MF Upgrade

I�m still considering a move from Mamiya 645 to a bigger MF system,

partly for physically bigger transparencies and partly to try and get

better, more instinctive handling - I still find the M645 a bit

awkward to handle, even though I use it 100 percent on a tripod. Not

too happy about its build quality either, too much plastic.

I would particularly appreciate guidance from those who have made this

move themselves, especially those who chose either Pentax 67, Bronica

SQA, or Bronica GS1. I like the idea of the big Pentax very much, but

would be reluctant to lose multi-exposure capability; I understand

Pentax USA do a multi conversion, though not sure the UK distributors

offer this service. The slower sync speed is discouraging too. The SQA

, though I am unenthused by a square format, offers leaf-shutter

lenses which I know are excellent, and it would be good for the studio

shots I need as well as landscapes. The GS1 sounds very interesting,

but the lens prices are frightening; I assume its standard format is

portrait�?

I�ve had excellent advice before from MFD readers, and would be

grateful for more.

If I can offer a little of my own, to those wondering about flash

meters, I have to say that a terrific bonus with my Minolta Spotmeter F

is the easy precision of its flash capability - once you�ve used spot

-metering for flash, you�ll be reluctant to revert to anything else.

Best wishes - Tony Harrison

Please say more about what types of photography you mainly do, what qualities are most important to you, whether you have a budget in mind, whether you work mainly indoors or out, what you dislike about the 645 format that you think will be fixed by going to 6x6 or 6x7, and whether you expect one camera to meet most of your needs. Three 6x7 Mamiyas (RB, RZ, and M7) have advantages over each of the four cameras you mentioned. Without knowing more about your preferences, it is hard to say whether you would be happier with an MF view camera or an old Rollei or Plaubel Makina 67. If you like the idea of the big Pentax, just go for it. If you buy carefully (used), at worst you can try it for a year and then sell it for what you have into it. The Bronicas (in the US anyway) are not so highly regarded, but they have their supporters and are quite respectable if more difficult to resell. Mostly go for quality; we bought our RB system 10 years ago used and sold it at a $1000 profit to the first caller when we listed it seven years later (and she got a good deal). Will the Bronica SQA hold its value or appreciate like that?

Even though I haven't made this move yet, I have used the Bronica SQA and the Pentax 67. I like the square format because it is easier to handle, especially in a studio. No need to turn the camera sideways for vertical compositions. Of course, you gain very little in transparency size versus 645 format.

 

<p>

 

The Pentax is a bit clunky to use, and needs a very strong tripod head for vertical compositions. The Bronicas have the advantage of interchangeable backs and all lenses synch at all speeds. The Pentax 67 has only one leaf shutter lens available new, a 165 f4, but I know an international fashion photographer who makes a very good living with this system.

 

<p>

 

My choice for landscape work would be the Bronica GS1, if I could afford the lenses. For a combination studio/field camera the Bronica SQ is hard to beat if you can live with the square format. If anyone out there wants to trade a Bronica or other MF system for a good used PowerBook let me know. :-)

I have been behind one camera or another for over 55 years. Use them all from Minox, to Deardorf 8X10... I am still working as a freelance photographer in my own business. The camera I use most is the Mamiya C-33.....Bought it five years ago at a camera show. I got the camera and a 80mm lens plus a 135mm lens for $275.00...The

condition was listed as a 8+. Just booked a job today today, ans I used my Mamiya C-33... God I love that friggen camera. Never had a bad day with it yet. Yes I had a Hasselblad too...but you need to rob a bank every so often to any of their products. I have a full 2 1/4 and

I can buy any lens I want at a reasonable price. I am looking at the 55mm wide, at a used price of $300 in a 8+ condition. One last point

the camera is built like a tank...don't drop it on your foot, you'll be in a cast for months.... I do table top photography of products, and I can

focus as close as 6 inches with out any close-up attachments.

I have been behind one camera or another for over 55 years. Use them all from Minox, to Deardorf 8X10... I am still working as a freelance photographer in my own business. The camera I use most is the Mamiya C-33.....Bought it five years ago at a camera show. I got the camera and a 80mm lens plus a 135mm lens for $275.00...The

condition was listed as a 8+. Just booked a job today , I used my Mamiya C-33... God I love that friggen camera. Never had a bad day with it yet. Yes I had a Hasselblad too...but you need to rob a bank every so often to buy any of their products. I have a full 2 1/4 and

I can buy any lens I want at a reasonable price. I am looking at the 55mm wide, at a used price of $300 in a 8+ condition. One last point

the camera is built like a tank...don't drop it on your foot, you'll be in a cast for months.... I do table top photography of products, and I can

focus as close as 6 inches without any close-up attachments.

I would say. Fuji GX680II, why it4s the only MF camera you can tilt, shift and rise, like a big brother, but have the handling of a MF camera. The lenses are superb. If you are mostly for landscape I would use Mamyia 6 or 7. Pentax 67 does have a mirror who shake all pictures into blurrrr. Gooood luck.

PS

The comments made by the last poster are a bit misleading. I own several leaf shutter MF cameras (Fuji GS654S, GSW690, and Mamiya Universal) as well as a Pentax 6x7. I did quite a bit of side by side testing between these cameras. On a tripod, with the mirror locked up, the P67 holds its own with the GSW690, and is better than my other two cameras. Handheld, well, that is another story. The little GS645 is the winner in the handheld division. Too bad it is discontinued, but they are not that hard to find in the used market.

 

<p>

 

The Mamiya 7 is a very nice camera, but the price defies all logic. The 7 with a 43, 80, and 150 lens is on the high side of $7500. at B&H. You can get a P67 (with TTL finder, the 45, 90, and 165 lenses, a Fuji GSW690, a Gitzo 1228 CF tripod, a Sekonic L408, and an Arca B1 head for thousands less. All of the Pentax lenses are faster as well.

 

<p>

 

The Pentax is a real bargain as a used camera. This might just be the best route. If you don't like it, it is an easy camera to sell as well. I let the red herring of shutter vibration keep me from buying a P67 for many years. Now that I have one, I really regret not buying it sooner.

 

<p>

 

Gary

Gary, you are absolutely right. I have two P67 bodies and four lenses, and use them only for landscape. Shutter vibration can be a problem, but it is easily controlled.

 

<p>

 

I also owned a Mamiya 7 and 43, 65, and 80mm lenses. It is a spectacular camera, but the lenses only focus to 1 meter. Couple that with no depth of field preview, and I found I was less pleased with those shots (although the lenses are technically superior) than with shots from my Pentax. As I said, the shutter vibration problems in a P67 are very easy to control; but you can't make a lens for the Mamiya 7 focus closer (hyperfocal distance technique notwithstanding).

 

<p>

 

Anyway, just my two cent's worth.

 

<p>

 

Bob

Tony, sounds like you're UK based. You might want to consider the cost/availability of second hand lenses and accessories when choosing your next system. I eliminated the Bronica from my shortlist due to the scarcity of second hand items (which is a shame, since I understand it's a fine camera). The Fuji 6x8 may also fall into this category.

 

<p>

 

I ended up with an RZ, as the UK prices for these are very competetive at the moment, and second hand lens availability is good (added to which it's a great camera!).