Simple Medium Format Camera

[Solinar]

Why not go large format, it's easy:

https://wanderlustcameras.com

That is a fascinating design. I wonder - if some type of hood can be used with the ground glass for focusing.

Best Regards,

 

[Spanik]

Why not go large format, it's easy:

https://wanderlustcameras.com

That looks like a lot of fun. Pity I don't have a 90mm around.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

Here's a different approach: Century Graphic. When closed it's pretty compact. About as simple as you can get. Or, one of the more simple TLRs.

When I start into MF, I decided it would be an older camera. I decided to avoid complicated mechanisms that might break (all the MF SLRs). I wanted modular pieces, again in case something breaks.

My conclusions:
- Century graphic (not heavy)
- Mamiya Press (modular as can be, heavy)
- Mamiya C220 (avoid the auto shutter cocking of the C330)
- Yashica-Mat 124G (not modular, but simple, good reputation, repairable)

The TLRs are pretty compact.

 

[ZeissFan]

Kodak also made a number of 620 cameras aimed squarely at the amateur.

Many are bakelite bodies, so you need to handle them a bit carefully, because the bakelite can chip or crack easily.

Argus also made a couple of inexpensive TLRs, and don't forget about Ansco. Some Ansco cameras are really Agfas, while others were "Made in the U.S.A." from Binghamton, N.Y.

 

[FrankS]

Why not go large format, it's easy:

https://wanderlustcameras.com

I want one!

 

[ZeissFan]

Here's a Bilora Bella 66:

Notice that the lens, an achromat (two elements), is made by Rodenstock.

It takes 120 film (it says so on the viewfinder glass).

 

[rhl-oregon]

Thanks for the Wanderlust tip, Johan. I got their first m43 pinhole in 2010 or 2011, but they fell off my radar. This would make a nice little travel home for the 90/8 + monopod, with room for a VF and my old hot shoe rangefinder...

 

[kuzano]

No doubt in my mind... GL690 Or GW690

No doubt in my mind... GL690 Or GW690

I think this is the closest to "correct" forum for me to ask this question. I'm basically looking for the features of the medium format folders, but non-folding. Simple, mechanical, range finder would be great, but scale focus is fine too. What I'm basically picturing is a scaled-up version of a Kodak Retinette, Rollei 35, or similar. Was such a camera ever made? Or did the folders fill that niche exclusively?

No doubt in my mind. I've owned a ton of medium format including folders and near contemporary.

If I continue to shoot medium format, I will likely never own anything but a Fujica G series or the first GW series.

Ideally a GL690 with the 100mm and 65 mm interchangeable lenses. Very budget oriented except for the 65mm lens.

second choice the first GW690 for two reasons. lighter than the G series, through the use of polycarbonate over metal frame and EBC coating on the fixed 90mm lens.

I will never shoot any less format than 6X9, and two judicously exposed, scanned and stitched 6X9 frames can give you a 6X15 to 6X17 panorama.

Obviously can be done with both bodies on the Panorama.

As far as price, set up a "want" on eBay. Many Many Fujica/Fujifilm big rangefinders can be found daily on eBay.

I've been buying and selling film camera's on eBay for over 15 years and never had a problem. Also always found these camera's at very good prices, considering the market for them by simply searching diligently and often.g

 

[Texsport]

Though more expensive, the Fujinon 100/3.5AE lens on an interchangeable lens Fujica 670/690 offers a coated lens and the flexibility of the only AE camera shooting on MF + the possibility of very close focusing (1.5')/reduced DOF offered by the Auto Up attachment. ( always thought to be impossible to find - but I bought 2 off eBay and let a 3rd go )

Texsport

 

[Spanik]

Though more expensive, the Fujinon 100/3.5AE lens on an interchangeable lens Fujica 670/690 offers a coated lens and the flexibility of the only AE camera shooting on MF
Texsport

On 6x9 maybe, but there are other camera's that can do AE on 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7 and 6x8. With a GX680 you can have even all those formats on the same camera.

 

[oftheherd]

Thanks, guys. Lots of good input here. I'll keep watching to see if anyone has anything else to add, but it looks like I'll be sticking with what I have or saving up for a Fuji GW. Wish there was a 6x6 version though.

Not a 6x6 version of a non-folder, but the Fujica Six is a nice camera if you get one in good nick, and just like Fujica products..

What I like about folders, besides the nice photos they can produce, is their compactness when closed. The Fujica above is also 645 as well as 6x6. Welta made some good folders as well.

Good luck in your search. There are some non-folding cameras in MF that I wasn't aware of until this thread. Go RFF!

 

[BobBill]

It's called Goldammer Gugo with Bayreuth Steiner lens.
Uncommon, if not rare.

Here's a sample picture:

A good folder like Konica Pearl would produce a much better result that this camera.

+1. One can be too simple... Pearl, any model, is excellent selection for small, even if bellows-ed. And, easy to fix. Only drawback is one has to use tripod tap for a safely or carry strap. Literally my only complaint.

And the wee thing will "snap" open like a switchblade, you do it right.