de_isaacs

 

<p >My congratulations also on your recent acquisition!! I think you'vre gotten one of the best MF camera setups ever!! I have collected a similar combination over the past 5 years mainly from Photo.Net and from local folks. Pro S, 50/90/127/180/250/360 lenses, Extension tubes, 2x teleconverter, etc give me all the versatility I need.</p>

<p >Take your time and get to know this great workhorse of a system. I am enthralled with 'postcard sized negatives" as well as the discipline that the system imposes on me for composition, exposure and image capture. Although it is a 'studio' camera - I have taken it (with 50 or 90mm lens) on walks in the Gardens, to the forest - or just in my backyard flower garden (my back does gripe about it though).</p>

<p >As you define your needs/wants/desires buy some additional lenses for your RB - which in my opinion is perhaps the finest camera system ever made for potraiture. in conjuction with my C220 system and a Pro TL 645 setup (oh and some EOS digital gear - haha) I can (try to) get almost any image I want in the format/form I want.<br /><br />Enjoy your Mamiya RB - Happy shooting!</p>

<p >Derek Isaacs</p>

 

<p>I have also faced this question in my own life and work.. I recently acquired a Mamiya Pro TL and several lenses/backs/etc. and added this to my already well stocked kit of TLR's, RB67, Digital and film EOS bodies/lenses and the like. I took a number of rolls of 120 slide - trying to be methodical - trying to 'slow down and pre-visualize - only to lose my notes taken in loose leaf regarding exposure, f-stop, etc. I was overly disappointed in the results - and have now set out a bound-book (Moleskine - their "cartoon panel" art/sketch book) and have attempted to 'pre-draw' what I want to capture and then print the final 'achieved' image - but due to weather etc - that will be for next spring in the gardens. I agree that the philosophy of photography be kept - and I also concur that it is best left to each individual - after all - if beauty is in the eye of the beholder - then one man's floral macro masterpiece is another man's weeds<br>

I guess (in the final analysis) that the way to become a photgrapher (or a better one perhaps) is the same advice that the music student was given upon asking "How do I get to Carnegie Hall? - Practice, Practice, Practice!"<br>

My $0.02<br>

Derek</p>

 

<p>Hello there Frank - regarding 'Finding' gear I would also recommend looking here at Photo.net - I have managed to get some excellent deals on 6x7, 6x6 (Mamiya - TLR) and other MF and Digital SLR gear.<br>

Your lens selection does indeed come down to what you want to shoot. I have an array of lenses to fit my 'moods/needs'. As far as backs go, get at least 2 backs (get 120 - 220 is 'disappearing' fast). The backs are interchangebable mid-roll with little or no effort (Be sure to by backs with Dark-slides).<br>

I also agree that the RB67 Pro S / Pro SD are your 'best bets' in current sales. Anything older than that will be hard to repair/find parts for.<br>

Use the waist level finder - and get used to a 'reversed' image. Make SURE you have a tripod that will hold this marvelous workhorse. I never shoot mine without it (or my back complains for 3-4 days!).<br>

I have taken mine "out and about' to the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver zoo (lots of curious stares and gawks - but no issues) - although 'lugging' this setup around will do wonders for your cardio-vascular health!<br>

<br />so, to answer your quetions in the order they were asked:<br>

1. Use a 120 back for 120, 220 for 220. (Film pressure plates differ! )<br>

2. As noted above, yes.<br>

3. Polaroid is VERY hard to come by these days<br>

4 The lenses are available and inexpensive. I do have a few non C lenses and they are more than adequate. I only lack the 37mm and 50mm in my system. The 360mm on the RB67 is quite an imposing site - and weight wise you may find that you could have trained in the Army to carry mortars and put that to good use carrying the RB67. My idea of a good "starter" outfit would be a 90 or 127mm and a 180 or 250mm.<br>

5. As far as 'going Macro' - plan on buying at least 1 each of the #1 and #2 extension tubes. I use combinations of the tubes with my 250mm and 360mm glass - very useful!<br>

6. Yes indeed the standard filter size is 77mm.<br>

Good luck - and have fun!!<br>

Derek</p>

<p>I think an RB67 may be your best "Bang for the buck'. I'd also put in the plug to shop "right here on Photo.net! {wink}" I started that way 3 years ago and have picked up several backs, Pro s Body, WL and metered Chimney finders, and 5 lenses (and a bag) for less than $600.00 total.<br />RB67 ProS or SD would also be my choice (The former is cheaper on e*** and in our classifieds here. Wind the body (charges the Mirror/shutter) and then wind the film.<br />Waistlevel finders and/or prisms are available and even a metered prism or chimney finder is available. Built in bellows and rack lets most any lens get in real close (true macro can be attained with {besides lots of practice} the No.1(45mm) and No.2 (85mm) auto extension tubes. The rotating back is indeed a lifesaver in many situations.<br />Remember - you CAN walkaround with this camera (if you're built like Andre the Giant) but for a short stroll in the local woods - it's not bad. <br />Keep in mind that the Mamyia TLR's are 1) almost the same size negative; 2) have almost as many lens choices; 3) are much lighter in weight; and 4) are just as, if not more so, affordable and available.<br />I've found lots of stuff here , on E*** and KEH over the years,<br />Best regards-<br />Derek - Apa (Another pure amateur)!</p>

<p>I use a Minolta III (off camera) Meter so I only compose and frame with the viewfinder (even though I have used in-camera meters in thepast. They seem to work well enough, but then, I'm usually shooting flowers, ruins or architecture, so the speed of metering is not a concern.<br>

I agree with the advice to keep your eye close to the viewfinder - or else use the viewfinder blind (the switch just right of the eyepiece). The advantage with a handheld meter is you can get reading off of YOUR point of interest in the photo - and expose to highlight that.<br>

Best regards -<br>

Derek</p>

<p>It probably goes without saying - but I'll say it anyway - Photo.net is (and has been from my 10+ years experience) one of the best and most reliable places to find the majority of item(s) you need when you need them. I wouls also concur with the KEH recommendation above - largely for the smaller, less frequented items (like an RB67 ProS 645 back and mask).<br>

The preceeding was a paid political announcement <grin><br>

Derek Isaacs</p>

<p>I have found (Personal preference) that MF (especially the 6x7) beats out all but the latest "full frame sensor" cdigital cameras at 16x20 and below. Above that (at say 'Poster Print size) I find the MF 6x7 negative (or positive - I shoot mostly 'chromes) is VERY appealing - a friend remarked that 6x7 scanned is probably more like a 35-45 mega-pixel image. I too am coming at this discussion from a strictly amateur position and as a life long 35mm (film) and digital SLR user. So an image from 6x7 compared to 35mm usually leaves me breathless.<br>

As to my experience, I bought three MF bodies (one Pro-S and two TLR's<C33 and C220>) and an assortment of lenses several years ago when they got dumped by the going-digital crowd. Used, but in decent shape. Not all the Mamiyas are cheap; but the majority of their lineup serves as workhorses in many studios. They are VERY well made, and very dependable.</p>

<p>I have found (Personal preference) that MF (especially the 6x7) beats out all but the latest "full frame sensor" cdigital cameras at 16x20 and below. Above that (at say 'Poster Print size) I find the MF 6x7 negative (or positive - I shoot mostly 'chromes) is VERY appealing - a friend remarked that 6x7 scanned is probably more like a 35-45 mega-pixel image. I too am coming at this discussion from a strictly amateur position and as a life long 35mm (film) and digital SLR user. So an image from 6x7 compared to 35mm usually leaves me breathless.<br>

As to my experience, I bought three MF bodies (one Pro-S and two TLR's<C33 and C220>) and an assortment of lenses several years ago when they got dumped by the going-digital crowd. Used, but in decent shape. Not all the Mamiyas are cheap; but the majority of their lineup serves as workhorses in many studios. They are VERY well made, and very dependable.</p>

<p>I also would suggest that you consider a vest. I have two fishing-style vests (I picked them up at a sporting goods shop [big 5] on sale for $12.00 each) They have pockets in front, back, sides that easily fit my assorted lenses. I also agree that you should limit what you are taking on a "day Trip: - envision what you want before you leave - then go get the shots. <br>

I used to take everything (waaay tooo much stuff) and have learned (in my advancing age - I'm 51) that I am a better photographer if I am comfortable and focused (mentally) on my surroundings. Diversity in your lenses-yes; Multiplicity - NO.<br>

The photographer's vests are nice - usually much more expensive - and do the same job - (why buy a Cadillac when the Chevy will do?) and maintain a more comfortable walking style.<br>

Good luck, Happy trails, and good shooting!</p>

<p>I also would suggest that you consider a vest. I have two fishing-style vests (I picked them up at a sporting goods shop [big 5] on sale for $12.00 each) They have pockets in front, back, sides that easily fit my assorted lenses. I also agree that you should limit what you are taking on a "day Trip: - envision what you want before you leave - then go get the shots. <br>

I used to take everything (waaay tooo much stuff) and have learned (in my advancing age - I'm 51) that I am a better photographer if I am comfortable and focused (mentally) on my surroundings. Diversity in your lenses-yes; Multiplicity - NO.<br>

The photographer's vests are nice - usually much more expensive - and do the same job - (why buy a Cadillac when the Chevy will do?) and maintain a more comfortable walking style.<br>

Good luck, Happy trails, and good shooting!</p>

<p>I would tend to agree with Mr. Posner above - Medium format options include a wide variety of types. What size Image do you ultimately want? Digital or Film? There are (IMHO) a number of questions only YOU can answer that will greatly assist you in your choices. <br>

This site is a great resource for your search - but you need to know what you want. Photos that have impact are the result of a combination of operator talent and technique much more so than the equipment used to capture the image. <em>It's the carpenter, not the hammer. </em>hI have seen impactful photos from an Instamatic 104 - and I have seen bland images from a Hasselblad - so get on out there and use your imagination and vision (never an included feature in ANY Camera). Happy shooting!!</p>

<p>I had a C330F in High School and college (until I needed tuition $$ and foolishly sold it). After years of lamenting that decision - I bought (on this site thank you Photo Net) both a C33 and a C220 - with 5 out of the 7 lenses available (I don't use a 55mm or 65mm). I picked up a paramender (really useful gadget for the bag) and several other goodies (including a Non-metered glass prism) for eye-level viewing (I'm 6'5" btw).<br>

My favorite encounter with the setup was several years ago at the Denver Bontanical Gardens. I took a day off in May to go photograph the flowers - I was not aware that it was school field trip day as well - so as I was taking a portrait of som poppies (Camera on Tripod - bellows extended, WLF on and open - light meter dangling from around my neck) a group of 2nd graders walked by me. A little girl suddenly exclaimed "Shush-there a photograper working here" (boy did I laugh at that) and the kids (who had never seen a TLR setup before - asked what I was taking pictures of - so I asked the teacher if I could let the kids look thru the viewfinder - and when she agreed - we had the kids line up and peek thru to see the poppies in the ground glass (I had alreay taken the picture). I hope I helped start at least 1 new shutterbug - but it was a great memory for me.<br>

I also shoot with an RB67(ProS), EOS (film and Digital) but the Mamiya TLR's are my favorites for truly " Capturing the moment."<br>

Happy shooting!</p>

<p>I concur with a number of the above postings - it really boils down to (a) what you need; (b) what is available; © how much they want for it and (d) what YOU can afford [or at least are willing to spend for the item. Too often in my experience I see "Overpriced" items not sell for long periods - and then some lucky chap (or damsel) picks up the item from a desparate (and frustrated) seller for a song. From my perspective - regardless of KEH/B&H or *-bay - an item is ONLY worth what YOU are willing to pay for it. Or to paraphrase that old Hank Williams Sr. song - "If YOU got the $Money$ Honey - NOW is the time!"<br>

Happy shopping! Derek</p>

<p>I have a Tamron 90mm[effective 135mm on APS-c] Macro(with Ext. Tube) and a Vivitar 100mm Macro [effective 160mm on APS-c] (with Life size magnifier/filter) from my 'film' EOS body collection and I have been pleased with the results - I also just purchased (on this forum - plug/plug) a 60mm EF-s macro lens [again, this is an effective 96mm on APS-c] which I am starting to use on my 'practice macro specimens' (my wife's potted african Violets with pleasing results. The Tamron and Vivitar lenses are still available - and depending on your needs - may be the answer.<br>

Good luck! - Derek</p>

You also might want to try out two local scenic areas - Starsmore Center and Nature area, and Bear Creek Nature reserve - both in close (relative) proximity and easy to get to.

just a moment to "Harken back" to film - but my EOS 700 (750?) has that fun feature of removing the center screw in the selection dial and flipping it over (one side Pic modes - one side shutter speeds)

wierd - and if you lose the button (or the center screw) it's "Game Over" for that body . . .

 

Derek Isaacs

I always take mine to the (Bob forgive me here) Dry cleaners! It seems to PERC up the sensors!

sorry - couldn't resist. BTW - I agreed with the dishwasher recommendation - and use JetDry!

Perhaps Canon has some XS inventory and wants to relieve us of our XS cash (grin).

 

Tim - great idea - I have been awaiting a 5D upgrade - please post when the purchase is complete (smile).

Given your budget and the fact that you can through more money at this later, I would vote to start with 55-250 as a good all-around initial lens. 55 is about 80 on your 40D so it should be wide enough for travel. 250 is about 300+ so great for close ups, telephoto and even some macro. The IS is a feature I had scoffed at thru the years � but now as the song says � �I�m a Believer�. Just this lens and the 40D will be a great start.

Don�t forget to grab extra memory cards, batteries, a case or backpack and a nice (sturdy) tripod!

Good shooting!

Derek

You might also look at "Third-party" lenses - I purchased (on Photo.net) a Vivitar Series-1 100-400 (f4.0-6.3 I think) lens several years ago for EOS mount. I was extremely thrilled when I discovered it worked on my 10D/20D/30D bodies (160mm-640mm equivalent) and has made my hobby more interesting (although I still have a long way to go as a photographer compared to most of you!)

 

I agree that there are too many lenses out there to just randomly suggest one - when looking at "older lenses" with "Newer Bodies" (that sounds like a George Burns remark!) consider also if re-chipping is possible.

 

Derek

something here points to the updated saying about "a Fish in the hand worth more than . . ." but as it is a shame (and a good laugh) to slide that by the bird - I guess I will abandon that tail (tale?) for another time!

Recently, My Boss' youngest daughter was married - and I was invited to the wedding as both a guest AND a photographer. Another co-worker/friend of my boss was the 'prime' photographer and I served as backup. we both attended the rehearsal and wedding, worked to stay out of each other's way, and had a great time! The B&G ended up with over 1000 shots (the other guy did the formals) I did mostly candids and a few "in church" shots with my quiet 10D. As costs escalate for 'getting hitched' - I expect to see more of these types of wedding arrangements - next photography banner - "Will work for cake"

 

Just my $0.02 worth.

 

--Derek Isaacs

OP-Tech also has a slightly wider (at the neck) and 1" thick down to the lugs (not sure of the part number - but I use them on my RB67 and my Mamiya C220 & C33 bodies.

 

Good luck!

William's right also, and you can also go South and East and down to Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Head out along the 'Parker Road" and catch the early light on the peaks or east out over the plains.

 

Castle Rock is where I live.

My EOS series equipment also appreciates the kind thoughts from gramps F1 - However - Grampa's cousin (Ftb-QL) says hello as well ! I recently traded in my FD equipment (I wasn't using it-moment of silence please . . . ) for a Canon Digital Body. My oldest body is now the Ftb-QL and a TX (Inoperative) that I keep for sentimental reasons. I too love some of the earlier EOS bodies (like the 700 with it's reversible control button (One side is full manual - the other side is the 'Control mode buttons" we know and love today. I especially like the auto up/down flash capability on the 700.

 

Happy birthday EOS!