NEW TO MF film


msuitc

New Member
HI!

started looking at MF cameras recently. somehow due to aesthetics, more inclined towards hasselblads while open to other makes as well.

can you please share which models would be good for entry level? more inclined towards outdoor photography as opposed to studio.
would this deem the hasselblad unsuitable? what are the more durable all time classic models out there? (equivalent to the nikon FM2)

i've been using 35mm for almost 20yrs as an enthusiast and wondering if a new set of skill set will be required when handling MF.

lastly, i've been to cameraworksop at peninsula to browse. any other suggestions?

thanks in advance!
 

When you talk about mf there are literally too many cameras to introduce, it would be best to select a format first before looking for a camera. Format being 645, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9 all the way to pano 6x17 :)
 

Seagull 4B-1 for entry level.
 

hi ,

i would recommend the hassalblad 500cm or tlr rolleiflex they are classic and they are mechanical similar to the
fm2 but they are not budget or entry level .
 

Rolleiflex is similar to fm2?! That is new
 

Am afraid there is no short cut, my friend. I started with the Mamiya 7ii and still use it regularly. Off and on, I have played with a Hasselblad 503, Contax 645, Mamiya 645. Nothing comes close to the Mamiya 7. Simple, brilliant optics and 6x7 emulsions.
 

Welcome to medium format! It's very different from 35mm, and you'll probably get a kick out of trying 120mm film especially the first time you get your film back from the lab. The size is vastly larger than what you are used to!

Lots of good advice and recommendation from other CSers here... so here are tips to help you along.

1)Format
Like what Shadowleong mentioned, you have to decide which format you like first, as that determines the models of camera you can choose from. Some people are more comfortable with a square format, some with a rectangular and others love the panoramic format. In general, 645 and 6x6 square formats cameras are easy to handle, while 6x7 and panoramic cameras are usually more bulky.

2)SLR or Rangefinder
After you decided on the format, determine if you want SLR or rangefinder. Rangefinder MF cameras are compact and light, but they are not as versatile in applications and system as the SLR types. It's the same arguments between 35mm rangefinders and 35mm SLRs, except that many medium format SLRs can change film type mid-way via magazines, which rangefinders can't. Your application will determine whether a rangefinder or SLR is right for you.

3)Budget
Decide on how much you want to spend.

You mentioned you like outdoors photography, so I'm assuming you don't want anything bulky or difficult to handle. That rules out most 6x7 cameras such as the Mamiya RZ and RB, Bronica GS-1 and Pentax 67. If you like to take macro or telephoto shots, then rangefinders such as the Mamiya 6 or 7, or Bronica 645 will be out as well.

There are twin lens reflex cameras as well, which are really cool but may or may not be suitable for your application. They're light and pretty vibration-free, but you can't change lens, or interchange film half-way, and they are relatively limited for close-up portraits and macro, and they are virtually all 6x6 format.

If you're looking for a versatile camera system , you can consider the 645 medium format SLR cameras such as the Mamiya 645, Bronica ETRSi or the Pentax 645 (cannot change magazine for the Pentax though). Or if you appreciate the 6x6 aesthetics, consider the Bronica SQ-Ai or Hasselblad. All these cameras are readily available on Clubsnap classifieds for really good prices, so keep a look out!

I'm a Hasselblad V-system fan, and I've been shooting with Hasselblads for more than a decade now. I love the 6x6 format, the aesthetics of the Hasselblad design and the wide amount of lenses available. It is designed to be totally mechanical, so you need a bit of time to get used to it, but it is really easy to use and smooth once you get used to it. Some say that the system is problematic because it is prone to jamming, but personally I've never jammed a Hasselblad in more than 10 years. It's mechanical and beautifully designed, and it is probably the closest match to a Nikon FM2 in philosophy.

There is not much difference between 35mm film and 120mm film, since they behave similarly to light. You will however need to get used to the shallower depth of field, handling of the camera, loading of 120mm film and taking metering manually (if your camera does not have a built-in meter).
 

Am afraid there is no short cut, my friend. I started with the Mamiya 7ii and still use it regularly. Off and on, I have played with a Hasselblad 503, Contax 645, Mamiya 645. Nothing comes close to the Mamiya 7. Simple, brilliant optics and 6x7 emulsions.

The Mamiya 7 (first and II are similar) excel because of the lens. The body built quality is actually not very durable and cannot stand abuse. One thing to note that it is a range finder, and is not as versatile as SLR which many are so used to. For composition, a TLR or 6X7 (Mamiya 67) have their place.
 

Just get a Seagull 4BI. Whether next time you want to shoot Hasselblad or other expensive toys or not, the Seagull 4BI is a good training camera and can make very good images, and can always remain part of the tools. If cannot make a proper picture with a 4BI, then it is best to do more training than waste money on a more expensive gear.

No doubt that due to slowing down and death of many film, film cameras have become cheaper but still not free. There are many so called Pro cameras that were actually beaten to near death and then dumped onto the second used market. As most MF cameras are used (unless you buy new, selected models only), you stand a good chance to endure the frustration to fix, repair, and spend more money on the camera.
 

Nikkornos said:
Just get a Seagull 4BI. Whether next time you want to shoot Hasselblad or other expensive toys or not, the Seagull 4BI is a good training camera and can make very good images, and can always remain part of the tools. If cannot make a proper picture with a 4BI, then it is best to do more training than waste money on a more expensive gear.

No doubt that due to slowing down and death of many film, film cameras have become cheaper but still not free. There are many so called Pro cameras that were actually beaten to near death and then dumped onto the second used market. As most MF cameras are used (unless you buy new, selected models only), you stand a good chance to endure the frustration to fix, repair, and spend more money on the camera.

Any sample pics from the Seagull? Someone offered to lend me his Hasselblad today, will prolly pass me in two week's time. But that isn't something I can afford so I'll be happy I shoot a few rolls and return it to him.
 

Riotbmx said:
Any sample pics from the Seagull? Someone offered to lend me his Hasselblad today, will prolly pass me in two week's time. But that isn't something I can afford so I'll be happy I shoot a few rolls and return it to him.

U can always check on flickr...
Probably try shooting 120 film first before u decide which cam...at least see if u r ok w de output
 

pikapig said:
U can always check on flickr...
Probably try shooting 120 film first before u decide which cam...at least see if u r ok w de output

I can but I' like to see Nikkomos' photo, cos some might not be honest if they do post processing on the photos. Yeah I'll get to shoot with the Hasse to try out, I think returning it will be difficult though
 

Wah, are you testing me??

Here are Seagull shots. All 4B-1

6058077897_0a062bf42b_b.jpg



6234958118_4dce4059fa_b.jpg



5949795228_3898a4c90b_b.jpg



5926528002_dd53a5566a_b.jpg

This one by 107
 

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Leaving aside lomo cams...
I think generally MF camera all got certain level of standard in terms of output...that is also due to the reason of 120mm film format...the amount of details that you can see from the film is tremendous...

Instead of picture from the camera...i thought you should focus more on the operational and technically handling of the camera....For example, a pentacon 6...ppl shoot really well from the lens made for it...there are some works from this camera that do well...but alas...this camera break down much easier than other camera.

For seagull..thou cheap...there is also a risk such as 4A-109 that always broke down...

I think nelson did a good write up above....hasselblad might be nice...but the amount of resale in CS is high as well..some ppl just cant get use to shooting it..so i would say...try as much as possible then decide what u really need....its heavy the hassy...and its really how committed will u bring it ard with u compared to a TLR...

A snr once told me..if u buy a slr system and left w no money to buy the backs and lens..then why not stick to just a tlr...
if u have multiple lens and backs but reluctant to carry with u for the weight..then why buy a SLR system...

Priorities...and join our MF outing...there shld be more than enough cameras for u to try and test..haha
 

Just get a Seagull 4BI. Whether next time you want to shoot Hasselblad or other expensive toys or not, the Seagull 4BI is a good training camera and can make very good images, and can always remain part of the tools. If cannot make a proper picture with a 4BI, then it is best to do more training than waste money on a more expensive gear.

No doubt that due to slowing down and death of many film, film cameras have become cheaper but still not free. There are many so called Pro cameras that were actually beaten to near death and then dumped onto the second used market. As most MF cameras are used (unless you buy new, selected models only), you stand a good chance to endure the frustration to fix, repair, and spend more money on the camera.

I like seagull for it's standard filter thread 34mm, easy to find b&w filter and hood.

it gives me headache to find the correct bayonet filter for those rolleicord or flexaret.
 

Buy Seagull and pictures good, happy happy
Buy Seagull and pictures no good, sell and then be happy
Buy Seagull and have to repair, find lualua or DIY or some money
Buy Seagull and no money, sell and again be happy
Buy Seagull and cheap cheap, happy happy
Buy Seagull and accessories cheap, largi more happy
Buy seagull and xian Lomo girls, I am so happy.

Buy Hassy and pictures good, bor rui and but happy happy
Buy Hassy and pictures no good, more bor rui and very not happy
Buy Hassy and have to repair, repair, bor rui and largi more bor rui and kanna xuan by Mr. Wong
Buy Hassy and no money, sell and loose money and no happy
Buy Hassy and damn expensive, bang balls and be happy
Buy Hassy and accessories damn expensive and hard to find, largi bor rui and largi not happy
Uncle got money, buy Hassy hang at home also happy happy
Uncle got money, buy Hassy pull chicks no pictures but I show you how to use,
I am so happy

Ha ha
 

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seagull brand is now everywhere. even tourbillon watch oso they have :bsmilie:
 

thank you for all your generous and insightful posts everyone!
i've read and re-read them and so much to know!
i have been down to peninsula and getting a feel of the different cameras to get an idea!
will post again with more questions!!
 

Mist likely you will be persuaded to buy a Bronica / Hasselblad / Rolleiflex.
 

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