graywolf
Well-known
A Medalist belongs on a tripod, it simply was not designed to be a hand held camera.
620: tho only real solution is to have the camera modified to take 120. You can buy respooled or modified 120 spools of film for a price. Somewhere around 100 rolls pay for modifying the camera. Respooling yourself as you have found out is only something for someone who only wants to run a few rolls through their old camera.
Imagewise the Metalist is pretty close to being unique. Any folder that comes even close is going to be pretty bulky itself. Coat pocket sized rather than pants pocket. The press/technical cameras with the "right" lens can come very close, but they are bulky although more ergonomic. The most sensible to me would be a Pacemaker Crown Graphic 23.
My all time favorite 120 camera was the Mamiya Universal Press with the 100mm f2.8 lens, but I kind of doubt the image was quite as nice as the Medalist's. It would make you think a Medalist is kind of compact however.
620: tho only real solution is to have the camera modified to take 120. You can buy respooled or modified 120 spools of film for a price. Somewhere around 100 rolls pay for modifying the camera. Respooling yourself as you have found out is only something for someone who only wants to run a few rolls through their old camera.
Imagewise the Metalist is pretty close to being unique. Any folder that comes even close is going to be pretty bulky itself. Coat pocket sized rather than pants pocket. The press/technical cameras with the "right" lens can come very close, but they are bulky although more ergonomic. The most sensible to me would be a Pacemaker Crown Graphic 23.
My all time favorite 120 camera was the Mamiya Universal Press with the 100mm f2.8 lens, but I kind of doubt the image was quite as nice as the Medalist's. It would make you think a Medalist is kind of compact however.
nosmok
Established
I think if you've got a budget, a newer Plaubel Makina 67 or 670 would fit your requirements, except the 6x9 part. But everybody who has one (I don't) seems to rave about the picture qualities.
If you have less budget and enjoy hunting and tweaking, an older Plaubel Makina III is sort of pocketable, has interchangeable lenses, and does 6x9. Many have complained about the Anticomar lens, but having shot 2 different versions of both the 100mm f/2.9 and the WA 73mm Orthar (and one 190mm Tele-Makinar) I have to say my experience has been much better than the nattering. Ergonomics of the MakIII are... interesting, but then so are the Medalist's. Tip: hold the MakIII in your right hand, with your index finger poised on the shutter button and your thumb and knuckle on the aluminum grip. If yours doesn't have that grip, run away. You should be able to get a complete MakIII outfit with backs and lenses for about the cost of a 67/670.
For a dirt cheap but fiddly option, someone else in the thread talked about his Kodak Monitor 620. No rangefinder, but that Anastigmat Special lens is almost as good as the Medalist Ektar. The bellows are a problem but can be fixed with thin mylar tape or other means, and accessory rangefinders are cheap.
If you have less budget and enjoy hunting and tweaking, an older Plaubel Makina III is sort of pocketable, has interchangeable lenses, and does 6x9. Many have complained about the Anticomar lens, but having shot 2 different versions of both the 100mm f/2.9 and the WA 73mm Orthar (and one 190mm Tele-Makinar) I have to say my experience has been much better than the nattering. Ergonomics of the MakIII are... interesting, but then so are the Medalist's. Tip: hold the MakIII in your right hand, with your index finger poised on the shutter button and your thumb and knuckle on the aluminum grip. If yours doesn't have that grip, run away. You should be able to get a complete MakIII outfit with backs and lenses for about the cost of a 67/670.
For a dirt cheap but fiddly option, someone else in the thread talked about his Kodak Monitor 620. No rangefinder, but that Anastigmat Special lens is almost as good as the Medalist Ektar. The bellows are a problem but can be fixed with thin mylar tape or other means, and accessory rangefinders are cheap.
unixrevolution
Well-known
I am leery about taking a dremel or files to my Medalist, but this may be worthwhile. Carrying nail clippers is way more convenient than carrying film loads for different cameras.
I can see where they would be, there is an awful lot going on in a folder. I do want to try the Folder thing, but I am becoming increasingly convinced that it won't replace the Medalist.
^ +1 .
And, you don't have to plan for battery availability/charge.
I spend so much time and energy worrying about charging batteries.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
I feel so weird putting a rangefinder on a tripod. But I agree, except for outings where I specifically want to shoot the ol' thing, the 620 loading really slows one down. For actual use as part of a system or "toolkit" it kinda sucks.
A coat pocket rather than pants pocket camera would be fine with me. I just like the idea of Pocket Medium Format. I've held and used a Super Graphic 4x5 and a Century Graphic 2x3, and while it's enjoyable I actually prefer the Medalist both for size and weight, and for the user experience. The viewfinders on Graphics aren't terrific, and having such a distance between the RF and VF is troublesome.
The later Makina is a lovely looking camera, but it fails on every single criteria I set out in the original post. It is too expensive, too big, and not a 6x9. Other than that, it's very appealing, but I would sooner buy one of the 6x9 Fujis.
The older Makina outfit sounds interesting, and I have pondered it. I have to admit I've been put off by the nattering of others about its IQ, but it remains a possibility.
As far as your suggestion to get a 620 folder, I do have one. I have a pristine Kodak Tourist, that I never shoot because it takes 620 and isn't even as good as the Medalist is. I might end up scratching the folder itch with a scale focus camera, but I really want an RF. I would rather go down-format than give up either the RF or the 120 spools.
Separate and new question for all: What should I buy, regardless of format, to get the Medium-format-RF-in-a-pocket experience?
shawn
Veteran
Mamiya Six folder. 6x6 Small, great lens, rf and some can do both 6x6 and 6x4.5. They are also inexpensive. Film plane focusing for less complexity in the folding mechanism.
Shawn
Shawn
nosmok
Established
Welta Weltur in 6x6 or combo 6x6 / 6x4.5. Nice (usually)Tessar lenses, very well built, not too expensive (the last one I bought was under a hundred bucks), easy to CLA. They are getting harder to find than they used to be though.
unixrevolution
Well-known
These guys had caught my eye, and the dual-format thing is always worthwhile. I don't have *anything* that shoots the 645 format at the moment.
I will check these out.
Dan Daniel
Well-known
If the lens is what really gets you on the Medalist- why else mess with such a 'unique' in so many ways camera?- then it seems to me a Bessa II with Heliar is the only real option. They float through Ebay all the time- looks like $700-1300 is the present range.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...+II+heliar.TRS1&_nkw=bessa+II+heliar&_sacat=0
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...+II+heliar.TRS1&_nkw=bessa+II+heliar&_sacat=0
citizen99
Well-known
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43334883@N03/8011616933/in/album-72157629691099238/
Focussed on the grey tractor; double-click on it to see full size.
This was taken with a Heliar of which the serial number dates it to the mid-1930s.
The Color-Heliar of the Bessa II may be presumed to be better.
Focussed on the grey tractor; double-click on it to see full size.
This was taken with a Heliar of which the serial number dates it to the mid-1930s.
The Color-Heliar of the Bessa II may be presumed to be better.
shawn
Veteran
This is for an early Kodak Monitor with the 101mm Anastigmat Special. Click on it and view the original size scan (118 megapixels) and you can read many of the signs in the stores.
This one is with the Mamiya Six V.
Shawn
This one is with the Mamiya Six V.
Shawn
Dan Daniel
Well-known
And THAT image is why people go through the bother of 6x9 and the bother of the Medalist. A well-done Heliar is a wonderful lens.
Nokton48
Veteran
Interesting somebody recommends the Plaubel Makina III. I will second that. Plaubel used to advertise this as "The Rolls Royce of Cameras". I'd agree with that, but not for everybody. I cherish mine (I have two of them). See my Plaubel Makina thread here:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=150710&highlight=plaubel+makina
Restored Makina III by Nokton48, on Flickr
lynnb
Veteran
I can also recommend the Bessa II - mine is the Color-Skopar version. It will slip into a jacket pocket. The coupled RF is crisp. I carry it along with a IIIc and it's no problem to get it out and grab photos like this:
citizen99
Well-known
Both very nice !This is for an early Kodak Monitor with the 101mm Anastigmat Special. Click on it and view the original size scan (118 megapixels) and you can read many of the signs in the stores.
This one is with the Mamiya Six V.
Shawn
I'm _trying_ to cut down on my 'GAS', but I could be sorely tempted if a Monitor or Vigilant popped up on this side of the pond.
unixrevolution
Well-known
The Bessa II's are beautiful. I may pop for a Color-Skopar, but the Heliar versions are just way, WAY too much money for me.
That's damn sharp.
Both of those show that Medium Format film with a good lens is still huge resolution, and the Anastigmat lenses from Kodak can hold their own.
The Makinas might be just a little too big for me, but they do hold some appeal. Thanks for the link to the forum thread. Deus Ex Makina!
I think a Color Skopar Bessa II is at the top of my list.
I think a bunch of us have GAS now.
oftheherd
Veteran
I bought a Moskva 5 and the front standard doesn't lock in. Of course if you want a 6x9 folder with tilt front lens, that's the camera for you. It is also a little heave. ( I meant heavy, but considering the tilting lens, maybe heave is more appropriate )
My son-in-law bought a Moskva 2 and loves it. It is a good photo taker,
I will probably stick with my Zeiss non-RF 6x9 with Novar lens. Well, I learned to judge distance using a Welta Welti. I can still do it. It's just a workflow thing when I use it.
)My son-in-law bought a Moskva 2 and loves it. It is a good photo taker,
I will probably stick with my Zeiss non-RF 6x9 with Novar lens. Well, I learned to judge distance using a Welta Welti. I can still do it. It's just a workflow thing when I use it.
unixrevolution
Well-known
I bought a Moskva 5 and the front standard doesn't lock in. Of course if you want a 6x9 folder with tilt front lens, that's the camera for you. It is also a little heave. ( I meant heavy, but considering the tilting lens, maybe heave is more appropriate
My son-in-law bought a Moskva 2 and loves it. It is a good photo taker,
I will probably stick with my Zeiss non-RF 6x9 with Novar lens. Well, I learned to judge distance using a Welta Welti. I can still do it. It's just a workflow thing when I use it.
Thanks for the tips on the Moskvas!
I have, and have had, several MF folders, but never a rangefinder. I want a rangefinder darnit
athos
Still like film
Fuji GW690III
Fuji GW690III
Sir...
I have several Fuji GW690III and GW670III with their supposedly excellent lens. They are good but not up to the elderly Ektar. The lens coatings make Fuji film look better than Kodak film, but then except for one Kodak print film, Fuji is your only choice.
I'd fix the spool problem and keep the Medalist.
A. T. Burke
Fuji GW690III
Sir...
I have several Fuji GW690III and GW670III with their supposedly excellent lens. They are good but not up to the elderly Ektar. The lens coatings make Fuji film look better than Kodak film, but then except for one Kodak print film, Fuji is your only choice.
I'd fix the spool problem and keep the Medalist.
A. T. Burke
Moto-Uno
Moto-Uno
^ I'm tempted to remind you that Portra 800 , 400 and 160 is still available , I'm assuming the print film (Kodak) that you were refering to was their Ektar .
Regards,Peter
Regards,Peter
unixrevolution
Well-known
Ektar is amazing, but yes, all 3 portra variants are alive and well. I shoot 400 and 160 Portra a lot.