Thinking of getting into MF

[rebbot]

Hi all,

Am thinking about getting into MF for landscape and architecture shots. Considering the Mamiya 645 Pro or the RZ67. However, it seems that the 645 format is not much bigger than the 135 format and the RZ67 is too heavy to be lugged around. Would really appreciate some real life experiences from travel photographers.

The best system for me now I reckon would be the Mamiya 7ii as I am accustomed to rangefinders after using the xpan exclusively for a while now. I had some time to play with one today and do like it but I would not like to spend so much yet not knowing if it suits me.

Any comments or suggestions?

 

[waileong]

If you're serious about architecture, you'll go for large format, because you need the movements.

 

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

Hi all,

Am thinking about getting into MF for landscape and architecture shots. Considering the Mamiya 645 Pro or the RZ67. However, it seems that the 645 format is not much bigger than the 135 format and the RZ67 is too heavy to be lugged around. Would really appreciate some real life experiences from travel photographers.

The best system for me now I reckon would be the Mamiya 7ii as I am accustomed to rangefinders after using the xpan exclusively for a while now. I had some time to play with one today and do like it but I would not like to spend so much yet not knowing if it suits me.

Any comments or suggestions?

bro... y never consider hasselblad... ;p

 

[rebbot]

If you're serious about architecture, you'll go for large format, because you need the movements.

2 drawbacks that prevented me to do so:

- Heavier to lug around isn't it as I travel quite often?
- I have no idea how to go about doing large format. :embrass:

I have googled and read about it a little but am still lost, hence gave up after a while.

 

[rebbot]

bro... y never consider hasselblad... ;p

You have a hassy to loan me for a shoot? Hahaha I have considered the 500cm but lenses and stuff are expensive. Just want something to shoot over a period to see if I can accept the weight and any other tradeoffs.

 

[catchlights]

You have a hassy to loan me for a shoot? Hahaha I have considered the 500cm but lenses and stuff are expensive. Just want something to shoot over a period to see if I can accept the weight and any other tradeoffs.

try a this

 

[rebbot]

try a this

I actually went to P&G to try out a Hassy 503CXi. Interesting but I find it a little heavy and awkward to use for handheld shots. I kinda of like the Mamiya 645 Pro and AFD due to the grip which makes the transition easier. Think I shall go down and have another feel today.

 

[KeithT]

One of the previous posts show a Hasselblad SWC. I think P&G may have an SWC in stock. If that is the case, I would recommend giving that a "feel" before you rule Hasselblads out. It is relatively portable and OK if you want to handhold (no mirror). I guess looking ahead, I did not invest in the Mamiya 7ii because it does not allow for digital backs. Happy hunting.

 

[enivre]

If you are serious about landscape and architecture and want to do MF, why would you be handholding? Weight shouldn't be much of an issue (less the lugging around and setting up).

I think a mamiya or hassey will do fine.

 

[catchlights]

that's not a 500 series Hasselblad, and it is none interchangeable lens body.

btw, any photographer serious about landscape and architecture photography, will definably use tripod, even he only using 35mm format.

 

[Kit]

It really depends on your style of shooting. If you are not doing it professionally, you might not even need a view camera to take advantage of the movement as the medium format/35mm shift lenses can probably meet your needs most of the time.

 

[rebbot]

If you are serious about landscape and architecture and want to do MF, why would you be handholding? Weight shouldn't be much of an issue (less the lugging around and setting up).

I think a mamiya or hassey will do fine.

Most of my landscape and architecture shots are tripod mounted, however I would like to do some street shooting with it if possible, hence the handholding. I just tried using the Mamiya 645 Pro during lunch earlier and its weight acceptable but find the hassy to be too heavy.

 

[waileong]

Well, then you'll have to live with the limitations.

2 drawbacks that prevented me to do so:

- Heavier to lug around isn't it as I travel quite often?
- I have no idea how to go about doing large format. :embrass:

I have googled and read about it a little but am still lost, hence gave up after a while.

 

[enivre]

You won't have much other choices in this case, since the Hassey is too heavy that leaves you with the 645s. I won't recommend the mamiya 7s because they are not exactly suitable for architecture, landscape yes, but not architecture.

Maybe you just need to get used to the weight, I've shot street with my mamiya RB67 before.. ;p.. although to be honest, won't do that very often unless I need to train for my IPPT.. haha...

 

[rebbot]

I appreciate all the comments that have been posted so far as well as those who PM-ed me privately.

I have decided to invest on a mamiya 645 Pro system to try out MF first.

 

[K3N]

One of the previous posts show a Hasselblad SWC. I think P&G may have an SWC in stock. If that is the case, I would recommend giving that a "feel" before you rule Hasselblads out. It is relatively portable and OK if you want to handhold (no mirror). I guess looking ahead, I did not invest in the Mamiya 7ii because it does not allow for digital backs. Happy hunting.

What's P&G and where can I find them?

 

[KeithT]

What's P&G and where can I find them?

1 Coleman Street, B1-04, The Adelphi, Singapore 179803

Their website is:-

http://www.pgcameras.com/

Hope this helps.