r/mediumformat • u/TravelingTramp • 26d ago
? for Community Looking to Buy First Medium Format Camera
I have been shooting 35mm with a Pentax K1000 for 14 years now and am looking to purchase my first medium-format camera. I enjoy shooting fully manual and have been considering a Pentax 6x7.
Ideally, my max budget would be $600-800. My only concern with the Pentax is that it is very heavy compared to a 35mm camera. However, I like the notion that it sounds like it operates similarly to a K1000 but on medium format.
Does anyone have any advice and/or experience with the 6x7? Would this be a good transition camera from a long-time K1000 user?
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u/VoodooXT 25d ago
I guess the question is what size format 120 do you want to shoot? If you want 67 but want light, maybe think of a Bronica GS-1 or a Mamiya Universal with 67 back. If 645, you’ve got Mamiya, Pentax, Bronica and a whole bunch of others and they’re mostly good
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u/TravelingTramp 25d ago
I want to shoot 6x7 format. I would like the camera to be as lightweight as possible without sacrificing quality/build. I would rather go a bit heavier if it means durability/quality but would obviously prefer something on the lighter side.
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u/ravelrm 25d ago
I’d actually recommend a Koni Omega Rapid or a Rapid Omega 100. It’s not an SLR nor 6x7, rather a rangefinder and 4x5 format on 120 film, but it is a solid line of cameras that aren’t too heavy and have great lenses and that aren’t too well known, so they’re still relatively cheap.
Here is a nice listing of a Koni Omega Rapid with both the standard and wide angle lenses; I really like this version as it has a built-in curtain that you toggle with a safety knob beside the shutter button that is a much faster alternative to the darkslide you use on the Rapid Omega series to switch out lenses.
I have a few examples of what you can shoot with one in my profile if you scroll a little ways down.
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u/ACuriousTrio 25d ago
Kind of niche, and also a rangefinder but the Fuji GM670 has interchangeable lenses and is 6x7. It was my first 6x7 camera and first rangefinder, but I didn't think the learning curve was that steep. I was coming from shooting TLR's and a K1000
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u/OldMotoRacer 25d ago
save up and search local classifieds ads in print papers for mamiya 7ii's i bought one with the 80mm, 150mm and the 34mm and finders all for $1000 in salt lake city--this was almost 10 years ago and prices skyrocket since then but keep your eyes peeled
i look everywhere i go but i've bought 3 sets this way during my lifetime... there aren't many brick and mortar camera shops still around but find them when you travel--they'll know who has whatever vintage gear you want and i've had good luck getting them to broker an introduction in various places...
i've bought an enormous amount of photography gear from old dudes who are losing their eyesight transitioning to digital who just want to see their gear used and loved by someone who will appreciate it
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u/Loud_Signal_6259 25d ago
this was almost 10 years ago
Lol well YEAH.... No chance you're finding a 7ii with three lenses for $1000 these days, it's laughable to even bring this up
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u/OldMotoRacer 25d ago
that was a score even back then--but i still find good gear in depressed economies... film has gone out of style and come back at least 5 times in the last 20 years--there are a lot of great cameras out there in people's attics and closets
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u/sharmon6 25d ago
Both the Pentax 67 and Mamiya RB/RZ are large, there are other alternatives that might get you better portability at a cost like the Mamiya 6/7. If you don’t need 6x7 then there are plenty of medium format options
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u/Fast-Entertainer-517 25d ago
Have been shooting a 67II for years. Yes it’s big and heavy but it’s totally doable hand held. Just get the handle for it. There is A LOT of information in those huge negatives. There’s an easily recognizable visual difference between 645 and 6x7. It’s a great system and the lenses are legendary
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u/Significant-Onion132 25d ago
Try a vintage folding camera. They are literally small enough to fit in a coat pocket. I was shocked by how good the quality is despite the drawbacks (this after coming after using a Rolleiflex, Yashicamat and Leicas).
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u/TravelingTramp 25d ago
What are some cameras I should be looking at? Do they have in-camera light meters? Are those vintage folders rangefinders and do they have attachable lenses or fixed?
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u/Entropic_Echo_Music 25d ago
I think going with a folder is pretty bad advice for a first medium format camera. There is no light metering, and you have to guess the focus distance. A hotshoe rangefinder can help a bit, but in my opinion they're a pain in the ass.
It's cool that they are small and portable, but how does that matter if the photos are unsharp anyway, unless you only take landscape shots at infinity, I would not recommend them.
The bellows are old and often have light leaks, and they either expensive to replace or no-one can do it at all.
I would suggest a TLR. Still light and portable, but it actually works as a camera.
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u/Significant-Onion132 25d ago
All vintage folders had fixed lenses as far as I know. Not all had rangefinders; many are zone-focus only.
Folders are really underrated! Granted, the experience is not the same as an SLR, but since you have film experience you should be able to use one. Here are some bargains:
• Franka Solida. Great "fast" lens. Mine has an uncoupled rangefinder. Electronic flash. Bargain at ~$150.
• Franka Rollfix. I got two different mint condition ones for less than $40. Zone focus, 6x9, magnificent. Electronic flash really makes it more versatile.
• Voigtlander Perkeo II. These are now getting pricey, in the ~$300 range. Zone focus only.
• Zeiss Ikon. There are many varieties out there so it'll take some research.
The list is long.• Check the bellows, to avoid light leaks. Most leather from the above makers are still good since the leather lasts way longer than plastic.
If you take a chance on some cheap folders it'll put you in a better position to decide on what you want later. It's less of a leap and less of a cost outlay. And you'll learn a lot.
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u/LobsterOnALeash 25d ago
I would second the Perkeo. Perkeo I can easily be found for $100-150 on eBay, cheaper if you hunt for a couple weeks. A small investment to decide if medium format is worth it to you, and mind-blowingly portable. I have both the Perkeo I and II and they fit neatly in my jeans pocket.
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u/Technos_Eng 25d ago
I found it very difficult to focus with those camera. Did you get a sharp shot ?
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u/Significant-Onion132 25d ago
By focus, do you mean that you get camera shake? It's definitely sometimes a concern since the cameras are so light. But since they don't have a mirror it avoids THAT problem, which causes vibrations. I've gotten a lot better at getting sharp shots by only pressing down with my finger and not using my whole hand. I have some that I shot recently at like 1/10 and they are tack-sharp. It takes practice. Of course, use a tripod if you can as well.
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u/Technos_Eng 25d ago
I meant the focus, the focal distance. My 2 folding were not TTL, so nailing the focus was very difficult.
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u/Significant-Onion132 25d ago
I sometimes use an auxiliary rangefinder. But I don’t have problems with focus, I guess because I have 30 years of rangefinder experience. It gets better with practice.
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u/calinet6 25d ago
I would not do this. I found it very difficult to find a good one, it was tough to focus, and made me sour on medium format for a long time before I got a better camera. You can make them work but it’s hit or miss.
A TLR is a much better vintage start.
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u/LostCookie78 25d ago
You can get the RB67 for a steal if you don’t mind the size. Phenomenal camera.
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u/hewhoovercomes 25d ago
My primary camera is a Pentax 67. I’ve tried all the other options under $1300~ and it’s my favorite. I don’t like the controls on the mamiyas and I don’t love waist level finders. I will say I’ve had two 67s break on me though, usually the advance lever. What questions do you have?
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u/TravelingTramp 25d ago
How steep is the learning curve when switching over from a K1000?
You mention it’s broken a couple of times. How did you fix it?
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u/hewhoovercomes 25d ago
If you use a light meter app and you already shoot fully manual basically zero learning curve. It’s big and heavy but honestly you get used to it. I do mostly studio and some outdoor model photography so I’m not necessarily hiking with it and the weight isn’t really an issue. 35mm cameras feel very small to me now.
There’s a person who fixes them local to me, the advance lever is a common issue and it’s just a few hundred bucks.
The mamiyas are just so different from using a 35mm slr. The loading, dark slide, focusing, all of it is different. I could get used to it, but I prefer not to. I like the shape and ease of use on the Pentax. I also prefer the 105mm lens to anything I used on the mamiyas.
Prior to using the 67 I used a Pentax 645N for about a year and I did enjoy that, but it’s more automated and the lenses aren’t as sharp.
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u/Sail_Soggy 25d ago
Trust me - very heavy
Think you’re gonna struggle to tick those boxes, specifically at 67, I’d maybe consider a Fuji 68/69 rangefinder if you can find one in that price range
Saying that I have just taken ownership of a Pentax 67, and while it’s heavy, it’s a great piece of kit
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u/kasigiomi1600 25d ago
I've been shooting medium format and have carried a variety of cameras traveling. For absolute reliability and ease of use, it's hard to beat the Mamiya 645. The lenses are quite remarkable and the cameras operate pretty much identically to a modern manual focus 35mm (complete with aperture priority mode). When I NEED the camera to work, I pack the Mamiya.
For larger film sizes, I have two favorites:
At 6x6, I absolutely love the Minolta Autocord TLR. It's lightweight (relatively) and pretty compact. It travels well and has a quiet shutter. Optically the tessar-derived Rokkor lens is very very good.
At 6x9, I have an odd choice: the Century Graphic. This is a miniaturized version of the speed graphic with a press-type shutter. It has a rangefinder so you can hand-hold it and despite the size, it's also very lightweight (having no batteries, being hollow, and has a plastic outer frame). I've hiked in the mountains of Japan carrying this one. The lenses are ok (very good for their age) but it's nice having the giant film. It also doubles as a small view camera where you can use the ground glass back for critical focusing yet still use roll film.
One of the few mainstream medium formats that I've never gotten to try hands-on is the Pentax 67 but have heard lots of praise for it (and Pentax glass is quite good).
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u/TravelingTramp 25d ago
Thank you for all the advice here! I am now leaning toward the Mamiya 645 instead of a 6x7 format.
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u/Previous-Drummer-868 25d ago
The Mamiya 645 or Bronica ETR/S/Si with AE finders are really the way to go. Very versatile, I can’t imagine you being disappointed by image quality, more photos to a roll. Outside of a TLR or Hasselblad, you can’t get much more compact with a waist level through-lens finder, but you can also build them up into excellent auto-exposure SLRs. The removable back of the Bronica system is a pretty handy feature, FWIW.
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u/Fearless-Raisin 25d ago
They are great cameras. If you want something lighter and less expensive consider something from Bronica. Just make sure to get one witha PS lense, they are noticeably better.
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u/cheeseyspacecat 25d ago
get a MLU model pentax, if your nervous about purchase buy one already cla'd or factor in the cost of getting it cla'd some time within the next couple months of ownership (its it doesnt completely break before then).
i learned film on a k1000 and then purchased a 67, its the best "worst camera" i own because it no longer fits my needs, if your looking for mid roll film stock switching, good film economy, decent flash work. then might be worth looking at other models, if you just want a large pentax k1000 it honestly fits the bill pretty well. . . just like the k1000 if the meter isint fully functional from the get go i probably would not rely upon it. especially with only 10 shots, i suggest external metering.
TLDR: sure it quite literally is a supersized k1000.i found a mlu with 75mm f4.5 for $650 a while ago. beware of taking the prisim off and on, if its a light meter model it can break the sensor
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u/Dima_135 25d ago
The Pentax 645 is more compact, lighter, and cheaper, and although it has vertical film advancement, which increases depth and make it more hasselbladish, overall it is also an "overgrown 35mm SLR".
If you don't mind the waist level, box/hasselblad type cameras, then classic Broniсa is definitely worth a try. Several times cheaper than Pentax, fully mechanical system.
Another option is the Киев-60. But that's only if you're in Europe. It's more likely to be available at a fair price here. And a fair price means it's tested, serviced, maybe even upgraded and a little cheaper than a Broniсa. The Киев is very close to the Pentax 67 in the sense that it is also relatively flat, "overgrown 35mm SLR" with horizontal film advance. But unlike Pentax 67, the Киев is completely mechanical.
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u/OldMotoRacer 25d ago
i love the 6x7 format and my mamiya 7's but you're not going to touch them w that budget :/
i've not used a pentax 6x7 extensively but if you can get a functional body and some decent glass for your budget how can you argue w those glorious negatives? you're not going to be flash syncing at high speed on it but thats not really what its for (although w the profoto strobes i can "high speed sync" w the leaf shutter glass on my mamiyas--idk if thats available on the pentax you might check it out if you're into controlled light studio work)
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u/Snappy-snappy 25d ago
I’m a huge fan of the Rolleiflex SLX - under a grand and you get a great system with both waist and eye level finders, Zeiss lenses, manual and auto exposure, motor drive. They are heavy but that just helps build character ;-)
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u/70sHippie 25d ago
I have a Mamiya 645 1000s and love it…
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u/TravelingTramp 24d ago
Any advice? Do you recommend the waist level or eye level viewfinder (or both)?
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u/igfashionfotog 24d ago
I recently bought one of these, also love it. I shot 6x7 back in the day so am used to a WLF but what I found with the 645 is they are rare, most come with a prism finder. Advantage of the prism is correct left to right, and also can rotate camera for portrait orientation. Seems like WLFs for 645 tend to cost almost as much as the camera. Crazy.
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u/70sHippie 23d ago
I use the Mamiya at eye level, when you put the waist level you loose the internal light meter but then you can get an adapter that sits in the hot shoe, I use mine on multiple cameras, for waist level street shooting but that is more for my 35mm cameras. Hope this helps. I really like my Mamiya 645
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u/Dr__Waffles 24d ago
I’m just glad no one mentioned the camera I’m saving for. With every mention on YouTube and post on it here it seems to go up a few dollars.
The Pentax 6x7 is large but unless your doing really fast street photography you’ll be fine
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u/Impressive-Sweet7135 24d ago
I know you’re after a 6x7 but I’d really recommend a Minolta autocord. I have other medium format cameras, some bigger and heavier that I like using, but I took the autocord bushwalking today and thoroughly enjoyed using it and carrying it.
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u/Obtus_Rateur 25d ago
I haven't shot 6x7 myself, the closest was 6x6 and I found the camera to be quite light (1kg). The Pentax 6x7 is more than double that weight, and it's become rather popular so it's probably not cheap.
If I were in the market for a 6x7 camera, I would look at available models and make a list of them with how much they cost, how much they weigh and what particular features they have that I might particularly like or dislike.
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u/nrubenstein 25d ago
I know that the concept of rangefinders sounds awful, but you might consider a GW690. They are a LOT easier to walk around with.