Typical GAS thread

[Lauffray]

As my severe gear acquisition syndrome kicks in, I'm now looking into the MF world. There are countless threads about this already, however I'm a bit picky so bear with me a little.
I'm looking for something compact and light, must have AE and some decent quality. 6x6 is my main choice, though 6x9 is looking interesting too.
I don't know much about the models out there, although some basic search showed me the Mamiya 6 or the Fuji690 both satisfy some of the above requirements. Thoughts ?

 

[maclaine]

No one in the midst of a GAS attack wants to hear this, or at least I usually don't (to my detriment), but you don't need to spend a ton of money to get into it. I started with a Mamiya 645E, went to an M645, and then thought I needed to drop a ton of dough on Hasselblad gear or a Mamiya 6, 7, or one of the Fujis to be happy. However, I traded an RFFer for a Mamiya C330 and couldn't be happier. I like the TLR style of shooting, it has interchangeable lenses that, while perhaps not up to Hasselblad quality, still blow away any 35mm lenses and render amazing images on film. It also has bellows extension so you can do macro stuff or really tight portraits if you want to, all with the same lens. A full setup from KEH shouldn't run you more than $300-400, if you don't go for mint examples.

 

[Gumby]

... Thoughts ?

You should look into the Mamiya 6 or the Fuji690 ... they might meet your requirements/needs.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Compact, light, rollfilm and AE: quite demanding. I think there was a 645 folder that offered all this. Or I'm reasonably sure the new (but expensive) Bessa III has an auto option. John: is there any automation on a Plaubel 67? Can't remember, but don't think so.

I'd certainly not go for a TLR (but then, I just don't like TLRs very much) and while the Fuji 690 is a lovely camera I'd not call it compact.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Lauffray]

No one in the midst of a GAS attack wants to hear this, or at least I usually don't (to my detriment), but you don't need to spend a ton of money to get into it.

Actually, that's some good news 🙂

 

[sevo]

There are not that many AE cameras in medium format - the later SLR generations of most manufacturers, but not that many beyond that. As far as I know, there is only one AE 6x9 - the Fuji G690/GL690 rangefinder with 100mm AE lens. Mamiya 7 and 6 are the next smaller, and in 6x45 there is the Bronica 645RF, plus (AF rather than rangefinder) the Fuji GA series.

 

[oftheherd]

If I recall, Mamiya, Pentax, and Contax, all had 645 with AE, but I may be wrong. I don't really consider them small either. In more recent cameras. The Mamiya 6 or 7 would be good choices from all I have heard from members who have them. I don't. In fact, I don't own any MF with even so much as a build in meter.

Really small and light are the various old folders. No AE or interchangeable lenses though. But some are inexpensive and yet have good lenses. Not a bad way to see if you like MF. Some of the old folders even had both 6x6 and 645, or even 6x6 and 6x9. But if lack of AE and interchangable lenses are deal killers, the old folders are out for you.

 

[Kip_S]

fuji 6x9s are gigantic cameras.
that said, after trying one, i would do a whole bunch of things to own one.

 

[feenej]

Compact, light, rollfilm and AE: quite demanding. I think there was a 645 folder that offered all this. Or I'm reasonably sure the new (but expensive) Bessa III has an auto option. John: is there any automation on a Plaubel 67? Can't remember, but don't think so.

I'd certainly not go for a TLR (but then, I just don't like TLRs very much) and while the Fuji 690 is a lovely camera I'd not call it compact.

Cheers,

R.

Oh yeah, Bessa III, perfect.

 

[feenej]

There is a big "A" on the shutter speed dial of the Bessa III. I assume that is auto mode. Sure wish they were priced to where I could afford one.

 

[jan normandale]

The Bronica ETRSi has an optional AE II prism feature and its affordable. If you go for the Mamiya 645 make sure you get the metered prism. Both have excellent glass.

Go to flickr and do a search for images produced by these cameras to get an idea of what they can do to a piece of film when they are in competent hands.

 

[dogberryjr]

is there any automation on a Plaubel 67? Can't remember, but don't think so.

Cheers,

R.

Nope. Still a damned fine machine, though.

 

[maclaine]

Actually, that's some good news 🙂

I should apologize for not reading your post thoroughly enough before replying. The Mamiya TLRs, unfortunately, don't meet any of the requirements you listed other than being medium format cameras. So, I retract my statement.

However, I still think TLRs are great. They are an acquired taste, for sure, but most of the pictures I take and that I like in general are portraits or pictures of people, and I think they are great for that. For landscapes, perhaps not, but that's not all that interesting to me.

 

[Calzone]

Although I own a Rolleiflex, I was looking at a Mamiya 6MF that they had/have at B&H. I had to wait to check it out for over a week because B&H was closed for the Jewish holidays.

The real reason I wanted the Mamiya 6 was for the 6x6 format to match my Rolleiflex, but most of all because they also had the elusive 50/4.0 wide angle lens (28mm equivalent in 35) that is difficult to find as a complimentry FOV. A Rollei-wide or FW is currently out of my price range.

The day B&H re-opened I figured if its there after work I would buy it on a credit card because of my gas, but I wanted to check it out in person since I live in NYC. Both the body and the lens were both rated as 8+, but in the past I bought some gear that was rated only 8, but was rather minty.

I lost out. By lunchtime the hard to find wide angle had disappeared, but the body remained.

Oh well. I'm sure I'll have further GAS attacks. Next...

I'm posting this because the Mamiya 6MF might be still available, but it is of no use to me without the WA. The price and condition both seemed good.

Cal

 

[mrisney]

I agree Mamiya 6 best of the RF's, maybe Mamiya 7, but from my experience and results, I am completely satisfied. I had the Fuji 690II, the Mamiya 645, a TLR C-220, and a Rollei 6003. I bought, tried (shot 5-6 rolls off of each camera for a month) and then sold back on Ebay. I went through this iteration the past 2 years. The Mamiya 6 was the keeper. As much as some complain that the framelines in the 6MF are a distraction, I would be intrigued. I wouldn't mind trying out a Panoramic with the 35mm holder, I have always wanted a 'Blad XPan, or a Fuji TX-1, I wonder if the 6MF would satisfy that itch. Does anyone know what the ratio of the image is, if you try to do 35mm panoramic on the Mamiya 6MF ?

 

[teepz]

In the end though, here's the thing. To a guy making his first foray into medium format, there arent any cameras (except perhaps the folders) that will feel compact. And this makes sense! The negative won't feel compact, either! If you want AE in a folder, then you're stuck on the Bessa III (are there other folders with AE? Nice ones? Not much of a folder guy.) which isn't exactly affordable for a first MF camera. Honestly, if you spend 200 on a used handheld meter, you'll not only have a better meter you can find inside of a camera, but you will open yourself up to so many different options. That's my advice.

 

[Calzone]

Although I own a Rolleiflex, I was looking at a Mamiya 6MF that they had/have at B&H. I had to wait to check it out for over a week because B&H was closed for the Jewish holidays.

The real reason I wanted the Mamiya 6 was for the 6x6 format to match my Rolleiflex, but most of all because they also had the elusive 50/4.0 wide angle lens (28mm equivalent in 35) that is difficult to find as a complimentry FOV. A Rollei-wide or FW is currently out of my price range.

The day B&H re-opened I figured if its there after work I would buy it on a credit card because of my gas, but I wanted to check it out in person since I live in NYC. Both the body and the lens were both rated as 8+, but in the past I bought some gear that was rated only 8, but was rather minty.

I lost out. By lunchtime the hard to find wide angle had disappeared, but the body remained.

Oh well. I'm sure I'll have further GAS attacks. Next...

I'm posting this because the Mamiya 6MF might be still available, but it is of no use to me without the WA. The price and condition both seemed good.

Cal

Your GAS is my GAS.

Its been a while and it hasn't subsided.

Yesterday found another 50/4.0 Mamiya wide-ange for the Mamiya 6 advertised in excelent condition for $819.00. Came with the hood and both caps. In person this lens appeared to be E+ condition and looked like it was seldom used. A Mamiya six body was not available but the glass was exteamly clean like new.

Later at home and under closer inspection, I found a small patch of cloudiness near the edge of the rear element that makes me suspect a small amount of seperation that only becomes visible under certain lighting. I then checked with a LED flashlight and only then I can see a faint halo around the entire circumference of the rear element.

Am I second guessing or is it wishful thinking is that this might be normal? Am I correct? (A lot of "macrovision" and extreamely bright lighting is required to see what I discovered BTW.)

The place I bought this lens from is very reputable, and I feel no stress because of their return policy, as I can always get my money back. Hopefully, all I need is a Mamiya 6 body and my GAS will be relieved.

Originally wanted a Rolleiflex Wide or FW, but both are out of my price range.

Please advise and thanx in advance.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

Personally, I'd probably try and exchange that lens since you can... Might it be fungus? It can creep in from the edges like that as well. I'm not so picky on bodies, but glass? Most definitely.

Thanx. You are right: the place to be picky is with glass. Oh well. Too bad the rest of the lens is so clean.

Cal

 

[gliderbee]

Easy choice (I made it myself): Mamiya 6 meets all your requirments exactly: 6x6, compact and light, AE, and excellent quality. On top of all that, it's a rangefinder and I've never heard a shutter that silent even in a small compact FF rangefinder (or let's at least say it's on a par with any Canonette, etc ..). It's hard to imagine until you try it.

Stefan.

 

[gliderbee]

In the end though, here's the thing. To a guy making his first foray into medium format, there arent any cameras (except perhaps the folders) that will feel compact.

That might depend also on what he is coming from in 35mm; my Nikon F4 wasn't that much lighter and/or smaller (if at all ..) then my Mamiya 6.