MF like an RF? M645?

[matti]

I really like my Iskra II, I do. I like how small it is and how quick it actually can be used. But I am disapointed with the lack of sharpness of the pictures. My Leica M6 with 50 mm Summicron always looks sharper when I make big enlargements.

So, after some research I have come to the conclusion that I can not afford a rangefinder MF camera. Maybe I could buy a Fuji 645 but I do think I would go nuts at having to rotate the camera 95 % of the time to get the "landscape"-format.

So I think I need to go SLR for this and am looking at some cheap Mamiya M645 at E-bay and KEH. They look quite small but I have become so used to RF-cameras that I am a bit afraid to be disapointed at the handling caracteristics.

I really like to be able to shoot handhold at moving targets (my kids). I want rugged, cheap with good glass.

So, should I go with the m645 or something else? Am I doing the right thing? Or someone want's to part with their Mamiya 6 kit for $300? 🙄

/matti

 

[markinlondon]

You might consider the Mamiya 6 or 7, Bronica 645, or if you like BIG negs, try a Fuji 690.

Mark

 

[drewbarb]

I've been drooling after a Plaubel Makina since I used one a couple of years ago. The negs from it are incredible- 6x7 from a leaf-shuttered 80mm Nikkor f2.8, and sharp as you could want. Plus the body is about and inch and a half thick. They are hard to find but I'm still looking for one I can afford.

 

[sooner]

Matti, I share your desire for an affordable used MF rangefinder. I've pretty much decided a used Fuji GA645zi is the way to go, but you're still talking right about $500. I'll read others' replies with interest. --john

 

[iñaki]

Hello Matti, maybe your ISKRA just need a CLA, I find mine sharp, and seeing some folk´s photos here I think it´s a sharp camera.

 

[Turtle]

have a play with a vertically orientated camera before you write them off. I did. I now own two RF645 bodies and LOVE them. Yes, I tend to shoot more verticals now, but only slightly and to be honest I cannot tell you of ever having noticed reorientating the camera. The handling is the best of any camera (eos 3 aside) I have ever owned. Incredible. Solid, reliable, great performer and a great price as long as you can live with the prospect of only a 45mm and a 65mm unless you pay a lot and wwait ages for the few 100s or 135s out there. IMO the build and ergonomics puts hte RF645 miles ahead of the Fujis. The Mamiya 7/6 are great but they also cost a fair bit more.

 

[clarence]

You could use a TLR. They are RF-like in that your subject can almost never tell that you're taking a photo of them.

Aside from that, I'd strongly recommend the Mamiya 6 as a very versatile and well engineered medium format RF system. They're cheaper than Bronica RF645's if you're looking for long focal length lenses.

Clarence

 

[matti]

So you say the vertical format is ok? Now I have to think a bit more. I'll go and try a Fuji GS645 out tomorrow. Maybe even bring some film. But the Bronica rf645 and the Mamiyas 6 and 7 are too expensive to me.
/matti

 

[Abbazz]

Matti,

Have a look at the Fuji G690. It's a robust rangefinder camera with high quality interchangeable Fujinon lenses. The negatives are 6x9 and horizontally oriented. The aspect ratio is the same as 35mm, which is great for landscapes. Keh.com as several units for sale, including one G690 BLcamera with 100mm F3.5 lens for $265. It's reported as "ugly", but I would check with them regarding the condition of the gear. It could turn out to be a great bargain for an outstanding camera. Keep in mind that Keh is notorious for its conservative grading of equipment. There are also a few lenses right now on Keh and on eBay, although these usually don't sell for cheap.

Cheers,

Abbazz

 

[Bryce]

I routinely use a Fuji GS645S. This is the 60mm lens, "rollbar" model. Love it, yes I do tend to shoot verticals, but is this bad?
Anyhow, the 75mm lens model is notorious for problems with its bellows. Be aware.

 

[matti]

So, I did buy a used Mamiya M645 today real cheap. With a waistlevel finder and the 80/1.9 lens. I shot a roll of T-Max 400 and developed it in Pyrocat-HD. It looks good! The focus seems to be spot on. But I will see when I print something, probably tomorrow. It sure felt a bit odd to focus with the microprism instead of a rangefinder... It seems to take a bit longer but seems very acurate. Especially as the lens is the 1.9. I think I can handhold this camera without a grip, but I ordered a metered prism from KEH, so I wont have to use my Leica M6 as a light meter. But now when I seem to get used to the waist level finder, I might try to find a small lightmeter as well. Then the kit can be quite small. Not compared to the m6, of course. Or the Iskra. Hm, I might do the CLA on that as well.

/matti

 

[ChrisN]

Hey Matti; I'll be interested to see how you go with the M645. I've got one of these - the left hand grip makes the camera easier to handle, but I find all the controls are then backward for me; shutter release with the left hand, focus and aperture controls with the right! Post some shots over on DSLRx - Jorge has opened the forum up for all film SLRs as well, so you and the M645 will fit in there nicely!

 

[satbunny]

Matti, I share your desire for an affordable used MF rangefinder. I've pretty much decided a used Fuji GA645zi is the way to go, but you're still talking right about $500. I'll read others' replies with interest. --john

I have a GA645Zi and it's a fun and great camera. If you do landscapes you need to know that the vertical format needs you to flip the head on the tripod. I would swap it for a less automated camera actually.

 

[sooner]

Good luck with your purchase, Matti. Modifying my own advice, I just picked up a Fuji GA645 (not the zi)...GAS and your thread hit me hard! So now I too have a little package in the mail. So what film do you use, and what do you do with it (i.e. slides versus prints)?

 

[matti]

Hi, congratulations! That will be a neat camera to use in public. I am kind of geting used to looking down at the ground glass by now, doing the best training that can be done to learn a camera - hunting my kids with it.
I printed the first picture this weekend and it came out great, a shot wide open at 1.9 at my daughter. I really like the lens and the smooth gradations the bigger format can give.

I shot quite a lot of different films. But only b&w. Now mostly TMY400 developed in Pyrocat-HD. But when it is lighter I go for TMAX100 in the same developer. At 35 mm I like Efke 100 in Rodinal (actually Calbe 09) and I have a bulk roll of fp2+ that I am going to try out soon. I also plan on geting some efke 100 in 120.

/matti

Good luck with your purchase, Matti. Modifying my own advice, I just picked up a Fuji GA645 (not the zi)...GAS and your thread hit me hard! So now I too have a little package in the mail. So what film do you use, and what do you do with it (i.e. slides versus prints)?