Landscape Camera???

Liam

Liam

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I am a bit stuck on what I should buy, I basically want to get into landscape photography but I currently have a Mamiya c330 which makes it difficult to use filters.

I was therefore thinking of getting a Hasselblad but I am not sure if 6x6 is the best format for landscapes so what is the best medium format camera and lens combo to get??

Thanks for any help
 
I'd go for a 6x4.5 or 6x7 Bronica as lighter to carry. Depends if you want to be walking a lot with the camera gear to take your shots, if weight isn't an issue then an RB or RZ67 would be a good option with a wide angle

Though you can get a Hassleblad 6x4.5 back
 
Thanks for the advice.

I think I have just fallen in love with the mamiya RB67!! I don't mind lugging around something big if I can shoot 6x7!! How many images can I shoot on a 120 film?

I also see that there are some different versions, is the basic one a good buy? And what lens should I get?
 
A Nice 5x4" rail camera?, 10x8" Large format, Linhof Technorama 617s?

It all depends what sort of landscape photography you want to do.

I use a bog Std Digital SLR and get some ok pics.

Nick
 
Liam said:
Thanks for the advice.

I think I have just fallen in love with the mamiya RB67!! I don't mind lugging around something big if I can shoot 6x7!! How many images can I shoot on a 120 film?

I also see that there are some different versions, is the basic one a good buy? And what lens should I get?
Click to expand...

The RB67 shoots 10 exposures on 120 film.,, whereas the blad shoots 12 on 120.

The RB67 is probably my all time favourite camera - i just love the beast. :love:

There are only 3 versions...

RB67

The first version. Nothing at all wrong with it except except that there's no safeguard against accidentally double exposing shots and that's all too easy any time, but especially when you're getting used to the drill of shooting medium format. There;'s nowhere on the camera to store the dark slide when not in the mag.

RB67 ProS.

Second version and the one I have. It has pretty foolproof safeguards from accidental double exposing shots, and they added a place on the side of the camera to store the dark slide.

RB67 Pro SD.

The last of the line with redesigned magazine backs.They also changed the mount on the camera to take certain new (K Series) lenses.

After that they went to the RZ series - plastic body and electronics, but battery dependant.

I'd say get the ProS or the SD if you can.Take your time and try not to jump at the fiirst battered one you see - there are some bargains to be had, and be prepared to replace the foam seals in the camera and mag back if it hasn't been done - very easy to do yourself in an evening with a seals kit.

They usually come with the 90mm f3.8 lens as standard, but you can pick up a 50mm, which would be more suitable for landscape quite reasonably.
 
This is mine...

2477501495_931afc47bb_o.jpg


Bought it off ebay from a gent who'd only used it for occasional amateur use in the studio.
 
Wow, thanks for all of the advice. I just need to find one at a good price, what is a good price for a RB67 Pro S?

Thanks
 
Mine's mint - not a mark on it anywhere, and I paid £350 with the powered 120/220 back as in the pic. Also a lens hood and a few other bits. The prism wasn't included in that. I did have to reseal it - in those days they needed resealing every 3 years or so with regular use and the foam material degraded over time anyway. The modern foam material in seal kits will last for many years in comparison.

I'd be wary of anything which looks really knocked about and don't go for the daft prices some people try to get away with. There's little price difference between any of the 3 versions nowadays unless it's a particularly tidy SD version.

Give me a PM by all means if you see one and want an opinion on it.
 
Well in one morning I decided and bought a camera, I have a RB67 pro s coming my way so thanks for all the help!!!

Just need to buy some film now.. :)
 
CT, that is pure filth. I have two questions... The viewfinder, what model is it? Also, the plate thingy on the bottom of the body, what is it? I feel some additions to my RB67 coming up :D
 
Woodsy said:
CT, that is pure filth. I have two questions... The viewfinder, what model is it? Also, the plate thingy on the bottom of the body, what is it? I feel some additions to my RB67 coming up :D
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Jonathan, it's as far as I know, the original Mamiya metered prism, with a deflective cds type needle in the viewfinder. It's handy in that it flips the image the right way round laterally. It's particularly handy when the camera is high on a tripod ( too high for the waist level finder). It's heavy though and adds considerable weight to the camera. There are later plastic versions which are considerably lighter.

The thing on the bottom of the camera is the power pack for the powered 120/220 back. The back comes with separate pressure plates for 120 and 220 film so that the exposure counter still works correctly with either film.

All the power pack does is wind on the frame. In practise, cocking the mirror/shutter with the large lever trips a switch which winds the film on, so the need to advance the film separately is avioded. It came with the camera or I wouldn't bother to be honest - much ado about nothing. :shrug:
 
Ahh, gotcha. Thanks for the info fella :) I wish I could afford some cool bits like that, but more lenses are a must first of all, as I only have the 65mm.
 
Woodsy said:
Ahh, gotcha. Thanks for the info fella :) I wish I could afford some cool bits like that, but more lenses are a must first of all, as I only have the 65mm.
Click to expand...

I sooo want a wide angle lens for the blad but there's noithing I can bear to sell to help finance it. :(
 
LOL. And they removed the smiley I really need! :D
 
You got it.:D

I really ought to make my mind up I suppose between 6X7 and 6X6 which would solve a lot problems. :shrug:
 
6x7, simples. Bigger is better.
 
I use a fuji 670 iii rangefinder thats 6X7. great for landscapes, Well compact and the glass is awesome.
 
6x7 is great imho. It's easily cropped to 6x6 as well, so might as well get as much film real estate as you can.

That said, I do lust after a 617 :(
 
Pentax 6x7 - mine's curently loaned-out to someone who can put it to good use...
 
Another vote for the Pentax here, the 67 has the added advantage of having the widest lens there is for a 6x7 camera.
 
I'd agree with CT regarding the RB, my all-time favourite camera as well, I'm very tempted to get another one having sold the original some years ago. I did dabble with an Art Panorama 617 for while with a 90mm lens, it was a lot of fun but I really didn't do it justice.
 
Having just bought a RB67, (in the post at the moment so will get some pics up soon :) ) I am already thinking of getting a large format camera as well :love:

Might be quite hard to hide it from my parents :thinking:
 
Well, mwclassic cameras mucked me around and basically sold me a duff camera (also took 8 days to be delivered) so I am sending it back.

I did have a quick play, it seems a nice camera (very big!) but I am not sure if I really like it. I think it overlaps with my mamiya c330 to much and I would end up using only one of them.

Therefore I am thinking of going all out and stepping into the world of large format. Its going to be a big step but I love the idea of shooting one image at a time and the quality of images I have seen are just amazing.

Any advice?
 
Thats really unusual of MWclasic Liam. Have you given them a call. I know them face to face, often go to their shop to pick up stuff; and they are absolutely genuine guys.

What did you get, and what was the issue? I could have a chat with David...
 
Well it took 8 days for it to be delivered, it was then missing certain parts such as instructions/strap/booklet e.t.c It was advertised as being a working camera "90% clean with a few marks" it had various dents and it had obviously been dropped more than once. The light seals had completely gone on the back and the rest where perished and would not last much longer.

They have been very good as far as returning is going as they have offered to pay for the postage but I am still disappointed, maybe I was just unlucky.
 
Liam said:
Therefore I am thinking of going all out and stepping into the world of large format. Its going to be a big step but I love the idea of shooting one image at a time and the quality of images I have seen are just amazing.

Any advice?
Click to expand...

Have a look at the Chamonix 45N -1 or -2, very light and well built field camera with plenty of movements for landscape. Not a fixed camera but only takes an extra minute to set up. The -2 has some minor improvements at the expense of a slight reduction in range.

http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/45.html

Other options would likely be a Wista or Shen Hao unless you manage to grab an Ebony going cheap.

Also, note that with a 4x5 you can get 6x7, 9, and 12 backs. There are also a couple of extension backs that'll give you 6x17.
 
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