Older MF camera advice needed

[zel_umali]

I've been away from photography for about a decade and recently have

decided to take it up again since I have more free time. I normally

shoot 35mm with a Canon F-1N with a whole slew of lenses and mainly

in B&W which I develop and print myself. Years ago, I also had a

Rolleiflex 3.5 MX-EVS and I loved the larger negative with its

sharper images. I'm now itching to shoot medium format again. Brand

new cameras are out of the question because of the expense so I'm

looking for advice on older cameras. I'm thinking about another TLR

like another Rolleiflex, but I'm also considering an older Minolta

Autocord or Yashica-Mat 124. I'm also thinking about about an older

SLR like a Kowa 6/ Super 66 or a Bronica S2/S2A. If I could find a

Hasselblad for under $500, I'd consider it as well. I'd like to keep

to the square 6x6 format as well. Any advice, pros and cons about

these cameras that I've mentioned. Your input is greatly appreciated!

[trooper]

You've certainly left your options wide open! Any of the TLR's you mention are solid picture takers. You're familiar with the Rollei and likely enjoyed the precision and general mechanical quality of them. SLR's get into an entirely different territory for bulk and commotion. Some of the older stuff is getting harder to find parts for and you could be buying into a system that's likely very close to the end of its easy support phase.... Some careful shopping could land a Pentax 67 at very decent prices. Optics that are worn looking but perfectly usable seem to go cheaply, too. That may be a more sensible slr system to grow into. Some of the Russian stuff comes with quirks and headaches but some people swear by their value and merits. Most MF SLR systems were aimed at discerning pro market buyers, so there aren't too many dogs out there, optically.

[bob_lazzarini]

You might like to do a search in this forum. I'll bet your question has been asked before.

 

I've used:

 

Bronica S2A ten years ago. It lenses were Nikkons, and were the sharpest beauties I've ever used in MF. Both the lenses and the body are in the heavy weight category, tho I used it mostly for hand held even at 1/30 I obtained, IMO, very good negatives & slides. I've read that pricing for used S2As is reasonable, though you might have to put some small investment in it to keep it up to speed. Its focal plane shutter is noisy. I'm sorry I sold my setup off.

 

I've a 1949 3.5 Rollei TLR, which is so light in weight it's like my Leica M6. And the shutters are super quiet. It cost around $250. I haven't had a chance to develop & print as It is a recent acquisition, so I can't give you my opinion on its lens quality. I understand that it's very good, especially when used at f8 & f11.

 

As to 'Blads. While they are great cameras, IMHO they're way over priced, though it might be easier to get used accesories and find repair facilities. I'm not sorry I sold my 'Blad equipment off.

 

Good luck and enjoy which ever one you decide on.

[john_stockdale2]

There are lots of articles at:

 

http://medfmt.8k.com/

[aguilabrava]

How about a Mamiya TLR system with interchangeable lenses?.

 

Check on KEH, last time I checked there they had some in mint condition at pretty good prices, just go to www.keh.com .

[tor_kviljo1]

Hello Zel

My advice is to be careful to put to much money in a Bronica S2 or Kowa system. I have had the Bronica and liked it a lot, but it is a mechanically very complex camera (downward falling mirror necessitating extra light-closure system for viewfinder, instant return mirror & FP shutter = complex for a old MF). Both systems is possibly 30 years old by now and service-possibilities is a bit scarce. Mine died in service. The Mamiya 645 series and (if You find it cheap enough) the big & undistructable RB-67 is good value for money and descendants is in production = lenses & service within reach exept for oldest models. I like the RB-67 because of its laaarge WF-finder, bellows-focussing/CF-possibility & rotating back, but it is BIG. I don't have any of those cameras now, swiching to other brands as fortune allowed. Having used Rollei 6000-system the last five years (6006 & 6008i with SLX-2 as backup the first years). By the way - You might get a SLX version 2 in good condition & w/normal lens for about $$ 500,- and with built in motordrive & built in meter + multicoated planar lens it's in my opinion very good value for money. Mine worked flawlessly for years (never needed it as back-up camera - it were run as regular) and is presently in posession of a new owner, also he very satisfied with it. However, extra lenses is in the Hasselblad price range. You will also get an old Hasselblad for approx $$ 500,- but it will probably be hideously old (500C with single-coated chrome lens = about 30-40 years old..), and parts & service for the oldest models might be troublesome. However, it's the most widespread MF-system = lot of used, but in my opinion expensive for its age & features. I would commend on the Mamiya for a starter.

[j._mose]

Dear Zel,

 

Look at the following medium format(MF)website:

 

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

 

It has some articles about MF on a budget. It has endless articles which are interesting to read!

 

Although Hasselblads are expensive, they have been much cheaper on the used market these days. Check that common auction site (not allowed to mention the name) and look at the "Completed" items to establish a norm on pricing. If you get a Rolleiflex, I would aim for one with a Planar or Xenotar (although Tessars and Xenars are fine as well) because of their outstanding performance. There are older models that don't include a meter or 12/24 capability and are much cheaper but still have the outstanding lens. Good luck.

 

Regards,

 

J. P. Mose

[chip_greenberg1]

Zel: I went through a similar situation about a year ago and ended up with a

Kowa MM. You didn't mention what you shoot. I have shot in the past with

both Hasselblad system (500cm) and RZ 67. I shoot mostly landscapes and

use the camera on a tripod. I also wanted interchangeable lenses, and leaf

shutters and mirror lock up to reduce vibrations at exposure time.

 

I'm very happy with the Kowa. There have been some concerns on the web

about durability, but I take my time when I shoot and have not had a problem.

My camera and lens were CLA'd, and I recommend putting money aside for

that or finding on that has been CLA'd. I have had good luck finding lenses

on eBay, but you need to be patient and wait for the right one. The lenses are

single coated, so us a hade. But they are absolutely as nice as my Blad

lenses where. The 55, 110 macro, 150, 200, and 250 are all relatively

available and affordable. $200-350 depdning on condition, if it's been CLA'd

etc. The 40 and 35 are a bit harder to find and quite a bit more money.

However if you like wide angles the fct a 35 is made for this camera is a real

boon!

 

Good luck

Chip

[zel_umali]

Thanks for all the responses! I have been shooting an older Mamiya 645 1000s for the past week that my brother had loaned me. It's a nice camera and takes wonderful images. I might consider buying it from him if he decides to sell it to me. But I'd rather get something in the 6x6 format. I was concerned as well as to the repairability of camera systems that are over 30 years old and no longer made such as the Kowa and Bronica S2/S2a. I should look at something relatively inexpensive at first like a Minolta Autocord or Yashica 124 and have it CLA'd. Then I could take pictures and develop a sense for the square format. Then if I'm really hooked, I can save for a more modern system like the Bronica SQ-Ai. Thanks again!

[david_nevin1]

Just a note on the older 6x6 Bronica's: The S2A is a bit more rugged than the S2, and

is an excellent value. When getting into medium format, I started with a YashicaMat

124G, but soon sold it. Just wasn't happy being limited to a single lens. I've since

purchased an S2A had it CLA'd and foam replaced (it was working fine--just felt it

was due). The lenses, as earlier said, are cheap, plentiful, and excellent. Service is

available (just remember also that it doesn't cost that much to replace the body or a

back).

 

I just came back from taking a hiking trip with this beast, and while there were times I

was bemoaning the weight of the camera, I just got back my proof prints from the

trip and I have one that just says,"yeah, it was worth it."

 

Check out the websites listed above--either of the Kowas or the S2A would be a very

fine camera with excellent, inexpensive lenses.

 

HTH,

 

Dave

[chip_greenberg1]

Zel, it's anot as big a deal to CLA the older Bronicas or Kowas as you think. I

have been using Ross Yerkes in LA. He is an ex-Kowa repairman and has

hundreds of these around his house. Spare parts are not problem into the

forseable future. There are a couple othe similar Kowa specialists out there ,

and no doubt the same for Bronica.

Chip

[gavin martin]

I'm a lover of MF 6x6.

 

Recommendations. TLR: Rollei 2.8, Yashica mat 124G (still have mine, great camera & the meters good).

 

SLR: Bronica SQAi or my favorite, a Hasselblad 500CM. You should be able to find a 500CM cheap. Lens wise, the 80mm's are common & therefor cheap. Go for the CF lens if you can afford it, other wise the cheaper, older C is usable. Benefits being, great build, great quality, great system & interchangeable backs.