David Goldfarb
(K=7611) - Comment Date 2/19/2003
|
It's a camera many people are recommending lately as a way into MF with new equipment. The lenses are good, you get interchangeable backs, and it's relatively affordable.
Personally, I'm not enthusiastic about the 645 format. You will see an improvement over 35mm with 645, but not enough in my opinion to justify the bulk of the larger system. For me, MF starts with 6x6, but I like to print square.
There are lots of affordable used cameras out there. What kinds of pictures do you plan to make with your new system?
|
|
|
|
Chris Lauritzen
(K=14949) - Comment Date 2/19/2003
|
Chad,
If you want to get into MF cheaply look at my threads on Kiev gear. Here is a sample shot..
http://www.usefilm.com/showphoto.php?id=106884
|
|
|
|
Chad Naujoks
(K=1242) - Comment Date 2/19/2003
|
I wish to do landscapes and portraits with it. Mostly just playing with the format at first to get used to it and everything. But I have used a 645 in the studio before, just never owned one :)
I will check out Keiv, any good review sites? Where to buy type things? I would love to have the new Hassy H1 or the 645AFD but you know how it is :)
I do like the look of a 6x7 pentax that they have here for 3k with 4 lenses. Just don't have that kind of money to get into it right now, maybe if I really like it I will move 6x7 later on.
Thanx for the replies :)
Chad
|
|
|
|
Chris Lauritzen
(K=14949) - Comment Date 2/19/2003
|
Go to www.Kievaholic.com. I also have a Pentex 6x7 and it's a great camera too.
|
|
|
|
Chad Naujoks
(K=1242) - Comment Date 2/19/2003
|
Ok, I just checked out some places for Kiev. Seems a little hard to get here in the states. I usually buy from B&H or Adorama, and neither carry anything for them. There is a place called KievCamera that carry's them for about 599 (88cm) and 359(88) kits. Prices aren't that bad, but I know next to nothing about these compared to a few years of playing with studio mamiyas.
Chad
|
|
|
|
Chris Lauritzen
(K=14949) - Comment Date 2/19/2003
|
Chad,
Take a look at the Kiev 60.. less problem and way cheaper.. $100-150 on ebay
|
|
|
|
Chad Naujoks
(K=1242) - Comment Date 2/19/2003
|
Nah, I don't think I will go with a 60, if I am going to do 645 it is going to be hassy or mamiya. The 88 was going good for the 6x6. I think I am going to stick with the 645e.
Thanx for the thoughts tho.
Chad
|
|
|
|
David Goldfarb
(K=7611) - Comment Date 2/19/2003
|
The Kievs can take good pictures when they work, but many have reported reliability problems. I've used a few East European cameras, and I'd be reluctant to use them again, though there are some decent former East German and Ex-Soviet lenses.
I have a Bronica S2A system, which can be found inexpensively, and most of the lenses are very affordable. I have a system with two bodies, 10 lenses (mostly Nikkor) from 40mm to 500mm, a tilt-shift bellows, 6 backs, and various odd accessories, and I doubt I've put $3500 into the system, even accounting for repairs and CLAs on the bodies.
Info on all things Bronica can be found at:
http://medfmt.8k.com/bronica.html
The cameras can be found in good repair from www.kohscamera.com or on eBay.
Another thing to consider is an RB67 system. There are lots of them and lots of backs and lenses available affordably on the used market, and you can rent lenses for it in large cities.
|
|
|
|
Chris Lauritzen
(K=14949) - Comment Date 2/19/2003
|
Chad,
The 60 is a 6x6 camera
|
|
|
|
Chris Lauritzen
(K=14949) - Comment Date 2/19/2003
|
Chad,
No problem.. take care in whatever you choose.
|
|
|
|
Greg O'Conner
(K=2398) - Comment Date 2/19/2003
|
It looks like a great deal! I'd go for it. Mamiya has a good rep and had been around a whle. If you dont get that, I'd go for the Pentax 645.
|
|
|
|
Chad Naujoks
(K=1242) - Comment Date 2/19/2003
|
:) Thanx yall, I didn't even know about Kiev before the suggestions. I just feel a little more comfortable with something that I have used at least once before. Also don't know about buying it on e-bay since there have been some things said about the % chance that you will get a good one. Who knows maybe in the future just to play with it :)
Thanx again peoples
Chad
|
|
|
|
Taras R. Hnatyshyn
(K=4055) - Comment Date 2/22/2003
|
The cheapest way into medium format is the Holga. It is basically the medium format version of the Diana plastic toy camera. Some people on this site love playing with them. I've seen them for under $30. And accessories are cheap--tape and/or a rubberband.
I am relatively new to medium format myself having bought a used Hasselblad 500C/M kit and 150mm and 250mm Sonnar lenses. With the larger focussing screen and fewer exposures per roll, I find myself spending more time composing the shot, than just clicking away.
Taras
|
|
|
|
Randall Curry
(K=2) - Comment Date 2/23/2003
|
I have to say that I love my Mamiya 645 1000s. In fact I think I'm just plain hooked on the Mamiya systems. I just purchased a 645J for a knock around body and I'm looking into getting an RB67.
|
|
|
|
Stephen Gangi
(K=566) - Comment Date 2/27/2003
|
If you are willing to give up interchangeable lenses and backs, you can get your feet wet with an older twin lens reflex. Some of them are pretty good, and are still in very good condition. Rolleis, Minolta Autocords, and Yashica TLRs all have their followings.
|
|
|
|
E A
(K=727) - Comment Date 3/8/2003
|
I started with a Yashica TLR and loved it - it's no longer in service, but I'm itching to grab and old Rolleiflex when I can. TLRs are a blast.
The 645e or a TLR would be my rec., depending on what's more important to you - portraits, I'd take the TLR. Landscape, the 645e. Medium format, more than any other, is all about compromises; hence, you see so many pros who used 2 systems (Mamyia 7 or Pentax 67 for landscapes, RZ67 for studio, etc...)
|
|
|
|
No More
(K=437) - Comment Date 3/10/2003
|
Cheers,
I went through quite a bit of research into this same question when I first wanted to buy into MF. My advice is work out your priorities based on your budget and pop for the best damn box you can get your hands on. In the end I got a mint condition RB67 Pro-S for second hand prices with a bunch of add ons. I have never looked back with this camera and I haven't yet needed a backup body either. I don't think you can go wrong with Mamiya as a product and I have seen allot of lens tests done in recent years, Mamiya beats or equals the best everytime.
Good luck!
|
|
|
|
Alan Smith
(K=167) - Comment Date 4/25/2003
|
If you are leaning toward a 645, I suggest a Bronica ETR, ETRS, or ETRSI. These cameras are affordable, yet sturdy and reliable. They sych at any speed too which can be a plus if you are going to be using fill flash outside.
|
|
|
|
greg W:-)
(K=193) - Comment Date 4/18/2005
|
Ime a big fan of the kiev 60 series camera.
With quality lenses you can get great results but dont expect to get good glass or bodies on the cheap.
I have had VERY good reliability TOO !!
www.geocities.com/kiev60slr/
gregW:-)
|
|
|
|
