medium format camera suggestions?

Question

Okay, I'm looking to get a medium format camera. I'm not incredibly knowledgeable about them, but I do have a few things that I would like in a camera.
First of all I can't spend more than $1300.
Also I think that there are some medium formats that you can change out the backs so you can shoot 4x5? If I could find a camera with that capability, that would be wonderful.
I am also drawn to the square format, so a 6x6 would be preferred.
Are there any cameras that meet this criteria?

Answer 1

On ebay do a Search for a Mamiya C330. This is a Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) with interchangeable lenses.

If interchangeable lenses aren't important to you, the Minolta Autocord is an excellent choice for a TLR 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 format camera.

I doubt any 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 medium format was made that accepted a 4x5 film back.

Answer 2

Get yourself an older Rolleiflex, like an Automat III or IV, or a late Rolleicord like IV, V, or Va. Any of these should be $100 or less. Either the Mamiya 645 or RB67 would be an equally good choice also. They're more pricey, but also much more flexible than any TLR. The only issue with the RB67 is that they're heavy as heck. Other than that, though, they're darn good cameras. Other TLRs are, in my opinion, not worth bothering with. The Yashicas are alright, but they're at least as expensive, or in some cases more so, than a comparable Rollei, and they're not as well built. A Rollei is a better camera in every respect, and less expensive, too. I'd personally stay away from the Mamiya TLRs. The lenses aren't that great, and the cameras are big and bulky(especially compared to Rollei, Yashica, and other reasonably sized TLRs). The lenses are like a fungus magnet, and the silver ones aren't even repairable if the shutter has problems. If you want to change lenses, buy an SLR. I also saw where someone recommended a Kowa 66. My suggestion on this-stay the heck away! The lenses are pretty good, but they're a mechanical nightmare. They lock up dead if you look at them funny, or even do something that would be fine on any other camera in the world, like leave the shutter ****** for a few hours. At best, you'll have to expose the film to unlock it. At worst, the camera body will have to be destroyed in order to save the lens. There are a few guys out there who can fix these, but even a freshly CLAed one will lock up if it's left ******. EDIT: Apparently, Yahoo has determined that I can't use a perfectly legitimate word which means placing the shutter in a state such that it is ready to be fired. I guess since in some contexts, the word can be used to refer to a part of the male anatomy. At any location in the above which is marked "******", please substitute the phrase "in a state such that it is ready to be fired".

Answer 3

Pentax makes a slr 645 and probably a 67. Mamiya makes 67s and 645. If you are looking for a 6x6, any of the Yashicas TLRs will do and do well. I will not recommend the Mamiya 330 camera - they are too heavy, too old, and the longer lenses get expensive quick, but it is hard to find those that don't have problems. You might want to look at Mamiya 6 and Mamiya 7, incredible cameras. Fuji also makes some, or made some. Everything is available on the used market in very good condition, I would recommend that you call KEH.com as they guarantee all of their equipment.

Answer 4

$1300 will get you a nice 6X6 Hasselblad 500C/M, 80mm lens and 16 shot back at a reputable store, with a warranty.

However, when you go to buy more stuff, i.e. additional lenses, backs and other goodies, your wallet will soon be emptied.

If you are thinking of expanding your system beyond what you originally bought, I'd suggest Mamiya's 645.

For your $1300 you'll pick up a body, meter prism, 80mm lens, a couple of inserts and a second lens.

And I'll wager you won't see a difference in image quality from the Hassy.

Sorry, there are no 4X5 inch backs for 6X6 cm cameras.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

You should be able to get a great deal on a used medium format camera at this point in time. Bronicas are nice because they are not super heavy, are SLRs and the company who grinds the glass for their lenses are the same people who grind the Hassy lenses. I know of none that could also shoot 4 x 5's.

Cameta Camera has a lot of used cameras and they come with a warranty, which is nice protection for the buyer. Check them out!

Answer 6

Without a doubt go for a used Hasselblad, perhaps a 500c/m or a 503cx (the cw costs more, but for the most part is about the same). In terms of lenses it really all depends on what you are planning on shooting. If you are shooting landscapes or environmental portaits try a 40 or 50mm lens, but you will have to go for an older model as a newer model lens will set you back near $1000. Personally though I can do a lot with the standard 80mm lens which costs considerably less.
About the idea of switching the backs to shoot 4x5 on a medium format camera, I think you have the idea reversed. Most 4x5 cameras have adapters to shoot medium format roll film but not the other way around. However, choosing this system really again depends on what you are shooting. View Cameras, and field cameras are slow to operate. However, it is not as if you can't capture action. Old press photographers used to use Crown Graphic 4x5's and were able to capture action, and believe it or not there are a handful of sports photographers who use 4x5 linhof field cameras to do sports photography, but you really have to be skilled to achieve this. If you decide to go for a field camera then perhaps try a Linhof Technika, Crown Graphic or one of the many Toyo field cameras.
Anyhow, perhaps you can reword your question , give us a broader idea of the type of photography you are doing, and then we can give you a better idea of what camera would work best for you.
As to where you should go to buy a used 4x5 or medium format camera, try keh.com I have used them many times in the past, and their equiptment is as described, sometimes better.

Answer 7

Check Ebay for Bronica (Etrs or Etrsi models)cameras. They are not made anymore so may find one cheap and they are good quality for the money. Hasselblads are out of your price range. Medium format cameras cannot take 4 x 5 film since it's too big for the camera back.