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Waking Thoughts | New Camera
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Apologies in advance… This may be mostly random thoughts.
So, I was in London for a few days and as always camera choice was a bit of a dilemma…
I have a Mamiya C330 which I love, but, it’s an absolute tank, way too heavy to lug around London, it just would never cross my mind to travel with it. Don’t think my mind could be changed on that ever, end of.
Lubitel 2 & OM1 were the cameras that came with me, the Lubitel is great, but, she’s prone to the odd light leak, which can be really cool, or a real pain in the arse, it’s unpredictable when it’ll show, so I always panic a bit when using it for portraits.
While I was there, I had the loan of a Rolleiflex (Model T I think) which was perfect, light, unobtrusive, and a real conversation starter, a joy all round…
I’m still a bit tired from the trip, but, I’ve slowly come round to thinking this morning I should sell the Mamiya and buy something that’s more suited to me, like a Rollei or, dare I say it, a Hasselblad. All of a sudden it makes perfect sense.
I’d like a proper grown up serious camera, so, as much as I love it I really don’t want to get side tracked with LoMo stuff.
So, does anyone have any suggestions of camera models? I know absolutely nothing about either brand, Hasselblad or Rollei, I’d consider Bronica too…
Also, does anyone have any idea of How much I might expect to get for a C330 with an 80 ƒ2.8 and a 55 ƒ4.5 and a flash… Roughly?
I do love tis camera, but, I’d have to sell it if I were going to buy something else.And,
good places to buy/sell aside from eBay?
Thanks (and apologies again for the random thoughts)
Sinead
Hi Sinead,
I’d recommend a Mamiya 6 or 7 Rangfinder. I got my 7 from http://www.ffordes.com for travel and general walk-about photography and I never regretted getting it. Its not too big and certainly not heavy but takes lovely big 6×7 negs. The lenses are reported to be some of the best going.
Peter
Thanks Peter,
I hadn’t considered either of these, mostly because I prefer the waist level view (although at times I wish my waist were a little higher off the ground) and would be loathed to change from 6×6 think I’m a square at heart. :)
Going to check out that site though, have only ever heard good reports about them.
Thanks again.
The 6 model is a 6×6. They seem to be harder to find than the 7 model though. Fintan has one so maybe he will give you his thoughts on it.
The Mamiya rangefinders are quite nice alright, and would love one were the funds ever there to do so.
Reading your post, and dilemma though, I would recommend a rolleicord if you are happy staying the tlr course. The last three models, the V, the VA, and the VB would be three I would easily recommend, and having owned a V and a VA, can say they are smashing cameras. Build is on par with the more expensive Rolleiflex models, with the main difference being you have a knob to wind on instead of a crank, and you need to cock the shutter manually before each shot. No big deal really, and the other factor is that the lens is an f3.5 lens, as opposed to the f2.8 lenses available in half the Rolleiflex range.
In all, a rolleicord weighs in at 750- 800 grams, which I find more than manageable myself, and am a self confessed minimalist when it comes to heavy camera gear. In fact, reason I bought my own rolleicord is that I wanted to use it as a walk around camera.
The models I mentioned will set you back about €150- €250, depending on condition, and would make a good compliment to your Mamiya I think, reserving the Mamiya for more involved/ indoor shooting, and the ‘cord as a lightweight walkabout.
I’d go along with the Rolleicord or if you can afford it a nice Rolleiflex. That’s on my list. The Hasselblad is a beautiful machine but really a studio or landscape camera, much too heavy for regular street or documentary work.
if you like the 6×6 format have you considered getting a 6×6 folder, they’re all over etsy, just search for camera in the vintage section, I’ve bought a couple for next to nothing and in great shape.
A friend of mine (a leica snob so not easily pleased) loves the Mamiya 7, and you can get a converter to to 135 panoramas, interesting results. Seems to be a great camera.
I have a Hasselblad it’s lovely but I think the Rollei would be easier to carry around.
One thing is that the Hasselblad is a kit with many options of lenses, interchangeable backs, viewfinders and extension tubes for macro etc (but only if you wish to lug them around, (and spend a fortune)).The real Martin’s does some rally great stuff with his Rollei (eg current flickr photo), you should ask him about it.
M
I think that using a Hassie would be more difficult to use for street photography (if thats what you wanted to use it for of course), and because due to the way it hangs around your neck facing downwards instead of a TLR facing the ‘right’ way by default.
I’ve been tempted by the TLRs myself in the past but note being able to change the backs had put me off.
That said the Rollei’s seem like great cameras !By the way there is a Mamiya 7 for sale here on the site for anyone interested.
Would recomend a Mamiya 6 or a Rolleiflex. The Rolleicords are nice also. All are light and can be carried around quite easily without being uncomfortable.
When I go away on city breaks or somewhere for a few days I always just bring the Rolleiflex. Great camera, if I sold all my cameras bar one the Rolleiflex is the one I would keep. The optics and contrast from the fixed lens are superior to my Mamiya RZ, Bronicas, Nikons… A real pleasure to print negs from in the darkroom
The Rollei was expensive when I bought it, think I paid around 1050 euro for a mint condition 1967 – 2.8F. Its allot of money I know, but it has given me so much enjoyment so I think it was worth every penny…. You can get Rolleiflex’s cheaper than I paid but I wanted a mint version with a 2.8 lens for indoor pictures
M
…or a Yashicamat. Cheap enough, takes the same pics a Rollei would.
Nothing wrong with your ‘Blad idea either. All of the above suggestions are fine, really…. now get on with it. :)Sinead, I’m working on your new camera right now-
but it won’t be ready for a few weeks yet-I will be looking for a reviewer, if you’re interested-
There’ll be a range of cameras from medium format up to 5×7″, maybe even 8×10…
The Street camera will be available in two versions- a 6×7 (Mamiya RB Back)
or a 6×9 (Horseman or Wista Back)Both will feature interchangeable lens tubes, giving the option of mounting almost anything in a shutter- within reason. (no system lenses without modification) but including really dodgy optics, if you get the urge-
Both will allow you to use lenses within a range of around 35mm to 120mm, though only testing will give me the exact numbers.
A form of Zone Focusing will be used- as you know, I’ve used a helical before, and it’s really not suitable unless it’s part of a SLR or Rangefinder system- so the new focusing system will give better feedback about focus distance-Both will have a pretty cool viewfinder system, allowing you to match up with whatever lens you choose. As well as some other features which I want to keep a lid on, for the moment…
Anyway, there should be something to see in a few weeks, if you’re interested in reviewing it for me-
Maybe Martin and Mark too? Or anyone who has been around here a while, I suppose…Brilliant JB. Anything to help, just shout or pm whichever you prefer ! :)
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