film guy/gals I need advice

[J Eddington]

If I am purchasing used (duh,most of it is) what do I need to on the look out for? I am looking at but don't have the details yet on the following 2 Bronicas, 3 Mamiyas, and one Fujifilm.
2 Omega enlargers and a Kodak darkroom lamp.

I may have to make a couple of trips as the sister has no idea about too much. It was work to get the brands. But she has said come down and go through the studio and just check it all out.

[CaptainTom]

Bronicas - a great medium format 2 1/4 system. Proprietary lenses. Easily hand holdable. Japanese version of Hasselblad.

Mamiyas - probably RB67 or RZ67.
studio cameras, but hand holdable for a guy my size. 6X7mm negative is bigger than 2 1/4 but uses the same roll film.

They made Twin lens Reflexes as well but not used much in studio.

Not very familiar with the Fujifilm.

Most studio cameras of this type have film holders, black plates, extra lenses, film reels, film cannisters, etc.

The accessories are fairly readily available on the internet.


Are you getting these cameras, etc.? I've been hoping to pick up a reasonably priced RB67 and lens somewhere... hint, hint.

[J Eddington]

I am trying to make a list of the different models and what they are selling for in the used market. I just find it difficult to figure out how working they are. Let's face it until you see the first roll developed you never know.

[bburton]

Maybe, this site can shed light on your task:

http://www.photoethnography.com/equipment.html

Good luck.

[Phototx]

I shot Bronica for many years during the film era. The ones I used required batteries to operate the shutter. A good way to test them is to make sure you have a fresh battery (there is a battery test button on the camera that actuates the red led) then remove the back and see if the shutter actuates properly according to the speed set. Be sure to test at the slower speeds to see the shutter stay open, say 1 second. Since the Bronica lenses are leaf shutter lenses in the lens you will need to test each lens that you wish to purchase. When the battery fails I believe that the shutter defaults to 1/500 of a second.

Glen

[J Eddington]

Thanks Glen.
Bruce, that is a great site.

[Big Dog]

Also look at:

http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/

http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/index.html

http://www.classic-enlargers.com/

[johnastovall]

This post just show the crying need for two film sections in TPF.....

[studiocygnet]

The Fuji MF could be a GX645, or even cooler, a GX617 panoramic- shoots a 6x17cm image on 120 film.

[venchka]

www.keh.com for retail prices. Private sale prices are less.

Where is it? In a PM. Perhaps somebody with knowledge could meet you and provide some coaching.

Bronica made several models of bodies, both 6x6 and 6x7. They also made a 645 rangefinder body & lenses. Lenses by Nikkor & Komura.

Mamiya: All decent. Certain models and formats and lenses better than others.

[J Eddington]

I am trying to set a time now. It is in Dallas. I just didn't know if there was something that I should look out for in those brands. Thanks for all the links. I have been on the web most of the day!

[venchka]

Wes Clavey is the Bronica guru. Kevin Smith knows Mamiya 645 hardware.

Darkroom equipment has been going for the price of gas and time to go get it. Or that has been my experience. A good Omega 4x5 enlarger makes a great medium format enlarger. I'm assuming all of this stuff was working when last used. how long ago was that? Stuff that sits may have problems.

[janikphoto]

The mamiya 645 shutter isn't the most durable around, so they may need replacing every ten years (which could be due for your recent acquisition).

[J Eddington]

Well I was able to learn a little more about the photographer.
He took the photos for the book, Annotated Atlas and Implications for the Conservation of Heron and Egret Nesting Colonies in the San Francisco Bay Area
His name is Philip Greene. They keep finding equipment as they go through his house! I will report back as soon as I have gone and find out exactly what they have.

[venchka]

Sounds awesome. Wish I had some money for your leftovers.

You will want lenses with leaf shutters for flash synch at all speeds in the studio.

Here is Mr. Greene's web page.

http://www.philiplgreene.com/

Lots of good karma.