Medium format camera suggestions...need advice

<p>Thanks Flavio...thats about 5 pounds...I like the camera very much I will start watching on ebay all options...Cheers</p>

 

<p>There's a lot of great advice that's been provided. As you can tell, there's no such thing as a perfect camera. There are limitations to <em>every</em> system.</p>

<p>Some medium format systems were designed, primarily, to be used on a tripod in a studio. Without naming names, these tend to be the heavier/larger cameras. The RB/RZ67 are great cameras with stellar lenses, but you can read between the lines. The Mamiya C330 has interchangeable lenses but is heavy. I've seen great photos from the Mamiya C330 but after playing with one I decided it would be too heavy to carry in the field (albeit, I typically carry 2-3 cameras at a time).</p>

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<p>My concern besides weight is the 6x6 format I dont see the world square</p>

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<p>I thought the same thing but it's been a revelation to shoot square. It's also worth noting that 6x7 is virtually square. It kind of bugged me at first but allowed me to ease into 6x6. Here's a recent thread on how odd 6x7 is: <a href="/medium-format-photography-forum/00cnSx" rel="nofollow">6x7 is weird isn't it?</a>. Some folks disagree of course.</p>

<p>Size matters: obviously, a larger negative matters but the size of the camera matters also. You're more likely to bring with you a camera of reasonable size and weight. This is why I advocate TLRs and the Mamiya 6/7. It's good to make sure you are comfortable with these camera sizes before going bigger. Well, that's always been by approach.</p>

<p><em>[Note: I originally posted this in the wrong thread, though both apply.]</em></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>

@jim and @xenophon thanks so

much...i will continue the search

great info...cheers

<p>Regarding Xenophon's post concerning the RZ strap lugs:</p>

<p>I carry my RB using a strap which attaches to the tripod mount (i.e. "quick-lok"). So the camera gets carried from its center of gravity and can pivot freely as needed. I agree with Xenophon: Using the standard camera straps on the RB or RZ will be uncomfortable. But with the strap i use, it gets easy to carry.</p>

<p>@Flavio...what strapped do you use? specific brand? for my DSLR-Shoulder-Tripod quick release I use one that I love ...made by PeakDesign but I dont think this will work for this types of camera...insert an image if you can...cheers and thanks</p>

<p>@xenophon...any chance to post the photo of the RZ and the strap...I am making a decision shortly...cheers</p>

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<p><em>However, I have noted that it feels delicate, almost fragile in the hands.</em></p>

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<p><em> </em>Jim, GF670 indeed is much more durable than it feels. Once I was shooting waterfall staying on bare rocks under spitting rain. Being clumsy I didn’t attach the quick release plate properly. While maneuvering with the camera the plate got snapped off the head. I wasn’t able to catch the camera and it landed right on the rocks, some of them were quite sharp. I inspected the camera: a couple good scratches, no dents. The only “serious” damage was a broken tip of release cable stuck in the socket. On next day I spoiled a roll just to verify the rangefinder alignment. Everything was just perfect. So the total cost of this terrible accident was $15 for a new release cable. From my personal experience I can claim that GF670 is quite robust and well-built machine. I believe that this camera is a must for everybody who’s traveling and wants to get it light.</p>

<p>Roman, it's great to hear feedback from the field regarding the GF670. It's a brilliant camera. The Mamiya 7ii has a cheap plastic feel to it but it's proven to be robust. I handled a Fuji X100 last weekend and noted that it didn't feel solid to me. I then checked myself for thinking that it wasn't solid. Yeah, it's never going to be as solid as my Leica IIIc, Leica M6, Nikon F, or Rolleiflex. I've been spoiled. ;-)</p>

<p>Well I bought a Fuji GW690III to start, I think this camera will be a good jump start and I will definitely look into a SLR down the road...Guys thanks so much for such great comments and advise I learn a lot before even taking my first shot. Cheers</p>

<p>Alfredo,</p>

<p>What i use is a simple made-in-china thing identical to this one:<br>

<a href="http://img.dxcdn.com/productimages/sku_151980_2.jpg">http://img.dxcdn.com/productimages/sku_151980_2.jpg</a></p>

<p>Now, back on topic, if you REALLY are concerned with weight, your best option is a Rolleicord with a Xenar lens, say a Va or Vb model. It is extremely light and the lens is very sharp at all apertures, the shutter speed/aperture is really quick to set, and the viewfinder has parallax correction. Almost a perfect camera and i'd say it's a bit more practical camera to use outside than a Rolleiflex. However, i often leave the Rolleicord at home and carry the Mamiya C330 with me, because for me the C330 is still light enough, and i can handhold it in a more stable way. Plus it has interchangeable lenses, of course. </p>

<p>I have used a Bronica GS-1. It is a nice camera. Much lighter than RB/RZ, it can be handheld, there is even a rapid grip for it, and comes with some very sharp and contrasted lenses which are of a late computer design. They are no fast lenses however. The whole operation of loading films and back swapping is a bit tricky at first, but once the method is acquired it's not a problem. At the time, new lenses were very expensive and I had a Pentax 67 opportunity. I kept the GS-1 for the studio, and used the Pentax outside.</p>