MF Camera for photographing Landscape and Architecture

[danielheller]

Hello:

I am planning to purchase a MF film camera system(used equipment)for shooting

Landscape and Architecture.

 

Could you please share with me your experiences as to what would constitute a

good system suitable for this purpose.I realize this a fairly broad and generic

question, however I need to eliminate all the systems that are not suitable

before I start a full research. Youtr personal experiences are extremely

important in the selection process.

 

Here are some of my criteria:

1) Some travel is involved. So prtability is important.

2) Not a 6x6

3) For Architecture - a non distorting wide angle with good sharpness at edges

is desired as part of the system.

4) Availability of service and parts is important.

5) Price I have assigned for this purchase is Max. $1,000 (although I could be

persuaded going upwards for the right system!)

 

Thanks in advance.

[cd]

Fuji for under 1000$, BTW.. what is a non distorted wide angle, those usually involve panoramic formats?

[bob_sunley]

A used 4x5 view or field camera and a 6x9 roll film back. That way the front movements can be used to eliminate perspective distortion for architecture. Plus there are two film formats included :)

[michael_dimarzio]

I used a Mamiya 645 Pro with the 50mm PC shift lens for a year in Israel. If you want a WA for architecture, a PC lens is very useful. Unless you are going to fix con/divergent lines in PS later.

 

I read years ago that the 50mm PC was the best built lens in that lineup, after using it as a general purpose WA, and shifted, and against other Mamiya lenses, I agree. There are a few threads on PN about it, I started one years ago.

[marek_fogiel]

If you want portability, quality and bigger than 6x6, then Mamiya 7 with the 43mm lens is

about the only option in current production, but a bit above your budget. A used SWC would

be about the same price and more portable, but is a 6x6 solution.

[mike_earussi1]

Koni-Omega has sharp lenses (58, 90, 135, 180), interchangable backs (if you buy the M or 200 models) and reasonable prices. The body, back and 90 can be picked up for around $250 on EBay.

 

http://photography.search.ebay.com/koni-omega_Cameras-Photo_W0QQcatrefZC6QQfromZR4QQsacatZ625

 

http://www.peterlanczak.de/koni_rapid200.htm

[SCL]

Rolleiflex or Bronica ETRSi seem to fit the bill.

[aizan_sasayama]

horseman vh/vh-r go for around $400-600 on ebay. it's a 6x9 technical camera, and costs

much less than any 6x9 linhof technika.

[mike_earussi1]

There's also the 6x9 Graphic.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Graflex-Century-Graphic-6X9-camera-vintage-2-Schneider_W0QQitemZ320236307576QQihZ011QQcategoryZ4701QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

Just buy a rollfilm back for it and you're all set.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Graphic-23-6x9-roll-film-holder_W0QQitemZ110240877485QQihZ001QQcategoryZ29973QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[jimsimmons]

Depends on what kind of travel and your idea of portable. Put on your research list: Pentax 67, 55mm F/4 lens - no distortion, sharp (not the f/3.5 version). Pentax makes a good 75mm perspective control lens for the P67, but most architectural photographers would prefer that is was a bit wider than 75mm.

[paul.droluk]

A second for the Horseman VH or VHR... MUCH smaller and portable than a 4x5. Add the

Horseman Angle Finder, and you have almost an SLR view (just in reverse). For architecture,

having movement capabilities is a tremendous asset, and being able to use current LF lenses

also assures the very best optical performance. And you have your choice of 6x7 or 6x9

RFB's.

[mohir_ali]

SWC with a 6X4.5 back (A-16), very portable. You could also crop the 6X6, as framing in not precise.