Portable medium format on a budget

[zms21]

I am looking for a medium format camera that I can carry around daily without breaking my back. I currently have the Mamiya c220 and Koni Omega both I love but have to think twice before grabbing.

The Fuji 670 645 even would be perfect but I do not have that kind of money. I like the 6x6 through 6x9 formats. The wider the better but I am not picky. My photography consists of a mixture of portraits and landscapes.

I was looking into folders but I have no idea what the hell I am looking at with all the different lens choices ect. I was looking at some Bessa I and some Zeiss Ikon's as well. There are a couple on the bay for less than $100

I know that this may be a search with no real answer at a good price but there are a lot more smarter people out there than me so I thought I would give it a try.

Thank you all in advance.

 

[aperture64]

Rolleicord III and up.

 

[mpaniagua]

Your best bet could be a Yashica TLR, probably the 124G. They are quite light, compared to th Mamiya C series. I have one of those and one 635. Lens are really good actually.


Also, if you don't mind zone focus, Agfa Isolette are quite pocketable and cheap 🙂.

Regards.

Marcelo

 

[shawn]

The original Mamiya six folders are very compact and easy to carry. Sharp lenses too with a coupled rangefinder. 6x6 and some versions also allow 6x4.5 with masking. I carry one of them and a 6x9 Kodak Monitor folder in a Domke F5Xa with room film roll film holder and light meter.

Shawn

 

[Scapevision]

The Fuji GW690 fits both requirements. Not heavy and cheap. Any Yashica or Minolta TLR.

 

[tunalegs]

I find that I generally don't get on with folders. I have a Semi Leotax RF, which produced quite nice results - but so far I've only put one roll through it.

Leotax Saab by Berang Berang, on Flickr

Leotax Saab by Berang Berang, on Flickr

The problem with folders is they usually suffer from poor ergonomics and lousy viewfinders.

If you want a compact TLR which can produce results, the Super Ricohflex is a good one (look for one with the auto-stop film advance). It is smaller and lighter than either Rolleicords or Yashica TLRs, and good ones can be had for under $50. One thing to watch out for is stuck focus. It is sometimes disparaged for its triplet lens not being "good enough"; but check out Toshihiro Oshima's photos taken with one and it's quite obviously good enough.

Something a little more primitive, but among my favorite MF cameras are the Pilot 6 series of SLRs.

Pilot 6 by Berang Berang, on Flickr

Produced in 6x6 and 645 varieties. They're about two thirds the size of a TLR. I've taken some of my favorite photos with these tiny cameras.

Tokyo Night (remix) by Berang Berang, on Flickr

If you need something a little more refined, the Mamiya 645 system is relatively cheap and portable.

 

[mpaniagua]

...
If you need something a little more refined, the Mamiya 645 system is relatively cheap and portable.

Those are good. Unfortunately lens a kinda heavy. Probably the 80mm 2.8mm would fit the bill I guess.

Regards.

 

[Huss]

Seeing you posted this in the folder section, I guess u want a folder?

What's your budget?

 

[ForestCap]

What about an Iskra?

 

[Prest_400]

The Fuji GW690 fits both requirements. Not heavy and cheap. Any Yashica or Minolta TLR.

It is a bit large, but for the format... what can be asked? The bad rap it gets is by comparison to 35mm IMO. Convenient integration and self contained kit. 1,5kg which is something but not very heavy.

Seconding a TLR too, it is boxy but the factor can be managed nicely and in a way it is easier to carry. A Rolleicord sits at 800g and is quite light.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Beemermark]

i have almost a dozen great folders listed in the classified section that take as good or better pictures than what you have now. Maybe not the 3 element Bessa I but even then it delivers beautiful 6x9 negatives.

The Ensign, Super Ikonta C are great cameras and in your price range. The Bessa II is outstanding (I have two) and I can probably come down some.

Search on my username

 

[zms21]

WOW...you guys are great! 😀

My budget is $150 or less. Less would be better. I know that is asking for a lot.

I am open to anything really. I found that folders were on the cheaper end and I honestly do not know much about them so I thought I would post it here.

The Mamiya 6 looks very promising and the Pilot 6 looks actually pretty sweet. I love quirky cameras. And the pictures from the camera look great. Will definitely check out the Ricohflex as well.

Regarding the Afga I have been reading the majority of them now have to have the bellows replaced.

You guys have given A LOT to think about. There are a couple of antique shops by me that sometimes get cameras i will go to them and see what I can find. I think they had a couple of Rolliecords last time i went. and Ebay is always an option. Any other place you guys go to buy cameras? I am in the United States.

 

[zms21]

The Ensign, Super Ikonta C are great cameras and in your price range. The Bessa II is outstanding (I have two) and I can probably come down some.

Search on my username

Will definitely take a look!

 

[Darshan]

I second Yashica TLR, especially the D which doesn't have a meter and is slightly smaller and lighter than the 124G.

Here are a few photos from my Yashica D:

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An accidental double exposure, which is not uncommon on this camera 😀

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Good luck with your search.

 

[Robert Lai]

As for where to buy, I tend to just buy here on this forum.
I've occasionally bought from ebay, but it's often a gamble there.
Most items that I've bought from yard sales are not in good condition.

 

[Merumeni]

I would not insist in owning cameras you love but do not feel using. If you sell dead weight and add the money you get selling them to your budget you may get a camera.
Personally I would go for a Rolleicord: leight weight and reliable.
On the other hand you own a C220. It is not that heavy: get up early, get fit and use the good light.
😉

 

[Nokton48]

Plaubel Makinas are prolly over your $150 budget, but you might consider a nice one. Sometimes expensive and sometimes not.
Plaubel used to market these as "The Rolls Royce of Photography" back in the 40s and 50s

2016-07-15 13.41.57 by Nokton48, on Flickr

More info on Plaubel Makinas on my thread here: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=150710&highlight=plaubel+makina

 

[Archlich]

The Lomo LC-A 120. Extra light, 38/4.5 lens, you won't get anything more portable & wide than that. The build & lens quality are surprisingly decent, but using the camera itself is a wild ride (it's rather unpredictable) that requires some expertise to tame. That should be expected, as the Hassy SWC is not any easier to handle in that regard.

Used one can be had the 'bay for about $300, if you are patient.

 

[Huss]

The Lomo LC-A 120. Extra light, 38/4.5 lens, you won't get anything more portable & wide than that. The build & lens quality are surprisingly decent, but using the camera itself is a wild ride (it's rather unpredictable) that requires some expertise to tame. That should be expected, as the Hassy SWC is not any easier to handle in that regard.

Used one can be had the 'bay for about $300, if you are patient.

The one I tested from new had it's 'leather' cover pealing off, and depending on brand of film would not feed it correctly. Also the focus mechanism was off.
This was a new camera.
So I find it hard to recommend unfortunately.

 

[Archlich]

The one I tested from new had it's 'leather' cover pealing off, and depending on brand of film would not feed it correctly. Also the focus mechanism was off.
This was a new camera.
So I find it hard to recommend unfortunately.

I cut a new set of leatherette for mine...which would shoot only 11 frames with the HP5+ (not unlike the pre-ware Super Ikontas), but does 12 frames with Tri-X. Luckily its focus was OK.

Quirky, isn't it.