| Photography Forum: Medium Format Photography Forum: |
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Q. Which MF camera/system?
Asked by Christopher Cline
(K=16) on 5/14/2004
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Hi all,
I'm looking to go medium format but can't afford much over $150.00. I can get a good Yashica TLR for under 100, (if it isn't a 124G) but I would prefer either a Bronica C (or S2), Kiev 88 or Koni Omega Rapid.
The Mamiya Universal Press seems like a good camera but is a little out of my price range. I have narrowed my search domn to the following:
YASHCA or (Rollei) TLR:
I used Yashica TLR's when I was doing newspaper work back in the 70's and 80's and I know them to be good sturdy cameras. They do, however, have limitations.
KONI OMEGA RAPID:
Never got my hands on one so I don't know that much about them. The price is usually right, but that winding/cocking mechanism looks flimsy to me. Is it?
ZENZA BRONICA (C, S2, S2A)
Again, no hands on experience, but one of these looks to be the best choice if I can afford one. Pro features, and Nikkor glass. No interchangeable back on the C, but I don;t think this will be a serious inconvenience. The Nikons I have been using for thirty years don't have this either and I haven't missed it. (an S2 and a C have both sold at or near my budget limit within the last month on ebay)
HOLGA:
Uh, no.
I am going to be in Detroit next week and am considering attending a Photorama camera show. Have any of you been to one of these? Are there bargains to be had?
Again, thanks for your input.
Cheers, Christopher
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Chris Lauritzen
(K=14949) - Comment Date 5/15/2004
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For less then $150 you could get into a Kiev 60 purchased off ebay. This would get you a body, lens, two filters, metered prism, waist level finder and camera bag.
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James McGinnis
(K=6045) - Comment Date 5/20/2004
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I just bought a Zenza Bronica C with 75mm lense and a speed winder for about 300 U.S. dollars. It does not have the interchangeable backs but that shouldn't be a big problem. Especially, in the early stages of what I'm trying to learn. It also has an internal meter (I find this to be a very nice feature)and what I think is called a "sports prism". In other words, I hold it to my eye like my 35mm rather than focus via a waist level finder. So far, I've had a lot of fun. As many people here advised me, I have slowed down and had to do a lot more thinking about the photographic process. It can be tedious, but that is where much of the enjoyment originates for me.
If you go with the Bronica, I would suggest at least considering the "S" models. They are a bit more expensive but they'll allow you to change backs (120 or 220) and you can get a Polaroid back for test shots. The "C" will not allow you to do any of this.
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Christopher Cline
(K=16) - Comment Date 5/24/2004
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I ended up getting a Bronica ETR-C with 75mm lens. Same as the ETRS without interchangeable backs, which is what I wanted anyway. Thanks for all your advice.
Cheers,
Christopher
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James McGinnis
(K=6045) - Comment Date 5/25/2004
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Have fun with your "C". Let me know how things go as I'm still learning the "ins and outs" of mine!
Sooner or later I'll get the film developed!
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greg W:-)
(K=193) - Comment Date 4/18/2005
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Hello all.
I personaly would not recomend buying a cheapy Kiev whether it be a 60 or 88.
I own both and realy love them ,,but MOST if not all bad experiences with kievs come from people wanting to do stuff on the extreme budget.
Save ya pennies and spend at least $250 for the body ,,and be prepared to shell out some money for your lenses.
If you spend a bit more you should end up with something good ,and not an ebay DUD.
Be carefull..
Check out my web page for more kiev 60 info..
www.geocities.com/kiev60slr/
gregW:-)
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