MF camera advice

[adam.watts]

I need y'all's advice. What MF camera setup would you recommend for someone wanting to spend ~ $200 and shoot mainly b&w portraits and landscapes? I have a N75 that I've been shooting with but want to try something with a little more character. And I'm fairly new to film, but wanting to learn a lot more about it. If this has been covered before, I apologize, I tried to search for it and read back through several months of threads. And I have to say, I'm new to this forum to, but the depth of knowledge here is amazing. Thanks so much.

[marcosb]

medium format or manual focus? ;)


MF MF

[TheRandomPhotographer]

Originally Posted by adam.watts

I need y'all's advice. What MF camera setup would you recommend for someone wanting to spend ~ $200 and shoot mainly b&w portraits and landscapes? I have a N75 that I've been shooting with but want to try something with a little more character. And I'm fairly new to film, but wanting to learn a lot more about it. If this has been covered before, I apologize, I tried to search for it and read back through several months of threads. And I have to say, I'm new to this forum to, but the depth of knowledge here is amazing. Thanks so much.

I started on film 10yrs ago and this is my first camera that i still own. It has never failed me. The Ae1-P almost full manual with the exception of a built in light meter that can auto expose for you.

[chris00nj]

You want a TLR, namely a Rolleiflex Automat. I got mine for under $200. It has a sharp Tessar lens, the top of the line shutter, and its loading mechanism allows you to load easily (hence the automat name). I mainly use it for portraits. Check out my shots on flickr with it.

I got mine from Igor's Camera Exchange and he has one for $170. He also has a Rolleicord IV and Rolleicord V for under $200. Rolleicords were the "cheaper version". They are very similar in quality, but the film loading is more manual.

Collectible cameras has a slightly later version for $219

My Rollei:


Sample photo:


WARNING: Medium format is addicting!

[texxter]

I assume you mean manual focus.

Take a look at the Olympus OM-1 with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. You'll fall in love with this little mechanical marvel.

And the glass is fantastic.

[The Philos]

I think he meant medium format - I like my Bronica system; however, I wish I had the SQ format instead of the ETR format.

[venchka]

Assuming MF means medium format.
There is a Rapid Omega 100 for about $100 listed in the for sale area here at TPF. Maybe not what folks think of automatically, but it's a fine camera with a great lens. I owned one many moons ago and made a few bucks with it shooting the usual wedding related stuff. It was my only camera at the time so it also saw use in the field.
Next up the dollar list would be a Mamiya TLR. I owned one of those for a time prior to the Rapid Omega. It saw the same use as the Rapid Omega. Fine camera. Fine lenses. Close focus built in.
There are enough medium format systems on the market to confuse you. Come back with more questions. I'm sure somebody on this forum will have personal experience with just about anything you may find.
Nothing wrong with a working folder to get your feet wet.

[ronocnikral]

i love my mamiya c220. as wayne points out, interchangeable lenses on a TLR! plus, it can focus almost 1:1. fits the $200 budget as well. I also own a bronica etr (645). excellent system as well. doesn't get the use the mamiya does.

we need an MF shoot...downtown, not in the boondocks.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by ronocnikral

...
we need an MF shoot...downtown, not in the boondocks.

Saturday? Where? When?

[adam.watts]

Originally Posted by venchka

Assuming MF means medium format.
There is a Rapid Omega 100 for about $100 listed in the for sale area here at TPF. Maybe not what folks think of automatically, but it's a fine camera with a great lens. I owned one many moons ago and made a few bucks with it shooting the usual wedding related stuff. It was my only camera at the time so it also saw use in the field.
Next up the dollar list would be a Mamiya TLR. I owned one of those for a time prior to the Rapid Omega. It saw the same use as the Rapid Omega. Fine camera. Fine lenses. Close focus built in.
There are enough medium format systems on the market to confuse you. Come back with more questions. I'm sure somebody on this forum will have personal experience with just about anything you may find.
Nothing wrong with a working folder to get your feet wet.

Yes, I'm looking at medium format. And you are right, there are so many to choose from and I don't know enough about the mechanics/pros/cons to know which one would be a good starter camera. The folding cameras look interesting, but looks like they could be repair prone if I get one in bad shape. I'll research all of the suggestions so far. Thanks for the tips.

[ronocnikral]

Originally Posted by venchka

Saturday? Where? When?

let me iron out my schedule. i wanted to go on a 200km ride, but i have a buddy from elementary in town i am trying to hook up with.

is the co-motion ready to roll? maybe some early morning cruising of downtown? i've also wanted to shoot this cemetery.

[ronocnikral]

adam, if a shoot does come into fruition saturday, you are more than welcome to come along and use any system i own.

[adam.watts]

Originally Posted by ronocnikral

adam, if a shoot does come into fruition saturday, you are more than welcome to come along and use any system i own.

oh man, I so wish I could. this saturday is booked, but next weekend would work. it would be good to get a feel for them and see how they are used before i take the plunge.

[venchka]

Conor,
Keep me posted. The Co-Motion is ready, but transporting it to your neighborhood would be awkard. Besides, toting the big cameras and tripod would be interesting. I could meet you at your house and make it up from there. I'm not tired of Glenwood yet. The cemetery you linked to could work too. Or a stroll around the Heights/Washinton Ave? PM me with details.
Adam, we will get together as soon as possible. There is a large array of medium format hardware here at TPF. Everything from rangefinders to SLRs and even a rotating lens panoramic camera.

[tropicpine]

Originally Posted by chris00nj

WARNING: Medium format is addicting!

Addicting is not the worst part. MF is also a gateway drug to LF!

I bought a Mamiya RB67 years ago and the only regret I have is that the beast is heavy. I have had a lighter MF camera in my possesion and decided to sell the smaller Mamiya 645 mainly due to the larger negative of the RB67.

Whats this about a shoot this Saturday? The chaos in my life just may leave me free.