Medium format for Landscapes

[Bob Michaels]

I suggest you start off low budget rather than ultimate to start. If you find that this is for you, then upgrade. If not, you're out very little.

Consider a TLR because of the lower price still with quality that is a quantum leap up from 35mm. You can get a Mamiya 330 with a wide angle lens for around $300 from KEH. Yes, the neg is 6x6 but you can figure out how to make a 3x4 aspect ratio print from that. And the difference from 6x6 to 6x7 is minimal. Sure 6x9 is nice, but it sure does limit you selection and price wise.

The key is to just buy something and try it. Don't get hung up in analysis and ultimate concepts that get you beyond your financial threshold so you do nothing.

 

[jano]

You may consider an SLR alternative - the pentacon six is a pretty good system, good glass, cheap. *shrug* I know i know, this is an rf site, but.. look at what he wants.. wide angle, mf, cheap. 🙂

 

[aizan]

*cough* the 55mm for the pentax 67 is legendary for its sharpness.

 

[Doug]

*cough* the 55mm for the pentax 67 is legendary for its sharpness.

Agreed, and the 6x7 (later called 67, then redesigned into the 67II) is a superb field camera, very easy to use. And now very economical too. FWIW, there are three distinct 55mm lenses... The original 55mm f/3.5 SMC Takumar 6x7 with 100mm filter size, the much smaller 55mm f/4 SMC Pentax 6x7 with 77° angle of view and 9 elements in 8 groups, and the most recent 55mm f/4 SMC Pentax 67 with 78° angle of view and 8 elements in 7 groups. Both the latter have 77mm filter thread and both have outstanding performance. I don't know the f/3.5 lens to comment.

(Here's a shot with the middle 55mm; the SMC Pentax 6x7, Ektachrome 200)

 

[delft]

Yet another suggestion: An old Mamiya M645 could be had for well under 200 euro if you look around, and there is a very nice 45mm for it, which may be harder to find.

May the light be with you,

Dirk

 

[oftheherd]

Thank you all for being so helpful

Chris : ok 0,7 meter is much better indeed 😀

Solinar & Kim Coxon : you're poitning me toward a 645, because of the fairly enough resolution and the bulkiness of 690 big brother, this is an interesting point... mostly if I find a snip on a fuji 645 rangefinder

rpsawin : Mamiya 7II has exchangeable lenses but is far more expensive.

clarence : I did a google search and can't seem to verify what you are saying, I live in europe and lenses I find for mamiya systems are quite expensive, however I have no idea of what is a good lens and what is not on medium format systems.

dazedgonebye & bsdunek : thank you for advice, I won't go with the mamiya super press system, it's quite bulky... at least for now, I'll keep in mind what you said if I need it later 😉

I haven't read the whole thread so someone else may have already answered this. I also have the Super Press 23. With a 65mm lens (28mm equivalent in 35mm photography) it is not a bulky as you might think. The 65mm lens is not heavy, and is very short for placing it in a backpack. In fact, even with the 100mm lens you quickly get used to it. And, it is a system camera. They differences between the Universal and the Press are for users to decide. I haven't used a Universal, but would not give up my Press 23 for one myself. Both models also take extension tubes if you wish, but you stated you want this for landscapes. 6x7 negs are a joy to behold. Slides will blow you away.

I would also consider folders to check the negative sizes. You won't get 28mm equivalent lenses but you will get either 6x7 or 6x9 (or even 645) negs to see if that is really worth it to you. Then, when you decide on your interchangable lens camera, you have a backup.

Good luck in your choices. I may be more difficult in Europe with the VAT, but if you take your time, you should be OK.

One final thought. 4x5 cameras can be broken down and backpacked fairly easily. They are getting cheaper all the time. They are not as spontaneous to use, but have good lenses for purchase, total movements, and nice big negatives. You need a tripod, but you probably intended to use one with your MF choice anyway.

 

[oftheherd]

Interesting. I see many others are suggesting 4x5. It is worth considereing for sure. But in MF, there are many choices in RF as welll as SLR. In my personal opinion, most SLR are heavier than what you may prefer for backpacking. You might want to check in camera stores for examples of both.

 

[harycover]

Thanks very much to all of you, I see that my question have generated many passionate replies...

I've read it all, I think I'll postpone my buy a few months, as this is winter, with few possibilities for me to go out and shoot, this will give me also the time to do some search on your propositions and look for a bargain without hurry

However I'm really grateful for your help and will certainly let you know when I buy my first medium format and show you first pics, this may not be too soon but maybe within a few month to or at the latest a year from now

Thanks again

 

[venchka]

I should have been more specific.

I should have been more specific.

Agreed, and the 6x7 (later called 67, then redesigned into the 67II) is a superb field camera, very easy to use. And now very economical too. FWIW, there are three distinct 55mm lenses... The original 55mm f/3.5 SMC Takumar 6x7 with 100mm filter size, the much smaller 55mm f/4 SMC Pentax 6x7 with 77° angle of view and 9 elements in 8 groups, and the most recent 55mm f/4 SMC Pentax 67 with 78° angle of view and 8 elements in 7 groups. Both the latter have 77mm filter thread and both have outstanding performance. I don't know the f/3.5 lens to comment.

(Here's a shot with the middle 55mm; the SMC Pentax 6x7, Ektachrome 200)

Since I am always on the lookout for the latest version of the Pentax 55mm lens, I forget that there were 3 models. Thanks for clarifying the various models.

 

[stephen_lumsden]

Guys

I know it is not exactly cheap but has anyone tried the RolleiWide, namely the new one with a 50mm lens? I believe it may be just a tad more expensive than a Mamiya 7 with a wideangle lens and it is more convenient that the Mamiya tlr,a although more expensive. I have thought about getting one for landscape and reportage. Anyone used it?

regards

Stephen

 

[Holmz]

Kuzano-
Good shopping on your part!
I haven't looked at LF gear for sale on the auction place in a couple of years...
Anyway, I'd have guessed more money than that.

Kuzano -
When you add in a bag, tripod, a light meter it moves the cost up.
I've only been lurking here for a couple of days, but I have 4x5 with a 65mm and 210mm, but really use the 210 for most everything.
I use provia and the pictures are stunning. It is however a complete PITA to set up and carry, which is why it gets used just a couple of times a year at most.
So I have been looking at getting something along the lines of an M8, R-D1, or Bessa film.

The one thing that a LF gives (that a medium format doesn't) is movements. In my mind there is digital, 35mm film, and then LF.
A MF produces good pictures and the 6x17 type of backs for MF would make life a bit easier - so I am looking at a roll film back.
But it is the movements that are most useful.

Did I say it is PITA? It is only worth it, well after the fact when you look at the results and go wow!

 

[mdelevie]

You asked about rangefinders, and in that category I agree with the Fuji GSW and Mamiya 7ii suggestions, among others. But for the types of photography you have in mind, I have to think that an SLR might suit you better. The Pentax 67 is a fine camera for landscape work, as is a Bronica GS or an RB67.

Advantages of SLR for what you're intending:

much easier to use polarizing filters
essential if you want to use graduated neutral-density filters
TTL metering and precise composition are "nice to have" but not critical

The big advantages of a rangefinder for landscape work are simplicity, portability, ease of use. You won't get exact framing, but if you're cropping a bit, that's no worry. You won't have to carry a bag full of lenses, esp with a fixed-lens camera like the Fuji. Your kit will be lighter and more compact.

If you need to get into shift lenses, you can find some in MF SLRs, but at that point you should be looking at a 4x5 field camera.

Personally, in your shoes I'd be looking at the Bronica GS-1 series. 6x7 image, leaf shutter lenses in a good range of focal lengths, simple to use, and built to last. Flash sync at any shutter speed may not appeal to you for landscape photography, but it's a discriminator vs the Pentax 67. The Bronica GS is a very versatile and capable camera system, and like all MF SLR gear, it's insanely undervalued now that the wedding shooters have all gone ditigal.

For the ultimate in portability, perhaps the Plaubel Makina W67? Huge negative, sharp wide-angle lens, fits in your jacket pocket. Spendy, but worth it.

Good luck! Let us know what you decide.

 

[Michael P.]

Bronica RF 645. See Paul Roark's work at http://www.paulroark.com/

 

[kuzano]

We've kicked around a lot of options, but

We've kicked around a lot of options, but

here is another option on medium format with total perspective and depth of field control. Sorry, but couldn't resist this offering and this part of the discussion...
If I didn't already have a 4X5, I might take a shot at this auction.

Total control, but also a totally different path.

The link on eBay:

http://www.cameraeccentric.com/ebay/html/photax1/photax1.html

 

[kuzano]

Sorry... here is a better auction link

Sorry... here is a better auction link

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250197541770&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=015

 

[treehggr]

I just bought a horseman 6/9 vh field camera on Ebay That I thought was 4/5 and don't want it. I already have 2 medium format cameras. Could sell it to you if you want. Body is in wonderful shape and came with the vide 65mm . Lens is beautiful . Havent had it a week.

 

[Moto-Uno]

^Did you happen to notice the date this thread was started ? Peter

 

[mfogiel]

Considering that you are entering the film world, I'd like this entry to be as hassle free and enjoyable as possible. Ideally, you would want a Hasselblad, but the prices are too steep. However, there is a camera which I find to be a great compromise in terms of size and construction ( but not necessarily image quality ), which is very versatile, has AE, motor wind, lets you use ND graduated filters and polarisers with ease, does not weigh a ton and the whole kit: camera, 28mm equivalent, 50mm equivalent and 90mm equivalent lenses will set you back around 800USD. Another bonus: it takes 16 shots on a single roll of film. In case you were not convinced, take a look at Sebastiao Salgado's "Genesis". Most photographs were taken with this camera.
So here it is: Pentax 645N + 45/2.8, 75/2.8 and 150/3.5.

MF20132524 by marek fogiel, on Flickr

 

[FujiLove]

Do you already own a good tripod? If not, then after buying one you won't be left with much out of the budget. I would go for a Pentax 6x7 with mirror lock-up, a 55mm or 45mm lens (depending on whether you prefer 28mm or 24mm equivalent in 35mm format) and a solid 2nd hand tripod. You should be able to get all the above for roughly your budget if you shop around.

The P67 is reliable and seems to be extremely rugged. I wouldn't hesitate to drag it out on a hiking trip. Yes, it's heavier than some other systems, but not so much that after packing bodies, lenses, filters, film, light meter etc in a bag, you would notice much difference. It feels wonderful in the hand and I think it's much more ergonomic than 'box' shaped cameras such as Hasselblad V series.

The 6x7 format is great if you don't like wasting paper or negative when you print at standard sizes. The Pentax lenses are excellent, and although someone will probably wheel out test charts to say I'm wrong, I reckon they can hold their own against most of the Hasselblad or Contax equivalents. Probably not against the Rolleiflex TLR or Mamiya rangefinder lenses, but they either don't meet your requirements or budget anyway.

If you do fancy something like the Hasselblad and the 6x6 format, take a look at the Bronica SQ. They are another medium format bargain and have superb lenses.

 

[FujiLove]

Oh crap. I responded to a decade old thread again.