xenophon_costeas

<p>Ah, sharpness! We can never have enough!</p> <p>Seriously, though. Before you blame eyesight trouble or the Sekor, I believe you shound run tests with mirror lockup and/or a cable release [at 1/125, 1/250 and 1/500 shutter speeds]. </p> <p>Mirror and camera shake are, to my mind, the most likely culprits when it comes to that (slight, but depressing) sense of softness.</p> <p>If you want, check out my sharpness troubles at:</p> <p>https://lycabettus.wordpress.com/2012/07/09/shooting-the-mamiya-rz67-handheld-how-much-sharpness-one-sacrifices-over-a-tripod-and-mirror-lock-up/<br> <br> With greetings from Athens,<br> <br> Xen</p>

<p>Regarding the RZ67 vs Bronica GS-1 weight comparison:<br> While both are, spec-wise, nearly identical (6x7 SLRs), their handling is dramatically different. The Bronica feels so much lighter and is a joy to carry around. Not so with the RZ, but not because of the larger size and weight: it may sound silly, but I think the strap lugs are responsible for the RZ's worse posture while walking around.<br> Tomorrow, I'll post some pictures to illustrate that.<br> Don't get me wrong, though. I like them both very much, it's just that the GS-1 is remarkably more compact in actual use.<br> Hope this helps.<br> Xen</p>

<p>Similar predicament here: started with an RZ in 2010, was envious of a Hasselblad's form factor and got a Bronica GS-1 in 2012, then became enamored with TLRs and recently got a 2.8C for my daughter.<br /> I, too, have adopted the WLF approach as the least threatening, but admit that I'm always glued to the magnification loupe. Still, it's a very non-intimidating posture and I am now a WLF evangelist.<br /> Hassie, Rollei, Bronica and the RZ - the experience is totally different with each, although this is not news to anyone in this thread.<br /> A 3.8F is a classic, as is the RZ. Can't say the same for the Bronica GS-1, but it's my favorite (a Jap Hassie, to my mind).<br> <br /> Bottom line - a clean Rolleiflex 3.5F is probably the most solid purchase (the top of the line in the used market), whereas a Hasselblad 500 is not: its shutter is significantly harsher than all the other candidates, and it's (to my mind) the least refined system handling-wise. The Zeiss lenses, obviously, are stellar, as I understand.<br /> <br />Hope this rant helps.<br> <br />With greetings from Athens,<br />Xen</p>

<p>I hike all over Greece quite a lot, and own both the RZ67 (my first love) and a Bronica GS-1. It is VERY awkward to walk in the mountains (or anywhere, for that matter) with the Mamiya --- it's not just the weight, it's all sorts of little details, e.g. the way a camera strap attaches to the body.<br> On the other hand, the Bronica is a joy. To me (I'm a big guy) it has the perfect balance of size/weight/subjective feel.<br> If you really must have a reflex 6x7, and haven't invested yet, maybe you should give the Bronica a look.<br> HTH<br> Xen</p>

<p>The "T-N" mini-switch (on the left side of the lens, just behind the aperture dial) - has it been dislodged, maybe?<br> This can cause trouble with the mirror locking up and the advance lever getting stuck (it also floods the film chamber with light!)<br> Xen</p>