I’m guessing you didn’t mention it since it was never released for sale in the USA, but the Fuji GM670 is a serious contender for an affordable, lightweight, all-metal RF 6x7 w/interchangeable lenses (G-GL-GM 50,65,100,150,180). For a camera built in the 1970’s, they CLA well and remain very consistent after. It’s a fantastic non-metered option to the Mamiya 7, cheaper and lighter than most 6x7 systems, and the paired lenses are really sharp and offer great colour/contrast rendition. 👍🏻
I had two 7's with the full line of lenses and accessories. Used them for several years shooting travel for magazines pre-digital. Incredible cameras. 6X7 chromes printed on nice magazine stock were unbeatable. When I moved to digital I sold the system for too little. Breaks my heart that I did that, one of the few true gear-regrets I have. I also had the Pentax 67 which I used for interiors with it's great shift lens. Never really warmed to that beast like I did the Mamiya 7.
Thanks for the alternatives video. When I had to replace my worn out 6x6 medium format wedding cameras, I considered the Mamiya 7 but could not justify the high price. Instead, I purchased a Fuji GW670 with fixed 90mm normal lens and a Fuji GSW690 with fixed 65mm wide-angle lens. At the time, the two Fuji cameras cost less than the Mamiya 7 with two lenses.
The Polaroid 600se is a fantastic camera. With the "M" adapter you can use a Mamiya Press film back. Shoot 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7 or 6x9 depending on which Mamiya film back you choose.
Among alternatives, consider the Koni-Omega M series of bodies with its dedicated lenses. As a system, it is less expensive, and the lenses are better than those for the Mamiya Universal. The focal range of lenses is 58 - 180mm. As working cameras the Konis have more useful features and are more durable than the Mamiya Universal series.
If you get over the size & overall weird looks.. its really fast camera to shoot, the rapid coking mechanism is pure genius. No other camera has been as fast to shoot as those koni omegas.
Great presentation on these cameras. I have two of the Mamiya Press, Standard and Super 23, that I have not put film through yet. Both cameras need some maintenance. I read and UA-cam'd until I was overwhelmed, but I got them to work. I have a total of three lenses between cameras and they required some repair work that I also performed on them. Bricks, yes they are, but fun to hold and play with. Now all I have to do is get some images with them. Thanks again.
Correction- the 'Texas' Leica is not the Fuji GW series with fixed lenses and electronics, it's the G690 or GL690, both purely mechanical 6x9 rangefinders, with bayonet interchangeable coupled leaf-shutter prime Fujinon lenses: 50, 65, 100, 150 and 180, in a couple generations or versions of each, ranging from f3.5 to f8, and a 100 with internal auto-exposure electronics. If you want 6x9 (same ratio as 35mm) and interchangeable lenses, it's the ONLY option. I love mine, but I wish there was a Mamiya 9!
@@NicosPhotographyShow I suppose some might count the GW, but they don't have as many similarities to the classic Leicas as some other MF rangefinders do. I have the GL690 with later versions of each focal length lens, so had to chuckle at what you said about 'sometimes less is more' - even though I have 5 lenses I only carry 3 at a time, and of course always need one of the two not in my bag! I'm not a fan of 645 format because of what I like to shoot, but that RF645 looks very interesting for some applications, and its more modern features are very attractive. Thanks for the videos!
Sadly we don't have many (affordable) 6x7 rangefinders. - Mamiya Press is OK, as long as you don't mind bulkier setup. - Of course the Fuji GM670 - Is there classic 6x7 folder (like the Ikonta, Agfa etc)?
@@Dscar1 Yes. It has both the dready lightmeter cable replacements and shutter winding cable replacement on the tasklist, and as there is always 2000 other cameras to fix and I am in no real hurry it ends up not being on the table.
Not an expert on them, but make sure you have one that works well (rangefinder calibrated) and the lens is in good condition ( shutter speeds and aperture moves freely).
@@NicosPhotographyShow the problem is that i`ll have to trust someone on ebay (probably a japonese fella). i have no access to a camera like that in person =/
you SHOW the Polaroid 600SE, mention casually that it shoots pack film, and then move on to the Mamiya Press...never mentioning it can take Mamiya 6x9 backs ALL DAY LONG. Plus the 3 lenses for the 600SE are much newer than alot of the Press lenses, hence alot easier to CLA. Though I love both series.
The 600SE film backs are much harder to come by than the ones for the Press. Also they made the same lenses for the press as they did for the 600se 75, 150, 127. Plus the mamiya press you can take the handle off.
@@NicosPhotographyShow just like the Press camera, it can take the "M Adapter" (with obviously the specific 600SE "feet"), thus allowing Mamiya film backs.
It might be gone by now. But it was stolen and appeared a year later in a gravel box in perfect condition and reunited thanks to some digital pictures saved on a Sony A7r memory card.
In regards to 6x7: The Mamiya 7ii is the rich kid in the block hype and a coin toss if electronics fail, the Pentax 6x7 is more reliable and better hands down.
@@NicosPhotographyShow Yes I Have one and really like it, easy to packed and travel with. Ps when will BW Ferrina film be available to buy? Thanks, Mr Dominique Pierre-Nina Phone: +61410471365 Email: pierreninaphotography@gmail.com Website: www.pierreninaphotography.com Instagram: @pierreninaphotography
@@NicosPhotographyShow Oh ok, thanks for the heads up! I'm probably not gonna get it anyway, I already have the ETRSi and I'm really very happy with that one. It's not exactly pocketable though, but for an SLR it's not that bad :-)
@@SnapographyAP That's true. I have the Universal. It requires an adapter to fit the regular roll film backs and takes the Polariod backs without the adapter attached. Nice camera, lovely lenses. But a tad on the chunky side, hehe :-)
I own a Fuji GL-690 that thing is a weapon if you get jumped. Unfortunately every time you hear the shutter it feels like a clock ticking, it's good for me that i found a guy that can repair those. They are made like tanks but at this point they are ticking bombs.
I’m guessing you didn’t mention it since it was never released for sale in the USA, but the Fuji GM670 is a serious contender for an affordable, lightweight, all-metal RF 6x7 w/interchangeable lenses (G-GL-GM 50,65,100,150,180). For a camera built in the 1970’s, they CLA well and remain very consistent after. It’s a fantastic non-metered option to the Mamiya 7, cheaper and lighter than most 6x7 systems, and the paired lenses are really sharp and offer great colour/contrast rendition. 👍🏻
I had two 7's with the full line of lenses and accessories. Used them for several years shooting travel for magazines pre-digital. Incredible cameras. 6X7 chromes printed on nice magazine stock were unbeatable. When I moved to digital I sold the system for too little. Breaks my heart that I did that, one of the few true gear-regrets I have. I also had the Pentax 67 which I used for interiors with it's great shift lens. Never really warmed to that beast like I did the Mamiya 7.
The Mamiya Press system is great! Underrated if you ask me :)
Glad Nico backed the validity of compact rangefinder love!
Love those bronica 645’s
Thanks for the alternatives video.
When I had to replace my worn out 6x6 medium format wedding cameras, I considered the Mamiya 7 but could not justify the high price.
Instead, I purchased a Fuji GW670 with fixed 90mm normal lens and a Fuji GSW690 with fixed 65mm wide-angle lens. At the time, the two Fuji cameras cost less than the Mamiya 7 with two lenses.
The Polaroid 600se is a fantastic camera. With the "M" adapter you can use a Mamiya Press film back. Shoot 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7 or 6x9 depending on which Mamiya film back you choose.
My Bronica RF645 came yesterday in the mail!
Enjoy it, its an awesome camera, apart from the dying robot shutter noise ;)
I'm really enjoying these videos, very insightful and informative. Great work guys, this whole collaboration is really nice.
Thanks! We had some content to share and some coffee...
Among alternatives, consider the Koni-Omega M series of bodies with its dedicated lenses. As a system, it is less expensive, and the lenses are better than those for the Mamiya Universal. The focal range of lenses is 58 - 180mm. As working cameras the Konis have more useful features and are more durable than the Mamiya Universal series.
If you get over the size & overall weird looks.. its really fast camera to shoot, the rapid coking mechanism is pure genius. No other camera has been as fast to shoot as those koni omegas.
Slightly smaller than the Mamiya 23 models, but heavier.
Great presentation on these cameras. I have two of the Mamiya Press, Standard and Super 23, that I have not put film through yet. Both cameras need some maintenance. I read and UA-cam'd until I was overwhelmed, but I got them to work. I have a total of three lenses between cameras and they required some repair work that I also performed on them. Bricks, yes they are, but fun to hold and play with. Now all I have to do is get some images with them. Thanks again.
Correction- the 'Texas' Leica is not the Fuji GW series with fixed lenses and electronics, it's the G690 or GL690, both purely mechanical 6x9 rangefinders, with bayonet interchangeable coupled leaf-shutter prime Fujinon lenses: 50, 65, 100, 150 and 180, in a couple generations or versions of each, ranging from f3.5 to f8, and a 100 with internal auto-exposure electronics. If you want 6x9 (same ratio as 35mm) and interchangeable lenses, it's the ONLY option. I love mine, but I wish there was a Mamiya 9!
I always heard that the GW line was considered the Texas Leica, but what you mention makes more sense as you can exchange the lenses.
@@NicosPhotographyShow I suppose some might count the GW, but they don't have as many similarities to the classic Leicas as some other MF rangefinders do. I have the GL690 with later versions of each focal length lens, so had to chuckle at what you said about 'sometimes less is more' - even though I have 5 lenses I only carry 3 at a time, and of course always need one of the two not in my bag!
I'm not a fan of 645 format because of what I like to shoot, but that RF645 looks very interesting for some applications, and its more modern features are very attractive.
Thanks for the videos!
Do not forget that the MamiyaPress will shoot, 6x4.5, 6X6, 6X7 & 6X9.
With that name how could I forget!!! ;)
Sadly we don't have many (affordable) 6x7 rangefinders.
- Mamiya Press is OK, as long as you don't mind bulkier setup.
- Of course the Fuji GM670
- Is there classic 6x7 folder (like the Ikonta, Agfa etc)?
All Medium Format Range finders are expensive :(
Check the original Mamiya 6! Or other old folders.
Take a look at the Koni-Omega. I have one, they aren't too expensive, but the 3 lenses they have are quite nice.
You can find a Fuji GA645 for around 600€, cheaper than the other ones, and its great
@@stephk9892 autofocus...gnaaaah ://
@@NicosPhotographyShow Exactly. Just buy the right model.
GF670 is the nicest from what I’ve tried. The Mamiya looks kinda cool, but the build is so cheap
I’d love to hear a chat about the plaubel since you seem to know about them. Hard to find anyone that really knows them and uses them consistently.
Im not a user of them but will try and sit Juho on camera again soon.
@@NicosPhotographyShow Mine has been in repairs for 18 months now, so not exactly fresh memory either :)
Juho Leppänen that doesn’t sound promising
@@Dscar1 Yes. It has both the dready lightmeter cable replacements and shutter winding cable replacement on the tasklist, and as there is always 2000 other cameras to fix and I am in no real hurry it ends up not being on the table.
The only downside to the mamiya 7 is the lack of a closer focus. That’s it.
Yeah, that was an issue with using it. Wish it had the Leica 0.7 focus.
Nicos Photography Show I used it on a recent shoot doing landscapes and portraits. It performed beautifully if you know the limitations of closeness.
Im thinking about the mamiya press
Mostly bcz the many different backs.
What advise you can give me?
Not an expert on them, but make sure you have one that works well (rangefinder calibrated) and the lens is in good condition ( shutter speeds and aperture moves freely).
@@NicosPhotographyShow the problem is that i`ll have to trust someone on ebay (probably a japonese fella).
i have no access to a camera like that in person =/
@@caiodlimaM Well, pay with paypal and dont get the cheapest one to be sure its not a lemon.
Looking forward to the 6x7 Pentax video.
Coming very soon!
This is a great series.
Thanks Tom, I really enjoyed making it, got them all lined up on Mondays and cant wait to unveil them.
@@NicosPhotographyShow I look forward to them.
At the beginning you referred to the Hasselblad... Which Hassy was that? :}
you SHOW the Polaroid 600SE, mention casually that it shoots pack film, and then move on to the Mamiya Press...never mentioning it can take Mamiya 6x9 backs ALL DAY LONG. Plus the 3 lenses for the 600SE are much newer than alot of the Press lenses, hence alot easier to CLA. Though I love both series.
The 600SE film backs are much harder to come by than the ones for the Press. Also they made the same lenses for the press as they did for the 600se 75, 150, 127. Plus the mamiya press you can take the handle off.
Never heard of the 600SE film backs, so it was my bad for lack of knowledge. Cool to know!
@@NicosPhotographyShow just like the Press camera, it can take the "M Adapter" (with obviously the specific 600SE "feet"), thus allowing Mamiya film backs.
@@JerryMilton Good to know!
Where is the story of your stolen RF645? I couldn't find it on IG.
It might be gone by now. But it was stolen and appeared a year later in a gravel box in perfect condition and reunited thanks to some digital pictures saved on a Sony A7r memory card.
For 1m print would you pick a Mamiya 7 or 4x5?
Any of them. I have 1 meter prints from RZ67 scans in my studio and they look amazing.
The fuji GW 6x9s are good
very good review , I have all of these, they are such a lovely cameras
lol
Great video. Keep going 💪🏻👶🏻👍🏻
Thanks!!
I had a Mamiya 6. Very sweet -
Thanks!
Thanks to you!
In regards to 6x7: The Mamiya 7ii is the rich kid in the block hype and a coin toss if electronics fail, the Pentax 6x7 is more reliable and better hands down.
What about the Fuji GF670W?!
Its awesome if you want a wide 6x7. 6x6 and 6x7 and an accurate meter.
@@NicosPhotographyShow Yes I Have one and really like it, easy to packed and travel with. Ps when will BW Ferrina film be available to buy?
Thanks,
Mr Dominique Pierre-Nina
Phone: +61410471365
Email: pierreninaphotography@gmail.com
Website: www.pierreninaphotography.com
Instagram: @pierreninaphotography
I have bad GAS for that Bronica RF645.
Dont, its a great camera but man I didnt enjoy having mine a few years ago. Noise is terrible when shooting. But thats my personal take on it.
@@NicosPhotographyShow Oh ok, thanks for the heads up! I'm probably not gonna get it anyway, I already have the ETRSi and I'm really very happy with that one. It's not exactly pocketable though, but for an SLR it's not that bad :-)
How can I find one
👍As always..thanks.
Thanks to you!!
As far as I know you can't fit an instant back on the Press Super 23
I have a Polaroid back for a Mamiya Press or so I bought, for a different mod.
@@NicosPhotographyShow yep it works on the Press Universal but not on the super 23 back....I own neither but thinking about buying. Useful video:-)
@@SnapographyAP That's true. I have the Universal. It requires an adapter to fit the regular roll film backs and takes the Polariod backs without the adapter attached. Nice camera, lovely lenses. But a tad on the chunky side, hehe :-)
Where is the koni omega?
We didnt cover all alternatives, but it is a great option.
I own a Fuji GL-690 that thing is a weapon if you get jumped.
Unfortunately every time you hear the shutter it feels like a clock ticking, it's good for me that i found a guy that can repair those. They are made like tanks but at this point they are ticking bombs.
Nice mug
Thanks 😊
a truly European vid would be Nico speaking Espanol and Mr CR speaking Suomi. just a thought.
Hahaha, could be very interesting.
a 6x4.5 isnt really an alternative to a 6x7. and had to go a 3rd of the way into the vid to skip, sheesh
Kiev 6c with a 90mm 2.8 lens £100.
Makes for some cool effect photos, but the optical quality is pretty sad.