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Medium Format
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I’ve been thinking quite at bit lately about, maybe, getting myself a medium format camera.
I know there are different formats, but, I think I’d like to make some square pictures.I like the look of some of the Bronica and Rolleiflex cameras, or rather I like the look of the prints from them.
But, I’ve really no clue about what model to look for, or how much they might cost, well, I’ve really no clue about any of it really…I’m going to be doing an architecture assignment in September, and that’s kinda what started me thinking about it all.
I’ve also had a brief discussion with jb7 on tilt/shift lenses, and, I can see the benefits of those too…But, I keep finding myself thinking about square pictures…
It won’t be for a while, but I think I might have a budget of £400 – £500 but, that would need to include anything else I might need, light meter etc…
Any thoughts, anyone?
I’m still very much just mulling, which, I’ve gotten to quite like, but I think I need some help…
tu quoque, Brute fili mi???
I must stop reading about medium format, since the only swedish yoke I can afford is an Ikea tea table :( :( :(
(btw- Hasselblad would be my choice)
You should be able to get a Bronica or Rolleiflex in that price bracket. Go for “condition” not for better model numbers etc
For square shots in the Bronica you need the SQ model (there are many within this eg SQA, SQAi,SQB) I have an SQA and an SQAI, shout if you want to borrow to try out. Expect to pay 500gbp for a good condition Bronica with two backs and two lenses (lens that I mostly use are the 50,80 and 150)
For the Rolleflex TLR’s these are old cameras so definitely go for one in good condition rather than a better model number. I have a mint 1967 2.8F Type 2, but you cant borrow that :-) . See link below to price guide for the rolleiflex. Note the rolleiflex is a fixed lens, you cant change them, so if you buy an 80mm one thats what you have… Also look at the Rolleicord TLRs, the cheaper version of the Rolleiflex but still excellent
http://www.antiquecameras.net/rolleiflex.htmlTilt shift and all that is great but costs lots of money which will eat into your 500 very quick. Hasselblad and Mamiya will blow your 500gbp very quickly and not leave money for an extra lens but a single 80mm lens is all you need to get started….
M
Gizzo wrote:
(btw- Hasselblad would be my choice)
Might be a little over my budget? But, yes, very nice…
Martin – Thank you, and thank you for the offer of a play with your Bronica too, very kind indeed.
TLR doesn’t really appeal to me at all, though it might, if I knew more about it.
More mulling…
I might be happy with one lens, maybe.
jessthespringer wrote:
Might be a little over my budget? But, yes, very nice…
mmm last time I saw on ebay those boxes were sold for 400-500 euro.
perhaps that’s the italian price?
I remember talking with a guy for a 500cm, with one 120 mag and 80 planar, for 450e……jessthespringer wrote:
might be happy with one lens
LOL! nice one!
I got a Hasselblad 501c a while back but I’m only beginning to use it now. For that model a lightmeter is needed.
I’m really liking MF. I think you should look at TLR’s as well. Some of my favourite flickr photographers swear by them, I got the hasselblad because I wanted the lens changing option but I generally just leave the 80mm on.
If you wish the option to do computer pp then you probably would need a good scanner, I bought an epson v500 to scan the slides, the cheapest mf scanning option I could find but it seem to work very well (although I’ve done no comparison with other scanners).
Thanks Martin, maybe you could pass on the links of the photographers you like?
And, if you don’t mind my asking, how much did your scanner cost?
I hadn’t thought about that…I bought V500 as well for 200 euro in the shop before christmas and I think it’s great scanner for the money. Might be a bit cheaper online? I like tlr cameras as well and later Rolleicords and Yashicas are great cameras for reasonable money.
I think that for architecture you need movements (tilt and shift), and the cheapest way to get those movements is by buying a large format camera.
If you want a medium format system, convince Martin, that since he bought a Mamiya RZ67 lately, he would never use his Bronica SQ again and so he can lend it to you ;)
Tom – thanks. I take it, this scanner can also be used for 35mm?
Zoltan – large format? I thought I was being adventurous by thinking of medium format. Martin (along with one other) has already offered the loan of some equipment, but borrowing things always makes me feel a little uneasy.
I think I could probably get by with the equipment I already have for the Architecture thing, I mean, I don’t think I really, need, it. I just, want, it.
You can try my large format equipment if you want to see how it handles, how it feels ;)
HI Sinead,
I have been looking into Medium Format for a while but initially only for lenses.
for SHIFTING! but now I am thinking too of giving film a go, only thinking mind!My reckoning is that you only need Shift for architectural work.
Nobody ever mentiones the 2 Pentax Medium formats . . . 6×4.5 & 6×7.
Pentax Bodies and lenses can be had for a fraction of the price of the LEADERS
and the quality can be just as good if not better in some cases from the glass.
For instance pentax made the best resolving Medium Format 35mm lens!
Just do a search for PENTAX 67 or PENTAX 645 on E-Bay.
Zoltan – well, thank you very much, that’s too good an offer to turn down, we’ll have to chat at the print exchange…
Alan – Thanks, good information. And, what’s to think about? Just do it!
jessthespringer wrote:
Zoltan – well, thank you very much, that’s too good an offer to turn down, we’ll have to chat at the print exchange…
Alan – Thanks, good information. And, what’s to think about? Just do it!
Yea I know, I selling all my 35mm film gear at the moment to clear the credit card!
times are tough in this RR R RR RRR R RR RR fheck it im not going to say it . . . you know what I mean anyway.
Best of luck.
mmm dear JTS, worth checking this out
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=&products_id=103103
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