I will be joining a photography class shortly and since we'll be using film i thought i might take advantage of using a medium format.

Any ideas for a medium format camera + lens? Hopefully one that wont break the bank dont want to invest too much on something i wont be using for long. Im thinking of going the eBay route on my purchase if that helps.

Thanks!


Charles

I prefer Mamiya (I currently use the RB67, RZ67 and 645 Pro).

Aside from eBay, check out www.keh.com for pricing. As far lens, well, it depends on what you normally would shoot.

If this is your first time with medium format, you might be pleasantly surprised at what it can do. There are reasons why many professionals still use this format. You may even want to shoot with it longer than you initially anticipated.

try HOLGA.. haha! kidding..

yeah, mamiyas, like what mr. espino said..

Mamiyas cost some dough. :( Was planning to get something around £100-£150.

Bodies cost £200+ and lenses £100+ so that will set me back near the £400 mark.

But i might just consider splashing out on one if the prices holds up well. Sell it after a year or so and not lose out too much.

Can you confirm this sir nick?

RB67 seems to be the cheapest among the three. So i might go for that one.

We would be asked to do landscape, portraiture and documentary and will be solely working on B&W. What lenses can you recommend me?

How about other cameras like rolleiflex? has someone here had experience using them?

jed,
actually i plan on buying some of those toy cameras just for novelty purposes ;)

I must agree with Nick that you might end-up staying with medium format film longer than you anticipate. I bought a Hassy some years ago "just for fun" and even though I am constantly updating my digital bodies, I still prefer shooting with my "outdated" 205FCC and Kodak T-MAX. I have seen some Hasselblad 501CM bodies going for very good prices, however, glass, film backs and view finders remain somewhat pricey. Also, a decent tripod and head is necessary to get the best possible image.

hi charles,

i currently am doing some personal work with the mamiya rb67 SD. i love it. although it is quite hard now to source film locally, but luckily, mike dougan is around. it sells cheap now in ebay and in hidalgo stores (second hand). you may want to start with that.

hi charles,

i currently am doing some personal work with the mamiya rb67 SD. i love it. although it is quite hard now to source film locally, but luckily, mike dougan is around. it sells cheap now in ebay and in hidalgo stores (second hand). you may want to start with that.

hi charles,

i currently am doing some personal work with the mamiya rb67 SD. i love it. although it is quite hard now to source film locally, but luckily, mike dougan is around. it sells cheap now in ebay and in hidalgo stores (second hand). you may want to start with that.

Yes, I'm around, short, fat and very round, like some omnipotent being I'm ever present.

For me I'd avoid SLR's, look for old MF Rangefinders, TLR's or Box cameras. You should be able to find Yashica Mat 124G's very easily in the UK for £100 to £150. I've bought several from the UK. Also old Agfa, Zeiss etc.. folding cameras from the 50's. I have bought 5 from this guy http://www.certo6.com, ranging from $300 to $500 for good quality serviced units. Also consider a Seagull TLR, I have one and the lens is very good, not quite to Yashica standards. Rolleiflex's if you find them cheap you are either lucky or they are trash. Expect to pay £500 upwards for a 40 to 50 year old one in good condition (f3.5 or £750 upwards for f2.8).


Mike

From Charles - Any ideas for a medium format camera + lens? Hopefully one that wont break the bank dont want to invest too much on something i wont be using for long. Im thinking of going the eBay route on my purchase if that helps.

Hi Charles,

You might want to try the Pentax 67. It was my workhorse then. Handles like an SLR although its heavy. Now I'm using the lenses on my DSLR.

For studio work and some outdoor portraits, I use a Hasselblad 503CM.

Good luck!

can you get a hassleblad here in the philippines? where? and how much does it cost? which is a good model? thanks!

can you get a hassleblad here in the philippines? where? and how much does it cost? which is a good model? thanks!

ria

I'm here in Saudia Arabia and considering to sell my Hasselblad 503CW.

I'll be in Manila by Dec and if you are interested can email me "tiongsonf@yahoo.com" or send message to 00966502186567.


Take a look to this

http://tiongsonf.multiply.com/photos/album/8/Hassy_503CW


Regards
FherD

ria

I'm here in Saudia Arabia and considering to sell my Hasselblad 503CW.

I'll be in Manila by Dec and if you are interested can email me "tiongsonf@yahoo.com" or send message to 00966502186567.


Take a look to this

http://tiongsonf.multiply.com/photos/album/8/Hassy_503CW


Regards
FherD

you got mail! :D

ria

got your message, read and already answered.

i don't know if my 10 yo daughter will hate me but i'll give to her my digital cam.

See you soon ha.

We'll make some images. can you prepare model???

I'll bring turkish coffee and arabic sweets.


regards
fherD

Medium format results are outstanding and will amaze anyone who just used them. It has it's drawback too normaly can't be used without a tripod so u get married to ur tripod and it better be a good one with the best ballhead too. This is the ultimate experience because I guess not so many would want to lug around a large format camera, a 5 x 7 will be the best choice IMO. If you want to go this way, Mamiya RB67 won't break your piggy bank but need to invest in a spot meter. RZ is ok but electronics sometimes go wrong and I just hope parts can still be bought. The classic meterless RB67 is my choice, Hassies are just too expensive for me specially the lens.

I still use a lot my manual film cameras (all Nikon) and DSLR too. If you want a rengefinder, Voigtlander R3A, R3M or R4A or R4M will be a good choice bodies are aroung $ 600 and lens are not that expensive. be careful though, RF are a bit difficult to use if ur not used to it's focusing system. RFs are the best for lowlight street phoyography as it does not have a mirror that creates the vibration when it goes down. Some people can use it at speeds of 1/10 and is sharp even at the lowest aperture settings. You can actually shoot at 1.4 and still get edge to edge sharpness.

Medium format results are outstanding and will amaze anyone who just used them. It has it's drawback too normaly can't be used without a tripod

I disagree with this, I have 8 medium format cameras and only use a tripod with one of them, even then I have successfully used it hand held. Generally I stay clear of MF SLR's, heavy, massive mirrors etc.. and unless the light is good you will need a tripod. My recommendation is a Seagull, available new, or a Yashica Mat from E-Bay. These cameras are superb, light weight, the Yashica has excellent optic's (Seagull is also good) or if you fancy something more exotic try a 1950's MF rangefinder. I have 4 that are in regular use and for $300 to $400 will equal a Hasselblad.




I still use a lot my manual film cameras (all Nikon) and DSLR too. If you want a rengefinder, Voigtlander R3A, R3M or R4A or R4M will be a good choice bodies are aroung $ 600 and lens are not that expensive. be careful though, RF are a bit difficult to use if ur not used to it's focusing system. RFs are the best for lowlight street phoyography as it does not have a mirror that creates the vibration when it goes down. Some people can use it at speeds of 1/10 and is sharp even at the lowest aperture settings. You can actually shoot at 1.4 and still get edge to edge sharpness.

Again I disagree here.....

If you want an inexpensive introduction to a Rangefinder (35mm) buy a Yashica GS/GSN etc from E-Bay. They go for $100 to $150 in good condition. Best bang for your buck, I can recommend reliable sellers. For me the best introduction to MF and rangefinders is the Agfa Super Isolette about $400 serviced but will out live you! Its already over 50 years old!




Mike

Cheapest medium format SLRs in Japan right now are the Mamiya 645J and 645-1000 (both comes with 80mm f2.8) for about P4K followed by the original RB67. Bronica SQ, S2 and EC (6X6), ETRS (6X4.5) and GS-1 (6X7), all come under P12-16K with their respective "standard/kit" lenses. If you do pass by Tokyo City, go to Ohba Camera near JR Shimbashi station and Kimura Camera "close" to JR Shinjuku station (a bit hidden). Ohba Camera also has a good selection of monorails and field cameras.

Cheapest medium format SLRs in Japan right now are the Mamiya 645J and 645-1000 (both comes with 80mm f2.8) for about P4K followed by the original RB67. Bronica SQ, S2 and EC (6X6), ETRS (6X4.5) and GS-1 (6X7), all come under P12-16K with their respective "standard/kit" lenses. If you do pass by Tokyo City, go to Ohba Camera near JR Shimbashi station and Kimura Camera "close" to JR Shinjuku station (a bit hidden). Ohba Camera also has a good selection of monorails and field cameras.

Hi Chelo,

Are these prices for brand new units? Or are these A-1 pre-owned? I've a friend going to Tokyo next month, 4k ain't bad at all!

Thanks

Edwin

Hi Chelo,

Are these prices for brand new units? Or are these A-1 pre-owned? I've a friend going to Tokyo next month, 4k ain't bad at all!

Thanks

Edwin

edwin,

these are used items - new ones still costs the same as they were a decade ago i.e. expensive. they are still in quite good condition though - certainly not for collectors though

Chelo

try HOLGA.. haha! kidding..

Hey, what's wrong with a toy camera?! :D:D:D

Of course, I hanker for a nice pre-owned Mamiya...

Cheapest medium format SLRs in Japan right now are the Mamiya 645J and 645-1000 (both comes with 80mm f2.8) for about P4K followed by the original RB67. Bronica SQ, S2 and EC (6X6), ETRS (6X4.5) and GS-1 (6X7), all come under P12-16K with their respective "standard/kit" lenses. If you do pass by Tokyo City, go to Ohba Camera near JR Shimbashi station and Kimura Camera "close" to JR Shinjuku station (a bit hidden). Ohba Camera also has a good selection of monorails and field cameras.

Hi Chelo, I've been looking for a mamiya sekor c 80mm 1.9 for my 1000s..Do you know how much it is there?

Thanks

Ari

Hey, what's wrong with a toy camera?! :D:D:D

Of course, I hanker for a nice pre-owned Mamiya...


It's a toy! Hehehe..

I got a nice clean pre-owned Mamiya 645 Super 1000s - great solid camera.:Grin::Grin:

Actually, This is a little different question.
Where Can I buy 120 mm film. ?
Actually, I want to buy but can't do.

If there is someone to know about it, Could u tell me kindly?

Actually, This is a little different question.
Where Can I buy 120 mm film. ?
Actually, I want to buy but can't do.

If there is someone to know about it, Could u tell me kindly?

There is a thread for this :)

Supply Side thread (http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=4953)

Hi all, I just have some questions in medium format gear.

I'm trying to look for a good medium format camera and I've been searching for a Yashica MAT 124G in ebay.

Would it be better if I try looking for this camera in Hidalgo first? What price range should this camera be in for it to be a good deal? Any alternatives to this camera?

Price range is within ~8K Php and I already have a Holga.

Hi all, I just have some questions in medium format gear.

I'm trying to look for a good medium format camera and I've been searching for a Yashica MAT 124G in ebay.

Would it be better if I try looking for this camera in Hidalgo first? What price range should this camera be in for it to be a good deal? Any alternatives to this camera?

Price range is within ~8K Php and I already have a Holga.

There's no Yashicamat 124G in Quiapo. Been looking for one myself there.

Hi all, I just have some questions in medium format gear.

I'm trying to look for a good medium format camera and I've been searching for a Yashica MAT 124G in ebay.

Would it be better if I try looking for this camera in Hidalgo first? What price range should this camera be in for it to be a good deal? Any alternatives to this camera?

Price range is within ~8K Php and I already have a Holga.

Ebay would be best, hidalgo prices for 2nd hand stuff arent the best.

Got my Holga GCFN today from the post office. 1.9k from Ebay. Took 7 working days to arrive in the post office and 3 working days to unearth it from the sacks. =p

Congrats. I have one, and its not with me, not sure if I want it back...

Holga's seem to be lumped into the 'fun camera/fun camera photography' category (no Jed, I will not say that L word... unless you give me a changing bag, I'll mention it ONCE haha) most of the time, but maybe they haven't seen much of Tommy Oshima's Holga samples:

http://flickr.com/search/?q=holga&w=84717426%40N00

I believe there are a handful of other photographers utilizing the Holga as an art photography tool, but their names escape me now though.

These cameras are superb, light weight, the Yashica has excellent optic's (Seagull is also good) or if you fancy something more exotic try a 1950's MF rangefinder. I have 4 that are in regular use and for $300 to $400 will equal a Hasselblad.


can you recommend good sellers for a nice Yashica?
Seagulls are cheaper right? But quality wise?