Medium Format Film Camera

NatMoore

NatMoore

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I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this but hey ho :)

This semester in University I will be using a Medium Format Camera for 3/4 of my modules. The university provides 26 cameras but due to the increasing fees this year, they took on 3x as many people last year, meaning there's 70+ people in my year. This obviously sounds like it's going to be a problem and was a problem when we all went to use the 35mm cameras, lucky enough I had my own!

So I'm thinking about buying my own medium format film camera but I have no idea or any knowledge about them. If anyone could recommend anything or help boost my knowledge it would be greatly appreciated! I have a budget of about £300.

Thank you in advance :)
 
We have a Film & Conventional forum, but I'll answer here.

Medium format cameras come in various guises - you get conventional SLRs (like your 40D), you get TLRs (twin lens, rather than single lens), you get old folding cameras and you get rangefinders.

Also, medium format film can be shot in various size ratios, each bigger than the other. The main formats are 6x4.5 (645), 6x6 (square) and 6x7.

Since there is such a wide range of cameras out there, it might help the search if you decided what sort of camera you wanted first (SLR, TLR etc.)
 
Maybe some examples..

Folder - cheap, plentiful but can feel somewhat limited compared to more modern cameras. Can be found as rangefinders or zone focus (as this example is). Rarely fitted with an inbuilt meter, always manual exposure and manual focus. Available typically as eithers 6x6 or 6x9, some can do both. From £20 upwards depending on model (there are hundreds), features, condition. Look for a later model from the 1950s.


TLR - lightweight, wysiwyg viewfinder using a secondary lens, sometimes metered, manual focus and exposure. Almost alway 6x6. £100 gets you something very usable. Classic medium format fashion photography camera.


SLR - system cameras with interchangeable lenses and usually interchangeable backs and viewfinders. Vary widely in size and availability of components. Available as 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x8. Price varies a lot, £300 would get a good starter system in some formats, a larger outfit in others.



I'd strongly recommend picking up a copy of The Medium Format Manual by Michael Freeman. Should be just a couple of pounds on Amazon/Ebay and will give you a very good introduction to most of the various systems.

The most important decision is the negative size, the three most common formats being 6x4.5, 6x6 and 6x7/6x8. They each have their advantages and disadvantages.
 
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Thank you everyone! Your knowledge has been very helpful. I bought myself a Mamiya M645 1000S from Ffordes :) It was a good price and came complete with a lens and 120 insert.

Thank you again!
 
I've only shot medium format in vintage equipment like box cameras, folders and TLRs. A Zeiss Ikon Nettar cost me £20 and an Ensign Selfix 420 was £40 but other models often turn up in charity and junk shops for well under £20. There's NOTHING like a 6x9 negative and you get a real sense of achievement from creating a great image with such primitive, fully manual equipment.
My Rolleiflex Old Standard TLR was under £100 and looks pretty battered but it's performance is outstanding.
I've never used a MF SLR but I'm sure they're the pinnacle of the format. I really must get one soon but even when I do I'll continue to use my old folders and TLRs (and keep buying more!).

I bought the book mentioned by Alistair when it was recommended on another thread (possibly by Alistair), (it was under a quid on Amazon) and is excellent covering the various systems, formats and techniques.
 
NatMoore said:
Thank you everyone! Your knowledge has been very helpful. I bought myself a Mamiya M645 1000S from Ffordes :) It was a good price and came complete with a lens and 120 insert.

Thank you again!
Click to expand...

great choice! :thumbs:
 
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