Topic: Medium Format Help!

[Stu]

Hi all.

It's been a while since I've been on here - work has been taking up way too much time - and I've missed my photography.

Anyway, what with now having some time over the holidays, I've been thinking about getting a proper medium format camera. I love my Rollei but really want to be able to pop all kinds of different lenses on.

Where do I start? I want reliability, durability and versatility. Hassys are nice but I have £500 - £750 (nearer £500 would be good!) to spend.

Sorry if this question has been asked a million times before, and thank you in advance.
Stu

[Photo_Utopia]

Hi
The first thing I'd think about is format-do you need a square 6x6? If so Bronica SQA or even a Russian Kiev 60 (I have no experience so can't recommend) If you like your TLR then Mamiya make the C220/330 series which have interchangeable lenses of top quality.

If you can live with 645 there are cheaper options like the Mamiya 645 or Bronica ETRS which are both excellent systems. I owned the Mamiya with 45mm and 150mm and they were excellent, the earlier non AF stuff can be found cheap.

The other option would be a 6x7 say Pentax or Mamiya RB/RZ which turn up cheaply I love the Pentax and owned one for several years, the lenses have lovely smoothness  to the out of focus elements and are tack sharp and cheap!
Saying that I have a Hassie with 55 distagon and 80mm that i rarely use, I have started using just a pair or Rolleis sometimes with close-up lenses interchangeable lenses are something I find I need less and less.
Mark

[hookstrapped]

Mamiya 6 if you like square.

[DS]

The Pentacon 6 isn't bad- cheap although it could be bit of a gamble getting a good one but the lenses are very cheap and the Zeiss Jena ones are amazing (Same mount as the Kiev 60 too- so you can use that nice 45mm Mir and 30mm Arsat fisheye). I like mine- I bought it as a stunt-double for my hassy to use at work but it's so much more than that- compared to the blad it is way quieter and I actually find it easier to hand-hold. The bad side is the film advance can be tempremental on some cameras.
 
There are a couple of sellers out there that refurbish the cameras and sell them on but I can't recall who they are- they'll be a bit pricier.

price is anywhere from £150+ depending on condition, But you can get them cheaper -mine cost a bottle of Laphroig....

[Nigel]

Leon recently said he had a Bronica body for sale, it might be worth having a word and you'll know it's been well looked after.

http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=3617.0

[Dave Elden]

Anyway, what with now having some time over the holidays, I've been thinking about getting a proper medium format camera. I love my Rollei but really want to be able to pop all kinds of different lenses on.

To me your key comment is the bit about "all kinds of different lenses"; that really points to an SLR system.  Having decide that it's a question of format: 645, 66, 67?  Pick the one you want then choose a camera body, finder & back(s) from Hasselblad, Mamiya or Bronica, get that then start collecting lenses!
Yes the Mamiya TLRs have interchangeable lenses but really they are not as comprehensively versatile as an SLR system.

[gothamtomato]

I think it might be helpful to rent or borrow a couple of different cameras to take them out for a spin. To me, the way a camera feels and handles in your hands is important. You want something you feel comfortable using. I had lusted after a Mamiya RZ67 for a really long time, and was going to get one, then I rented one for a weekend and completely changed my mind about it. It weighed a ton! The nifty rotating back, and other features I liked, couldn't compensate for the weight.

Beyond that, I wouldn't make a hasty decision based on how much money you have in hand now. If there is a camera you really want, you're better off waiting til you can buy that one. Otherwise you might regret it, and that would end up costing you more in the long run. And you don't have to get a bunch of lenses right away. You can start out with one.

[hookstrapped]

I think it might be helpful to rent or borrow a couple of different cameras to take them out for a spin. To me, the way a camera feels and handles in your hands is important. You want something you feel comfortable using. I had lusted after a Mamiya RZ67 for a really long time, and was going to get one, then I rented one for a weekend and completely changed my mind about it. It weighed a ton! The nifty rotating back, and other features I liked, couldn't compensate for the weight.

Beyond that, I wouldn't make a hasty decision based on how much money you have in hand now. If there is a camera you really want, you're better off waiting til you can buy that one. Otherwise you might regret it, and that would end up costing you more in the long run. And you don't have to get a bunch of lenses right away. You can start out with one.

In other words, get a Mamiya 6

[Stu]

Great advice everyone. Im going to go to have a play on a few different makes and models (and probably really annoy some second hand camera shop owners by doing so) before I go any further.

I want this to feel like a camera for life so is a decision I want to get right.

You're all massively helpful and deserve a ruddy lovely 2011.
Happy new year.