need some direction in medium format view cameras

[flip]

I have an interest in pursuing larger formats - and since LF is rather too large, I've decided MF is the way to go. I like square negatives and I want to try a view camera with interchangeable lenses. I'd like to be as compact as my requirements allow. Where does this leave me?

Finding the gear shouldn't be too hard here. The questions is what's a good system and why. Any advice?

**EDIT** It is apparent that I don't know the nomenclature. 🙂 Bear with me. I'm thinking small, Hassie-type cameras.

 

[FrankHarries]

Well, you will probably get a lot of different opinions I guess. Would like to give you advice but I can recommend the Mamiya 6 as a great rangefinder MF camera with interchangeable lenses. There are only three, which some people find too limited, but I am a three lens guy anyway - and the 50, 75 and 150 suit me well (although I have only the 75 right now.). Why Mamiya 6? It takes sharp pictures. The camera ca collaps its bellows at least to a slight extent which makes it handy. It is a RF and I can use it like my Hexar Rf or Leica M2 - nothing much to adjust. For me its comfortable - I can leave it in my hand when I go out shooting in the streets - its different with my Hasselblad and even my Rolleiflex - I don't like cameras on straps hanging around my neck. And I don't like to store cameras away into a bag after every shot either.
Maybe the Mamiya 7 is for you if you need some more choice among lenses..

 

[murpograph]

View or field?

View or field?

I guess you are looking for a field camera, though they have limited tilt- and shift-ranges. They can be used even hand-held. Very compact and light-weight are wooden cameras (tachihara etc.). Even compact but much heavier and much more precise are for example the Linhof or the Horseman field-cameras. All of these cameras have interchangeable lenses and international backs, so that LF-magazines and magazines for MF (120) can be used. A real view-camera must be operated with a tripod. Nevertheless there is one you should consider for yr. choice: Peco Junior which was designed especially for MF. Very light, precise movements and a lot of inexpensive lenses available; not easy to find but quite cheap.

Regards
Udo

 

[kitaanat]

You may interested in Hasselblad Flexbody.

For me I use Linhof Kardan E with 120 magazine.
4x5 films are difficult to find for me.

kitaanat

 

[ChrisN]

I wonder if the OP means a view camera or a viewfinder camera?

If view camera (with ground-glass focusing and movements) I'd love to try a non-folding Ebony SW23). (http://www.ebonycamera.com/cam.html)

I've linked to a pic on the Ebony website - if that's not allowed could the mods please remove the link and let me know.

 

[flip]

Yes, my ignorance in this area is readily apparent. Let me back up.

I have, on several occasions, enjoyed the shots by the "Hassie Possie." I checked-out the camera, which seemed not too large. OTOH Iread some reports about quality and maintenance issues with the brand. So, I thought I would look into the type. It would seem that this type of camera is not the type I think it is.

 

[FrozenInTime]

I also was wondering if by 'view camera' are you looking for LF like movements tilt-shift / ground glass etc. or a more conventional SLR/TLR/RF camera ?

I love the square Hasselblad and occasionally use the flex-body which adds limited movements to conventional non-shift lenses.
It works better with some lenses than others e.g the 50cfi has a much larger image circle than the 50cf lenses.
I would not recommend it alone though - only in addition to a 500 series SLR body.

Something like a RF/OVF equipped Horseman or Linhof 23 with real large format lenses could be a better choice if you wanted all the flexibility of large format on roll film in a single body.

Donald.

 

[fotoman617]

You might consider the Horseman VH (or VHR) camera... so long as you don't need to use ultra-wide lenses. Lenses, from 65mm up to around 270mm (Telephoto) work fine. It accepts many International Mini-Graflok (6x9) back accessory... RFB's in 6x6, 6x7, or 6x9, Angle Finder, Slider, etc. It is very robustly made, yet extremely compact and light weight, as well.

 

[sevo]

Arca and Linhof have quite an impressive selection in that format - very expensive though, as these are current high-end digital studio tools. There are not that many affordable, old medium format view cameras about - at least in Europe, the Plaubel Peco Junior is the only widespread one, most other manufacturers back then had a 4x5 with a medium format back as their entry level system.

 

[Jamie123]

If you go the Hasselblad route you might want to look for a Hasselblad ArcBody instead of a FlexBody. The difference between the two is that the ArcBody uses special Rodenstock lenses with an image circle large enough to offer proper tilt and shift whereas the Flexbody uses regular Hasselblad lenses and offers only very limited movements.
The ArcBody often sells as a kit with the lenses and it's never cheap. That being said, it would be quite an elegant solution for your problem.

A far cheaper solution would probably be soemthing like a Fuji GX680III which is a 6x8 mf camera with some movements. I don't know much about these cameras but it's worth looking into.

 

[Ezzie]

Shen Hao do a 6x12 View camera with all the movements. Small and lightweight compared to "real" LF 4x5 view cameras. Not nearly as expensive as Alpa, Linhof and the like. And being ready for 120 film you really get the whole range of sizes for the price of a mask or two, from 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9. I was seriously looking into that route myself.

 

[FPjohn]

Investigate the world from the Century Graphic to ARCA Swiss

Investigate the world from the Century Graphic to ARCA Swiss

You have already been given good and cogent advice. I would recommend a Century Graphic with a modern lens such as the Nikkor W 105mm as an alternative. Ebony and ARCA Swiss have a range of fine models in the 6x9 format - cost must not be a consideration however! 🙂

yours
FPJ

http://www.ebonycamera.com/cam.html

http://www.precisioncameraworks.com/

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/product.asp?P_ID=1586&PT_ID=319

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/roundup2x3.html

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/

 

[johannielscom]

The latest uploaded shot on my website was shot with a Horseman 970 with 105/3.5 Topcon Super, the native lens on that camera.

I think I can vouch for it being one hell of a camera, that shot considered... 😉

 

[FrankS]

Two suggestions from my camera stable: Mamiya Press Super - with ground glass back, and Speed Graphic, it's a 4x5 but I also have a roll film back.

 

[kuzano]

Fuji... for the superb EBC coated lenses

Fuji... for the superb EBC coated lenses

Aside from the normal and repeated discussions of the big Fuji rangefinders found on this site, Fuji makes a full system camera with some movements (bellows) called the GX680. Has an array of the tack sharp Fuji EBC lenses available.

Quite often found at any given time on eBay, including a large supply of accessories. Obviously 6X8 format. If you bide your time watching eBay you can quite often find a complete camera with back, body, lens and batteries system for a reasonable price. Superb Fuji results with the bonus of movements and shift lens capabilities.

My favorite motto... "Shoot Fuji For Results That Will Make You Wet, Every Time!".

 

[Frank Petronio]

It sounds like medium format might be new to you as well, in which case mastering the conventional 6x6 cameras would be the first step.

Some cameras offer a little tilt, like the old Rollei SL66, and some cameras have tilt-shift lenses, like the Hblad. There are plenty of interesting options just within those lines.

Note that it is harder to SEE the effects of your tilts and swings with smaller formats -- 8x10 cameras are a breeze to use in this regard, 4x5 is the accepted norm, and 6x6 is really freaking small to be using a loupe and guessing how much to tilt the front standard! Not that it can't be done, but it actually requires better technique than a larger format.

There is a reason medium format view cameras are rare....

The other obvious option is to get a "Baby" Graflex Speed Graphic or older Linhof Technika 6x9 -- they are inexpensive -- and use nice lenses with them, with little or no movements. Also many people use a regular 4x5 camera with a 120 roll film back -- all the pain and headaches but with smaller, lower-quality film!

 

[FrankS]

FrankP: another way of looking at it, is: all the benefits (movements) of a 4x5 camera with the ease of use of roll film.

 

[rlouzan]

Phil,

Galvin view, Silvestri wide, Cambo wide, Cambo 23SF, Gowland, Horseman, Century Graphic , Corfield WA 67, ... a 6x6 back(s) and a good ground glass magnifier.

+ I ´ve heard that in Japan there are some camera clubs where members make their own MF cameras.

Regards,
RLouzan

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FS: Hand made camera straps
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php/product/22053/limit/recent

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[rlouzan]

Japan Hand Made Camera Club:
http://www.phsc.ca/mabuchi/mabuchi.pdf

 

[FrozenInTime]

**EDIT** It is apparent that I don't know the nomenclature. 🙂 Bear with me. I'm thinking small, Hassie-type cameras.

The o/p has clarified that he's not looking for a view camera or field camera : and is looking a conventional MF camera such as a Hasselblad.

I think that's a good thing : it's hard to go wrong with a 500 series blad and a 80mm lens.

The 500c does not have a user replaceable screen
The 500cm add a user replaceable screen
The 501c has a brighter aucte-matte screen.
The 501cm gained a gliding mirror - only really an advantage for 180mm or longer lenses
The 503CX has TTL flash - mirror as 501c
The 503CXi as CX but takes motor winder
The 503CW as CXi plus gliding mirror.

If you go for an older camera/magazine - take a few test rolls to check the seals on the magazine : they might need replaced.

All the cameras are reliable : Number one rule is - make sure the body and lens are cocked before changing the lens.