Medium format purchase advice wanted

[anselwannab]

Canon 1Ds II (or a 5D is price is an issue), and take it back from him when he gets back.

I really do think that you have to know more about the guy. Does he have a light meter? A strirdy tripod, and most of all, does he want to carry all this stuff?

All the medium format stuff is going to be used, or if new it will be about the Canon price.

I came close to pulling the trigger on a Fuji GX680, but decided to stay in search mode. Tilt and shift and all that, just make sure it isn't an "S" version which lacks the movements.

Cameras are like guns, the best one to have is the one you have with you, not the one sitting at home. Having said that, a pistol (35mm or digital) is best used to fight your way to your rifle (medium format).

 

[Krosya]

I have and used several TLRs, as well as folders that are 6x6, 6x9, as well as SLR and find them all good for travel/landscape photography. For whatever reason I find 6x6 format pleasing and ideal - for me. And TLRs can deliver a superb quality at (often) very reasonable price, not something I can say about modern RFs (reasonable price part that is), and I really can't say that I love to take my Hassy with 4 lenses on the road. lol. Plus lately I use my Ricoh or Yashica TLR and Either of the folder - great combination. As far as just one lens - well - that makes me work harder to compose, - but that's the part I love the most. Don't forget there many great photos out there that were taken with TLRs. Yes, it's one lens, but what a lens it is.
If I had unlimited finances, - I'd probably try Bronica RF, - I heard many good things about it, yet, it's format - 645 is not what I like - a bit limiting to me. ( we talked about this in other post - cropping and such), so I stick with what works for me.
So, I think TLR is always a good option, everyone should have one. 😉

BTW, I came across this page - many square photos. Not sure what camera equipment was used, but just to show how square format works - go here:

http://www.photo.net/photodb/member-photos?user_id=1474001&include=all


George

 

[vodid]

For travel with a medium format emphasizing landscapes...I'd suggest a Plaubel Makina W67. Small, foldable and lightweight 6x7 with a 55mm wideangle Nikkor lens. The perfect camera for the situation, (but that's just my opinion).

 

[Krosya]

For travel with a medium format emphasizing landscapes...I'd suggest a Plaubel Makina W67. Small, foldable and lightweight 6x7 with a 55mm wideangle Nikkor lens. The perfect camera for the situation, (but that's just my opinion).

That sounds interesting. One problem (for me) - where do you find one? I have never seen it. With standard lens - yes, but the Wide version. And how mach do they go for? Any photos anywhere from this camera?
George

 

[Toby]

If tou're talking about new equipment I think Eos 5d or 1Ds II is the way to go. Most of the MF film systems are dead or dying so I would be loath to advise anyone to invest significant money in one now.

 

[Krosya]

If tou're talking about new equipment I think Eos 5d or 1Ds II is the way to go. Most of the MF film systems are dead or dying so I would be loath to advise anyone to invest significant money in one now.

Well, that is a matter of opinion. I don't want to get into digital vs Film discussion here, but there plenty of people that still use Medium format, which IMO still is far more capable that digital. Moreover, some older cameras are far more enjoyable to use than modern DSLRs. At least for some. If one works as a commercial photographer - digital is probably a way to go, but for personal photography - film can be a very satisfying medium. Well, that's why we are all here, at RFF, right? And there many other forums like this - from Lomography to Rolleiusers. So, - forgive me, but I couldn't possibly agree with your post.

George

 

[ghost]

the resale value of those cameras will be dead a lot sooner than medium format, that's for sure!

 

[Toby]

Well, that is a matter of opinion. I don't want to get into digital vs Film discussion here, but there plenty of people that still use Medium format, which IMO still is far more capable that digital. Moreover, some older cameras are far more enjoyable to use than modern DSLRs. At least for some. If one works as a commercial photographer - digital is probably a way to go, but for personal photography - film can be a very satisfying medium. Well, that's why we are all here, at RFF, right? And there many other forums like this - from Lomography to Rolleiusers. So, - forgive me, but I couldn't possibly agree with your post.

George

Don't get me wrong I have pentax 67 a Bessa R and an Eos 20D, and the 20D is my least favourite. But I wouldn't recommend anybody bought a new MF camera when the manufacturers are tripping over each other to get out of film based medium format. As for your quote please note I said buying NEW not second hand, which is a different issue. My advice is based on which system I think has the surest future not on want I like to use. Also I'm assuming this present is a gift for someone in their 50's or 60's so portabilty may be an issue so I wouldn't recommend a Pentax 67 and three lenses even though it's what I would use.

 

[RObert Budding]

Most used medium format cameras are really cheap compared to prices when new. And there are plenty of nice examples available from reliable vendors (I use KEH). So get a nice one and it will last for decades.

As for the original question:

I'd go with a Mamiya 7 and several lenses. I, myself, own a Bronica RF645. But the portrait orientation isn't the right choice for someone who mostly will shoot landscapes.

The Fuji 6x9's are nice, too. But interchangable lenses are high on my list of wants.

 

[Toby]

the resale value of those cameras will be dead a lot sooner than medium format, that's for sure!

From my experience, Medium format prices are continuing to drop fast. The equipment I have would have cost £3000 new I'd be lucky to get £500 on Ebay now

 

[ghost]

i was talking about the format, not its resale value. anyhow, i'm not sure used prices are continuing to drop. i've been keeping an eye on a bunch of stuff, hoping prices would go down even more, but it hasn't happened yet. it seems to have bottomed out.

 

[wdenies]

For decades the Mamiya 645 was my favorite.
Disadvantages during travelling: weight, bulky, the mirror sound reminds me on a severe bomb explosion.
Nowadays I travel with a Mamiya 6 (50 & 150mm glass) and a Xpan (45mm).
During mountain hiking I have a small, but high quality, digital (sorry!) in the pocket because I lost my Rollei 35.

Why Xpan AND Mamiya 6?
1.
The power consumption of the Xpan is pretty high. Low batteries at 300km from the nearest shop means end of shooting (happened to me during a recent Thailand trip).
2.
One could easely crop 6x6 shots down to a high quality pano format, but I have a composition problem (am I the only one?). When shooting with the Mamiya 6 I automatically compose by second nature for the square format.

Wim

 

[oftheherd]

not 20, but 28!

It's been a while since I did the math, but I seem to recall that 65mm on 6x7 is about 28mm on 35mm cameras. So, it would be wider on a 6x9.

 

[clarence]

i was talking about the format, not its resale value. anyhow, i'm not sure used prices are continuing to drop. i've been keeping an eye on a bunch of stuff, hoping prices would go down even more, but it hasn't happened yet. it seems to have bottomed out.

It depends on the item in question.

For example, the Bronica RF system, especially its 100mm lens, has been targeted by collectors, and has been the subject of many anguished posts in this forum.

The Bronica SQ and Mamiya 645 systems on the other hand, have flooded the market, probably because wedding photographers have all migrated to digital.

And I think luxury marques like the Plaubel and Alpa cameras will probably hold their value. But who knows. Even the prices of Hasselblads have fallen considerably.

Clarence

 

[oftheherd]

Many things need to be known about the lady's father, as mentioned above. Some other considerations from my own experiences in Korea years ago. Landscape is almost certainly going to include mountain scenes, but also temple scenes in mountains. Many of those will best be done with wide ange. It is the reason I went next to an 18mm lens after the obligatory 28mm and 135mm all those long years ago with my Yashica TL Super. Btw, using a good film, 35mm isn't all that bad a choice. What will be done with the photos? Projection, snapshots in albums, or murals? Perhaps 35mm isn't so bad.

In MF, I have 6x6 and 6x7. I prefer the 6x7 as I have stated in other threads. Mine is the Mamiya Super Press 23. It is a great camera, that also has a bellows on the back wtih minimal swings and tilts. In that system a 100mm lens and a 65mm or 50mm would be ideal, along with a sturdy but light-weight tripod. 65mm is the minimum, 50mm is better, but harder to find and more expensive. The downside of the Super Press 23 is the same as most other MF systems; weight. A wide strap will help a lot. It may be the best reason to suggest the Mamiya 7 with a normal and wide lens. I have never held one, but understand they are lighter. However, with my Super Press, I don't think it is much more heavy than say a Rolleiflex. Probably because it is a rangefinder.

Someone has already suggested folders. It is worth considering. Lots of good photos have been made over the years with those cameras. I like Weltas, but Zeiss and others made some great cameras with good lenses. If she anticipates a lot of temple photos, they may not be the best choice due to no wide angles that I am aware of. But they are light and because they fold up, are very convenient to carry. They will require an understanding of photography, as will most MF cameras, since shutter speed and aperture will have to be set manually.

So, bottom line, don't give up on 35mm considerations, do consider folders, also the Mamiya Universal/Press cameras simply because they are so good and they are system cameras. Go over the rest of the advice because all of it is good.

Edit: Don't forget to suggest a couple of filters. UV or Skylight for color, and yellow if b/w will be used. In landscapes, cutting down haze is usually (but not always) desireable.

 

[anselwannab]

The reason I suggested the FF digital was that it sounds like MF is being suggeted because it produces better pics than 35mm. FF digital seems to be taking the place of MF in some areas, buying new MF gear would be financially expensive, buying used gear opens the door to more failures and breakage.

I agree that a folder may be a really good option, but lets not forget that a medium telephoto can be a good lens for compressing scenery also.

I wonder if a M-mount 35 with some PanF50, Tmax 100, or Delta 100 might fit the actual need.

I hate suggesting this and that when the question concerned something else, because I hate it when store salespeople do it. But when you ask an open ended question like this, I think its smart to find out what the real need is before going down some path.

Mark

 

[mervynyan]

I am also looking closely for a MF, down to P67II and M7II. I suppose M7II is much lighter to travel. 150+80+43 will make the day. But much difficult to put up CPL, just as any RF. The P67II is also good but bulky. Decision, decision...

 

[John]

originally posted by Wayne R. Scott

I am not completely convinced that wide angles are the best lens for landscape photography, but then again what do I know?

I can agree with Wayne here. I shoot mostly 50mm for landscape and have 90mm shots that look like I was too far away. I am talking focal length for 35mm format. This is against all common wisdom but it still leaves me "not completely convinced that wide angles are the best lens for landscape photography."

I do not have any MF experience but do note the used prices make it pretty easy to get started if one wants to. 🙂

 

[mervynyan]

For decades the Mamiya 645 was my favorite.

Why Xpan AND Mamiya 6?
1.
The power consumption of the Xpan is pretty high. Low batteries at 300km from the nearest shop means end of shooting (happened to me during a recent Thailand trip).
2.
One could easely crop 6x6 shots down to a high quality pano format, but I have a composition problem (am I the only one?). When shooting with the Mamiya 6 I automatically compose by second nature for the square format.

Wim

Mamiya 7II has 35mm Pano kit, 2 in 1 perhaps?

 

[vodid]

That sounds interesting. One problem (for me) - where do you find one? I have never seen it. With standard lens - yes, but the Wide version. And how mach do they go for? Any photos anywhere from this camera?
George

One sold on ebay recently for about $1300. If I was interested, I'd enter an ongoing favorite search and another one will probably show up before long.

One of the things I like about flickr.com, is that you can do a search for Plaubel (within the flickr website), and it'll bring up all these photos that were taken with a Plaubel Makina. I've used that feature to satisfy my curiousity about a variety of lenses and cameras. I'd imagine the lens is pretty sharp...it's Nikon from back when Nikon didn't make so many cheapie products.