Advice on getting started in medium format

RawheaD · 09-18-2010, 11:04 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Rangefinders go all the way up to 4x5 press cameras. The medium format variety are pretty cool.

Steve

Yup. My favorite RF? Graflex Speed Graphic loaded with a Kodak Aero Ektar 178mm f2.5 barrel lens :-)

Yes, that's me

desertscape · 09-19-2010, 03:28 PM

"I think assignments will be a bit of everything, but my interests (I think) are portraits, landscapes and macro. I like the idea of buying into a system and getting quality equipment I can keep for years."

A 6x7 rangefinder will have troubles with macro work but they are great for landscapes. Most MF rangefinder cameras do not have a wide selection of lenses when compared with the Pentax 67 which has 30+ optically different lenses. This camera is a good choice but so is the Mamiya RB 67.

ADHWJC · 09-21-2010, 12:51 PM

Thank you everyone for all of your help. I ended up purchasing a Rolleiflex 2.8 E in excellent condition along with a set of close-up lenses that haven't been taken out of the box in 50 years, brand new.

I also purchased two Yashika Electro 35G rangefinders in unknown condition for about $15 each. We shall see. The pics looked good but the seller knew nothing of cameras so its working condition is a question mark.

Anyway thank you so much everyone for your assistance.

RawheaD · 09-21-2010, 03:34 PM

Nice!!! You'll enjoy the Rolleiflex. 2.8E I think has the best bang for buck, because everybody prefers the 2.8F and the prices are inflated beyond the advantages of the F over the E. If you find that the screen is too dark, find Rick Oleson on the web to get a replacement screen :-)

tuco · 09-21-2010, 03:38 PM

That is sweet. Nice camera for sure.

09-21-2010, 12:51 PM	#33
ADHWJC Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Sacramento Posts: 49 Original Poster	Thank you everyone for all of your help. I ended up purchasing a Rolleiflex 2.8 E in excellent condition along with a set of close-up lenses that haven't been taken out of the box in 50 years, brand new. I also purchased two Yashika Electro 35G rangefinders in unknown condition for about $15 each. We shall see. The pics looked good but the seller knew nothing of cameras so its working condition is a question mark. Anyway thank you so much everyone for your assistance. Last edited by ADHWJC; 11-02-2010 at 09:59 AM.

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09-18-2010, 11:04 AM	#31
RawheaD Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: MA, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 831	Originally posted by stevebrot Rangefinders go all the way up to 4x5 press cameras. The medium format variety are pretty cool. Steve Yup. My favorite RF? Graflex Speed Graphic loaded with a Kodak Aero Ektar 178mm f2.5 barrel lens :-) Yes, that's me

09-19-2010, 03:28 PM	#32
desertscape Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,272	"I think assignments will be a bit of everything, but my interests (I think) are portraits, landscapes and macro. I like the idea of buying into a system and getting quality equipment I can keep for years." A 6x7 rangefinder will have troubles with macro work but they are great for landscapes. Most MF rangefinder cameras do not have a wide selection of lenses when compared with the Pentax 67 which has 30+ optically different lenses. This camera is a good choice but so is the Mamiya RB 67.

09-21-2010, 03:34 PM	#34
RawheaD Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: MA, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 831	Nice!!! You'll enjoy the Rolleiflex. 2.8E I think has the best bang for buck, because everybody prefers the 2.8F and the prices are inflated beyond the advantages of the F over the E. If you find that the screen is too dark, find Rick Oleson on the web to get a replacement screen :-)

09-21-2010, 03:38 PM	#35
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,025	That is sweet. Nice camera for sure.

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