New to MF cameras, what to buy?

[Alain]

Hello.

I am new to MF rangefinders and have been searching for a camera that can still be easily serviced/maintained, even if having to ship it to a repair center.

I had been eyeballing the Bronica RF645, mostly because it's 645 format is the same aspect ratio as the 16mm films I make (1.33). A recent email from Tamron informed me they are low on parts and will be discontinuing service in October 2011. So, I am weighing other options. I guess buying multiple cameras could provide some level of protection against discontinued use, but I'd still need to determine places to have service work done.

The Fujifilm GF670 looks very nice, but the fixed lens is a little less desirable than a camera with interchangeable lenses, though not out-of-the-question. New at $1665 is pretty good compared to the new price of a Mamiya 7II, even if an apples and oranges comparison. This camera being new I assume service is easier to come by?

Mamiya 7II was the next on the list, though I am still trying to find info on the metering (averaging? spot? center-weighted?). So, any info there would be great. I assume Mamiya is still servicing this camera and will for some time to come, right?

I had also been looking at other oddites, such as the Mamiya Super 23, and many of the fixed lens Fuji cameras, but I think it boils down to one of the above.

Appreciate any thoughts, suggestions, and sharing of lessons learned.


Best,
Alain

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Alain,

Take a look at 'baby' Linhofs.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Alain]

I should add the following

I should add the following

I forgot to add the following camera... Fuji GW670. I'd have to look through the lens to see of the 90mm (equivalent to 45mm in 35 format) is wide enough, but the prices are good.

Not as interested in 6x9, but I'm not writing it off either.


Alain

 

[Alain]

Subject and format of shooting

Subject and format of shooting

What do I like to shoot? I assume you mean subject-wise, but perhaps you meant format?

Subject - landscapes, but I mean that broadly speaking. Landscape to me is stepping outside, and people can be part of landscapes, but I don't consider myself a "street shooter". I like shooting buildings and such, and if people happen to be in the shot that's ok.

Format - I wanted to try the Bronica RF645 and 645 format because it crosses over with my 16mm filmmaking, using the same aspect ratio of 1.33:1.
6x6 is ok, but I'd be more interested in 6x7, and 6x9 is too wide (1.55). I know I can crop in the darkroom, but I like see what I'm going to get in the camera when shooting, and I rarely print my own photos these days.


Alain

 

[Alain]

Dear Alain,

Take a look at 'baby' Linhofs.

Cheers,

R.

Roger, what's a baby Linhof? Does it take roll film or sheets?

Alain

 

[Roger Hicks]

Roger, what's a baby Linhof? Does it take roll film or sheets?

Alain

Dear Alain,

It's like a smaller version of a 4x5 inch Linhof and takes sheet film OR roll-film backs in 56x84mm, 56x72mm, 56x56mm. The Technika 70 has one of the best brightline range/viewfinders ever, built in, for 56x72mm (10-on-120), usually 65-105-180mm. Shutter cocking and film wind are however not coupled.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Alain]

Favorite lens

Favorite lens

Or, most importantly, I should add that I want to shoot with an equivalent to 35mm in the 35 format.

Don't really need anything wider...

39mm-42mm equivalent also works.

Alain

 

[Alain]

Dear Alain,

It's like a smaller version of a 4x5 inch Linhof and takes sheet film OR roll-film backs in 56x84mm, 56x72mm, 56x56mm. The Technika 70 has one of the best brightline range/viewfinders ever, built in, for 56x72mm (10-on-120), usually 65-105-180mm. Shutter cocking and film wind are however not coupled.

Cheers,

R.

Sounds interesting, where would I find one?

Alain

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Alan,

Google about a bit. They're not all that common, but they're eminently reparable and they come up for sale reasonably often.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Brian Legge]

Alternatively, you could look for a simpler camera to fix.

For example, TLRs are pretty simple - maintenance is largely shutter cleaning, keeping the winding from wearing too much, etc - and many good ones are cheap and common enough that parts bodies will be around for a while. Similar deal with a lot of folders.

If you want interchangable lenses, the Mamiya 330/220 series may be worth checking out. The base price is low enough with TLRs to avoid making it as substantial an investment as a Mamiya 7II (as much as I'd be thrilled to have one of those kits myself 🙂

 

[mastaliu]

I was at the same point last year, looking for a portable and affordable (relatively) MF rangefinder. I did the research, and ended up looking for a Mamiya 6 or Bronica rf645. A good used bronica with the 65mm f/4 that fit my budget came up first so I jumped. I heard about Tamron no longer supporting the camera, but I have lots of old cameras which are no longer supported by their manufacturer - I use Steve's Camera in Calvert City, CA and I'm sure they or other shops can CLA the camera or fix whatever you may need into the future.

So, the Bronica? Well, it's been said before, but it's an odd but wonderful camera, great ergonomics and simple to use. I actually don't notice the portrait viewfinder much after one or two rolls. It's very portable, and I use it often for travel. You can find them cheaper than a Mamiya 6 or 7, I don't feel like it's inferior in any way to those cameras.

As for reliability, there are said to be issues with this camera, mostly winder problems. I would try and find one like new or near new condition. During my search, I even found a old new stock rf645 at Idaho Camera, called them up and sure enough they had it, brand new and willing to negotiate.

Best of luck.

 

[mathomas]

The Bronica is a great option, from what I've read. I don't have one, but I do have a Fuji GF690III and a Fuji GA645Zi.

If you like the 6x4.5 format, don't like a fixed (focal length) lens and don't mind letting the camera do the focusing, the GA645Zi (not a rangefinder) is an incredible camera. It zooms from moderate wide-angle to long-normal (and is a very good lens), is autofocus, auto-exposure (Av or P, with full manual as well), imprints negs with exposure/date info, has a built-in fill flash, auto-wind/rewind, etc. What's more, the lens retracts to the point where the camera is almost flat. A great travel camera, and you can hand it to someone in point-and-shoot mode and they can take your picture.

Obviously, there's a lot to break, so that's a consideration (if you are so inclined). It's like the opposite of the GF690III, which has no automation at all, but is incredible in its own right. I love both cameras, but I'd rather carry/pack the GA645Zi. I got mine for around $500 off eBay and it's perfect.

From the GA645Zi.