Getting into medium format

Hi guys. I recently picked up a Canon A2 and a 28mm 2.8 and a 50mm

1.8 lens. I like the autofocus for shooting action, but 75% of the

time I'm shooting nature and other still things where I would prefer

the advantages of medium format over 35mm. What do you think is an

affordable system to get me into this? I really like shooting wide

angle stuff. Anybody have any medium format systems to get me

started in this field?

 

What I'm really looking for is a system that has these basic

functions:

 

Consistent, reliable frame counter<br>

Interchangable lenses

 

That's about it. I can use the meter from my A2 to meter stuff, so I

don't really need one of those.

 

Anyways, any reccomendations for a medium format starter system for

mostly wide angle photography?

Dan,<br>

A lot depends on your budget. The advent of digital really puhed medium format prices down and some great deals can be found in the used market. For under $1,000 you can get yourself a Mamiya 645E, Pentax 645, or Bronica ETRS with a wide lens (45mm or so). Those systems offer TTL metering, interchangeable lenses of great quality (including zooms - Pentax is better in that regard) and are quite reliable.<br>

If you're after 6x7 you can get great deals on Pentax 67 and Mamiya RZ/RB as well (if you plan to hike with your gear I'd go for the Pentax here).<br>

Also consider whether or not you need interchangeable backs or compatibility with digital backs - these may sway your decision towards one system or another.<br>

<br>

Guy<br>

<a href="http://scenicwild.com">Scenic Wild</a>

Probably the cheapest wideangle MF system is the Mamiya line of

TLRs, the C220, C330, and similar models. The widest lens

is 55mm, which is equivalent to about a 30mm lens in 35mm

format if your goal is to produce an 8x10 on each

system, or equivalent to about a 24mm lens on a 35mm camera

if your goal is to produce a square picture on both systems

(you have to crop more away from the 35mm to

make a square, while you've go to crop the square 6x6 frame

to make a rectangle). Anyway, it's not super wide, but it's

roughly comparable to your 28mm, it's definitely sturdy,

economical, high quality, and durable.

The cameras/lenses are completely mechanical and battery free.

They're certainly not as automated or fast as your 35mm system.

Metering with the SLR sounds good, but it's a pain to haul a second camera around for this. You can get some meters in the $50-$100 range that'll do the same job and are very compact.

If quality is your concern, and you're not ready to make the jump to large format, you definitely want a 6x7cm camera. Up to 20x24", the differences between the two formats are barely distinguishable, especially if you're using a sharp, virtually grainless film like T-Max 100 or Velvia 50. I shoot with a Mamiya RB67 system, and the C-series lenses are awesome! Some of the non-C lenses are dogs (the old 90mm I had was prone to flare but reasonably sharp), but the C and KL lenses are fantastic. With good technique (solid tripod, mirror lock-up, cable release, etc.), you can get perfect mural-sized prints from this camera.

 

The Pentax 67 is nice and low-cost, but it has a lot of downsides (no interchangeable backs, no Polaroids, focal-plane shutter, fewer rentals and used equipment available, no rotating back). I would opt for the Mamiya RB or RZ first, but the Pentax is still a viable choice. Both have good wide-angle lens choices.

 

If you're rich or willing to starve, take a look at the Mamiya 7. It's a rangefinder, which means it's a lot lighter than an SLR, and the lenses ar great. It doesn't have interchangeable backs either, but you can take another body and still save weight! You can also use a smaller tripod with the Mamiya 7, since it's quite a bit smaller than the RB or P67.

 

There are a few other options, too, like the Bronica GS-1 or a Koni Omega. Before you buy, be sure to read through this site to learn about the cameras: http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/cameras.html

 

Good luck!

I think if you are thinking of medium format to supplement your current system, a rangefinder is a nice idea.

 

However, it does not have to be Mamiya 7. The Fuji rangefinders are reasonably affordable.

I'd suggest the Mamiya C330 twin-lens reflex, either the 'F' or the 'S'. The 'S' is the more recent.

Stay with 35mm. It will cost u an eye and a kidney to build a decent MF system, as

well as to produce prints/slides out of it. BTW, I use Hasselblad.

A second hand Bronica ETRS or SQ system should cost you no more than 300 to 500 UKP on ebay, probably not a lot more from a secondhand dealer. This would be a complete camera (a body, film back, 80mm lens and waist level finder.) Then you buy a wide-angle lense separately. They come up less often but there is always the option of buying new.

 

Those prices are, quite frankly, ludicrously cheap when you compare the quality and potential of the equipment with low-end consumer 35mm SLRs.

I have a Mamiya c220 with 3 lenses. Recently I thought about trading it in for a RB but decided that my system was more than adequate. Keep in mind I shoot only landscapes. If price were not a concern I would go for a Bronica SQai. One adavantage of 6x6 is that availability of low priced projectors.

I'll put my plug in for the Bronica GS-1. I really love the 6x7 over the 6x4.5. The GS-1 is reasonably compact and I find no problem carrying my equipment on day hikes in the LowePro Pro Trekker. I usually bring the body with AE Prism Finder, and three lenses, 2 backs, tripod, film, filters, etc. The lenses are all leaf shuuter and flash will sync at any speed, and no shutter vibrations to deal with (some claim this is a problem with Pentax 67). Bronica makes a flash with TTL capabilities, although you would have to find one used. The speed grip also makes the camera reasonable to hand hold if you wanted to use it for other than nature photography. Overall, I am quite pleased with mine and purchased most of my stuff on e-bay for a third of what it would cost new, but you may find that is the case with all medium format equipment these days. No matter what system you choose, you will love the enlargements from these negs when compared to your 35mm!!

Nowadays, it definitely DOES NOT cost a kidney to get a MF system. I'd say that a good system with 2 lenses and 2 backs/bodies could be put together for $1000-1500 within most major brands.

 

Personally, I'd recommend going 6x7. Both Pentax and Mamiya have some great wide angle lenses in that would be excellent for your needs. The Pentax system has really fine 45mm 55mm and 75mm lenses (equivalent of 23mm, 28mm, and 38mm in a 35 system) While the Mamiya has nice 50mm and 65mm lenses.

 

I like the RZ67 because it handles faster than the RB67, and is quite a bit lighter. I prefer the leaf shutter lenses of the Mamiya system to the Pentax's focal plane shutter, but that's a personal preference based on reduced vibration. The Pentax has an instant return mirror, but the Mamiya's non-instant return mirror is better damped for reduced vibration, and unless you're shooting action, the instant return provides little advantage if any.

 

I used to use Pentax all the time, but I have transitioned to the Mamiya for all my non-action MF work.

Dan, you did not mention a budget!! I've been using a Kowa 6MM for 6+

months now and am quite happy. the lenses are excellent, and I picked up a

body with 80 that had been CLA'd, a 250 that looks new, and a 55 that is in

great shape for about $1000 with some vigilent shopping.

 

Good luck

Chip

I own a number of cameras and camera systems,22 at last count(nikons,pentax67s,hassie,mamiya,contax,rolleis,etc). If I could only keep one camera and lens, it would be the p67 wth the latest 55mm. It is just awesome.