Samouraï
Well-known
A modern Alpa technical camera would be pretty amazing. I've always wanted one. But a Mamiya 7II might fit a budget better (and might get more use).
What camera would you choose as a special gift?
- Thread starter TennesseJones
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A modern Alpa technical camera would be pretty amazing. I've always wanted one. But a Mamiya 7II might fit a budget better (and might get more use).
sisser
Established
Okay this one.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
I don't really like receiving cameras or lenses as gifts because I use them as tools, buy and sell them freely. Gifts I like to hold on to, in honor of the person presenting the gift. Also, the cameras I would like to have tend to be somewhat pricey and I don't like to put a burden onto a friend having to even consider spending a lot of money or not..
But if someone were to insist on buying me a camera right now, and could afford it, what I'd like is another Sony A7/A7r body and Novoflex NEX/LER adapter. I'm quite delighted with this body as home for my Leica R and Nikon F lenses, it's proving to be one of the most rewarding cameras for me. I find myself using it 10:1 or more over my M9.
G
But if someone were to insist on buying me a camera right now, and could afford it, what I'd like is another Sony A7/A7r body and Novoflex NEX/LER adapter. I'm quite delighted with this body as home for my Leica R and Nikon F lenses, it's proving to be one of the most rewarding cameras for me. I find myself using it 10:1 or more over my M9.
G
Harry S.
Well-known
A finely crafted pinhole camera.
Its a basic article with a strong representational pull.
Its a basic article with a strong representational pull.
gilpen123
Gil
A Sigma DP2 Quatro?
David Hughes
David Hughes
Hi,
It's interesting watching this thread unfold; my approach was to note that you had a 35mm SLR and CRF and suggest another 35mm camera (actually a P&S) to keep within the format and add to your armoury. Others felt the same and suggested extra lenses.
I did think of going to a larger format but changing format means lots more stuff to buy once you've got the camera and basic lens. This can e dear for 120/620 and expensive for cut film, hence my suggestion that you looked at the price of cut film and an enlarger.
I didn't mention scanners as I don't like what I can afford and didn't want you to be lumbered with a white elephant.
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the way the thread is going.
Regards, David
It's interesting watching this thread unfold; my approach was to note that you had a 35mm SLR and CRF and suggest another 35mm camera (actually a P&S) to keep within the format and add to your armoury. Others felt the same and suggested extra lenses.
I did think of going to a larger format but changing format means lots more stuff to buy once you've got the camera and basic lens. This can e dear for 120/620 and expensive for cut film, hence my suggestion that you looked at the price of cut film and an enlarger.
I didn't mention scanners as I don't like what I can afford and didn't want you to be lumbered with a white elephant.
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the way the thread is going.
Regards, David
Brian Atherton
Well-known
Like some here, I wouldn’t feel comfortable about receiving a camera as a gift as I use them as tools rather than as a keepsake.
That said, certainly if I had the choice, it wouldn’t be a digital camera: it would have to be film.
My choice would be a Leica O-series replica.
That said, certainly if I had the choice, it wouldn’t be a digital camera: it would have to be film.
My choice would be a Leica O-series replica.
David Hughes
David Hughes
Hi,
I'll second that although I'd worry about using in case it rained, was stolen or I dropped it...
Regards, David
Brian Atherton
Well-known
My discomfort about receiving a camera as a gift is due mainly to my feelings of being obligated to keep the camera, it being a special gift from a dear and generous friend.
And, as you mention the possibility of theft, David, yes, I’d feel awful if the camera gift was stolen, far more so than if I’d bought it myself. Another reason for discomfort!
Dropping an O-series wouldn’t worry me: I’d attach a wrist tether to the tripod bush. As for rain, it’d have to take its chances with all of my other gear.
What an interesting thread… with so many suggestions I’d never have considered.
TennesseJones
Well-known
I can confirm that's exactly what Ourmanintangiers M6 looked like when he sold it to me...
Okay this one.
TennesseJones
Well-known
Thank you so much for so many fascinating responses, which I'm just looking through after a hectic work weekend.
Really just trying to work out what I'd use. Things are for the using, I think. If someone gave me a fancy watch I'd still wear it everyday. If it breaks it breaks, get it fixed etc.
I am fascinated by trying MF, but troubled by my failure to get to grips with the Hassy. I agree that it's well balanced (and small-ish) with the 80mm: it's just I don't think I instinctively composed well with it. Some mental block.
Portraits do fascinate me, portraits and documentary work are really my most favourite interests in photography. But most of my favourite portrait work, published or often used bits for shows, have been with the Leica.
And I notice with interest no one suggested a 5dmkiii...
But I'm really enjoying the thread because I'm getting the chance to learn lots of things. So thank you all!
Really just trying to work out what I'd use. Things are for the using, I think. If someone gave me a fancy watch I'd still wear it everyday. If it breaks it breaks, get it fixed etc.
I am fascinated by trying MF, but troubled by my failure to get to grips with the Hassy. I agree that it's well balanced (and small-ish) with the 80mm: it's just I don't think I instinctively composed well with it. Some mental block.
Portraits do fascinate me, portraits and documentary work are really my most favourite interests in photography. But most of my favourite portrait work, published or often used bits for shows, have been with the Leica.
And I notice with interest no one suggested a 5dmkiii...
But I'm really enjoying the thread because I'm getting the chance to learn lots of things. So thank you all!
GaryLH
Veteran
If u want something out of the norm than how about medium format folder
- Bessa 2 (6x9) used
- Bessa 3 (6x6 or 6x7) new
- Perkeo 2 (6x6) used, this is so small when folded it will fit in your back jean pocket
In digital, if u shoot for detail, still life or landscape nothing beats a Sigma camera w/ a foveon sensor like the
- Sigma DP Merrill family
- Sigma Sd1 Merrill (dslr)
- maybe new just announced but not yet shipping Sigma Quattro
Gary
- Bessa 2 (6x9) used
- Bessa 3 (6x6 or 6x7) new
- Perkeo 2 (6x6) used, this is so small when folded it will fit in your back jean pocket
In digital, if u shoot for detail, still life or landscape nothing beats a Sigma camera w/ a foveon sensor like the
- Sigma DP Merrill family
- Sigma Sd1 Merrill (dslr)
- maybe new just announced but not yet shipping Sigma Quattro
Gary
OurManInTangier
An Undesirable
A popular choice amongst Essex based or born photographers. We call it the TOWIE edition 😀
Roger Hicks
Veteran
A Thambar for the Leica, then, maybe?
Or an 8x10 for Hollywood style portraits?
Cheers,
R.
hepcat
Former PH, USN
Not everyone sees "squarely," and those differences among us are what makes the world go 'round. If you like rangefinders for portraiture, and are still thinking of toying with MF, there are a number of MF rangefinders out there by Mamiya, Fuji, and other more exotic names that may pique your interest.
ssmc
Well-known
MF≠ (necessarily) Hasselblad
I too found the 500 completely counterintuitive: the reversed VF image was definitely the worst culprit, followed by the strange (to me) ergonomics and the linked aperture/shutter speed rings, and lastly the square framing. It was easily the most "alien" camera I've ever used. Not a knock againt the 'Blad by any means, but it just did not work for me.
In contrast the Fuji GW690III is just like a "normal" unmetered RF, except much bigger, and a total piece of cake in use, though the feeling of "having to choose 8 things worth photographing" before changing rolls imposes a somewhat different mind-set to 35mm (true for all large MF on 120). The GA645 is a MF P&S (sort of) and also extremely easy to use. The Pentax 645II is huge and heavy but likewise requires little in the way of mental adjustment, with a modern SLR-like grip and controls (plus you have the benefit of interchangeable lenses unlike the Fujis). The MF 645 lenses have beautifully smooth and long focus throws and are a joy to use. Note that all these cams frame in a rectangle (1.475:1 and 1.35:1) which eases the transition.
I guess what I'm saying is don't write-off MF just because of the Hassy; it's possibly the most "different" common MF camera compared to 35mm (RF or otherwise) and there are plenty of other ways to explore medium-format photography. I was almost shocked at how natural and easy MF could be after a disturbing and abortive experience with the Hassy. Perhaps you will be too!
Good luck with this!
Scott
p.s. the Bessa III / GF670W could be just the ticket - a brand-new, medium-format rangefinder. Personally I would love to get my hands on one of these but I just can't justify it at the moment... 🙁
hepcat
Former PH, USN
As a long-time Hasselblad 500 series user, I have to stand up for the "home team" here... as I said earlier, while I reconize that they truly aren't for everyone and the ergonomics may seem slightly alien until you've used one for a while, with an A16 back, frame mask and a 90* prism, the 500 series handles similarly to a Mamiya or Pentax 645, and shoots 16 645 exposures with an upright and standard view through the finder. I prefer the 45* finder myself, but to each his own. About the only thing it can't do is shoot 6x7 or 6x9. If you prefer a focal plane shutter for faster shutter speeds, there are even FP bodies avaliable that you can use the same CF lenses with. BTW, there is a "proper" way to hold a Hasselblad camera, and the shutter is released with the left index finger. 🙂
I think that sometimes the ubiquitous and iconic stock 500 series with the WLF, A12, and 80mm lens sticks in peoples' minds as all that Hasselblad is. What makes the Hassy 500 system SO unique among 120 roll film cameras is that you can literally make it into whatever you want it to be when you need it.
Texsport
Well-known
You might consider what you'd like to do with the camera, that your current equipment can't accomplish.A long term use will make it a special camera.
For instance( and within a reasonable budget )
If you'd like to expand slightly into the panoramic realm - XPan with 30/45/90mm lenses,
If you'd like to shoot sports, animals, etc hand held - Canon SL1/ 70-300.
If you'd like to shoot macros - Olympus OMD / Vivitar 90-180 Flat Field or Vivitar 90/2.5 macro.
If you'd like to shoot wall hanger portraits - Fujica G690BL/100/3.5AE + Auto Up ( add the 65/5.6 for landscapes)
Texsport
For instance( and within a reasonable budget )
If you'd like to expand slightly into the panoramic realm - XPan with 30/45/90mm lenses,
If you'd like to shoot sports, animals, etc hand held - Canon SL1/ 70-300.
If you'd like to shoot macros - Olympus OMD / Vivitar 90-180 Flat Field or Vivitar 90/2.5 macro.
If you'd like to shoot wall hanger portraits - Fujica G690BL/100/3.5AE + Auto Up ( add the 65/5.6 for landscapes)
Texsport
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