Medium Format Wide RFs -- Options?

[Andrew Sowerby]

Lately I've been dreaming of larger negs. I don't have a lot of money to spend and I prefer wide angle (35 and wider in 35mm format). I've taken a look at the Fuji GS645W and it seems like it might be what I'm looking for (manual advance, scale or RF focusing, cheapish, built in meter) but are there other similar cameras that I should be considering? Interchangeable lenses would be great, but to start I'd like to spend less than $600.

 

[beethamd]

Second hand, you might be able to get a Bronica RF645 for close to that price. This one (ebay item number 7613336864) went for just under your price. You wont find a nicer rf camera for 645. The 45mm lens is wonderful too.

 

[lubitel]

I dont have one but what about a kiev88 or 60? I heard they are very usable and there are always lenses for them on eboy, including wide angle 50mm. Should cost you about 300 dollars with a couple of lenses, i think. Just a thought.

 

[stet]

You could try a Koni Omega or Rapid Omega, and its 60mm lens. The 60mm will give you the equivalent of about 28mm in 35mm format, and you'll have a 6x7 neg. I got a user Rapid Omega 200 from Adorama and love it. They have another here for $240, in excellent condition with a 90mm lens and back. The 60mm lens and finder may set you back another $200-ish, and they pop up on the 'bay pretty frequently.

 

[lubitel]

kiev stuff
http://cgi.ebay.com/Russian-Hasselb...Z7615822903QQcategoryZ710QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mir-26-45mm-f3-...614830234QQcategoryZ30075QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[KoNickon]

Another vote for the Koni Omega/Rapid Omega. These indeed can be had quite inexpensively, though they could be in need of an overhaul, especially the backs. There's a 60mm lens and finder on eBay right now -- or it was yesterday. You should be able to get a camera, back, 90mm lens, and the 60+finder for well under $600, I think.

 

[jonasv]

kiev stuff
http://cgi.ebay.com/Russian-Hasselb...Z7615822903QQcategoryZ710QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mir-26-45mm-f3-...614830234QQcategoryZ30075QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

kiev 88's are generally extremely unreliable, and if anything require quite a bit of internal work (paint etc) before you can properly use them. also, they're not rangefinders..

 

[clarence]

Have you considered the Mamiya interchangeable lens twin lens reflex systems?

Another option for around the same price is the Mamiya press camera.

The prices of Bronica ETRS and Mamiya 645 systems are also dropping rapidly, as are the RB67s.

With the exception of the press cameras, none of these are rangefinders, though.

Then there's the Pentacon Six SLR on steroids, which lets you use CZJ lenses.

Clarence

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

Mark 2 Fuji GSW690's might be worth a look perhaps more than $600 though. I think one of the best might be the rare and expensive Plaubel Makina 67W (55/4 Nikkor lens). Outstanding quality.

 

[oftheherd]

Another vote for the Mamiya Universal/Super Press 23. I think you can find them within your price range. The 65mm lens is like a 28mm in 35mm cameras. The 50mm is like a 25mm in 35mm cameras. Certainly the Camera and a back, with the 65mm should be within your price range (and that with a 100mm lens). Maybe even the 50mm, but they will be more expensive.

Of course on ebay it is buyer beware, but from KEH or another reputable dealer, such as B&H or Cameta, you should be alright. They are large, but with the rapid wind backs, I always thought they were surprisingly 35mm camera like in use. Just be sure to get the handle with shutter release and a wide strap.

 

[clarence]

There's a Mamiya Super 23 for sale right here for only USD225:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22645

Clarence

 

[Kyle]

A Mamiya 6 plus 75mm lens can be had for $600-700. Its a 6x6 interchangable lens rangefinder.

 

[rool]

Another vote for the Koni Omega + 58 or 60mm lens.
I have this camera, the 6x7 negs are really sharp and even if the camera looks a little weird, it is really easy to use.
The best thing is that it is really cheap for this kind of quality. The lenses are superb.

 

[wtl]

A Mamiya 6 plus 75mm lens can be had for $600-700. Its a 6x6 interchangable lens rangefinder.

where? i have been looking for one...

 

[Kyle]

A local camera shop has the Mamiya 6 and 75 combo for $699. They also have the 150 and 50 for it.

I haven't checked ebay lately, but I assume that they can be had for close to that, as I know these guys actually use ebay as a basis for their prices.

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

I'm intrigued by the Mamiya 6 w/ 50 combo or the Bronica RF645 w/ 45. I prefer this style of camera over the more exotic looking ones mentioned above (Koni Omega, Mamiya Super 23). Perhaps it's time to do a bit of comparision shopping . . .

Anyone have thoughts on the Mamiya 6 vs. the Bronica 645? On paper they look pretty comparable.


Also: Kyle, do you remember how much they want for the 50mm lens?

 

[clarence]

That is a ridiculously good price for a Mamiya 6 and 75mm. I've been tracking prices on ebay for some time and they don't come close.

Clarence

 

[Kyle]

Anyone have thoughts on the Mamiya 6 vs. the Bronica 645? On paper they look pretty comparable.

From what I understand, both are excellent cameras. It basically boils down to whether you want to do 6x4.5 or 6x6.

 

[Kyle]

That is a ridiculously good price for a Mamiya 6 and 75mm. I've been tracking prices on ebay for some time and they don't come close.

Clarence

The guy also told me he'd throw in the 50mm lens with the kit for a total price of $1300 OTD if I paid cash. They also have the 150, but they want a ridiculously high price for it (I think that lens is a consignment sale).

 

[stet]

I was just thinking about the relative inexpensiveness of the Koni/Rapid Omegas. Nick is right; a lot of them have been seriously abused. Still though, if you shop around and take your time on the 60+finder, you should be able to get the whole kit (body, backs, 90, 60+finder) and still have enough money to have everything checked out/CLA'd by Greg Weber, and then enough money still left over to buy a light meter (it doesn't have one).

The user body/lens I bought was in pretty rugged condition, and I spent about $700-ish on the whole setup (with two 120 backs) and CLA for everything. (the lenses have whale oil in them, which can be decaying by now and slowing some shutter speeds.)

*rick