MF advise

[afterzero]

I'm kind of new to shooting film. Just a couple of months to be exact. ( You can view my noob shots on my blog. http://iamabcd.com/blog )And I am very curious as to what's the difference in shooting MF and traditional 35mm. If anyone can point me to the right direction, it'd be very much appreciated.

Also, if i'm going to look for an mf camera, which would you advise me on getting? One that won't ruin my pocket, good enough to try out and hold on too for a year or two.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ghoonk]

If you don't want to kill your wallet, a used RB67 Pro or Pro SD kit should set you back around USD500, with lens and a back, in good condition. A used Hasselblad 500CM is a bit more expensive, depending on whether you get it with a C lens or a newer CF lens. There are even cheaper options, like a Kiev 88 or a Zenza Bronica, both of which I'm told are pretty awesome for their price (around USD300+ with lens)

Go take a peek around Ron's Camera shop in Adelphi - I saw a nice Bronica there (might be ETSRi model).

Something you should keep in mind though - how deep the poison will run. Remember that these are systems - you buy body, backs, lenses, front lens caps, rear lens caps, body caps, straps etc, and if you're deep in enough, you're going to be letting go an entire kit to switch, not unlike a DSLR system

For example, my first MF was a 500CM from Chiii Fei of Chiif Cameras. It came with the light meter winder, an A12 back, an A16 back, lens caps, body caps, standard viewfinder, and the 120mm f4 Makro-Planar, all in excellent condition. Since then, I got myself the 80mm f2.8 CF, 180mm f4 CF, and 3 A12 backs, 3 A24 backs (oops), 3 sets of lens caps, and other goodies.

Now looking back, it might have been better for me to have just saved up and pick up the 203FE model. it's more expensive, but it's pretty much the best V-series Hassy out there (then again, I'm a bit of a purist), and the CFi lenses are purportedly even better than the CF ones that I have now. Still undecided, so the lesson here is that you need to think about how hardcore you are going to get. it's a slippery path ahead, full of happiness and tears

Also think about how strong your forearms are, cos the Hassy is lighter than the RB67. The RB67 is a BEAST of a body, built like a tank. Both the 500CM and the RB67s are workhorses, and I'm using them to hone my film shooting technique

 

[Scandiacus]

Other than MF SLRs, you might want to explore TLRs too. Quieter and lighter, but not as flexible as it is not modular compared to most SLRs.

 

[pinholecam]

A few differences for me:
1. Much better detail transfer from scans due to larger film format
2. Slower photo taking process due to larger/heavier camera, fewer/more expensive film

Very nice thoughtful process of photo taking that I really enjoy.
Think you can hold on to the camera forever once you get one
I have 2 TLR and 1 RB67
TLRs are smaller/lighter and fixed to a 6x6 format. No interchangeable lens; Generally cheap
Personally, I like the RB67 more. Rotating back for landscape/portrait orientation shooting; Mechanically well built and well thought out; Interchangeable back (eg. change between ISO100 and 400 film); Very close focusing, eliminating the need to invest in macro equipment for non 1:1 closeups; very inexpensive.
It does weigh quite a bit though.

 

[mamypoko]

Using a RZ67 and a Hassy 500C.

Personally prefer the RZ67, cheaper (Body, 50mm, 127mm, WLF, Meter Prism and Film Back cost me $800, bought a 110mm for $250 and a film back in Japan for $30.), can be oriented portrait or landscape, close focusing, can use RB and RZ lens, (RB lens can be found pretty cheaply)

Much heavier than a 500C setup though.

Also have a Rolleicord, fixed lens, but really light and quiet, usually accompany it with my DSLRs. Cheap too, around $250-300.

MF gets you a much higher resolution image, but you need to have a good scanner, and software, especially for color shots as you need to adjust white balance after scanning. There are not much fast lenses though, so shooting at night is tough unless you push film during development, or shoot with a tripod.

I shoot MF and LF film for long exposures, as due to reciprocal failure, I can expose a shot for 30mins to hours at night (or with a ND filter in the day), without worrying about batteries and sensor noise.

 

[pikapig]

u can look into lighter and cheaper bodies like mamiya 645M

 

[afterzero]

If you don't want to kill your wallet, a used RB67 Pro or Pro SD kit should set you back around USD500, with lens and a back, in good condition. A used Hasselblad 500CM is a bit more expensive, depending on whether you get it with a C lens or a newer CF lens. There are even cheaper options, like a Kiev 88 or a Zenza Bronica, both of which I'm told are pretty awesome for their price (around USD300+ with lens)

Go take a peek around Ron's Camera shop in Adelphi - I saw a nice Bronica there (might be ETSRi model).

Something you should keep in mind though - how deep the poison will run. Remember that these are systems - you buy body, backs, lenses, front lens caps, rear lens caps, body caps, straps etc, and if you're deep in enough, you're going to be letting go an entire kit to switch, not unlike a DSLR system

Thank you for your reply ghoonk, I will drop by Adelphi to take a look. I always get my negs developed and scanned from Colour Lab there.

Other than MF SLRs, you might want to explore TLRs too. Quieter and lighter, but not as flexible as it is not modular compared to most SLRs.

A few differences for me:
1. Much better detail transfer from scans due to larger film format
2. Slower photo taking process due to larger/heavier camera, fewer/more expensive film

Very nice thoughtful process of photo taking that I really enjoy.
Think you can hold on to the camera forever once you get one

Using a RZ67 and a Hassy 500C.

Personally prefer the RZ67, cheaper (Body, 50mm, 127mm, WLF, Meter Prism and Film Back cost me $800, bought a 110mm for $250 and a film back in Japan for $30.), can be oriented portrait or landscape, close focusing, can use RB and RZ lens, (RB lens can be found pretty cheaply)

u can look into lighter and cheaper bodies like mamiya 645M

From your inputs, I think the mamiya RB67 or similar is worth taking a look. As I have mentioned, I am quite new to shooting film and I haven't tried MF yet. If you guys are planning to go out for some shoot, I hope you dont mind if I tag along. I'd love to learn in person from all/anyone of you.

Thanks a lot! I will do more reading about this.

 

[foxtwo]

Medium format cameras is separated by film dimensions. The smallest is 6x4.5cm to 6x6cm and 6x7cm. There are also specialised cameras for panoramic shooting 6x9cm, 6x12cm and 6x17cm even. The camera is modular, lense, body and film back can be dismantled, but you can't attach a Mamiya 6x7cm back to a Mamiya 645 body.

Recent WTS of RB67s have been very tempting, but need to concentrate on completing my Mamiya 645afd essentials first... haha. Hassys are nice too but the price... sigh~

fyi, this member has been trying to let go his Bronica SQA since last year. Production of the Bronica has been discontinued hence the cheap price, lenses too. You need to get a lightmeter though, or lug your dslr along.

 

[foxtwo]

If you get a RB67 make sure you have an adequate tripod & head to support it. Lest you end up in a buying spree.

 

[nstclicks]

If you just want to try out MF, why not get a folder ? Cheaper and a lot lighter than a MF SLR. Image quality is comparable to or better than 35mm SLRs. I won't argue with Hassy's or Mamiyas Only problem is that they are a bit hard to find in Singapore. A few come up in B&S now and then, or you can look around the Adelphi/Peninsula shops. You should be able to get a decent one for $200+.

 

[afterzero]

I see. Now I know what the 645 means. Haha! Sorry too noob. I've looked around ebay and a used mamiya 645 Pro in good/exc condition that comes with 80mm lens (is this standard?) + power drive grip easily costs around $700+.

It goes without saying that it will start the poison in me. Haha! But will it get me start shooting?

Thanks for all your replies sirs!

 

[foxtwo]

I see. Now I know what the 645 means. Haha! Sorry too noob. I've looked around ebay and a used mamiya 645 Pro in good/exc condition that comes with 80mm lens (is this standard?) + power drive grip easily costs around $700+.

It goes without saying that it will start the poison in me. Haha! But will it get me start shooting?

Thanks for all your replies sirs!

Yes 80mm is the 50mm for MF. I don't think a power drive grip is needed, I still prefer hand crank version, more feel~... haha.

You will when you start shooting slide film and see it in MF dimensions, under a lightbox and loupe. It blows your mind, then if you get into LF (large format) photography with slide film (5x4in) your body goes into orbit. I think only film people get this... hhaha.