Cheap medium format film cameras?

Question

Cheap medium format film cameras?

Answer 1

Before spending $500 on a MF camera consider buying something a little cheaper but still more than capable of amazing images. Perhaps a TLR such as a Yashica A. Mine cost me £38 from eBay.



http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianfisher/3595619999/in/photostream



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Answer 2

The Canon Rebel XS shares some features with the XTi announced in 2006, with a 10.1-megapixel image sensor and a 2.5-inch LCD, compared to the Rebel XSi's 12.1 and 3-inch LCD. The XS also returns to the 7-point AF sensor from the Rebel XT, compared to the 9-point AF sensor in the XTi and XSi). The XS also returns to 12-bit processing compared to the XSi's 14-bit system, and the infrared remote control on the front and proximity sensors on the back are also removed in the XS.

Answer 3

You have a choice of formats with 120 roll film and of course, your choice affects the range available. You can get a lovely Rolleiflex for the price you want even though the top end Rollei's go for far more than that. Yashicas with Yashinon lenses are cheaper and very capable and many of the Jap Rollei clones are lovely to use. I prefer my Walzflex over my Yashicas any day. All these are 6x6cm format. There are many 6x4.5 and 6x9 folding cameras as well as 6x6. The Super Ikonta 6x4.5 folder is a beautiful little pocket/purse sized camera,smaller folded, than many 35mm cameras. The 6x6 and 6x9 versions are bigger but just as nice to use. It is common to find 75 year old versions of these in 100% working order. The 6x9s have an insert that makes them 6x4.5 so you get more shots on a roll and with a telephoto effect because the 105mm lense is twice that of a standard 6x4.5 lense. The Russian Mockba copies are also fine although limited in facilities. They have great lenses and they are cheaper. Agfa (Record & Isolette 3) made rangefinder 6x6 and 6x9 folders but the bellows are suspect. From Germany, Franka and Balda (Super Baldix, Super Baldax) also made some lovely coupled and uncoupled Rangefinder focussing 6x6 folders.

If you want exchangeable lenses then I'd suggest the "big is beautiful" Mamiya Press/Universal range. For the facilities offered they are comparatively very low priced. $500 could get you the camera, a couple of backs (these offer differing formats *) and two or three super quality lenses. Save another £500 and there is a 50mm lense that must be one of the widest available for 6x9 format.

*6x4.5/6x6/6x7/6x9.

Answer 4

Good answers here so far



It may not be the body format you're looking for, but I'd say the original Pentax 67 would be the best low priced high quality used medium format. You'll probably be able to find one in good condition with a lens thrown in for less than 500 dollars. Pentax optics are outstanding, particularly the old Takumar line. Pentax 67's are probably the heaviest medium format you can find (besides old TLR's). The upside is they don't break because of it.



Mamiya 6 or 7 is out of your price range. Mamiya RB67's are very good too, but still a little steep for your budget. You'll probably be able to find a body only for 500 dollars but without the lenses or extra accessories.

Answer 5

You can get a used Hassleblad on ebay for less than $200.

Answer 6

tops answer the one above - an old Rollei is a new master to learn and will (if it has a coated Tessar or even better a Planar lens) give superb results, even when scanned, these 2 1/4" negatives will yield ultimate quality with care. The view finder makes you a disciplined thinker, too.



I had a Yashicamat (Japanese Rollie copy) and my composition has never been better than with that old war horse.



Forget Holga if you need hi-fi 'real' pix, full tone values and critical sharpness comes from Zei$$ or £eica - the Hass is too big to drag around it is really a studio cam unless you are huge, fit, and very well monied.



As an aside the Contax G2 can be had second hand - interchangeable lens 35mm real camera with Zei$$ glass, superb, compact, rangefinder speed, worth a look (not the G1, lousy view finder)



Alternatively, the Zeiss Ikon and Ikonta folders are superb but the view finders need good eyesight; view Flickr there is a whole cult following with staggering quality for these.



All can be had for less than a few hundred dollars but budget for an expert 'CLA' refurbishment, these guys are really old (so am I !!!)

Answer 7

Rather than repeat myself, please read my reply to your question in "Cameras",



Thanks

Answer 8

Mamiya 7 is a good camera. Bronika made some models too

Answer 9

You can get an RB67 from a used camera dealer for a good price today. It is an SLR and is an excellent camera. The only downside to that camera, and virtually all Mamiyas, is that they are heavy. But consider it to be protection. You can grab the strap, beat someone half to death and then photograph him as the lies goes out of him.



A Mamiya 7 is way out of the park price wise.



For an excellent camera, you can try to Yashica Mat 124 or 124G which can be had for about $275-250 on a good day.



I don't like Bronica cameras, every repairman that I know says that they are service heavy.



It seems tht everyone on this group has a problem when someone says cheap or inexpensive.



If you are in the US, call Quality Camera in Atlanta, he is one of the best in the business of Medium Formats - he has them and will walk you the right way = dollars and quality!