Topic: MF Cameras

[Paul Mitchell]

There's been one or two posts about choosing a MF camera recently so when I saw this I thought it worthy of a link on here.

http://www.shootingfilm.net/2014/06/12-cool-medium-format-film-cameras-to.html

Paul

[mcduff]

That is a pretty good list, and no list can be exhaustive (and likely my biases are showing haha) but it is a little short of 645 options. And the one option they have (the contax 645 autofocus) was not the most popular 645 choice. The broni and mamiya 645s should be in the list. The fuji 645 rangefinders are cool too (if maybe a little plasticy ).

[Terry]

And the author says the SQ-A will take a 645 back.  Is that true?  I've certainly never seen such a thing.

[SLVR]

It's true! http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Bronica-SQ-220-6x6-and-220j-6x4-5-Roll-Film-Backs-for-SQ-A-Ai-AM-B-Cameras-/291145365103?pt=US_Film_Backs_Holders&hash=item43c99db66f&_uhb=1

[artobest]

mutter grumble Rollei SL66 mutter gripe ...

[tkmedia]

I always hate that website, as they have copy and pasted edited so many of my past 'words'. I know its attributed... but seems kinda lazy. In the past they even used some of the photos that were posted from the cw site. We ask permission to use every photo, and a majority agree as long as it's on our non-commercial website. The photographers was often unaware and actually punished us by removing the photos completely.

[Ezzie]

There are so many MF cameras to be had, all have virtues of some sort or another, difficult to make a shortlist without leaving something out. But maybe the Mamiya 645 range(s) could have been mentioned, as well as maybe one or other Zeiss folder.

[tkmedia]

here are some of the spec articles have worked on that are mention on this thread.

Mamiya M645, M645, 1000S
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Mamiya_M645

Mamiya M645 Super, 645 Pro, 645 Pro TL and 645E
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Mamiya

Mamiya 645 AF, 645 AFD, 645 AFDII, 645 AFDIII
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Mamiya_645_AF

Rollei SL66, SL66E, SL66X
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Rolleiflex_SL66

Rolleiflex SLX, SLX 2
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Rolleiflex_SLX

Fuji GS645, GS645W and GS645S
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Fuji_GS645_Professional_series

Fujifilm GA645 and GA645W
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Fujifilm_GA645

Fujifilm GA645i and GA645Wi
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Fujifilm_GA645i

Fujifilm GA645Zi
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Fujifilm_GA645Zi

[Late Developer]

I've owned a number of the cameras off that list, so I must be as cool as an Arctic cucumber....

There's always going to be debate on any of these sorts of lists. Why isn't the Plaubel Makina there? Or the (insert name of favourite MF camera).......?

I'm just glad that MF is still alive and kicking as 6x6 is rapidly becoming my favourite medium.

[SLVR]

I think all of my MF cameras are on that list actually. With the exception of the holga. They are all great and I am still eyeing up those fuji rangefinders even though I really don't need one.

[Francois]

I am still eyeing up those fuji rangefinders even though I really don't need one.

Let me tell you you really need one! I've seen one in the wild and the owner let me handle it. Lets just say the word fantastic comes to mind.

[SLVR]

there's a guy I shoot with locally here who has one. They are fairly light for their size. Im sure one day when our film cycle aligns we will swap cameras for a day.

[Aksel]

The Fuji690 really is lots of "bang for bucks", I`we had 3 of them, regretting every time I sold it,
now only swapped for a GF670 as it takes less space in my weekend bag. Not refined in any way, but easy to focus, superb optics and as said, not all that heavy around the neck. It´s size also is kind of a ice breaker on the street, it makes people smile 
 

[tkmedia]

It´s size also is kind of a ice breaker on the street, it makes people smile 

Size compensation... must have a very small....

[Ezzie]

I have the G690BL. Don't know why I chose it over fixed lens version, I will never afford any other lens for it (expensive to say the least). Only shot the one roll so far, but boy is it sharp.

[mcduff]

Tintin, since you are such a rangefinder guy, I know you will have one sooner or later   

I think they are great - and I have just played with the little GS645W. I think some of my fave pics are from it. It is also not really any bigger than a lot of SLRs (and smaller than a lot of DSLRs). It is awsome for camping and hiking and such and I presume it would be awesome for street (which I really do not do a lot of).

[SLVR]

We shall see what happens. They seem fairly inexpensive. Perhaps I could pick one up for a few hunge.

[tkmedia]

a lot of the fuji's seems to be increasing in price recently.