mndbaker
newbie
Reged: 20/12/2005
Posts: 10
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Afternoon, being a digital slr user for about 3 years I would like to now spread my wings. I am very interested to purchase a medium format camera but have no idea at this stage where to begin. I would be interested to use it for mainly portrait and possibly some landscape photography in the future. I do not wish to spend a large chunk of cash to get going and I am more than happy to buy second hand. Therefore I would like to know which camera would be a geat starter, which lenses to get, which film (both colour and b/w) and any other equipment, books or advice to get going. I very much appreciate your help, thank you.
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Malcolm_Stewart
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/07/2005
Posts: 2197
Loc: Milton Keynes, UK
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Quote:
Afternoon, being a digital slr user for about 3 years I would like to now spread my wings. I am very interested to purchase a medium format camera but have no idea at this stage where to begin. ...
I started with 8-on-120 many years ago, and over time I "graduated" to ever smaller negatives. Having used DSLRs for the last few years, I'm giving it a go again.
Medium format seems to cover any camera taking 120 film (620 film, same size but on a slimmer spool, is very much more difficult to find) and there's a variety of negative sizes:
4.5 x 6cm, 6 x 6cm, & 9 x 6cm are the classic 16on, 12on and 8on sizes; and then there's the 6 x7cm and a few others. (Not many of the auto-winding bodies actually give you the 16on option - 15on is more likely.)
You've a variety of body formats from simple (and more complex) pre-WWII folders and twin-lens reflexes, through the well known Hasselblad SLR design and the rangefinder types such as the Mamiya 7. You can start very cheaply by buying a folder from a camera fair. From around £5 upwards you'll find a variety on offer. It helps if they have some sort of winder/shutter release interlock to stop double exposures. Poor rigidity of lens stays, sticky shutters and leaky bellows are also quite common, but my recent purchases have been OK. Prices paid from £5 for a scruffy Dacora to £110 for a Super Ikonta 16on.
More expensive are the Rangefinders, TLRs (some with interchangeable lenses) and SLRs, all of which have interchangeable lenses I believe. Lots of detailed info on the APUG website.
Are you planning to develop your own films? If so you'll need a tank, some form of darkness (darkroom or changing bag), chemicals (some of which go off in storage), and some means of viewing your results. Scanner or enlarger with more chemicals, paper, dishes etc. For starters, I wouldn't recommend home colour processing unless you invest in a temperature controlled processor.
BUT, it's tremendous fun and very absorbing.
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Malcolm Stewart
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nimbus
enthusiast
Reged: 29/08/2007
Posts: 278
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Used medium format equipment is now fetching low prices, if bought with care many of these items have many years of service left in them.
Reading your possible usage, I would suggest looking at the interchangeable lens slr types, such as Bronica and Mamiya 645 cameras. These will provide lens availability from wide angle through to standard and various telephoto lenses. A versatile outfit can be built up at little cost, many of the lenses are fetching half the price they were commanding only a short time ago.
The Mamiyas have focal plane shutters, which only offer 1/60sec with flash, although there are leaf shutter lenses available which offer higher sync speeds, the Bronicas use interchangeable lenses with leaf shutters. I still have an extensive Mamiya 645 system, and find the lenses of high quality and both cameras and lenses are generally of good mechanical reliability, as they are built to withstand professional use.
I would point out that a prism head is virtually essential with these cameras, as the waist level finders produce a reversed image, which is very difficult to work with if you are used to either film or digital slrs, trying to take a portrait format photograph with a wlf is very tricky indeed!
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mndbaker
newbie
Reged: 20/12/2005
Posts: 10
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Thank you very much for your help, much appreciated. I have actually ordered a copy of "Medium Format Cameras: User's Guide to Buying and Shooting" which I hope will provide some more in depth information. At this stage I will not be able to develop the pictures at home, however in the future this is something I would like to get involved in. Having looked at various webstes it seems purchasing a Bronica would be a good starting point, are there any advantages in buying either the ETRSi or SQB ?
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nimbus
enthusiast
Reged: 29/08/2007
Posts: 278
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That really depends on your prefence for format, the ETRSi is a 6x4.5 format, the SQ series are a square 6x6 frame. The advantage of the 645 format is that you obtain 15 frames per 120 roll, and if you are used to a rectangular format you will find it easier to use. The square format gives 12 frames per roll.
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NorthernMonkey
enthusiast
Reged: 01/05/2007
Posts: 268
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I like the square format over the rectangular format, but which format you like the most is a totally personal choice.
Developing your own black and white film is really very easy, and doenst take any expensive equipment.
If you can measure using a measuring cylender, use a thermometer, and count minutes on your watch, then you can develop a film.
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mndbaker
newbie
Reged: 20/12/2005
Posts: 10
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Thank you again for your help. Hope you have an excellent weekend.
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