Author Topic: Best medium format camera for under $500?.....go! (Read 7658 times)

6cmsquare · « **on:** March 12, 2015, 05:04:07 AM »

I'm thinking I'd like to step up from my Yashica Mat 124G, I'm leaning towards a Mamiya RB67.....thoughts?

Skorj · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2015, 07:14:49 AM »

Too heavy for me! I like my Bronica S2. There's a few MF reviews over in the Articles section too... Skj.

zapsnaps · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2015, 08:26:57 AM »

Kowa SIX. Compact and a real looker

Late Developer · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2015, 08:46:13 AM »

Urban Hafner has my old Rolleiflex 3.5T (K8T2 Model) in beautiful cosmetic and fully working condition (including the meter) for Euros 450 (which is about $500 as things stand). If I was looking to buy MF for that sort of money, I wouldn't hesitate.

Otherwise, I'd be looking for a Bronica SQ something or other or Mamiya 645.

Ezzie · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2015, 09:06:02 AM »

Quote from: zapsnaps on March 12, 2015, 08:26:57 AM

Kowa SIX. Compact and a real looker

I really, really like my Kowa Super 66. But I have had a few issues with the lens shutters unfortunately. When they work however, boy are they sharp.

Urban Hafner · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2015, 10:10:05 AM »

Yes, please buy my Rolleiflex.

I can also recommend the Bronica ETRSi. It's cheap, you can use aperture priority with the correct prism.

Flippy · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2015, 11:15:06 AM »

In what way are you looking to step up? Larger negatives? Interchangeable lenses? Is there a particular ability you want that the Yashica doesn't have?

mcduff · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2015, 11:53:19 AM »

Ya I have the same questions as Flippy. I love these sorts of threads where we all try to talk someone into our fav camera

, but we need a bit more info. I probably could answer that 'best' questions many different ways. Personally I have 3 'best' mf cameras ;-)

Aksel · « **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2015, 11:56:51 AM »

Speed Graphic with a cupel of lenses and a 6x12 or even better, vario back giving anything between 6x4.5 to 6x12 should be within reach. Keep the Yashica and you have two very different beasts

Photo_Utopia · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2015, 12:24:53 PM »

So much choice and so dependant on what you need from a camera 6x4.5-to 6x9 (and wider) or folder to SLR and everything in between.
I love squares, and have two Rolleiflex cameras that's what I'd go for either; a Rolleicord for about £150 or a flex which will take up all of your budget.
My Rolleiflex cameras:

Not to everyone's taste but add a Rolleinar close-up and I find I shoot 75% of medium format on it.

charles binns · « **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2015, 02:05:45 PM »

Holga. By a country mile.

6cmsquare · « **Reply #11 on:** March 12, 2015, 02:23:18 PM »

Quote from: Flippy on March 12, 2015, 11:15:06 AM

In what way are you looking to step up? Larger negatives? Interchangeable lenses? Is there a particular ability you want that the Yashica doesn't have?

I like the 6x6 a lot, but 6x7 would be fine too - I'd like something a little more compact, and with interchangeable lenses, I have the Yashica Telephoto and Wide angle lens attachments, and I'm not that happy with them...

Sid Dongre · « **Reply #12 on:** March 12, 2015, 02:40:28 PM »

I got my Rolleiflex T for £200 and a P6 in pristine condition for £130.

SLVR · « **Reply #13 on:** March 12, 2015, 02:44:56 PM »

fuji gw690II

LT · « **Reply #14 on:** March 12, 2015, 04:50:58 PM »

The one that is in my camera bag. Could be a Holga, an isolette or a Bronica Sq.

Francois · « **Reply #15 on:** March 12, 2015, 08:22:09 PM »

Well... there's always the Diana F+... it's got interchangeable lenses... if we can call them that

ManuelL · « **Reply #16 on:** March 12, 2015, 08:38:49 PM »

My favourite medium format cameras are the RZ67 and the Zero Image Pinhole.

I would recommend you first get an RB67. It is a great camera and so heavy that carrying it around will easily save you a gym membership. By this you will have enough money to buy a lot of other wonderful medium format cameras.

KevinAllan · « **Reply #17 on:** March 12, 2015, 09:17:18 PM »

Quote from: Flippy on March 12, 2015, 11:15:06 AM

I like the 6x6 a lot, but 6x7 would be fine too - I'd like something a little more compact, and with interchangeable lenses, I have the Yashica Telephoto and Wide angle lens attachments, and I'm not that happy with them...

I have a 124G, RZ67, and recently acquired a Fujifilm GA645Zi.

I suspect that the desire for something more compact AND with interchangeable lenses might not be easily achievable. The 124G is pretty compact and lightweight already and I can't think of a non-toy MF camera with interchangeable lenses that is more compact.

The Fujifilm GA645Zi is slightly more compact than the 124G, and has a zoom with a narrow range - so at least that brings some of the benefits of interchangeable lenses.

I have a review of the GA645Zi on my blog here - https://kevinthephotographer.wordpress.com/2015/03/07/first-thoughts-on-the-fujifilm-ga645zi/ and another blog article about carrying about the RZ67 for a week on the Isle of Skye at https://kevinthephotographer.wordpress.com/2014/11/29/one-camera-on-the-isle-of-skye/

Finally, I haven't tried them but the Mamiya range of TLRs have interchangeable lenses. The C220 is not as heavy as the C330 but can still use the same lenses

Francois · « **Reply #18 on:** March 12, 2015, 09:21:17 PM »

There are always the Mamiya 6/7, Mamiya Universal and the not so well known Bronica rangefinder that are pretty darn good.
They're all fairly compact (except the Universal) and have interchangeable lenses.

If you don't mind taking a gamble, there's the old Koni-Omega Rapid. Good lenses but fragile film advance.

johnha · « **Reply #19 on:** March 12, 2015, 11:27:02 PM »

As I see it there are lots of compact options with interchangeable lenses, I don't know of any you could get for $500. Last time I looked at the Bronica 645 rangefinder and Mamiya 7 they were well over this budget (an M7ii with lens was over £1000 last time I looked).

I'm guessing for $500 you could get:
- A Mamiya C330 with 2 or 3 lenses
- A Mamiya 645 Super/Pro with body, lens, prism, winder and back
- A Bronica SQ with body, lens, back & WLF

My favourite would be a Pentax 6x7 but I think you'd struggle to find one for less than $500. I'd prefer a Bronica SQ to an RB/RZ67 unless I wanted it for studio work (the RB/RZ67 are really 7x7 cameras/lenses and much bulkier than a 6x6).

John.

Terry · « **Reply #20 on:** March 12, 2015, 11:43:39 PM »

Let's see, I think I paid less than $500 for my SQ with two lenses, WLF and a couple of backs. Use it all the time.

mcduff · « **Reply #21 on:** March 13, 2015, 02:27:13 AM »

OK I am going I suggest a camera I have liked but prob will never own (as I don't think it is right for me). I know there are some fans for the Mamiya TLRs and I am wondering if a 220 or 330 is for you. You like square. You want good interchangeable lenses. I am guessing you like TLRs and WLFs since you have been using them. Plus I have always thought these cameras look crazy (in a good way).

Disclaimer: I don't own a 220/330 but I am a bit of Mamiya fanboy.

6cmsquare · « **Reply #22 on:** March 13, 2015, 03:30:57 AM »

Yeh, a Mamiya C330 + a few lenses may be the way to go....or a Bronica maybe?
Thank you all for the replies!

moominsean · « **Reply #23 on:** March 13, 2015, 01:49:32 PM »

Bronica S2 series or a Kowa Six. Overall, Bronica lenses are more affordable and easier to find. The wider a Kowa lens is, the more expensive. I think I paid $1200 for the super wide 35mm lens, and sold it for more. You can get a Bronica 40mm lens for around $400.

Author Topic: Best medium format camera for under $500?.....go! (Read 7658 times)

Terry