Recommendations for Entry-Level MF System

[matt_thrasher1]

Hi all,

This is my first post and I realize that I'm asking a question that

has been asked before, but I'm still a little confused so please

bear with me. I've been shooting for the last 2-3 years, first with

a 35mm and then upgraded to a Nikon D70s about a year ago. I would

like to get into MF photography because of the superior picture

quality, but also because I'm just a bit of a gadget guy and enjoy

learning about new mediums and tinkering with new equipment.

 

I would like to buy an entry-level MF camera or system, and I'll try

to be as specific as possible in describing what I'm looking for.

I'm primarily intersted in the 6x6 format, and would like to get a

camera with a waist-level finder. For the most part, I'd be using

the camera for landscape/cityscape shots. I live in Southern

Arizona so there are many opportunities for desert landscape shots

and also shots of really beautiful Mexican-colonial architecture. I

would not be doing much portraiture work, but candid shots of people

would definitely be part of my city photos. My budget right now is

$100-$200.

 

Like I said, I'm looking for a purely entry-level MF camera that I

can tinker/experiment with and learn from. If I enjoy taking

pictures in this medium, then I would upgrade to more sophisticated

equipment down the road. Thanks in advance for taking the time to

read and/or respond.

[mikeivnitsky]

TLR or FOLDER.I'd go for tlr.

Late Autocords seem great - I have a yashica 124G-it's nice but prices climbed up,maybe the 124 is cheaper. The cameras of that level are usually meterless.

[richard_laepple]

Dito a TLR. For 100-200$$ you can probably find nothing else. But keep in mind that older TLRs, like other cameras, often need service which costs another 100-200$$. Besides Autocords or Yashicas consider an earlier Rolleiflex with Tessar/Xenar lens or a Rolleicord.

[ben_bradley1]

Im pretty new to MF too-- about a year now-- and because I was so used to a 35mm SLR I decided, on a friend's recommendation, to go for an ARAX 60, which is an upgraded Kiev. So far Ive been quite pleased with it: it was quite affordable, there are many lenses out there, and so far everything has been perfectly dependable. But there are lots options out there: for example, Ive added a folding 6x6 and 6x9 too, because I found that I was leaving the ARAX at home too often.

 

Good luck!

[m_elek]

For that price, I'd be looking for a good deal on a Rolleiflex Automat, a Rolleicord with a Xenar or one of the many Japanese TLRs. As with all TLRs using waist-level finders, the image is reversed laterally.

 

Most cameras will need to be serviced, so price that into your purchase. If you can find a camera that already has been serviced, then that's a big plus.

[ted_chambers]

I know you said waist-level finder, but like others I'd suggest you take a look at a folder. A refurbished folder will be within your budget. (A non-refurbished one will be under $100, but will likely need a new bellows.) These are "pocketable" (not in the sense of your new digital camera, but they will fit in a coat pocket). If you're coming from 35mm they are more familiar since they operate at eye level. A folder won't come with a meter, and likely not with a rangefinder either.

[mike cary]

Matt,

<P>

Here's a good source for used camera equipment.

http://www.keh.com/shop/brand.cfm?sid=newused

 

<P>

Mike

[goemon]

TLR is far from a bad way to go. I wouldn't be tempted by something like a folder; the lenses aren't really spectacular, they're almost never coated, and alignment is much more of a problem. My TLR was my first serious MF camera.

[robert_nancarrow]

Too bad you have a limit of 200.00. If you're a gadget guy you couldn't do any better than the Hasselblad system. I suspect you'll end up there some day. Bob.

[eric_kim]

I bought a mint Minolta Autocord Cds with black leather case on $250 from Ebay. It works great! Of course, the picture quality of 6x6 is superior to any 35mm cameras including my Leica MP. You can buy a cheaper model without Cds meter which works, but just gives a ball-park figure. You need a separate exposure meter any way.

[stwrtertbsratbs5]

The Minolta Autocord is excellent. I used one for about a year before buying a MF SLR. Nice lens and the focusing lever is fantastic.

 

Robert

[mike butler]

I agree that you sound like an excellent candidate for a TLR.

 

You might give a little thought to a Bronica, too. For $400-$500 or so, you could pick up a

used SQ-b, WL, back, and 80mm lens.

 

The Holga has it charms, too. Although it's not a waist-level, you can use it that way.

Doesn't make much difference. ;-)

[terry_evans3]

Matt,

 

Do a search on e-bay for medium format cameras, Mamiya, and 330. I just looked and saw one with two lenses for $150.00. A college friend of mine had one, they are really nice. Keep looking until you find one in excellent condition. Also, make an offer on buy-it-now auctions. Have fun.

 

Terry

[sammm]

I would suggest considering a Yashica 44 (a 4x4 system, significantly larger than 35 mm, but smaller than 6x6) or a YashicaMat or Minolta Autochord. I have both of them.

 

The Yashica 44 is inexpensive - it tends to go for 60-70 dollars or less on ebay - and the film has become relatively easy to find and I find it less expensive to develop and print than 120 film, particularly if you shoot slides. Slides fit into 2x2 square mounts, so no special medium format equipment is needed to view them or scan them. The YashicaMat 124G goes for about twice as much.

 

The 44 is easy to carry and handle, and with the money you'd save, I'd invest in a set of Rollei black and white filters, a set of close-up lenses, and a lens shade. That gives you a pretty substantial kit to play with. The lens shade is quite important - TLRs can flare easily. If you decide to add a YashicaMat, Autochord or even many Rolleis later on, the kit will still fit.

 

If this bug catches you however, forget all about $200 budgets for anything - that can easily become your monthly film and developing cost!

[troyammons]

$300 Kowa super 66.

[red_noise]

Hi,

I would echo Ben Bradley's suggestion, but with a twist. There are quite a few Penticon six cameras on ebay right now. They are 6x6 slrs, and can be had with a waistlevel finder from $100-$200. If you get tired of the waist level, you can add an eye-level prism (with or without TTL meter.) All kinds of accessories are there too, lenses, filters, close up bellows. I'm gonna get another one soon. Here are some pictures taken with the six:

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Ei3O&tag=

[sammm]

The Kowa 66 is a great choice if you're ready to put in some extra money. I have one of those, too, and love it. But I don't think I'd start with it as my learner, since it can act up until you are accustomed to it and has a nice big lens (great glass!) that will take a pretty heavy investment in filters and the like.

[bueh]

Though only rarely, I have seen (and bought, <i>ahem</i>) small sets of older Mamiya M645 cameras (body, lens, WLF or prism) on that big auction site for about €150-200. For $200 you can probably also find an old 2x3 Graflex press camera with the undesirable Graphic (aka Spring) back and a Adapt-a-Roll rollfilm holder. I have one and it's a great camera with the gorgeous Ektar lens. Very well suited for landscape work, but not so for street photography (groundglass focusing, slow lens...).<br>

<center><img src="image?bboard_upload_id=27279284" height="512" width="436" vspace="10"><br><i>Graflex Miniature Speed Graphic, Kodak Ektar 101mm f/4.5, Ilford Pan F plus 5</i></center>

[jd_rose]

Hello,

 

 

I have a YashicaMat 124G that produces a quality 6x6 negative. That is probably your best, inexpensive step into medium format.

 

Your second best step is a RB67 with a 90mm prime and a 120 back. Under $250.

 

I also have Ziess Ikon C with the Novar/Prontor II in my back pocket when I am out...$35.00...Great for those quick shots of friends...and it produces a 6x9 negative. The old lens adds a cool dimension to portraits. I do not recommend these old folders for anything but informal portraits and artistic experimentation.

 

Lastly, consider a Mamiya 645. Bigger than 35mm and cheap. $125...

 

--- JDR

[jimmy_english]

I started with a Yaschica "D" then got a Bronica ETRs then a Yaschica 124G & finally the Bronica SQ-A when they dropped in price. The Yaschica "D" cost $50.00 in 1988 & is probably not much more than that now.

 

Here are some links with info

 

http://www.williamsphotographic.com/yashica.html

 

http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/

 

http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/tlr.html

 

Good luck & I know once you've gotten any one of them you'll be hooked(like the rest of us)

[stan_mark]

All the recommendations seem good. I might add that good serviced used MF equipment often shows up on "For Sale" shelves at camera repair shops themselves.

 

If there is one in your area, I would recomend dropping in and looking around. The shop near me has about 5 TLRs on the shelf right now. Plus they are checked over already. They should also have some sort of warrenty.

 

Stan

[scott_kinkade]

I bought a Yashica Mat 124 on ebay (there, I said it) for $89 a few months ago. If you consider a camera in that class, I would go for the 124 rather than the 124G, as they usually go for less and have no disadvantage in performance. Though I am admittedly a know-nothing newbie, I tend to be sceptical about the standard advice to budget for a CLA. That might make sense if you are looking for a professional rig, or if you have exacting technical requirements and the skill to match--but if that's the case you won't be shopping for $100-$200, right? In that range, I'd say look for clean lenses and working mechanics from a seller who will let you return it if not as described.

 

Final note: if you shop for a Yashica TLR, a package that includes filter(s) is significantly more valuable than one that does not, as those filters can go for $30 or more. Assuming you are interested in filters, of course.

[35mmdelux]

Bueh B. Your foto is absolutely great. Keep working it. BTW I lived in Frankfurt 1972-1974. Nice place, still have friends there.

 

On entry level: consider a Mamiya 220 w/ interchangeable lenses ability. Consider the 55mm or 65mm lenses. All outstanding optics AND its a system camera.

 

W/ the Rollies, Yashicas, etc. you will be limited lens wise to 80mm. Trust me you will need wider angle for the desert. A 65mm lens can do double duty, getting some wide angle but also used as a wider standard lens.

[chris_waller]

Mamiya C330S.

[terence_spross1]

Considering you already have a decent 6MP camera, exactly what advantage does the larger format bring you? Obviously 6MP isn't that high of resolution, so MF images can beat it without much effort as long as the shots are tripod mounted. As Bueh's example photo shows, snapshots in the street could easily be done better with your D70. I assume backgrounds in his photos are significantly better/sharper on landscapes.

 

I agree with most answers, but I wonder if you might consider another option. I know this is the MF forum and I might be talking "out of church" here, but considering most of your photos will be done with the D70, and when you consider each shot costs you money with a larger film format - why not make it count. I'm thinking a 4x5 LF camera might be the thing you should consider. If I lived in Arizona, I would also want to take landscapes some of the time. For those shots that count, the resolution of 4x5 is amazing.

Unfortunately, a quick check on the bay seems to indicate the price with a lens is likely to be in the $250 range if you look for a bargain. Look for a minimum of features, and sure LF is inconvenient, but for the shots that matter it is worth it. Processing costs may be an issue unless you can do your own. Many LF photographers are scanning their negs at high res.

 

Just something to consider...