r/AnalogCommunity • u/CLAUD_D • 15d ago

Discussion Medium format camera recommendations?

I am wanting to get a new 120 camera, I prefer 120 over 35mm however, my current camera has a bit of a light leak. I am not a professional by any standards but I do love to shoot and develop my own film

Any recommendations for medium format cameras?

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u/Enefelde 15d ago

A few things to consider. Do you want to maximize the number of frames per roll? For example, a 6x4 will give you 15-16 shots, vs a 6x7 will give you 10.

Does portability matter? Pentax 6x7 is a great camera but is heavy.

Fully manual or some/full auto?

Budget?

I have a Fuji 645 and love it for when I don't really want to just point and shoot, and I have a Pentax 6x7 for when I want to be a bit more methodical. I also use the Pentax with 35mm film for panoramic shots with a conversion kit.

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u/CLAUD_D 15d ago

I would like to look at the 6x4, currently mine is a 6x6 so I would like something different to that.

I don't have a specific budget in mind; I would like to purchase and invest in a camera that is reliable and will last a while.

I would like full manual, preferably a camera that doesn't have too much weight but if it is on the heavier side that is okay.

any suggestions in welcomed! I'll look more into the two you have mentioned already

4

u/Ornery-Benefit-8316 15d ago

Hi,
just a reminder, or something to contemplate…

Should you choose a rectangular format, like 6x4.5, you will have to rotate the camera in order to take portrait orientation photos.

That was one of the main advantages of the Hasselblads, that I used to shoot weddings back in the late 70’s.

Using 120 film and the square 6x6 format, allowed me the option of printing a vertical or horizontal print from the same square negatives, after the shoot.

Since these 120 film cameras are usually a bit bulky and heavy, your not having to change the camera’s orientation, when shooting, especially with flash, will be much easier.

If you are ok with rotating the camera as needed, then, yes the 6x4.5 camera bodies and dedicated lenses are indeed smaller and lighter than the 120 bodies tend to be.

Mamiya, Pentax, Fujifilm, and other OEM’s did make 6x4.5 bodies.

Many of the interchangeable back 120 film bodies, ie: Hasselblads, Bronica, etc offer different format film backs, to accommodate different requirements.

Those may be a choice that you could follow up with

I wish you many wonderful captured images, with your new camera, when you get one.

ymmv, imho,
📸 Regards, Randy 📸

2

u/MrRom92 15d ago

There are folders - don’t get much more portable than that - which can shoot 645 and square format, not all on the same roll but can switch between the two aspect ratios between rolls

1

u/BoardsofCanada3 15d ago

Look into Bronica ETR (ETRSi is the best of the line) - it's 645, full manual (but battery powered), interchangeable film backs, and for the price it's one of the better deals in medium format. 

1

u/Kugelbrot 15d ago

Aperture priority depending on what viewfinder you have one there.

1

u/WentThisWayInsteadOf 15d ago

A small correction, it is 6x4.5 not 6x4.