emily_rainsford

Ricky you talk a lot of sense. I've most recently been looking at the sq-Ai and I have to admit to some gear lust - there is something about it that draws me and the photos I've seen have a gorgeous quality. But you may be correct that an inexpensive TLR may be a good entry point and I could move to an SLR later if I wanted. What you mention about the hiking is one of my concerns - that the weight and bulk will lead to it staying home over more portable options in my arsenal. I've also been eying up the Minolta Autocord as a TLR option...

Robert Bowring, you win favourite comment :-P You're right, I have been overthinking it, mostly because it is a considerable monetary investment and as a stay at home mum, it takes me time and patience (and a bit of wheedling :-P) to save up the funds. But also I think because my gut is drawn to one thing and my brain is telling me all the reasons it doesn't make sense. I kind of want something that I feel excited to learn my way around. As much as a camera as just a tool, I think the way you connect with your tool can change the way you photograph - that's one if the things I love about film, feeling more connected to what I'm creating. I'm like a cross between a philosopher and a gadget-head :-P As much as everyone responding has their own biases, I actually really like reading everyone's biases. If someone says "I like this because..." and their "because" doesn't fit the way I work, then I have still learnt something useful ya know? Even if my conclusion is different to theirs. Really great thread, thanks everyone!

Thanks Jerome, that is really helpful :-) I will never be a studio shooter and candid shooting is my usual style.

I should also add - I tend to pick a favourite lens - usually a wide-ish normal, 35-50mm 35mm equivalent - and it lives on my camera. I'm not one for pfaffing around changing lenses. So the amount of lenses available for a system is not an issue to me at all and the fixed lens of the TLRs doesn't worry me. My 35mm cameras both have 50mm primes on them and I actually sometimes wish they were a titch wider.

I have actually thought about the Hasselblad but have the same concern as the Bronicas - size and weight

Thank you so much everyone for the many, well thought out responses! I wasn't sure what to expect from this forum but I really appreciate all the time and effort you have all taken to respond, thank you! I do realise that if I want to capture my monkey at her most active and really don't want to miss a shot, then my digital and 35mm SLRs are the best tool for the job. I have both film and digital Canon EOS systems which both serve that purpose well. I don't expect a medium format camera/system to replace this function. I hope to be able to nab a shot of her in her quieter moments, and also expand my subject matter - sometimes it is nice to feel like I'm something other than just "mum" if that makes sense. But certainly handholding is important to me and I'm starting to think that rules out the Bronica. The shooting distance of the M6 is the one big concern to me as I am kind of drawn to the idea of "macro" shooting (not true macro really, just closer focusing) which is certainly not an option with the M6 whereas I know the Rolleinars are an option for the Rollei. On the other hand, I can always get a macro lens for my 35mm if I really feel the urge, can't I.... The previous poster is correct in saying that my living in NewZealand affects things. I live in a smallish town and anyway there is not a big film presence in this country that I can find. I certainly am not able to try before I buy, as I will most likely be purchasing from overseas and I don't know any other film shooters here. I guess my biggest question is which focusing method will frustrate me less - the WLF or the RF. I have a Canon AE-1P and I find having to judge with my eyes alone whether focus is correct to be quite tricky although I do manage to get a fair amount of keepers on that camera, even the action shots. The TLR kind of just looks "fun" because it is so different... On the other hand I wonder if I would be more likely to carry the M6 along with me on a day trip... I'm kind of just thinking out loud here ha!

I want to buy my first medium format camera. I have researched extensively but really need some specific input on my short listed options. I want to shoot 6x6 - I'm just drawn to it. If I want a rectangle, I can just use my 35mm cameras. I've been shooting 35mm for about 6 months (DSLR before that). I am a hobbyist but a very passionate one. I mostly shoot my active 2 year old but I am very aware that the types of MF systems I'm looking at will require a slower shooting style and I want to try it. I am limited by budget and the fact that I am small with pathetic girl arms so weight is a factor. I want to handhold - I'm not a tripod girl. So I have narrowed down my options to: * Bronica EC or Sq. I'm drawn to the EC for some reason. My main concern here is weight and the noise of the shutter. * Yashicamat or Rollei 3.5 TLR. I have the opportunity to purchase a Rollei 3.5 Tessar New Standard for US$250 which I think is quite tempting. * I have had in my head forever that a Mamiya 6 would be my ideal camera (size, silence, aperture priority) but I've never used a rangefinder before. So another option is to get a cheap 35mm RF like a yashica electro to see if a RF suits me then save up for a Mamiya 6. I live in NZ and there is nowhere to actually touch and feel these cameras to get a feel for them. Any input would be hugely appreciated!!