wich medium format (6x6) for reportage?

caila77

caila77

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I'm looking for an alternative to mamiya 6 to use for reportage, I love 6x6 format and also I'd like to make slides and I have a rollei P11 so, please don't tell to me nothing about otherformat (645 or 67).
thanks in advance
 
Why an alternative to Mamiya 6?
As much as I myself didn't care for that camera it's still hard to beat when it comes to 6x6 in a portable format and with interchangeable very sharp lenses.

Alternative, as you asked: Rolleiflex.
 
reportage to me screams durable, compact, and fast... which sounds like a good recipe for a TLR. :D But then I'm partial to them anyway.
 
Can you give a little more information? What don't you like about the Mamiya 6? What are you looking for in this new camera? You question is so broad that it is hard to give any recommendations.
 
that's right

that's right

Finder said:
Can you give a little more information? What don't you like about the Mamiya 6? What are you looking for in this new camera? You question is so broad that it is hard to give any recommendations.
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that's right but the title (for reportage) explain a lot of the caracteristics taht I'm looking for. I want a camera for reportage (so, light, rapid and easy to use) with intechangeable lens (I prefer a normal lens and something like 28/24mm in 24x36 format). I don't want to buy mamiya6 because it has a very frequent problem ofn lever advance. I take slides and BW photos.
thanks
 
caila77 said:
I don't know much on this camera, can it takes 6x6 magazine? can you tell to me something more about it?
thanks
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I'm afraid I know very little of these cameras, but they always caught my eye! The following from "Mamiya Medium Format Systems" by Bob Shell.

Several models, from 1962 through 1991.

1962 Mamiya Press Deluxe
1963 Mamiya Press G
1965 Mamiya Press 23 Standard
1967 Mamiya Press Super 23
1969 Mamiya Universal Press

Interchangeable lenses - 100/3.5 lens was usually the standard lens. The late model K film holder (120 roll film) can be used to produce 6x6, 6x9 and 6x4.5 with a series of frame format inserts. Sheet film holders also available.

Anyone own one?
 
I read recently (on the internet) that the "fragile winder lever" on the Mamiya 6 is probably an internet-driven myth. People have a tendency to repeat what they read without any first-hand experience.

For what it's worth, I've used two Mamiya 6 bodies without any winder problems.
 
sleepyhead said:
I read recently (on the internet) that the "fragile winder lever" on the Mamiya 6 is probably an internet-driven myth. People have a tendency to repeat what they read without any first-hand experience.

For what it's worth, I've used two Mamiya 6 bodies without any winder problems.
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on this forum there is some people that wrote to had the problem with their camera! the problem is only an "internet-driven myth" ?? I don't know but this should be a very strange case!
 
Hello, I wrote what I wrote simply because the Mamiya 6 is truly a wonderful camera and seems to fit your described needs very well. Peope say that the winder lever is prone to break, but I would love to hear from an experienced Mamiya repair person on this. I wouldn't rule out the Mamiya 6 if I were you. I can carry a body with all three lenses in a 15x30x 20 camera bag. Doesn't weigh much. Very sharp lenses. Good rangefinder.

Good luck on your search.
 
Rich Silfver said:
Why an alternative to Mamiya 6?
As much as I myself didn't care for that camera it's still hard to beat when it comes to 6x6 in a portable format and with interchangeable very sharp lenses.

Alternative, as you asked: Rolleiflex.
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My question as well, why an alternative to the Mamiya 6? It is compact, light, good meter, superb glass. Seems to be the perfect street MF system (other than the Mamiya 7)

Anyway, if for whatever reason the M6 doesn't work for you, then Rich is right that there are tons of TLR (twin lens ) out there that will suit your taste for 6x6. Some inexpensive onees to start with are the Rolleicord III (and above) for its great xenar lens. Richoh Diacord, Minolta Autocord etc .

good luck
 
sleepyhead said:
I read recently (on the internet) that the "fragile winder lever" on the Mamiya 6 is probably an internet-driven myth. People have a tendency to repeat what they read without any first-hand experience.

For what it's worth, I've used two Mamiya 6 bodies without any winder problems.
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Sleepyhead makes a good point about internet urban legends. There are people who have experienced winder lever problems. There are far more people who own M6s who do not. And finally, there are those who neither own nor know anything but like to repeat "I've read that .... " insert rumor here ;)

In short, the number of people who have had problems with the M6 statistically pale in comparison to the number of M6 owners who have not (and therefore don't say anything).

But, it is your choice, of course :)
 
I never used a K roll film holder. I know they used a round wind mechanism and had windows on the back for formats for 645, 6x6, and either 6x7 or 6x9, not sure on the larger format. They required masks inside the holder, and for the front of the camera, over the viewfinder, for different formats, and I believe for different focal lengths. I don't know how many different focal lengths were supported. I have a Super Press 23 that I love. It does have some weight to it and some people consider it awkward to use. It would be awkward in 6x6 to me, but maybe not to others. I prefer the speed and versatility it offers in 6x7.

Other than being able to change lenses, a Rolleiflex might fit the bill. Mine has a sportsfinder built into the viewfinder cover. You can't interchange the lenses, but you can buy auxillery lenses for wide and telephoto. With its crank wind, it is pretty fast and can be used upside down to see over crowds. Good luck in your quest.
 
BTW, I forgot to mention that ChrisN mentioned sheet film holders. You can do that but you will be back in 6x7 country, and will need another adapter and sheet film holders. The Rolleiflex, or at least some models, allowed a different back that took sheet film holders. I don't really think that is what you a looking for though.
 
akalai said:
My answer to everything... a Hassy SWC! :)
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The older SWCs can be had for quite a bargain nowadays. And with no reflex mirror, you can handhold it down to 1/4 to 1/8. Plus the wideangle gives you incredible DOF hyperfocus, making it almost a MF point and shoot. The lens is spectacular, and you can change filmbacks.

Question is, can you live with a wide-angle as your primary street lens :) If so, it would be an interesting choice.
 
What about the Mamiya interchangeable lens TLRs? The C220/C330 series cameras are capable of delivering great results and they are particulary suited to reportage: very well built, rugged and easy to operate, if you can get along with the waist level viewfinder.

It's a matter of personal taste but IMHO, a waist level viewfinder is the perfect tool for reportage, street shooting and candid portraits. As for lenses, a black 55mm and a black 80mm will give roughly the perspective as a 28mm and a 50mm for a 35mm camera. The whole kit, while bulkier than a Mamiya 6, packs nicely in a small bag.

My 0.02.

Cheers,

Abbazz
 
very interesting suggestion (as I aspected from this forum), I'm waiting for another suggestion if someone have and thanks to all ...I have something to think this night!
 
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caila77 said:
...I'm waiting for another suggestion if someone have and thanks to all
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Koni-Omega Rapid. It's 6x7 format...so crop off the extra cm if it really bothers you. Or the Pentax 6x7.
 
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