Any medium format people here?

[swatcop169]

I've been thinking about picking up a medium format camera for some time now. I was messing around on B&H and ran across two. I don't know much about MF so any help would be great.

Mamiya 645SE Rapid Pro (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=213269&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation)

Mamiya 645 PRO-TL (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=139767&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation)

The 645SE comes with a 80 f/2.8 lens, the used 645 doesn't.

[Vegas Poboy]

I don't own one since I'm still building my DSLR system but I do shoot the Mamiya 645 AFD & it's affordable and a great camera. The reason I would choose this one over the other Mamiya's is it's upgradable to digital. I still attend college classes so I check one out from time to time. Now not many clients I know is willing to wait on film unless it's 4x5 & thats major commercial. Once in awhile I'll use it to get that true B&W look for my very special customers or family.
Hopefully this helps, also you may want to look @ the RZ67 if you don't care about converting the camera to digital.

[swatcop169]

I don't own one since I'm still building my DSLR system but I do shoot the Mamiya 645 AFD & it's affordable and a great camera. The reason I would choose this one over the other Mamiya's is it's upgradable to digital. I still attend college classes so I check one out from time to time. Now not many clients I know is willing to wait on film unless it's 4x5 & thats major commercial. Once in awhile I'll use it to get that true B&W look for my very special customers or family.
Hopefully this helps, also you may want to look @ the RZ67 if you don't care about converting the camera to digital.

I'm trying to stay as cheap as possible for now, I would like to have the ZD but its way to much money. The 645E can be bought brand new for $930

I've been told to pickup a used one if I can.

[Rigrider]

I own a Mamya RB67 and LOVE it. The things a tank (weighs nearly 7lbs) but it's also a workhorse. Great quality, and you can't beat the 6x7 cm negatives. I haven't played around with the 645's but I hear they're great cameras. I'd go with a Maymia over a Hassle any day, for the same reason I bought the Canon rather than a Nikon: You're paying for the Name, not the quality! Though the ziese (sp??) lenses are nice.

l8r,

(p.s. if you respond to me and I don't get back to you, I appologize. I'm new here, and still learning the ropes.)

[soupdragon]

I had a Hasselblad for a number of years, they can be purchased fairly economically if you search second hand. It's probably worth spending a few more bucks just for the unbelievable image quality. Plus second hand digital backs like phase one are available.

[swatcop169]

One of the main reason's for the MF is the abilty to use the fuji velvia film. I love the color saturation that it gives off. If I could get that from PS I wouldn't have to worry about the MF.

I've also though about picking up a used EOS film camera and just getting some velvia to play with.

[UncleDoug]

I may get hell for this, but check e-bay.
With all sorts of people moving COMPLETELY:confused: to digital, bargains abound!

[Andy_T]

Also, you might do a forum search for 'Velvia actions' for photoshop.

Best regards,
Andy

[swatcop169]

I've been messing around on www.keh.com and have found quite a few Mamiya RB67 PRO-SD's with lens. From reading the reviews this seems to be a great camera and will except 6x4.5 to 6 x 7 backs, polariold backs, and 70mm film backs.

Anyone use this camera?

[redbutt]

I may get hell for this, but check e-bay.
With all sorts of people moving COMPLETELY:confused: to digital, bargains abound!

Why would you get hell for that?! That's a great suggestion. B&H sometimes sells used gear there. I got a Mamyia RB67 from them on eBay several years ago. It's a lot of fun to play with. And if you have the $$ you can get a digital back that will work with it. I personally have not, because I just don't need it...my 1D Mk2 is just fine.

[nat869]

I too got very interested in medium format and film again. I purchased on ebay, a canon elan 7 with 3 used lenses and a Mamiya 645 pro with 2 lenses, which I just shot my first roll through when I was shooting Samantha in the studio. Digital is what I usually always shoot, but I do want to produce some poster size stuff, so my plan is to always run at least one roll through the Mamiya whenever I shootglamour stuff. By the way, I was patient and watched the used equipment sites (BH, Adorama, etc) and ebay, I got an idea what stuff was selling for and waited till I found something with multiple lenses for cheap.

[swatcop169]

I too got very interested in medium format and film again. I purchased on ebay, a canon elan 7 with 3 used lenses and a Mamiya 645 pro with 2 lenses, which I just shot my first roll through when I was shooting Samantha in the studio. Digital is what I usually always shoot, but I do want to produce some poster size stuff, so my plan is to always run at least one roll through the Mamiya whenever I shootglamour stuff. By the way, I was patient and watched the used equipment sites (BH, Adorama, etc) and ebay, I got an idea what stuff was selling for and waited till I found something with multiple lenses for cheap.

Thanks Nat, I'll keep an eye open and see what I can find.

[Mark_48]

I'm trying to stay as cheap as possible for now, I would like to have the ZD but its way to much money. The 645E can be bought brand new for $930

I've been told to pickup a used one if I can.
I was interested in the 645E, but when I checked a few places including B&H they weren't in stock. Mamiya says they're out of production. The only place I found them new was http://www.normancamera.com/Shop/home.asp The Rapid Pro Value Pack was $799. I've bought from Norman and was satisfied. In browsing a local camera shop I found a used Mamiya Pro TL kit with a motor drive for $800, which I scooped up quickly. Being able to hold it and operate it before purchasing made me feel better about a used purchase. Bought a used 150mm lens and cable release adapter from www.KEH.com and have a 55mm lens on the way from an eBay purchase. KEH has a good reputation and I would probably consider a used camera purchase from them. This kit is replacing a tired old Bronica EC that I've had a good number of years.

[Persian-Rice]

Look at me sig.

I prefer the larger formats. Especially on high end sheets, nothing comes close. If you have a spare car to sell, you can also get a nice digital back for it, :)

[Duder]

Look at me sig.

I prefer the larger formats. Especially on high end sheets, nothing comes close. If you have a spare car to sell, you can also get a nice digital back for it, :)

have you any samples from the P25 online anywhere? I've been looking for sample images online but can't find many.

[Persian-Rice]

Ill PM you some tommorow