Another Medium Format Thread

[Ste_S]

Been scowering the bay and some other online shops, can't decide if I really do want to go for 6x6 or if I'd be happy with 6x4.5. I can always sell on as values seem to be only going up these days so I guess a cheaper Bronica ETRS or Mamiya 645 might be a better option. There are some really good condition examples around for about £250 too which is appealing to get started with at the moment.

One other thing is my tripod. It was pretty capable with my 6D and 70-200 for landscapes but not sure the bullhead will be up to it for medium format. Any recommendations that won't break the bank. Are there certain brackets that are better than others for this type of thing or is it all pretty universal? Arca-Swiss?

Getting started with medium format doesn't have to be that expensive.

I have a Zeiss Ikon Nettar folder and a Mamiya C330 TLR. The Nettar cost me £25 on ebay and I can't notice any difference in IQ over the more expensive Mamiya. In fact the Mamiya is turning into a dust catcher as I find the Nettar much more user friendly, compact and lighter. I use Manfrotto's cheapest tripod with it (Compact Action)

 

[Craigus]

Okay, I'm not going against the advice I have received intentionally but I am pretty set on a Bronica ETRS now. I realise it is 645 but I'm not overly concerned by that, if I really enjoy it I can always go bigger at a later date if I really feel the need. There are a couple I have my eye on as complete kits for sub £250 with 75mm lenses in very nice condition.

I can work with whatever focal length initially really and add to it if necessary, often my digital landscape stuff is on the longer side as I like the compression of tele lenses, rarely shoot wide. Which lenses are 'best' or recommended for the ETRS? I'm sure there are no duds but are there some that are better than others? Not necessarily concerned by speed but always a consideration for the odd portrait.

Thanks for all the help so far guys, I'm really enjoying the research and looking forward to this.

 

[ariel7515]

...However, I think a big part of the satisfaction would come from being able to have control over the whole process, so develop and scan myself...

If you are starting, scanning the film is an option, I am doing it myself too, but 'develop and scan' is not the whole process. In fact if you think about it, shooting film to end up with a digital copy makes no sense at all, but it is the only way to show and share pictures over any digital device and internet.

What I want to say is: scanning the film is a complete different process, do not stop there, if possible, go all the way to complete the whole film process till you end up with your pictures on paper using an enlarger.

And I agree with Ste_S, getting started with medium format doesn't have to be that expensive.

 

[StephenM]

Just bear in mind that a waist level finder has the image inverted ledt to right - you see a mirror image of the scene. That's not a problem; but as soon as you turn the camera on its side for portrait orientation, the image becomes upside down. That's harder to handle hand held; so for the odd portrait you may need to make sure you have the additional weight of a prism finder.

That's one advantage of the Mamiya RB/RZ cameras - the rotating back that gave the RB initials. You just turn the back round and away you go with portrait orientation.

Anyway, if you're aware of this already, don't worry. Whatever you get, you'll have fun.

 

[FishyFish]

Getting started with medium format doesn't have to be that expensive.

I have a Zeiss Ikon Nettar folder and a Mamiya C330 TLR. The Nettar cost me £25 on ebay and I can't notice any difference in IQ over the more expensive Mamiya. In fact the Mamiya is turning into a dust catcher as I find the Nettar much more user friendly, compact and lighter. I use Manfrotto's cheapest tripod with it (Compact Action)

I’m the same with my £40 Zeiss Mess-Ikonta. It takes lovely photos and is pocketable, which makes it a very convenient choice. I’m going to have to make special effort to give the Yashica Mat an outing soon - it’ll be feeling unloved!

Did you send your Nettar off to be serviced BTW?

 

[ChrisR]

I find the wind-on difficult, the red window numbers hard to see, and the viewfinder terrible on my 6*6 Ikonta... but I'd never sell it as it was my father's. Annoyingly, the 6*9 Ikonta he took most of his photos on seems to have disappeared, no one knows why or where!

 

[FishyFish]

I find the wind-on difficult, the red window numbers hard to see, and the viewfinder terrible on my 6*6 Ikonta... but I'd never sell it as it was my father's. Annoyingly, the 6*9 Ikonta he took most of his photos on seems to have disappeared, no one knows why or where!

Mine’s pretty nice to use. Even though the rangefinder window is very small, it’s easy to see through, even with glasses on, and the patch is lovely and bright. The main viewfinder window is fine too. Winding on seems to take a few turns (and it’s squeaky!), but it’s not difficult.

 

[steveo_mcg]

I've got an Mess Ikonta I like but the slow speeds need serviced, I've got a super Ikonta I really like but the bottom plate is a bit rusty and it lost a screw that holds part of the film transport in place. I'm considering buying another.

 

[Ste_S]

Did you send your Nettar off to be serviced BTW?

Didn't in the end. Turned out what I thought was some fungus on the rear element was just a finger smudge (lol :/).
The 1/10 speed may be a little sticky but it hasn't impacted any photos yet. Semi tempted to take the lens/shutter assembly apart myself to clean the lenses and nuke the shutter with lighter fuel. Any good guides around for doing this ? It looks reasonably easy to do, but don't want to screw up the focus by putting the focus ring back on wrong.