tobycline Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 I want to do some traveling to Asia, Europe, across America, etc. I would really like to do this with a MF camera and a P/S digital. Based on this, I'd love to hear some opinions on the best MF to use. I own the Mamiya 7II, and believe it's perfect for travel, but for my own reasons, I will probably end up selling it (I like a more accurate meter, more lens selection, the rangefinder and I just don't get along.) Sad, indeed, but that's the way it is. What about Mamiya's AFD? Too big for travel with a few lenses? What do you suggest? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_goldfarb Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 I would think the M7II would be a great travel camera. It's compact and the lenses are great, and if you want a more accurate meter, then get a handheld meter, which you might need anyway. What is "too big"? My usual medium format travel kit is a Bronica S2A with 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 135mm, 500mm and three backs, and then I'll go out usually with one, two or three lenses depending on the occasion. Then again, sometimes I travel with a 4x5" or 8x10" kit, so it's all relative and personal. Lois Connor photographed all around China with a Korona 7x17" camera strapped to the back of a bicycle. It depends on what your goals and limitations are. This isn't really something that someone else can tell you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guytal Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 I agree with David. "Too big" is really up to you - how much are you willing to carry? A small M645 kit will fit in a LowePro Mini Trekker or similar small pack that can be used as carry-on. My "travel light" kit is a Mamiya 645 Super with one back and 55-110 zoom. Guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
._._z Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 Just get a better digital. Heresy, I know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason michael Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 I've always found a lightmeter and a Mamiya 6 to be the best light MF package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elliot_n Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 I've been very happy travelling with a Mamiya 645AF and 3 lenses in a Billingham 335 shoulder bag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m_. Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 Not sure about your logic: you said that the Mamiya 7II does not have an adequate meter but most other MF cameras don't even have a built-in meter at all. So what do you do then by switching to other camera? I am lost here. I think by giving up the 7II you are making a big mistake. Mamiya has produced many lenses for 7II camera as far as I know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobycline Posted October 20, 2003 Author Share Posted October 20, 2003 Mr. Lin, here is my logic: I could switch to a camera like the AFD or Contax that have pretty good built-in meters or go for something like the 6x17 that I need a meter. I think you missed that I said the 7II is a great camera, but I don't like it because of the rangefinder, etc. Thanks anyway . . . The P67 is nice, but I hate to think about lugging 4 lenses and the body through Honk Kong or Montana. The AFD with 3/4 lenses doesn't sound too bad. Any others? TLR's, Horseman 612, or just screw it and use an F100 or 1Ds? Thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobycline Posted October 20, 2003 Author Share Posted October 20, 2003 Mr. Lin, here is my logic: I could switch to a camera like the AFD or Contax that have pretty good built-in meters or go for something like the 6x17 that I could use my Sekonic with. I think you missed that I said the 7II is a great camera, but I don't like it because of the rangefinder, etc. Thanks anyway . . . The P67 is nice, but I hate to think about lugging 4 lenses and the body through Honk Kong or Montana. The AFD with 3/4 lenses doesn't sound too bad. Any others? TLR's, Horseman 612, or just screw it and use an F100 or 1Ds? Thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dermot_conlan4 Posted October 20, 2003 Share Posted October 20, 2003 What are your goals, what do you want to see on the light table when you get back? A medium format image requires that you carry a medium format camera there's no way around this, no matter how many times this question is asked (check the archive) the answer is still the same. I just came back from Spain where I carried a Pentax 645N with four lenses and a Bronica RF645 with 65mm and lots of film. Four years ago I did it with an RZ67 and four lenses. Why don't you go and rent the M645AFd with a few lenses and carry it around for the weekend, figure out if it's the camera for you. You sell the M7 in this soft market and you will loose big time, why not keep it add the ploarizer , experiment with ND grads if you shoot landscape. A photographer here just published a book using the M711 and 43mm lens, It'a a very long and expensive road to wander down looking for the perfect MF camera it does not exist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobycline Posted October 20, 2003 Author Share Posted October 20, 2003 Photo Du Jour - great book! It sits in my living room. You are right, selling in this market will hurt. The best of both worlds would be to do what you did - travel with a 645 and a rangefinder. I'd love to keep the M7 for all of its qualities AND have something else. It will have to come down $$ on hand. I will certainly rent several types. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan n. Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 Jumping from one system to another won't do you no good. The point is taking pictures with the one you are confortable with. How can anyone tell you which one you will be confortable with ?.. it's up to you... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george_nedleman Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 Rather than taking 25 Lbs of Horseman 980 plus "goodies", I took 2 Rollie TLR s for B&W and Color, filters, spot meter, tripod about10-11 lbs for my Swiss trip. It worked pretty well but I missed the movements and N,N+,N- backs as well as a choice of lenses-65,110,180. George Nedleman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan n. Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 In fact it's depend on your style to choose your right gear... imagine yourself changing lens in a busy street in Hongkong with a bag full of equipment hanging on shoulder... or will you miss a tripod and long lens for long exposure at dawn in Zion National Park?...How about a correct perspective to shoot in the middle of the Grand Place in Brussels...? good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobycline Posted October 21, 2003 Author Share Posted October 21, 2003 Dan, what would you do? What would work for you? I know one camera can't do it all, but I'm curious to hear what others use and how it works for them. I have my own opinions, but I'd like for people to give convincing arguments as to why their system is best, and what works for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan n. Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 For traveling, weight factor is the key. Of course I would bring everything I need for each situation.So...(this my opinon, please hold your fire)... I would take a MF rangefinder with zoom lens or a MF reflex with a lightmeter with a zoom or at least a 80mm and a 50mm, 2 backs preloaded with film. A lightweight tripod to use when I have a chance and a backup handheld lightmeter. I would take a 35mm camera as backup (or a good D-SLR)...otherwise bring as much as you can and make a selection before each outing.... have fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darron_young3 Posted October 21, 2003 Share Posted October 21, 2003 Hi Toby- It looks like you want a excuse to get a 645SLR :). I own a mamiya 6, fuji gsw690III, and nikon equipment. I have taken my gsw to Italy for 2 weeks and my mamiya 6 to Greece, both with my nikon and zoom for p&s times and accurate metering. I assume you don't like the 7 because of 1)inaccurate framing WYS is NWYG; 2)no close focusing (no tight portraits and no macro), and 3)no changeable backs. No one can convince you that these three misgivings are worth the 1)compactness, (although the 6 is much more in this regard) 2)large negatives 3) weight 4)wide angle quality, and hand holdability.... which I think are the qualities of the Mamiya 6/7. As an aside, I might invest in a compact digital p&s to check light quality and subsitute it for the nikon. good luck, darron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony_thornborough1 Posted November 2, 2003 Share Posted November 2, 2003 I have travelled around Europe with a Mamiya 645 Pro TL and three lenses, two backs, and got some lovely shots - but it's only 'doable' IMHO if you have a car or are extremely fit and well-insured. The Mamiya 6 or newer 7 MF rangefinders are infinitely preferable because you can shoot hand-held all the time and still get magic pix. Next time I travel about a bit, I'm taking a 35mm EOS + standard f/2.8 zoom!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now