ki_rin

<p>Well after a lot more research and a trip to the only camera store in Osaka that I know of that has lots of MF cameras... I'm just as confused, if not more, haha. (><)<br> <br />But I have managed to narrow it down a bit. <br />While the Mamiya 6 or 7 look like the may be ideal, they are too pricey for me to take a leap on at the moment. <br />Also, the pentax 67 and most other SLRs I was looking at are just too big and heavy. <br /><br />At the moment I'm thinking about the following:<br> - one of the Fujifilm fixed lens (possibly the GA645zi).<br />- a TLR (no idea which one, but this seems like the cheapest option) Mamiya C series appeals because of the lens options, but seem to be quite a bit heavier than other options? <br />- Bronica ETRSi system (I haven't quite researched this enough yet, but from what I can tell, this is actually one of the most compact cameras in this form factor. <br /><br /><br />I'm starting to think I should just get something like a cheap TLR and start messing around until I can decide what I want more definitely. <br />I still want to get something that will be very portable and good for travelling. <br />Preferably with fast lens since I like to shoot with available light. <br /><br /><br /><br /></p>

<p>Sorry I haven't revisited this thread in a while. <br> I'm still wanting to get into medium format film photography, but my requirements have changed slightly. <br />Since I am going to be travelling indefinitely from next year, I really need a system that is quite portable, light, and compact. Ideal for backpacking really. <br /><br />I'm not too fussed about the frame size. <br /><br />So far I've been looking at the Mamiya 6 and 7<br />Pentax and Mamiya 645<br />And some of the Fuji folders (although these are fixed lens I believe).<br />The Fuji that can change between 6x7 and 6x9 looks really nice too, but is quite expensive. <br /><br />I'm also open to things like TLR systems, but they don't seem very compact. <br /><br />I'll still be shooting mainly B&W I think. But may try colour from time to time. <br> <br />I've already gotten a lot of good recommendations here, but if the focus were to change to compact/portability, I was wondering what people here might suggest?<br> Thanks again!</p>

<p>Wow so much advice and opinions here! Thank you very much!!<br /><br />Let me respond to a few things. <br />I appreciate the advice to try 35mm first.. but I'm sorry, I really want to go for Medium format straight away. Even if it is a bit more challenging. <br /><br />And I would love to do my own wet process printing with a darkroom... but that is just not going to happen I'm afraid. Living in the city in Japan, there just isn't the space for converting into a darkroom... </p> <p>As for the camera, I think I'd like to get an SLR or rangefinder style one. The TLR ones don't appeal to me so much. I quite like the look of the Pentax 645N. But it is still a significant investment. They seem to go for at least 600$ with a lens. Still, I might just have to bite the bullet on that one. <br />Thanks for the tip on Yahoo auctions btw, there are indeed a lot more local sales on there. </p> <p> </p>

<p>Thanks Les, good advice :)</p>

<p>I actually just found this article. Seems like a great option after all. I have a m43 camera already, so I will need a macro lens or macro adapter, but then I think I should be good to go</p> <p>http://petapixel.com/2012/12/24/how-to-scan-your-film-using-a-digital-camera-and-macro-lens/</p>

<p>The Pentax 645 might be the way to go, as I would be able to use the same lenses with the Pentax 67 if I decided to get that later..<br /><br /><br />As for scanning negatives with a digital camera, I think I understand the process, but doesn't that defeat the purpose of shooting in Medium Format in the first place? I mean, won't the image quality and resolution be defined by whatever digital camera you use to "scan" the negative then? Sorry if I'm totally misunderstanding this >< lol</p>

<p>Thank you everyone for such detailed responses and helpful information! Its much appreciated. <br> And also thanks for pointing out the difficulties and that I may not get significantly better results... its good to get that kind of perspective too. </p> <p>I've researched some of your suggestions, and feel that while the Mamiya 7 looks ideal, it is quite expensive. Since I don't know if I am going to continue with this endeavor or not, I should probably spend less money rather than more. <br />The RB67 systems seem reasonable. Although quite bulky looking. <br />Please let me know if there are any other budget systems you think might suit. <br /><br /><br> The other factor that concerns me, is scanning. From the comments here it seems like that might be a major challenge. And the scanners that people have suggested here are much more expensive than I'm willing to outlay at this point. <br />I guess using the scanner on my current consumer printer/scanner combo (I think its an epson 610) would be insufficient?<br> Someone also mentioned using a P&S for the negative.. sorry, but what does that mean? Do you mean taking a photo of the negative with a digital camera and then inverting it in photoshop? <br /><br />I also saw a couple of posts about the wet process. Does that refer to the full darkroom setup, or just self developing with the black bag kit?<br />Unfortunately a darkroom would be out of the question.<br> I should also mention that I live in Japan, so shopping online from some US sites and shipping, can be an issue in some cases. On the other hand it might be worth my time looking at some of the local shops here since I understand that many of the cameras actually come from Japan. </p> <p>Thanks again!</p>

<p>Hi, I have been researching getting into medium format but am a bit overwhelmed by the amount and latitude of options, so would like to ask for your input. I have a number of questions and will try to keep them specific. <br /><br /><br />1) What camera would you recommend? The following is a list of things I feel are important to me in choosing a camera:<br> - Budget: flexible, but obviously I prefer to spend less money. Under US$1000 for a full set up if possible. <br> - Format: I'm drawn to the 6x7 format since the reason I am interested in medium format in the first place is because of Nick Brandt's photos. I believe he uses a Pentax 67ii (?). I'm considering this camera actually, but ebay prices seem to list it as a bit over 1000$, and then I have to add lens, etc... In any case, I'm pretty open to suggestions on this point. <br> - B&W: from what I gather, it would be a LOT easier to process B&W myself at home, so I think I'll stick to B&W for now. <br> - Form factor / size: Form doesn't bother me, but obviously smaller/lighter/more portable would be desirable. <br> - Handheld: I'd much prefer a system I can use handheld for the most part. <br /><br /><br> That's all I can think of at the moment for camera specs. But I may have missed something since my knowledge here is limited. I'm coming from the m43 system, so I assume I will see a big difference in resolution, and tonal depth, which is the main reason I want to try medium format. And also for the whole analog experience :) <br /><br /></p> <p>2) Can you give me any advice about what to start with for film and developing? This is a completely new area to me (I've only used digital), so I have no idea what to look for for film types and kits for developing. As I said above, I'm just looking at B&W for now. </p> <p>3) I will also need a negative scanner won't I? Can you suggest what to start looking for in an affordable scanner to get the images onto my PC. <br /><br /><br />4) How well do MF images respond to working on them in photoshop or lightroom? (compared to dSLR files in terms of exposure latitude etc)<br /><br /><br /></p>