years. She wants to try a medium format camera and I am looking for suggestions. I use a Leica MP so don't have any experience with medium format cameras. Thanks in advance!! 🙂

 

[Prest_400]

Medium Format Camera for Beginner

Following a line of being in a budget I recall many suggestions centered around TLRs: Yashica mats (124), minolta autocords and rolleicords. I haven't tried them but they seem to be a good balance.
There are good options in the 645 SLR such as the Pentax 645 and the Bronicas.

I myself use a GW690 that can be obtained at quite good prices but they are quite a brutal specimen, 6x9 RF and rather voluminous. On 6x7+ there is the Pentax 67 series which are great but also beastly. The thing about these is that they are in handling like 35mm but bigger.

 

[madNbad]

Yashica TLR, easy to find, not too expensive, smaller than the slr or rangefinder MF cameras. Medium format has taken a big hit with the move to digital and many really fine cameras can be found for not much money.

 

[littleearth]

Yashica Mat seems to be a popular choice for beginners. Simple, very light and the lens is great.
My second choice would be a Mamiya 7, if she doesn't like it you can keep it !

 

[easyrider]

Rollei

Rollei

Get her a Rollei. Lots of older ones are reasonably priced. They are sturdy and easy to use and load. Yashica Mat is a good choice too.

 

[TXForester]

They all have advantages and disadvantages. TLRs can be the cheapest route as far as buying the camera. I've seen some low prices on Yashicas that have good reviews. 645 has an advantage in number frames per roll of film. The Pentax 645, while box-shaped is one that might give more of a 35mm slr feel in the hand.

 

[ornate_wrasse]

If you like the idea of buying a Mamiya 7, but want to keep the cost down, choose a Mamiya 6 instead. It costs less than Mamiya 7 and is a great Medium Format Camera. I love mine. The lenses are superb and you will both be happy with the resulting images. A plus is that the camera collapses and can more easily fit in a bag than the Mamiya 7.

 

[rhl-oregon]

I'll make a pitch for the Fuji GA/GS 645s. The GA is a brilliant P&S; I have never missed a shot or the exposure I wanted with mine. If you shop carefully, $325 will get a good one--price wise an upward bump from Yashica and Minolta TLRs, but far less than the Mamiya RFs being suggested.

The GS cameras are semi/fully manual, I think. Bellows can be an issue on the model with bellows. Fuji is great in medium format, but the big rangefinder Fujis cost more--and not every lab will develop 6x7, 6x8, 6x9.

A MF SLR like a Bronica ETRSi (also 6x4.5) will be closest to the Nikon SLR approach, and Bronicas are quite inexpensive for their IQ.

There's nothing like the first glimpse of MF negatives/positives after getting used to 35mm.

 

[Pablito]

huge difference in the user experience between eye level cameras and cameras you hold at waist level. I'd start with that basic question.

 

[f16sunshine]

TLR, or Rangefinder.
Avoid removable film backs SLR's.
They add too much weight and moving parts.

A Rolleiflex T is a nice lightweight gem.
Minolta Autocord or Yashicamat is nice on a lesser budget.

The GW670/690 is a big rangefinder but worth the size.
That f3.5/90mm lens is just fantastic!

 

[Gerry M]

Fuji GA645 is an easy choice for easing into med format. AE or manual operation with great results.

 

[f16sunshine]

Fuji GA645 is an easy choice for easing into med format. AE or manual operation with great results.

Sound advice. Ae is nice no matter what the format.
I've never owned a Fuji camera I did not like.

 

[lewis44]

Pentax 645 info.

http://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-645.html

 

[filmtwit]

dollor per dollar, the Mamiya M645 series is best bang for you buck to go with concerning medium format. I think I picked up mine with lens for $250 about 8 years ago.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

If she like it in color, she might like Lubitel, Holga and Diana. Easy and fun, yet creative.
If she is more into classic approach - working, preferably serviced Yashica MAT 124G.

 

[Rayt]

I recommend a Yashica TLR because they are cheap and fun. I think for young people the fun factor is important.

 

[aizan]

here are my picks:

6x4.5 slr: pentax 645n, bronica etrsi, mamiya m645 1000s, mamiya 645 pro tl, hasselblad h1

6x4.5 rangefinder/viewfinder: bronica rf645, fujifilm ga645i

6x6 tlr: rolleiflex mx-evs, mamiya c330s

6x6 slr: hasselblad 500cm, pentacon six tl, rolleiflex sl66, bronica ec-tl, bronica sqai

6x6 rangefinder: mamiya 6

6x7 slr: pentax 67, mamiya rz67 pro ii, bronica gs-1

6x7 rangefinder: mamiya 7ii, fuji gf670 (also 6x6)

i'll leave out the technical cameras and 6x9 rangefinders.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Cheapest way to excellent quality and build is probably a Rolleicord V, or a C220. SLR wise if she wants something easy to wield a 500C or older C/M are reasonable options. Try to stick to the better quality options. Pentacons have their appeal but I'm assuming she wants something she can load and use. Whatever option you lean to may need some service. Try to inspect before you buy.

 

[mervynyan]

either way, you are going to spending a lot of money to try out all systems-🙁

Like father like daughter, get her the best you can afford, aka, Hasselblad V. Everyone will be happy and no gear searching.

 

[nikon_sam]

At 16 years old I would go for something lightweight and easy to use, plus affordable...
The Yashicamats fall in this range...the 6x6 format means she won't have to turn for vertical shots...the leaf shutter is smoother and the Mats are a lot lighter than the 645 SLRs and easier to hold especially with the mirror slap of the SLRs...
With the Yashicamat all you really need is a good strap, maybe a filter (for B&W shooting) and a lens hood.
The 645 format does give you 3 more shots per roll but I'm guessing once she sees the 6x6 negs and prints from them she'll be sold...
Keep it simple, fixed lens, square format, aperture/shutter speed dials...and if she doesn't like medium format you're not out all that much...