What are some 6x9 format cameras for portraits

Hi

 

Im searching for suggestions about what are some 6x9 cameras that have at least a lens of 90mm length

in order to get close ups.

 

I currently have a Fuji gsw690 with a 65mm lens, and I love this camera but I cannot take pictures very

close to things. Are there some older voigtlander rfs that have decent lenses? Quality of sharpness is

important and I am willing to put up with hassles of completely manual cameras as long as the camera

makes good images.

A 6x9 view camera will let you decide what lens you want--buy a good lens you get sharp pictures. Some brands: Ebony, Arca, Linhof Technikardan.

Or a vintage press or plate camera. Some need a rollfilm adapter, but on the other hand you get ground-glass focusing which is pretty much what-you-see-is-what-you-get. Works best on a tripod and in a controlled setting.

 

Else try the bellows-focusing Mamiya RB/RZ67, which is "only" 6x7, but offers a great system. Less desirable but with a larger 6x8 negative is Fuji's GX680 line.

Thanks for the suggestions, I do have an old speed graphic 4x5 that I was going to sell but

this got me thinking about keeping it. What are some good roll film adapters to search ebay

for?

A Kodak Medalist or Medalist II has an excellent 100mm lens and features more or less equivalent to your Fuji. However, you do have the hassle of respooling 120 film onto 620 spools, unless you have it converted to 120, which is expensive (although IMO the total cost of a good Medalist II (about $200) plus 120 conversion (about $400) is worth it, from a functional viewpoint(even though you'd never be able to sell it for enough to get your money back).

 

Of course many people would not think a RF camera, like the Medalist, or the Fuji 690 is ideal for portraits, but that's another story.

Holders: Graphic, Linhof, Horseman.

L*I*N*H*O*F T*E*C*H*N*I*K*A -- cammed lenses, doesn't limit the user to just a normal lens.

 

Mamiya Press/Super 23/Universal

The Mamiya Press idea looks good. Is all I need to do inorder to shoot 6x9 is to get a 6x9

back for one? Anyone familiar with these cameras?

Dan Fromm hits the nail on the head with the suggestion of Linhof Technika. The Linhof SUPER TECHNIKA V 6x9, is still available new, made to order.

 

http://www.linhof.de/english/index.html

Sorry, I should have mentioned Im on a budget around 400-500 bucks

 

Linhofs sure are nice though

Dan Newby, I apologize for misreading your original question. If you want to shoot closeup/macro y'r Speed Graphic is a good tool for that. A Technika is too, but you already have the Graphic.

 

The best relatively inexpensive 2x3 roll holder for 4x5 Graphics is probably a late (but not too late, avoid Graflex Subsea) RH8. This requires a Graflok back. If your Speed has a spring (Graphic) back, look for a 6x9 Calumet C2 or a 4x5 Adapt-A-Roll 620.

 

Lenses? I've been using a 100/6.3 Reichert Neupolar front-mounted on a Copal #1. This allows me to use flash. Great lens, too hard to use so I'm transitioning to a 105/5.6 El Nikkor (old style, threaded at both ends for easy reversing). Good enough lens. And anyway you can't afford a 100 Neupolar. With a 4x5 Speed you'll be able to go to 1:1 with a 6" lens, so there's no reason to use lenses as short as I do.

 

Yes, I do a moderate amount of closeup/macro work with a 2x3 Speed and a 2x3 AAR 620 roll holder. Always shoot from tripod, always focus on the ground glass, often use flash. The camera usually sits on a 2-axis focusing rail. FWIW, I've got good results with a 150/9 Apo Ronar.

 

You should be able to get a good 4"-6" enlarging or process lens, leaf shutter to mount it on, mount adapter if needed, 'nother lens board drilled for the shutter, and a roll holder well inside y'r budget.

Any of the graphic (speed, century, crown) 2 1/4's can be had for about $100, add the lens of your choice, get a 6X9 back with large film rollers (red Lever ?). You have GG focus and plenty of real estate on the neg. 6X7 I vote RB.

If you like your Fuji, I'd say try to get an older one with the interchangeable lenses. A GL690 with a 180mm lens should work for portraits, I guess. It would be very similar in operation to the one you already have.