MF systems comparisons?.... need some advice..

[halabar]

OK, I'm new here, and I'm not trying to start a war, I'm just looking for good solid information....

Most of my work is 35mm digital. That won't change. But am am looking for a tool for landscape shooting, that will give my more detail than what the digital offers.

I'm looking at the Fuji rangefinders, the Mamiya 6 or the 7's, or something similar. (I don't want something as bulky as a Pentax 67).

Since many of the cameras that fall in this range are discontinued, and the shops in LA don't even have them in their used departments, I'm forced to took to Ebay. That means I need some GOOD information, as I can't even try it out first.

So, I need advise. Which cameras/lenses are sharpest?.. Which handle the best?..

I'm intrigued by the Fuji 645zi, but I'd like to know how the sharpness compares to a mamiya 7II with the 43 on it. (Yes, I know, different size negs). I'm concerned about the autofocus on the 645, but I've read focusing manually with the M7 and the 43 can be a pain too.

Thoughts?..

Advice?...

Sharpness and focusing are my biggest concerns. Size would be the next issue.

Thanks!!!

 

[bmicklea]

I rented a Mamiya 6 about a year ago and while I loved the handling of the camera and the 6x6 negative I found that the wide lenses had some pretty significant vignetting issues. I only mention this because if you're shooting landscapes the huge expanses of sky can be pretty unforgiving to vignetting lenses.

I found focusing very easy with the 6 (although that might have as much to do with the fact that I was already used to rangefinder focusing by that time). In the end if you're going for maximum sharpness you'll be shooting on a tripod and at optimum aperture (not wide open) so both the vignetting and the focus accuracy will be non-issues.

As much as anything it's going to be about your personal photographic style and workflow.

Brad

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

So, I need advise. Which cameras/lenses are sharpest?.. Which handle the best?..

I'm intrigued by the Fuji 645zi, but I'd like to know how the sharpness compares to a mamiya 7II with the 43 on it. (Yes, I know, different size negs). I'm concerned about the autofocus on the 645, but I've read focusing manually with the M7 and the 43 can be a pain too.

Sharpness and focusing are my biggest concerns. Size would be the next issue.

Never used a Fuji 645zi ... so my comments relate only to the M7 and M7II ...

1) sharpness is top of the class (see www.photodo.com). there are few sharper line up of lenses in MF

2) focusing ... with the 43mm you use an external viewfinder to frame, and the rangefinder to focus. Same as any other manual RF system, like a Leica. M7II also sports a polarized viewfinder that is very very easy to focus on.

Just turn the throw until the images line up 😀 Easy!

3) because it is manual, you have control of your focus points, greater flexibility, and more stealth due to less noise, indeed zero focusing noise

good luck

 

[halabar]

As much as anything it's going to be about your personal photographic style and workflow.

Brad

And that's a big part of the problem when I can't rent or even handle the cameras beforehand...

That vingetting is a problem as well. How do the others compare?...


Thanks for the input!

 

[Stu W]

I too did the MF thing for awhile. I had 2 Kiev 60's from Arax. They are compatible with all Pentacon mount Zeiss lenses which were superb. They too were sold however to finance my Leica habit. Stu

 

[RObert Budding]

What is the frame orientation on the Fuji 645zi? My Bronica RF645 is portrait - great camera, but not ideal for landscapes. Is the Fuji similar?

Take a look at KEH.com for Fuji rangefinders (excellent vendor and you can return for any reason during the first 10 days). They made some great lenses for their 6x7 and 6x9 cameras. Just be aware that many labs won't print 6x9 negs.

Robert

 

[Benjamin Marks]

You will have no complaints about the sharpness of the lenses on any "modern" (let's say last 10 years) MF camera from any of the major players (Fuji, Bronica, Mamiya). How big are the enlargements that you plan to make? If you are planning on going really large, then the size of the negative may be the controlling factor. If that's the case, I would look for one of the Fuji fixed-lens 6x9s. It is the same aspect ratio as a 35mm neg, but gobs larger. I would stay away from 6x4.5 if you want to make really large prints. 6x7 is a great negative size -- good luck in your search

 

[caspert79]

The lenses for the Mamiya 7 are excellent. I would recommend this camera.

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

I don't know what your wallet will stand, but a Mamiya 7 with a couple of lenses will put a big dent in your cash.

If you are not sure about medium format, I would recommend a Koni-Omega Rapid 200 with the 90mm f3.5 lens. ($200 or so range should get you a decent one). It is a killer lens as is the wide angle 58mm/60mm lens. If you find that you like the 6x7 format you will love the 4x5 format!

Look into getting a Graflex Crown Graphic 4x5. You can get roll film backs in 6x7 and 6x9. And you can also use 4x5 sheet film plus polaroid film in the 545 Polaroid back. It is not much larger than the Koni-Omega and weighs about the same. Actually when it is folded it is easier to carry around than the Koni.

If you have a ton of money then get the Mamiya.

Wayne

 

[Byuphoto]

I have a 7II and would not trade it for any other MF. The lenses are tack sharp and without a mirror slower shutter speeds are possible handheld. I use it for both weddings and landscape but it is pricey. I now only have one arm and leg ;-)

 

[RObert Budding]

. . . How big are the enlargements that you plan to make? If you are planning on going really large, then the size of the negative may be the controlling factor. If that's the case, I would look for one of the Fuji fixed-lens 6x9s. It is the same aspect ratio as a 35mm neg, but gobs larger. I would stay away from 6x4.5 if you want to make really large prints. . .

I suppose "large" is relative. I have no problems printing very nice 16x20 prints from 645 negs using HP5 film. But yes, I'd use a larger format if I wanted to print much larger than that.

I really like 645 - the gear is compact, not too expensive, and the prints are really stunning. I own two 645 cameras in this format - a Mamya 645 Pro TL and a Bronica RF645.

Robert

 

[DougK]

I used to have a Fuji GA645 with the 60mm f/4 lens. It's very similar to the 645zi, the main difference is the fixed lens versus the zoom lens (which isn't really a true zoom lens but has four distinct focal length "stops," if I remember correctly. Killer lens sharpness and contrast, very light and easy to handle, the framelines adjust with the focus distance and the autofocus is accurate provided you know where the focus point is and watch the focus distance indicator in the viewfinder. The automatic exposure is dead on. The negative is in portrait orientation, which I believe will be true of any 645 rangefinder camera given the way the film is loaded. I loved the camera but I wanted something smaller so I sold it in favor of purchasing a Bessa R. The Fuji is a fantastic camera, so if you can get it for a good price, you won't regret it.

You could also look at a Bronica 645 RF, those are reputed to be great cameras as well.

 

[halabar]

Thanks for all the input!!!

If price wasn't an issue, I might go for the mamiya 7II, but that will be $4000 for the kit and the 43mm.

That's why I'm still considering the Fuji 645zi, as I can get that for about $850 or so on Ebay. That an experiment, while still pricey, I can manage. I can always resell it later if need be.

Other than the vertical orientation issue, is there anything else I should consider?....

I might look for one of those older larger 6x9 systems as well, but from my initial searches on Ebay, it might be a while before I find that.. 🙂

anything else I should know?..

 

[Doug]

I was going to suggest the Mamiya 7II as well, due to the combination of 6x7 and quality glass... but it IS expensive. I have two Pentax 67 cameras and don't mind the bulk, but that's a personal thing of course. I also have a Fuji GS645S (60mm lens) and a GA645Wi (45mm lens) and avoided the Zi because of the slow zoom lens. But the slow aperture should be acceptable for landscape shots, and the zooming feature should be an advantage there. In any case, the Fuji 645 models are all vertical orientation (no problem for me), and their lenses are marvelous.

It seems the Pentax 645 with zoom is rather popular for landscape work. Frame orientation is horzontal due to the film running vertically. The advantage here of the SLR (oops, sorry RF folks!) is with graduated filters and polarizers often used for landscapes. RF cams have problems with filters in that you can't see the effect in the viewfinder.