Medium Format - Which Camera?

[wakarimasen]

Hello folks,

I'd like to get a medium format camera: principally for landscapes. Ideally, I'd like interchangeable lenses, an integrated meter and a mechanical shutter which would mean that the camera still operated in the event of battery failure. Any recommendations?

Many thanks,

RoyM

 

[Matus]

As you posted this on the rangefinder forum - the first question is whether you for some particular reason(s) what to got with MF rangefinder camera, or an MF SLR is an option too. If the latter is the case than you have many to choose from. So - tell us your preferences and approx. budget. Do you already know which focal lengths are you interested in?

 

[35mmdelux]

The Hasselblad is pretty sweet.

 

[venchka]

Sweet. Bigger negatives/positives. Way cheaper than a Hassy and lenses. 45mm-55mm-75mm wide lenses. Eye level "35mm camera handling" out of the box. Very inexpensive extension tubes for isolating little things in your landscapes. 120 & 220 in the same body.

Pentax 6x7.

 

[Bnack]

It doesn't have the manual shutter.... but a pentax67 with a metered prism with the 45mm f/4 is absolutely brilliant for landscapes. I've never had any issues with electronic shutter failure on this camera... just carry an extra battery, simple solution. However if you want small and light (although I've heard a few complaints of durability) is the mamiya 7. I believe also an electronic shutter, and it's not metered through the lens, which is a little bit of a pain for using filters. If I had some extra cash, this is the camera I'd own.

 

[venchka]

I use a hand meter with my Pentax. No worries. Landscapes are best done slowly. Metering here and there with a spot meter. It works. One less thing in the camera to worry about breaking.

I totally agree: The battery powered shutter is reliable. Batteries seem to last forever. They are tiny. I carry spare.

I also agree that the 45mm is awesome. Sometimes a bit too wide. I'm saving up for the latest version of the 55mm lens. Stunning optics.

 

[Matus]

Once you mention the Pentax 6x7 - what about the Bronica GS-1? Offers exchangeable backs and when used with waist level finder it should be lighter (I guess) - how would the optics compare (the the Pentax) ? The prices are very reasonable too ...

 

[rpsawin]

Do some research on film formats. That may be helpful in narrowing the field. Then think about RF-vs-SLR. There are several great systems available and once you are clear on what you really want your selection will be easier.

I use a Mamiya 7II RF and a Bronica SQb for landscapes, seascapes and industrials. The 7II is 6x7 format and the SQb is 6x6.

Best regards,

Bob

 

[Roger Vadim]

dress to impress: Pentax 67
stunning lenses: Mamiya 7
THE classic: Hasselblad
cheap and funny: a Kiev 60
strange box with ergonomics for aliens: Rolleiflex
versatile and bulky: Mamiya RB/RZ 67

Handled all of these, and must say, if i would like the square the Hasselblad would be it.

Well, I've got the infamous RB67, but it rarely leaves the studio - too heavy and bulky for my taste to lug around. The K/L Lenses are quite alright, my C 50mm wideangle distorts like a pancake- sharp though.
To go, and for the great Sonnar 180mm, I take the rather well working Kiev 60. For portraits the 180mm is a gem.

Landscapes: I'd say the Mamiya 7 or the Pentax. But then I don't shoot landscapes...

seems I can't really help - also searching for the magic bullet...

 

[wakarimasen]

So far as formats are concerned, I had discounted 645 for no other reason than it seems to have a number of detractors in the 6X6 camp - due to the 'difficulties' in potrait framing. However I guess that with a prism finder, this shouldn't be such a problem. With no experience in this regard, I would welcome comments.
I must admit, I'm leaning in the direction of an SLR rather than a RF due to cost. The Mamiya RF seems over my budget of approximately £250-300 and as such I'd been looking at the Pentax 645, Bronica ETRS and SQA and the Mamiya 645. Again I'd welcome user comments.

 

[Roger Vadim]

6x7 does play in a different league then 6x4.5 - almost double the size - and I personaly like the aspekt ratio.

Re-reading the OP it seems you should look out for a Pentax 67 with miror lock up. They are dead cheap if you search around a bit, and as far as I know often used by landscape photogs.

Maybe the Pentax users could chime in?

 

[wray]

Have you considered any of the press cameras - Koni-Omega, Mamiya Universal or Super 23? They are quite sturdy and would function well out in the field for landscapes.

 

[wakarimasen]

Is the field cut down a little if I need an exchangeable back?

 

[wakarimasen]

Have you considered any of the press cameras - Koni-Omega, Mamiya Universal or Super 23? They are quite sturdy and would function well out in the field for landscapes.

Oh no! More choices!!! 🙄

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

My favourite for landscapes is the Linhof technika 70. But it is so bulky and heavy that I mostly take the Hasselblad or the Mamiya 6.

Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema

 

[AgentX]

So far as formats are concerned, I had discounted 645 for no other reason than it seems to have a number of detractors in the 6X6 camp - due to the 'difficulties' in potrait framing. However I guess that with a prism finder, this shouldn't be such a problem. With no experience in this regard, I would welcome comments.
I must admit, I'm leaning in the direction of an SLR rather than a RF due to cost. The Mamiya RF seems over my budget of approximately £250-300 and as such I'd been looking at the Pentax 645, Bronica ETRS and SQA and the Mamiya 645. Again I'd welcome user comments.

645 SLRs don't necessarily frame vertically. RFs, yes, because of the left to right film transport. With SLRs it can be bottom-to-top or vice-versa. Don't ask me which ones are which, but I know they're not all "portrait" oriented.

Ed: I'd think a 6x7 or 6x8 would be ideal for landscapes, myself...

 

[hiromu]

I have had many MF cameras such as Hasselblad, Rolleiflex, Rollei 6x6, Mamiya 7, Mamiya 645 AF, Mamiya TLRs, Bronica, etc but I have sold all of them and moved to Leica.

The last one I sold was Rolleiflex, which small enough to carry anywhere, quiet enough to shoot anywhere, and has excellent lens, although not interchangeable... My favorit was 2.8E Xenotar with hand held meter (or built in with incident reading).

Bronicas were very good for money, but I never liked their built quality and battery dependence. Of course if you like AE, then Bronicas got it...

Hiromu

 

[kuzano]

Mamiya Universal Press for "too many" choices....

Mamiya Universal Press for "too many" choices....

The Mamiya Universal press has almost too many choices for peripheral equipment.

Formats from 645 to 6X9.
Superb quality lenses from 50mm (on 6X9) to 250mm
Incredible array of back choices from their own, to Graflex, to Mamiya RB67, to sheet film with Ground Glass viewing, not to mention polaroid
Exceptionally accurate rangefinder
NO batteries
But, no meter (you can't have a meter AND be battery independent, unless you go to antiquated Selenium metering)
Tons of inventory in the market
A couple of really good resources on CLA or total rebuild (Anthony Sansone for one)

Your initial description accurately described the Mamiya Universal system except for the meter.

I'm getting back to the Mamiya Press for wide angle, after having used the various Fuji 690 (G, GSW, and GW) for some time. My primary reason is acquisition of the 50 and 75mm Mamiya Press lenses, which "almost" cover 4X5 and certainly cover the Polaroid pack films (3X4?)

 

[Roger Hicks]

Linhof Tech 70 (selenium meter). No contest. Without a meter: Super Tech IV or V.

Cheers,

R.

 

[charjohncarter]

Look for a Ricoh Diacord G, I bought two on Ebay for 40 dollars each. It is a good starter and then you will be able to go from there. You can decide like me (maybe) that I like TLRs better than my Pentax 6x7. I just have to be too serious with the Pentax.