Getting aquainted with MF cameras

[Megabyte]

Hi

I'm new to MF cameras and I'm interested in learning how to harness it's power. I'm intending to get mamiya but I'm not sure which model. Preferably something similar to an SLR as I've handled an SLR before. Could you please advise me which model from the mamiya collection would closely resemble an SLR (in terms of usage)? (e.g. 645/Pro645/7II & etc).

 

[Puffish]

Hello Megabyte,

i'm in the same situation as you are.
researching for the right one.
Mamiya cos it is relatively more affordable.
New set if I can afford,
2nd hand if cash flow isnt smooth.

In my own thesis, 645AFDII would handle like a SLR,
at least what I can see from the pic.
Anyone, do correct me if I'm wrong.
Cos I'm as new as Megabyte.

Initially was interested in 645Pro (the one with bellow focusing, correct?)
thinking about it, it will not make sense for me as my main purpose
is to do portraits/fashion/people. So that is out.

TRL is out for me as, it's either I do MF or not.
No time to try out to see if i like it.
It's the way to go looking at the quality.

Not sure when you are planning to get 1,
but maybe we can exchange info on our MF findings.

cherrios!

 

[Megabyte]

G'day Puffish

For a second, I thought I was the only one whose lost and confused in MF. I'm gonna take as long as it takes to really consider which one is the ideal one. I'm going for either portraits/landscape since I'm a frequent traveller. How much would a mint set of Mamiya 645AFD II cost? I certainly hope the picture qualities aren't compromised just coz it is the most affordable MF camera ard.

I've read in the MF forum that Rolleis are recommended. But I prefer the MF cam with built-in light-meter. Makes metering easier.

If all goes well, I'm planning to get it by year end. Just in time for X'mas. Coz I'll be away from home. An opportunity to try out the beast, hopefully. When are you planning to get your MF camera?
Oh, does the 645AFD II accepts interchangable lens? I'm sorry if my questions sound silly.

Adieu !

 

[Puffish]

Hello there!

i think the MF pros will laugh their heads off looking at our conversation.
Blind leading the blind.

the 645AFDII is one of the latest offerings from Mamiya...
http://www.cathayphoto.com.sg/highlights/Mamiya645AFDII/index.html

I not sure if it's affordable to you...
It's for sure not affordable to me...
A new one definately cost more than $3k..... or $5k?
Cos it allows film and digital backs.

2nd hand I got no idea at all.


and yeah interchangable lens too.

 

[dreamseeker]

Probably the Mamiya 645 E, or Pro series interms of handling would resemble a SLR. There's also Contax & Pentax 645 but not sure if you can find them used.

THe Contax, Pentax 645Af and the mamiya 645af has AF. Not to forget the Hassy H1.

THe Mamiya RB & Rz series has the bellows focusing. Shoots 6x7 negs. FYI, the RB/RZ are very popular among the working pros here & used to shoot portraits/fashion. It is heavy and mostly on a tripod.

THe MAmiya 7/7ii are rangefinders. 6x7 negs. For me, it's handling is like a SLR. You have to get use to RF focusing. THe advantage is a light cam, no mirror slap and quiet.

I use my 7ii for my travels and fits in my Billingham nicely.

If quality is what you are looking for in terms of negative size, then 6x7 or bigger surely beats 645.

SOme research material.
http://www.fotografiewimvanvelzen.nl/webarticle14a.htm
http://www.photo.net/equipment/medium-format/

 

[Puffish]

hello dreamseeker,

appreciate your info.

cheers!

 

[sf_kang]

Hi guys, giving my two cents worth of input for those considering medium format...
I've been shooting MF for over 20 yrs... have owned and used Hassy 500CM, Rollei 6008SRC, Mamiya 6, and some TLRs; now using Hassy 503CXi and 903SWC.
You'd notice all the above are 6X6 square format, and I've never attempted to go 645 or 6X7 reason being I don't want to be bothered by having to decide to shoot portrait or landscape. 6X6 is a very pleasant format to shoot with. You can compose using a square, or later decide to crop to landscape or portrait... either way, you compose, shoot and get the picture first.

Also, you'd notice that the 6X6 cameras are the most compact. A M645 is not smaller than a 6X6 Hassy. But you'd notice the Mamiya RB67 or RZ67 is an enormous camera that would be nearly impossible to shoot handheld.

Metering prism are an option on most medium format. But really, when you're shooting MF, you mostly get 12 shots per roll of film, and you're not likely to just fire away like 35mm or digital. Most MF shooting would therefore be done more thoughtfully, and more deliberatedly. So I'd use a handheld lightmeter to really get my exposure right before I shoot.

I have a metering prism on my Hassy 503CXi but it's does not have any exposure meter in it. I only use the 45 prism when my shooting angle does not permit me to use the waist level finder.

For MF shooting, keep it simple, keep in clean, and enjoy. Don't clutter yourself with all the 'gadgetry' when you're shooting MF.

Hope this helps.

br porcupine

 

[dreamseeker]

sf_kang,

I agree with you that the 6x6 square cams are pretty compact. I use the Rollei TLRs and the Hassy and I love the square format.

I contemplated getting the Swc for my travel but was not able to find one to fit my budget. Hence, I settled for the 7ii as almost square, big negs and metering. Tried looking around for a Mamiya 6 but no availability.

Long live medium format!!!:thumbsup:

 

[Megabyte]

Sf_Kang, Dreamseeker...

Many thanks for your invaluable glimpse of the MF world. I'm like a newborn trying to absorb everything you have just said. Forgive me if I'm a lil lost.

I would like to start with something but I don't know where to begin with. Would you recommend getting a 6x6 MF cam for starter? If yes, are there any new production MF cams with 6x6 format? :cry:

Puffish, you're like a bud. Patience is the key, mate. :thumbsup: Why don't we ask ard and see if there are nice MF folks willing to let us have a feel of the MF cams? That way, we'll be able to experience a lil of how the cam works. Perhaps, only then we'll be able to decide if the style suits us. What say you?

Regards

 

[dreamseeker]

New production 6x6 cams - Hassy, Rollei. But if you want to buy new probably costs a bomb. Prices would be comparable to a D2x or 5D.

If you guys are really interested, we can meet up some day to try out my MF cams. But I don't have a 645 system. personally I feel not much gain from a 35mm system, so never venture into it.

As mentioned by sf_kang, keep it simple. No need many lenses or gadgets. Just get what you need cos you don't have many shots in MF shooting.

 

[Megabyte]

dreamseeker

That's very generous of you, mate. How about an appointment set first week of Nov? Do advise me of your schedule, k? If you're able to make it. Any preferred time?

Puffish:

You wanna tag along to check out the MF cam from dreamseeker? How's your schedule? Are you busy lately?

 

[sf_kang]

I'd be glad to bring my two Hassys along just so you guys can get a feel of what 'square' shooting is all about. Also, more importantly, once you've starting composing using the waist level finder and you begin to see your 'picture' on the 6X6 focusing screen, you will realise another dimension of MF shooting using WLF versus other MF cameras. Looking through a rangefinder is something. But looking at a focusing screen that in your WLF is like you can see your picture before it is taken.

Next thing to consider is the versatility of changing to a different type of film if you shoot with a system MF camera like the Hassy. This may not be so convenient with other MF cameras.

Do keep me in the loop and I'd be glad to drop in, show my 'toys', and perhaps some shots taken with them.

br/sfkang

 

[Puffish]

Great stuff Dreamseeker and sf_kang!

I am all in to appreciate your MF.
I am working from home, so time is rather flexible
unless there's urgent deadlines and meetings.

First week of Nov is good for me.

I'm am beginning to crop my rect photos into squares
to try to see the new format.

Megabyte: Exciting Nov is coming er?

 

[nightwolf75]

hmm... i was wondering how many are interested in doing a MF shoot, either morning or evening, at kranji war memorial? was thinking of revisiting there during the 2 day holiday in nov.

 

[dreamseeker]

Ok guys. Maybe we communicate via pm when the TIME is near.

Nightwolf75,

You not refering to shoot models there? I might be interested to join you.

 

[nightwolf75]

Ok guys. Maybe we communicate via pm when the TIME is near.

Nightwolf75,

You not refering to shoot models there? I might be interested to join you.

nope... shooting models at kranji war memorial??

was thinking of revisiting the place to shoot BnW with my MF cam. the last time i went was to shoot with a DSLR.

mebbe closer to the date i'll post a thread abt MF gathering. :think:

 

[sf_kang]

MF outing sounds great! Please keep me in the loop via email at sf_kang@pacific.net.sg

I have plenty of T-Max 100, 400, and HP-5 left over from previous project. Can let you guys have up to like 5 rolls each f.o.c. for the shoot.

br/sf_kang [a.k.a. porcupine]

 

[Splutter]

:thumbsup: Nicest guy ever sia

 

[nightwolf75]

MF outing sounds great! Please keep me in the loop via email at sf_kang@pacific.net.sg

I have plenty of T-Max 100, 400, and HP-5 left over from previous project. Can let you guys have up to like 5 rolls each f.o.c. for the shoot.

br/sf_kang [a.k.a. porcupine]

haha.. thanks!

i'm still thinking abt kranji cos its not the most accessible of places to shoot. :embrass:

 

[jamesong]

Hi

I'm new to MF cameras and I'm interested in learning how to harness it's power. I'm intending to get mamiya but I'm not sure which model. Preferably something similar to an SLR as I've handled an SLR before. Could you please advise me which model from the mamiya collection would closely resemble an SLR (in terms of usage)? (e.g. 645/Pro645/7II & etc).

You should compare the 645 slide and the 7II slide, I love the 6x7 of 7II :thumbsup: but the 7II is a RF camera but you will get use to it after a while. I recommend the 7ii with the 60mm lens.:thumbsup: