Medium Format SLR Query!

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pompadork

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So, i have a pretty picky question!

What are my options for a metered, waist level finder capable, preferably 6x6 medium format SLR? If one even exists.

I know very well i can use a light meter, but i'm just interested in seeing if there is an option for the above. Otherwise, i'm thinking of picking up a Mamiya RB67 with a light meter, through the prospect of adding a light meter to carry around along with that beast isn't looking great.

Any help?
 
Rollei 6006 too.

EDIT: I meant SL66 and 6008. I believe these fit your description. They're similar to a Hassy 500-type.
 
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There are the Rolleis, and the Hasselblad 203FE and 205FCC. In 6x4.5, there is the Contax 645 AF. I think the Bronica is only a metered camera when it has the appropriate prism attached, which is true of the Hasselblad 500-series, as well. But, if you want to use a waistlevel finder and have metering at the same time, with 6x6, i think you're stuck with Rollei 6000-series and the Hassy 200-series (not the 2000-series). I don't know about the SL66.
 
Ah, thanks for the suggestions.

The SQ-A is something i was interested in, and i think i had heard of a wasit-level metered finder at some point, but everyone seems to sell it with either the non metered waist-level or a metered eye-level prism.

Seems like i'll have to spend a bit more than i wanted. Its hard to pull away from this Yashica Mat 124 which has all of those features but was so cheap =p
 
pompadork said:
Ah, thanks for the suggestions.

The SQ-A is something i was interested in, and i think i had heard of a wasit-level metered finder at some point, but everyone seems to sell it with either the non metered waist-level or a metered eye-level prism.
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There's definately no metered waist level finder on the leaf shutter Bronicas. The source of the confusion may be that the SQAi model has flash metering built into the body, which works regardless of finder.
 
the mamiya M645 series is the cheapest medium format SLR system today, if you are willing to use 6X4.5. I have a kit for sale if you are intrested.
 
I think you should rethink your move a bit - medium format SLR will never be anywhere as fast as 35mm, and the real advantage of using is, it precisely in a more thoughtfull photography, and when it comes to thoughtfull photography, it actually pays off to think ! Checking the exposure, esp using the incident light measurement, is one of the basic ways to get properly exposed film. If I were you. I'rather look at the system as such rather than at this particular feature. I'd recommend Hasselblad for versatility, portability and lens quality, but for hand holding, you would probably be better off with a Rolleiflex, or Mamiya TLR.
 
You haven't said what or how you want to shoot. If you're talking about 'street' photography, The Hasselblad 203FE is probably the best solution (that meets your criteria). The Rollei 6000 is large, heavy, and has a not very quiet motor advance.

If you can consider 6x4.5, the Contax 645 AF is the only 645 with a waist level finder and metering in the body. The Mamiya (m)645 only has a meter when using the metering prism. Great camera — i just bought one — but it would be nearly perfect if it retained metering with the waist level.

If you just want a 'better' TLR, an older Rolleiflex with a functional meter, or a newer GX or FX would work.
 
The Bronica SQ-A and SQ-Ai do have a metered waist level finder. I have one and use it most of the time. It is called the MF finder. It is a chimney style with diopter correction.
 
That combo (WL plus Metering) precludes many..

That combo (WL plus Metering) precludes many..

SLR Medium format wherein you can use a meter and waist level at the same time generally mean you will have to find a camera that can be fitted with a chimney metered finder or an angle finder metered. In any event, all the SLR medium formats that come to mind are often metered with a metering prism which fits over the waist level viewing screen. The chimney and angle finders I have seen involve an eyepiece that you look through.

There are some nice choices in TLR cameras with a real plus... No mirror slap and no focal plane shutter jerk. Compared to the TLR, you are marrying yourself to a tripod when you consider the size of the mirror (unless you use MLU) and an SLR with in lens shutters rather than focal plane. One such is Bronica with shutter in lens. Round shutters hardly cause movement unlike focal plane.

I don't have specific suggestions... sorry.
 
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Bronica ECTL

Bronica ECTL

pompadork said:
So, i have a pretty picky question!

What are my options for a metered, waist level finder capable, preferably 6x6 medium format SLR? If one even exists.

I know very well i can use a light meter, but i'm just interested in seeing if there is an option for the above. Otherwise, i'm thinking of picking up a Mamiya RB67 with a light meter, through the prospect of adding a light meter to carry around along with that beast isn't looking great.

Any help?
Click to expand...

Bronica ECTL if you can find one. I have one with 3 Nikon lenses,120 backs, etc, etc. Love it, but it doesn't get used enough.
 
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