Simple Medium Format Camera

A

aagiv

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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?
 
The Fuji GW series fits perfectly.
There are several versions from 6x7 to 6x9.
90mm and 65mm fixed lens models.
Fully manual mechanical cameras with coupled Rangefinder focus.
Very very nice results from these big guys.
 
A Fujica GW690 is pretty simple. Shutter speed, aperture, focussing - other than adding film, that's pretty much all you need to worry about.
 
I guess I should add that I was hoping for something low cost like the older 35mm cameras. If the Fuji GW series are representative of the medium format options in this category, then they've held their value better (though I suppose the original cost was probably higher too, and of course certain 35mm cameras still hold high value too).
 
I've seen a gw670ii go for $250. You could probably find one for less but it may be pretty tattered.
The GW690iii has been sold for around $400 several times in the rff classified.

What sort of price are you hoping for?

TLR's can go quite inexpensive. Yashicamats under $75 are pretty common.
The Yashinon lens is as good as any other Tessar. The problem area with Yashicas is the transport.
If you find a healthy one they are great cameras!
 
Something like this?

4129488278_d8dc5b0818_z.jpg
 
Yep, I have a Yashica Mat and a Zeiss Folder. I also enjoy my Kodak Retinette in 35mm. That's what got me looking for something similar in 120. I was hoping to find something in the $100 or less range. If that isn't realistic, then that would explain why I haven't been able to find anything yet.
 
I hate to say so, but these expanding barrel 6x6es were a cheap substitute for bottom end folders (or a more "real camera like" substitute for box type cameras), and tend to have worse light leak issues than any folder - they usually have no mechanical light trap but rely on felt strips that by now have been flattened to something barely useful.
 
GW690III user here.
I settled for this camera after seeing that it is practically the only modern 6x6+ 120RF in my budget (<400$).
The mkI and mkII go for lower prices. I've seen user GW690 mk I for around 250$); If you get one from Japan, mind customs however.
The 670 version is rarer, and as it is the same body as the 6x9 and I'd stick to the latter.

It isn't a compact camera however! Ergonomics wise it is like an enlarged 35mm RF.
 
The Fuji's are great. There is also the Mamiya Press series that sometimes come around for not much money. They are even larger than the Fuji's but also good fun. But 100 or less is at the very low side for this sort of cameras.
 
googled it up and found the d'assas norlin. could be neat.

fuji gs645s, fuji ga645
holga, diana, lubitel
brownie, altissa, perfekta
 
The Apotar is a well-designed triplet and should give you decent photos. When Zeiss Ikon stopped making medium format folding cameras, it stopped making medium format cameras altogether.

I have a Braun Paxina with a collapsible lens. It is very similar to the camera that Shadowfox has. It has a three-element f/2.9 lens in a four-speed Pronto shutter (no slow speeds).

There weren't many simple non-folding medium format cameras with excellent lenses - it is contradictory from a marketing standpoint.
 
sevo said:
I hate to say so, but these expanding barrel 6x6es were a cheap substitute for bottom end folders (or a more "real camera like" substitute for box type cameras), and tend to have worse light leak issues than any folder - they usually have no mechanical light trap but rely on felt strips that by now have been flattened to something barely useful.
Click to expand...
On the other hand they are often so little used that the felt hasn't flattened... An idea occurs to me, though. Why not buy a retractable-lens camera like the one illustrated and fix the tube in the "out" position? Then light-seal the tube from the inside of the camera. Bulky and crude, it's true, but cheap, too.

Note to OP: watch out for 620 cameras that won't take 120 unless modified -- but Kodak's Medalist can be modified, and when properly lubricated, often works. Not cheap, though.

Cheers,

R.
 
I have an Isoly III just like the one pictured. Although it uses 120 film the format is 4X4 not 6X6 (actual size of mine is 41X41mm) 6X6 is 56X56mm. This means it gets 16 exposures on a roll of 120.

I was about suggest a Zeiss Nettar but you you say you already have a folder. I have a nice compact Nettar but it has the lowest grade lens/shutter supplied at that time, a 75mm f6.3 triplet with a 3 speed +B Vario shutter. Ok stopped down to f11 I suppose. I would like to have the model with the 75mm f4.5 lens and better shutter but have not found one. The lens standard on my Nettar seems solid when in place, there is no wiggle. All in all a compact, neat little camera for less than the price of a new Holga 120N.
 
Spanik said:
Still better than a Holga.
Click to expand...


True that. I actually quite like them. I have two that get used for a few rolls per year.
Fun to use and give a sort of unique look that works for some things.
Better for B+W than the Hoga. I prefer the Holga for color.
 
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