Any suggestions for a cheap medium format camera?

<p>I absolutely did Kirk! $35 is a steal for such a camera, even if it needs extensive repairs [a lot of which I can do myself assuming it's not more complex that a leaf shutter Zeiss-Ikon camera]. I've been looking for one forever, but for some reason have never seen the KEH listings before- I'm glad I've found it now though because I've heard marvelous things about the camera from several professionals I know who've shot film for years</p>

<p>Spencer, I've bought tons of stuff from KEH, most graded at BGN and even UGLY, and everything has always worked, unless they described an aspect as not working (meter typically). I bet the camera looks better then you expect, and will perform quite well. If I didn't already have 3 RB's, I would have bought it myself!</p>

<p>What a deal ! .. I must invite you along on my next Vegas trip! Now, with all that money you "saved", go out and get a 3 month gym deal. . . you are about to learn the down side (if that is the proper term) to the RB67 system. Heavy to start the day, and dragging heavy at the end of the day.<br>

You might copy what I use with my two RB's. Again, my fav Igloo cooler. Medium weight dark foam for most of the kit, the blue foam is hvy weight camping pads. In this example I have (3) filters, lots of film, an extra film back, my trusty Weston V meter, a cable release and other do-dads.<br>

Now past 5 years, both RB's have twice been to Hawaii via whole baggage (duck tapped 2x), survived 3 TSA "events" (no film) and untold miles in my truck wondering about Wa. and other states.<br>

Enjoy that new toy, errr, tool. Aloha, Bill</p><div></div>

<p>Peeling back the first layer of goodies</p><div></div>

<p>There's no worry there Bill, I'm sure I can carry it around all day. The setup you have also looks pretty impressive- I'll most likely try it myself! Especially for when I'm going to be lugging in long distances for nature shots and all that</p>

<p>Ah you guy's under 70 are all vim & vigor.. A decent tripod and a bean bag are all that you need now to stalk Big Foot. Bill</p>

<p>Mr. Lang… <br>

<br>

Mr. Bowes does have a good idea. I have about a dozen folders bought from Certo6. They have all been CLAed and most every (and every AGFA or ANSCO) one has new bellows. <br>

<br>

Of the AGFA/Ansco brands, there are usually 4 lens qualities. The lowest is the Agnar. Better than meniscus lens but??? Acceptable is the Apotar which is a good three element lens as long as you do not shoot wide open. Next for a 6x6, is the desirable F:4.5, 85mm Solinar lens. If you want to pay a little more, and can find one with a Solinar F:3.5 lens, they were slightly sharper and equal to the Rolleicord V. <br>

<br>

Certo just sold a “buy-it-now” Agfa Isolette III with f:4.5 / 85mm Solinar which is a 6x6 with uncoupled rangefinder and new bellows for $210.00. That would have been about as much as you could get in your $200.00+or- range. <br>

<br>

I have one just like it from him. I bought it about 5 years ago. Everything worked, shutter speeds (I have an old fashion tester) were within new camera tolerances. I’d rate the lens condition and coating as “fine”. The transparencies are about the same as my two Yashica 126Gs as to clarity, color and lp/mms resolved. <br>

<br>

Beware getting any older medium format, all mechanical camera from someone you don’t know, as those old shutters just don’t last. Sixty to seventy years of mechanical and lubrication problems is a stretch. For the bellows-ed models, a few of the leather ones might be okay, but almost every fiber bellows has pinholes to large tears. <br>

<br>

The best thing about Mr. Bowes’s suggestion about Certo6 is that he is a responsible seller who has backed his work and ensures you get a working CLA-ed and light-tight camera. The few other sellers, whether on auction sites or personal websites, that I’ve known to be responsible have retired out, as I believe Certo6 is soon to do. <br>

<br>

A number of folders, including the AGFA/Ansco also come in 6X9. One is the AGFA Billy-Record which has a slightly tinnier body than the Isolettes, but you can still get a good four element f:4.5 lens if you’re willing to wait. <br>

<br>

Additionally, right now there is an Agfa BillyRecord 6x9 folder - Leather Bellows , W/L finder CLA'd, for $135.00 on that ole auction site from a responsible seller. I have one like it and find the Apotar stopped down to f:8 through f:16 (where I use it with 100 speed transparency film) is a decent performer. You also get the same height to width ratio as 35mm. Most flatbed scanners don’t scan more than 2000 ppi at best. Using a larger transparency or negative out of the Billy Record will get you more scanned information than the 35mm with the finest Zeiss lens. <br>

<br>

I hope you’ll enjoy the medium format experience. <br>

<br>

A.T. Burke</p>

Certo bought my near mint Super Ikonta III with Tessar for 150€ and resold it for 270$ in the US. Congrats on your Mamiya!

Personally, my vote would always go for folders. Agfa folders are great as long as they have a leather bellows. If the

shutters are working, Zeiss Ikontas and Nettars are nearly indistructable. Having said this, my first medium format camera

was a Photina Reflex II with Cassar lens, it was so cute and cheap I couldn't pass it by :)

For exposure meter I use an app on my smart phone these days, cost not more than 4$ and always with me. Enjoy

shooting and let us know about your progress!

wow is this a good time to sell off my collections? a few years ago these same cameras were

dirt cheap.

 

inventory time!

<p>There are 120 folders in the $20 to $60 price range that should be fine. As above, check the shutter, bellows, and such. I do have an Isolette, but I forget which model. Seems to work fine.</p>

<p>The TLRs that I see are priced too high for me, usually over $100.</p>

<p>SLRs that I see are even more. I haven't seen them anywhere close to $39.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>One more response from a Yashica Mat owner. I own a 124 -- not the "G", just the plain 124, which I prefer because it's all metal, lacking the "G"'s plastic. I bought mine from an eBay auction, paid right at $100 for it. It is an outstandingly accurate camera. I simply love it.</p>

<p>I've owned a Yashica Mat 124G, and I've owned several Rolleiflexes and I do believe that a good "Mat" can hold its own against the Rolleiflexes without difficulty. So, since price is a factor, my recommendation is to go with one of the later "Mat" cameras -- one with the Yashinon lens. And enjoy.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I actually just bought a Yashica from a gentleman who only wanted $100 for it! It'll get here on tuesday so I'll post updates when I get some pictures with it</p>

<p>here is a yashica 124 for $80 advertised on APUG.</p>

<p>http://www.apug.org/forum/index.php?threads/fs-yashica-mat-124-lynx-14-2.138568/</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Paul Ron, those are my cameras. :-) The 124 is in like new condition except for the issue with the WLF screws. The two Lynx's are great, and I had to finish a roll to post that thread. The Lynx's don't fit my need, but they are nice cameras. If anyone is interested in the 124, hit me up!</p>

<p>Its a beautiful camera. THis is a tough one to pass up.</p>

<p>The screws should be no problem replacing. The meter issue, if someone is handy with a screw driver n soldering iron, its usually a corroded wire or contact, very common problem. Otherwise, use it as is.. its a beautiful camera to work with. Try it once n you're hooked for life!</p>

<p>Im considering taking it if no one jumps on it soon. Ive got a couple already, there's something about Yahsicamats says I gotta have another. Terrible GAS problem.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I use a Rolleiflex mx 3.5 and Yashicamat 124g both under $250 on ebay and both take lovely images.<br>

BUT I found a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 518/16 folding 120 camera c1950s in a charity shop for $40 and I love it! The image quality is great. Half the bulk and weight of the TLRs. For a cheap introduction to MF, it's a no brainer. There are loads around.<br>

I've included an image taken with my Nettar using expired fujichrome and scanned with a epsom 4490. No photoshop used.</p><div></div>