Originally posted by reivax I know this is an incredibly subjective question, but I've been wanting medium format for a while now. There's no way I could afford a 645D, let alone a 645Z, but those older film cameras are really tempting.
The problem is, I know nothing about film cameras. I own a couple of FF film cameras, but don't use them (not even sure they work, I got them when I ordered some vintage lenses). Medium Format film cameras look like a lot to take in, but I'd be willing to learn if it is "worth it". I'd probably be looking into a 645n or nii if I went medium format (because digital is out of my price range).
Is MF worth it? To me, YES. But like you, I can't afford a digital 645 and love the larger 645 film size over the 645 sensor size, so I shoot digital APS-C and FF, and 645 film. I use a film scanner, but an Epson flatbed is an affordable alternative.
Where are you in California? I'll be in San Diego in March and would be happy to meet up and get you started if you don't want to teach yourself via YouTube University.