Hello again ( MF CAMERA NEEDED)

[marcosb]

Hi Everyone.

Need some advice. After developing my own film 35mm film, I got hooked.
Now I would like to try to develop some MF film.
The problem is I don't have a MF camera. I would like to buy one that is not to expensive. One the that come with some lenses and that has a built-in meter.
If anyone may give me some suggestions on the cameras, I would really appreciated your help. I am not to familiar with this type of cameras and what to look for.

Thanks Marcos

[wclavey]

Marcos, when you say "not too expensive" what price range do you have in mind?

[venchka]

This isn't what you wanted, but.............

Go slow. Keep it simple. A camera and a hand meter. To get you started.

The camera could be something with a fixed lens like a Twin Len Reflex. Yashica, Minolta, Rollei, etc. Or it could be a Twin Lens Reflex with interchangeable lenses like the Mamiya 2xx and 3xx series. Or it could be a rangefinder like the Rapid Omega. There are several SLR brands and a huge number of models from Bronica, Pentax, Mamiya, Rollei, Hasselblad, Kowa, etc. etc. etc.

Old folding cameras are a whole other can of worms. Great cameras. Condition dictates desirability.

Sekonic, Gossen, Weston, etc. all made great meters over the years. The Gossen Luna Pro sbc go for $50 these days.

There are several of us in Houston with a bewildering array of MF hardware. We would be happy to show off our stuff for you. Like going to car show.

Houston Camera Co-Op usually has a lot of MF hardware in their used case. First case on the left when you enter.

[marcosb]

I would like to buy something like a Mamiya or Hasselblad camera and about the price something no more then 400 or 500 , 300 would be even better. thanks for the reply.


And about the hand meter don't know how to use one but I know love photography

[venchka]

Most MF cameras don't have built in metering. OR. Metering was an add on-like a meter built in to a prism finder. You can learn how to use a hand meter in 30 minutes or less. Probably a lot less.

There are also a lot of different formats in the family of medium format. 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9. Fixed lens. Interchangeable lens. Fixed film. Interchangeable film. Rangefinder. Through the lens viewing. You need to search around the internet for all the different cameras that use 120 film. Try to narrow your search. Then go to Buy & Sell New & Used Cameras ? Canon, Nikon, Hasselblad, Leica & More - KEH.com and look at all the different models and prices.

Some of us are thinking about a photo trip in Houston this weekend. Chances are very good that there will be several different MF cameras in use. Just last night, lout of 5 people, we had Mamiya 6x7 (2 people), Hasselblad (2 people), Bronica (1 person), Zeiss Ikon folder (1 person), Rolleiflex (1 person), Pentax 6x7 (1 person). Westley Clavey has Bronica and Mamiya TLRs. Kevin has Mamiya 645 & Mamiya 7. Lots of choices for you to see.

[chris00nj]

Finding a MF camera with an integrated meter will likely be expensive. It's easy to learn how to use a handheld meter. Just learn a little about exposure first. Try a Voigtlander VCII or a Gossen Digisix for the meter.


Twin Lens Reflexes (TLR) off the best image for the money on the lower end. Try older Rolleiflexes, Rolleicords, Yashica Mat, or Mamiya TLR. All in the $150-$250 range which leaves you some cash for the meter. I have an older Rolleiflex that I got for $200 that takes amazing photos. Of course, i need a seperate meter.

Even a Mamiya 6 & normal lens will be $1000.

[marcosb]

Thanks for the link and all the info Wayne. What's going on the weekend in Houston you think I could cam whit you all.

[venchka]

If we get some going, sure you can join us. Stay tuned.

[marcosb]

Thanks Chris for info .I think I would like to get something like a mamiya 645 but Ill 'see

[venchka]

This will keep you busy for at least a week:

medium format photography - Google Search

Rangefinderforum Photo Equipment Classifieds - Mamiya M645 - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

[chris00nj]

Wayne, that's a good price for a 645. The one's at KEH start at $450.

[henrysamson]

Originally Posted by marcosb

Thanks Chris for info .I think I would like to get something like a mamiya 645 but Ill 'see

I have been happy with my 645 Pro S's and the lenses. The only thing that has ever given me trouble is the power winder. There are several generations and I think all of the lenses are compatible with all of the bodies but I am not sure about backs and finders. I don't know what they go for now but eBay's completed listings might give you some idea.

Hank

[venchka]

Kevin Smith has the student version of the M645. Ask him what he thinks of it.

[marcosb]

Thank you very much everyone, and thanks for the links Wayne am sure the will keep me busy for a good while.

Thanks again. Marcos

[crackhead]

consider the Fuji GA645 series with fixed lenses. Three flavors: 45mm f/4 lens, 60mm lens f/4 lens and a 55-90mm f/4.5 -6.3 zoom. Built-in autofocus and metering. Handles like a big 35mm point and shoot. These cameras are very well regarded; Despite the slow-ish lenses, the Fujinon optics are very sharp (there are very few fast lenses available for MF anyways).

If you have the scrilla, save up for the Contax 645 AF with the Zeiss 80mm f/2.