Contax Film Back w/Insert v. a Handful of Inserts

I recently purchase the Contax 645. I'm extremely happy (I tried out

the Pentax and Mamiya first). This is my first foray into medium

format photography.

 

Okay, the question:

 

I currently have two film backs (and two inserts for those film

backs). Contax sells a set consisting of the film back and insert,

or you can buy both separately. The inserts come in a nice (I'm

assuming light sealed) black plastic case. Its ridiculously easy to

remove an insert and stick a new one in.

 

My question is this: Given this setup, is there any reason why I

shouldn't just buy a handful of inserts ($125-$155) and just keep the

two film backs or should I buy the film back w/insert and after

loading the film place it into its home film back? The film backs

are ~$400 and with insert ~ $450-475. Obviously buying a handful of

inserts would be more economical.

 

Can anyone offer advice or thoughts on this? Any do this? Any *not*

do this? Reason why?

 

Thanks!

 

ian klimon

Ian,

You are clever to think for such a economical method!

As a Contax 645 user, however, I won't try your proposal. It is because the removable film back is designed for immediate changing films when the film inside is in its mid-roll. Furthermore, the Contax film back is not mechanical like the Hassy, after you load the film, you may not be able to remove the film without harm to your film if not the machine as well.

Just to follow up. I only want to use the film inserts for swapping loaded FRESH rolls. I have an extra film back for changing mid-roll, but it seems to me to be far more economical to buy a few extra inserts and pre-load those with film for when the film in the back is finished. (I hope I'm getting this across right ;)

 

ian

When I shoot a wedding with my Hassy equipment, I take along 5 backs to facilitate quick end-of-roll changes. I reload several backs at a time during lulls. Having this many backs is an expensive, and bulky solution. This is one down-side to using Hasselblads, vs those that have interchangeable inserts. I have seen photographers who shoot with Bronica equipment, use a couple of backs and a pile of inserts to the same effect. Seemed to work for them. I see no reason why it shouldn't work with your Contax.

That's why they sell them separately--quick changes and less bulk. On the other hand, if you are ever in a situation where you might be shooting several different film types at one shoot or you want to use the zone system with roll film, then multiple backs are advantageous.

I use the Rolleiflex 6008 series for weddings, portraits, and other photography. Using inserts is very economical when you just want to shoot an entire roll of film and then load a fresh roll. Case in point: I have one 120 magazine and one 220 magazine, the Rollei inserts will work in either magazine; a 120 magazine new is $695 and $795 for the 220 were it only costs me $75 for a new insert-although I usually buy them used for around $40. If you do not need or want to change film mid-roll or use a different film type, inserts can be a great way to go.

I have a Mamiya 645, which has the same back and insert configuration as your Contax. I get along just fine with only two backs and a half dozen inserts (plus the two that came with the backs). The two backs let me switch between colour and black and white films in mid-roll, and the inserts keep a reasonable supply of loaded film on hand.