Medium Format - Decision time

amdgilmore

I've been looking to buy one of these for ages and I've narrowed it down to three options (based on features, price and availability. But mostly price)

Option number one is a Rolleiflex 6002
http://www.adverts.ie/film-cameras/rolleiflex-6002-medium-format-slr-camera/2469194

Option number two is a Mamiya RB67 Pro S
http://www.adverts.ie/film-cameras/mamiya-rb67-pros/2592659

Option three is a dirt cheap Mamiya RB67
http://www.adverts.ie/film-cameras/mamiya-rb67-with-accessories/2004153


Who is the lucky winner? YOU decide

I'm leaning towards the Rollei

Feel free to suggest other options in this price range but my requirements are that it be 6x6 or 6x7 and that it have multiple exposure capabilities.

DaireQuinlan

When I settled on my bronica a few years ago I looked into all the above as well. The Rollei SLRs I decided against, too many people had reliability issues with it that I could see, and accessories/lenses/backs are hard to come by and quite expensive.

The Mamiyas though are HUGE cameras. They really are. Fantastic bodies, bellows focusing so their close focus distance is great as well, 6x7 w/ rotating backs. Their sheer size though is definately off putting if you want a relatively lightweight carry 'round camera. I've never actually USED one though, so maybe their ergonomics are good, I don't know. Here's a comparison shot (not mine) of an RB and a hassie http://www.flickr.com/photos/stenz/4723057856/

Of the three listed I'd probably get the pro-s if it's in good nick. Either of them would probably stand you in good stead but I think the pro-s is the later model ? Probably more likely to be in good condition.

If you're looking for something in that price range I wouldn't bother looking for hasselblad stuff but a Bronica SQ/ai is definately do-able, there's one on adverts ATM with some stuff but bit pricey. They're findable in good condition for less. Just make sure it has a WLF :-D

pete4130

I've never used any of the 3 cameras but I've got the Bronica SQ-a (6x6) and a Bronica ETRSi (6x4.5).

Both Bronica cameras are great to use and can be gotten at reasonable prices. I was lucky to get my SQ with cheap enough. The metered prism is loose on the body and needs to be pushed down to get a connection for the meter to work. The electronics are the weak point in the Bronica.

I managed to pick up a spare back really cheap and a 40mm wide angle lens for the SQ-a really cheap through gumtree here in Sydney.

The Bronica is probably my favourite camera to use.

Corkbah

I know a guy with a Hassie H1 and a few lenses if you have the cash....he said he has not used it in over 12months and says it might be worth selling off.

(at least thats what he said when I was talking to him around christmas)

amdgilmore

Thanks, folks. The RB67 really does look like a monster... but then again the only other camera I was seriously considering recently was a Pentax 67 - which is a wristbreaker of a camera. So I guess I'm ok with the heavier models.

That Bronica on adverts looks like a lovely piece of kit, but it's about twice what I'm willing to spend right now. Everybody seems to love them though, so I might come back to the idea of an SQ some time in the future.

Corkbah - Thanks, but unless your friend is willing to sell that at a quarter of its value, I'm going to have to rule myself out.

Got a bit more thinking to do before I commit.

KevinGossRoss

Corkbah could you perhaps inbox me details? I'd love to get my hands on a Hassie.