Portable medium format on a budget

[shawn]

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


The Mamiya 6 looks very promising...

You should be able to get one at that price. I bought my Mamiya Six V (dual format) for $100 in very good condition and working great. The last models (Auto Mats) tend to go for more. Main difference with them is the shutter is cocked automatically when you advance the film. If you try one on ebay make sure it includes the slide in film plate.

One from mine...

Wickford4

Shawn

 

[Scrambler]

I've had an Agfa 6x6 folder but the plastic bellows were unrepairable so not a good budget buy. I've a Zeiss Ikon Nettar (zone focus with triplet lens) which is good quality. The nice user for me is an Ensign Auto-Range 220. Rangefinder focus with 6x6 or 645 with built in adapter. Film spacing using a top mount reversible disc marked for each format. This lets you keep the red window shut and speeds up use. I have put an older lens on mine but they usually have competent triplets but sometimes can be found with Zeiss Tessars. Not for cheap though I suspect. Focus is by a rotating lever under the unit focussing 75mm lens. Shutter release on the body, shutter timing and aperture on the shutter itself. They are basic but well thought through. I would say about Fed 2 standard.

What takes some getting used to is that controls are mirror image to Leica: VF window to the right, wind knob and shutter release to the left. The ergonomics are fine but because of the flip nothing is automatic in my head. I dont belive slowing down hurts though 🙂

 

[zms21]

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.
😉

HAHA...probably the best advice. I actually love using the koni and the mamiya, especially the Koni. The frame advance is just amazing. I was just thinking for everyday use and carrying around. But you are absolutely right. I have some great suggestions and Will see what I can find. Thankfully for me it is not a necessity more of a want. Probably just GAS...haha

 

[zms21]

You should be able to get one at that price. I bought my Mamiya Six V (dual format) for $100 in very good condition and working great. The last models (Auto Mats) tend to go for more. Main difference with them is the shutter is cocked automatically when you advance the film. If you try one on ebay make sure it includes the slide in film plate.

One from mine...

Wickford4

Shawn

Thanks for the tips! the picture looks great! It is all about patience.

 

[Sjixxxy]

IMHO, the Mamiya Six is the best choice in terms of portability. But just keep in mind of possibly having to drop another $100 or so on new bellows if you lose the light leak gamble. TLRs are great as well, but the Six still take the cake for portability.

Recent click from my Six

 

[wjlapier]

As has been said. Bellows are a gamble with folders unless the seller really knows what they have and are completely honest about the condition. Zone focus for many in your price range. I don't mind zone or hyper focal focus since I don't shoot close with them anyway. Gotta know your limitations. I have a Bessa I which I think has a pretty good lens at f/16. Same for the Ikonta's I have, the Leotax and the Certo Dolly. The Certo and Bessa are rock solid cameras. IMO, the Certo has the sharpest and best contrast lens of the bunch.

 

[oftheherd]

You should be able to get one at that price. I bought my Mamiya Six V (dual format) for $100 in very good condition and working great. The last models (Auto Mats) tend to go for more. Main difference with them is the shutter is cocked automatically when you advance the film. If you try one on ebay make sure it includes the slide in film plate.

One from mine...

Wickford4

Shawn

Yes, a very important part of making the camera work. Even more important are the two wire springs that hold the moving back in place. If you are contemplating purchasing one sight unseen, ask the seller if the back moves in both directions in response to the focus wheel turning.

As already mentioned, light leaks in bellows are a danger, as are misaligned struts which may prevent the lens from being perpendicular to the film plane. If the bellows leaks are small and few, they can be plugged with liquid electrician's tape. But once they start, they may well continue.

All sounds scary doesn't it? But it really doesn't happen that often. Most folders are good, but may need a little cleaning. They tend to have decent lenses. Non RF tend to be significantly lighter.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Personally, I went through very many not expensive (under 100$) folders and TLRs. Most of them needed CLA (which I did). Yashica, Rolleicords, Mamya.

If you are looking at ebay and where are some cameras which are listed as working and under 100$ ... it doesn't really matter which one you'll get. As long as it is really working one. This should be your main concern. Or you should be willing to fix it by yourself.

Viotlander made tiny 6x6 folders after war with coated Color Skopar lens. I had pre-war and after-war versions. Nice cameras, it was possible to find them on ebay under 100$ and after CLA they were good.

Here is nothing wrong with working Moskva-2 or if you could find Moskva-4 (it has focus mask for 6x6). Stay away from Moskva-5 and from Iskra.

 

[Peter Jennings]

I'll add another endorsement for the old Mamiya Six V. I don't use mine nearly enough, but when I do I find it easy to carry and ergonomically efficient. It's nice to have a choice between 6x6 and 645. And the Zuiko lens is more than adequate.

 

[oftheherd]

Personally, I went through very many not expensive (under 100$) folders and TLRs. Most of them needed CLA (which I did). Yashica, Rolleicords, Mamya.

If you are looking at ebay and where are some cameras which are listed as working and under 100$ ... it doesn't really matter which one you'll get. As long as it is really working one. This should be your main concern. Or you should be willing to fix it by yourself.

Viotlander made tiny 6x6 folders after war with coated Color Skopar lens. I had pre-war and after-war versions. Nice cameras, it was possible to find them on ebay under 100$ and after CLA they were good.

Here is nothing wrong with working Moskva-2 or if you could find Moskva-4 (it has focus mask for 6x6). Stay away from Moskva-5 and from Iskra.

There is always a risk when buying used cameras. But overall, with folders I have done pretty well. Especially with the German brand Welta. To the OP, don't be afraid to try. As I said, I have had good luck with Weltas, including the Perfekta. Also the 6x9 Zeiss Ikonta. That is no guarantee my next one will be good or that yours will be. But it is probably a good chance you will get a good one.

 

[zms21]

I'll add another endorsement for the old Mamiya Six V. I don't use mine nearly enough, but when I do I find it easy to carry and ergonomically efficient. It's nice to have a choice between 6x6 and 645. And the Zuiko lens is more than adequate.

I think that I am leaning towards the Mamiya the most right now. Just need to find it for a good price. Its just about patience.

If you are looking at ebay and where are some cameras which are listed as working and under 100$ ... it doesn't really matter which one you'll get. As long as it is really working one. This should be your main concern. Or you should be willing to fix it by yourself.

Viotlander made tiny 6x6 folders after war with coated Color Skopar lens. I had pre-war and after-war versions. Nice cameras, it was possible to find them on ebay under 100$ and after CLA they were good.

Here is nothing wrong with working Moskva-2 or if you could find Moskva-4 (it has focus mask for 6x6). Stay away from Moskva-5 and from Iskra.

Thank you I will be looking into those.

There is always a risk when buying used cameras. But overall, with folders I have done pretty well. Especially with the German brand Welta. To the OP, don't be afraid to try. As I said, I have had good luck with Weltas, including the Perfekta. Also the 6x9 Zeiss Ikonta. That is no guarantee my next one will be good or that yours will be. But it is probably a good chance you will get a good one.

That is very good to hear.

In the last couple of days I have found out about cameras that I did not even know existed. Thank you all for the amazing wealth of information. You guys are awesome!

 

[oftheherd]

I think that I am leaning towards the Mamiya the most right now. Just need to find it for a good price. Its just about patience.



Thank you I will be looking into those.



That is very good to hear.

In the last couple of days I have found out about cameras that I did not even know existed. Thank you all for the amazing wealth of information. You guys are awesome!

A couple of things. With the Mamiya Six V, one would need to know how it changes to 645. If it doesn't have doors that swing into place, which some cameras with dual formats have, it will have to have an insert. No insert, no dual format. I have a Welta and a Fujica with inserts, and you could probably have a machinist manufacture one if you wanted that function and couldn't get a camera with an insert. A lot of sellers don't know that. Or do and intentionally don't comment on it.

Dual format MF have a big advantage and a big disadvantage. The big advantage is being able to use 645. The big disadvantage is being able to use 645. A lot of people use it, I don't because I don't see the advantage of using MF but restricting oneself to 645. I think there is a reason most dual format cameras are missing the 645 insert.

EDIT: I agree with ko fe on the Moskva. And I will add one more thing, any RF will be heavier. That may be a disadvantage to you or not. Sometimes it is for me, sometimes not. Luckily I have enough of both to use whichever I choose depending on how I feel.

 

[Spanik]

Dual format MF have a big advantage and a big disadvantage. The big advantage is being able to use 645. The big disadvantage is being able to use 645. A lot of people use it, I don't because I don't see the advantage of using MF but restricting oneself to 645. I think there is a reason most dual format cameras are missing the 645 insert.

Biggest disadvantage of dual format cameras is that whatever possibilities it gives, you always have to use a camera sized for the biggest format. And it very rarely is possible to switch formats halfway a roll (probably only the xpan).

 

[shawn]

A couple of things. With the Mamiya Six V, one would need to know how it changes to 645. If it doesn't have doors that swing into place, which some cameras with dual formats have, it will have to have an insert. No insert, no dual format. I have a Welta and a Fujica with inserts, and you could probably have a machinist manufacture one if you wanted that function and couldn't get a camera with an insert. A lot of sellers don't know that. Or do and intentionally don't comment on it.
.

On the Mamiya it is just doors that swing into place and a mask that slides into place for the viewfinder. Nothing to loose there.

Shawn

 

[benlees]

If you want a folder, then a Fujica Super 6 should also be on your list. If your budget is $150 then a TLR is hard to beat: small and reliable. Good folders can be hard to get for $150. But $150 for a TLR with a good tessar; the world is your oyster. So much choice.

 

[Arbitrarium]

I'd love a Mamiya 6 Automat but can't justify the price.

I'll recommend what I know: Balda Super Baldax. Coupled rangefinder, f/2.8 lens. Just about squeezes in a pocket. I love mine, and I got it for £30.

 

[johannielscom]

My recommendation would be the Super Ikonta B. It has an 80mm 2.8 Tessar lens and the rangefinder can be very precise (ask for that, service can be expensive and is no DIY job unless you're trained).

You can find a close-up attachment with it for little money, which will probably require the aperture to be stopped down to 4.0 to cover the slight rangefinder focus error the attachment induces, but it allows the camera to focus down to 90cms and is very nice to use.

They can be had for under USD 150, although it is easier to find a Mamiya Six for that kind of money.

 

[ruby.monkey]

A Lubitel 166 weighs next to nothing and is cheap enough to be disposable. Not a folder but almost small enough to fit in a coat pocket; on a neckstrap you'd almost forget you're carrying it.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

A Voigtlander Perkeo (zone focus) will be very inexpensive, have a very good lens and will save you enough for a few bricks of your favorite film still within budget.

Phil Forrest

 

[leicapixie]

I have used Mamiya c series, all of them.
It is heavy but a wonderful camera with a choice of lenses.
I have an old Rolleiflex Automat which weighs way less.
Yet I don't use it much and certainly not for daily use.
My suggestion is use a wider strap for the Mamiya.
Extra lens pairs are not heavy or bulky.
I miss changing to a longer lens on Rollei.
Don't carry extra camera(Koni-Omega, Big and HEAVY).
Going Folder is a way, I have NEVER gone.
Slow, tricky to buy and use. But Pix seen are great.