In 2005 a coworker asked me to take a group photo of his family reunion with over 40 people. I had a Nikon D100 at the time. After realizing that each face would only get a few pixels resolution, I dusted off the Mamiya RB67 I’d bought new in ‘76. Sure glad I did as everyone wanted enlargements. Your video convinced me to have a cla done on it and both lenses. Time to bring it back into play.
Hasselblad 500c - I bought second hand in 1978. That sound. I love the square format, a challenge for composition but beautiful when you get it right. This camera is still going strong, everything works; it's been serviced a few times but never broke down. You can also attach a V system digital back like a Phase One.
You can get very good 6x6/6x9 cameras for a few bucks! I tell you get french HQ 6x6 and 6x9 folder and TLR cameras from the 1950s and 60s: Sem Semflex oto Automatique with 3.5 75 coated Som Berthiot "flor" 4 Element lens = Tessar and the Lumiere Lumirex III folder with rangefinder and HQ coated Spector 4.5/102 or Angenieux 3.5 102 Tessar. Royer Royflex III and Royer Teleroy and Telka III and Kinax Superkinax III and those great old french Kodak 6x6/6x9 folders model 40 and 42 with HQ coated Angenieux lens. Most had very good Tessar type of lenses by Som Berthiot or Angenieux or Boyer. Oh I forgot the legenday Pierrat Drepy folder with 4 element Drestar coated lenses 4.5 and 3,5 / 102
Thanks for a great video. I began shooting medium format cameras at the age of 5. During my childhood, I used a variety of fixed-lens medium format cameras such as Ansco, Diana, Holga, Kodak Brownie, and Kodak Bullet. In college, the YashicaMat TLR was my first professional quality medium format camera. The Mamiya TLR was my second professional quality medium format camera. Fuji 6x7 and 6x9cm fixed-lens rangefinders replaced my worn Mamiya TLR wedding cameras. The Mamiya RB67 SLR was my last professional quality medium format camera.
I own a Bronica ETRS and SQA absolutely gorgeous both of them I won’t part with either lens are superb SQ - A is sometimes called the Japanese Hasselblad I can see why for less than 1/3 of the price of a 500 series yep I do love my Bronnyblad 👍🏻greetings from the UK 🇬🇧
I decided to make the move into medium format earlier this year, and I'd always liked the Mamiya C series, so I managed to get a bargain..a C2 that had been fully serviced and has the 80mm "Blue Dot" lens. It's over 60 years old, but takes some awesome images!
I'm just getting into 120 medium format. I havnt invested yet but love the look of the photos and want to try it. I'm used to 35mm film and know there is a learning curve. But I love this video, I know it has narrowed my search down especially to affordability.
Kids, old dude here. I've shot the Hassy, Mamiya 6x6 (like the Rollei) and the Pentax 6x7, as well as 35mm, 4x5, 8x10. The Hassy is a great studio camera, the Mamiya/Rollei.... very slow to work with - I don't recommend them at all. The Pentax 6x7? That's the one I'd haul around to get larger B&W negatives - so here are a couple of tips from my experience. Pentax: get the big wooden handle (unless you're always using a tripod), and practice, practice, practice - that huge mirror swinging around inside at first ruins every handheld shot you'll take. Too much vibration. For a while I thought - no tripod, no go. But I got better at it. (It's probably more like shooting a pistol than taking a photograph). I also had a Kowa - Japanese knock off of the Hassy. The 55mm wide angle lens had to be stopped down or most of your frame would be out of focus. But the lenses were a bit soft and so were better portrait lenses (80 and 150) than the Hassy's (which was designed for map making not people.) However, the Kowa has a stamped sheet metal main gear that will warp and jam - so mechanically they're unreliable. Definite no go (I think I've still got mine - jammed if anyone wants it.) To buy any of this gear 30 years after its manufacture? Hassys are good, reliable, but I think a Pentax 6x7 is basically bullet proof. The point about slow flash sync shutter speed for the Pentax is very important point. Do you think you're Annie Leibowitz or Diane Arbus? You're going to need a faster sync speed for controlling flash outdoors. Good point. (I'd want at least a 1/250 flash sync leaf shutter -otherwise you'd need large flash units with long extension cords.) Would I shoot film again? Maybe B&W, T-Max 400..... I wouldn't take it to a lab. Since the mid-1980s I've used pyro developers. These are compensating developers. This is really really important. A compensating developer will develop the highlights (densest darkest part of the neg) and then it will peter out - so not too much. In the shadow areas (thinnest lightest part of the neg) the developer will keep working building up the density. You will then get a negative that is easier to print - gives you more options. (None of that 1950s - 70s D76 blank white skies, D-Max shadows- if later you decide you want that? Just crank up the contrast - it's impossible going the other way.) Edward Weston had no light meter, guessed at his exposures, used a pyro compensating film developer... and changed photography. I would probably only shoot B&W if after I process it myself (easy) I could get really high res scans. I wouldn't want to go anywhere near a darkroom again. Things that would take me hours and days; that I wouldn't know if they worked or not until weeks later when I toned the prints... I can do in seconds on a computer. (And I've got Epson Photo inkjet prints from 1995 on watercolor paper that still look like new - so any of the archival inks made since then should be brilliant. They're also behind UV protective OP1 plex.) Should young photographers shoot film? Sure. It slows you down, connects you to the history. (But anybody saying "I only want to shoot film," "Film is the only real photography," "film is better," should be left on the side of the road someplace. Color film is a complete dead end. There's no more Kodachrome (and I could talk your ears off for hours about how brilliant Kodak film was in the 1990s.) There is nothing that color negative can do that just about any digital system can't do infinitely better - meaning if you want something to look like 1950s Kodachrome - you can only do it digitally. So film slows you down, but so does spending hours chasing that idea using Photoshop and a good digital printer. You do want this, later you'll be able to do things much quicker.
Surprised didn't mention the Fuji GX680. It is more robust than the Mamiya RB67. One thing I love about the 680 is the ability can do movements similar to a large format camera- rise and fall/tilt and shift, it also has amazing optics and not to mention the ability to go from 6x8 to 6x7, 6x6, 645 to even Polaroid.
I have used in the past as a assistant photographer the Hasselblad 500cm and the SWC with its fixed superwide lens that you had to use a tape measure for focusing. I have also used the RB67 but fancied the Fuji GX 6×8 camera and this to had a revolving back. I liked using occasionally fixed lens TLR cameras like Rolliflex and Yashica But my favourite camera I actually owned was the Bronica S2a with a rare 100mm f2.4 made by Carl Zeiss in Jena I also got a photo used from this camera for a book cover. A 30 year old camera at the time the picture was published. I also liked the idea of being able to use a tilt shift bellows instead of the cameras helicoid. Always fancied trying out the Mamiya Universal or 23 with it 6×9 format. Very cheap well made camera!
I went for the second best thing. Instead of Rolleiflex I have Minolta Autocord III, instead of Mamiya 7II I have Fuji GSW690III and instead of Pentax 67 or Mamiya RB/RZ I have Bronica GS-1. Much cheaper, but good enough for me and my customers
I have got those same two models and they serve me well. The Bronica GS-1 is still one of the best deals out there and more comfortable to walk around with than the Mamiya. You can't beat the image quality and portability of the Fuji GSW690III, simplicity at its best. The Fuji will be still be working after the Mamiya 7's electronics finally give out.
@@dalivedo You will be impressed by the image quality and quickly learn the way we operate the camera. The Camera has great character - that's why you'll love it. Good luck!
Thank you Kamerastore for your nice and helpful reviews. I had a Pentax 67-2 for many years until recently. I had the wooden left hand grip, and it has a hot shoe on it. Only the version for the Pentax 67-2 has this. I started to have some electronic issues with it and I replaced it with the Bronica Gs-1 6x7. So far I am very pleased with it and with the results. Better than I had expected. My other MF kamera's are a late Rolleiflex 3.5F with the very sharp Carl Zeiss 6 element lens, a Fuji gs645s and a Fuji gsw690 rangefinder.
Lovely and very fair review. I own the Mamiya 6 and 330f, and I have previously owned a Mamiya 645 and RZ67 and your review was spot on. Interesting that none of the Fuji medium format cameras made it into the top ten, I wonder why people weren't searching for them?
If I had to guess, I'd say that a lot of them are either relatively new (GS645, GA645zi, GX680, etc.) or not sold much outside of Japan (GL690, etc.). Plus, Fuji's naming conventions are a bit difficult for newcomers, I'd say. Easier to search for Mamiya 7 than Fujifilm GX680 III, eh? Getting onto a search results list like this requires longevity of design and name! Thanks for watching, Rupert! - Connor
Probably because the Fuji MF cameras are not subjected to the never ending hype which surrounds most of the Mamiya cameras. Also, the Fujis are not part of the "all the same" groups as are the Mamiyas. By this I mean that there is no ergonomic difference of importance between a 645 Mamiya, Bronica, Pentax, or all of the cameras which parrot the design of the Hasselblad SLR/box style. No one makes a functional option to a GA or GS 645, or the GX680 studio SLR. (The RB/RZ Mamiyas have an external appearance similar to the 680, but the 680 is a generation more advanced in its features.) No matter how good the camera, being "different" is a deal killer for the social media driven buyers.
A word of warning: the RB67 is not a camera for beginners. There are so many interlocks on them that they are extremely -difficult- complicated to use, compared to a Mamiya 645 or Hasselblad. I used a Bronica in the brief period I was a working photographer in the 1980s and it was a much simpler camera to use. I also used the Mamiya 645. The RB is a great camera - I own one - but it requires the photographer to think before every step. Focusing is different, especially with floating element lenses, there are no electronic connections between the various components and the body. Cocking is a two step process - cocking the mirror and the shutter and winding the film. You can really screw up if you don't know what you're doing. It’s a great camera - I have taken spectacular pictures with it - but it's hard to use and not a good place for beginners to start.
In my collection of wonderful things, I have a Hasselblad 500CM, two Mamiya RB67s, a Fujica GSW670, a Fujica GSW690, a Fujica GSW645, four Rolleiflexes, a Rolleicord, a Graflex XL, a Minolta Autocord, two Yashicamat 124s, a Flexaret, a Zeis Ikon Ikonta, a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye, numerous medium format folders, a Holga and stuff i cannot remember. Except for the Hawkeye and Graflex, they all get used. When I die, my kids can have one helluva yard sale!
I have an RZ67 Pro II, overall great condition but have a strange issue with the shutter. When it hasn’t been shot for a few days, the first shot no matter what, takes around 1 second, even when set at 1/400. Takes a few shots until the shutter speed starts to quicken up until normal accurate speeds. It’s useable as I take the back off, warm her up, and then continue the film in between different days. Any experience with this before? Thanks!
The camera requires service. Likely even your "normal speeds" are out of tolerance, and issues like this tend to get worse over time. Over 90% of Mamiya cameras we see require moderate or serious service before they're ACTUALLY working properly. While it may deliver images that seem okay, by using it without proper service you're shortening its lifespan. - Connor
@@Kamerastore Thanks so much for the reply, good to know. Will find a place to take it into here in Singapore. Is there any specific service you recommend for this, or just standard CLA? Cheers
I use a Pentax 67 for my medium format needs. I have the 90mm leaf shutter lens which comes in very handy with hand held exposures, since the mirror action on this camera can be brutal. That lens, which can be very hard to find, is tack sharp and allows different flash sync exposure times. All in all, its a great piece of equipment.
My bad! We made all these Top 10 videos quite quickly, it can be difficult to keep information for 50+ cameras in your head while recording! Thanks for watching! - Connor
A very affordable Medium Format camera is the Mamiya Press Super 23. The 50mm F6.3 and the 100mm F2.8 lenses are outstanding and it has interchangeable 6x9 and 6x7 backs known for their film flatness. It also has a fast 250mm F5 telephoto lens. The camera has a back bellows which provide the equivalent of swing for providing foreground to background focus.
You're right, John! The Press cameras are hidden gems, overlooked for their large size. The versatility they have, though, is classic Mamiya; designed to fit as many features in as possible! Thanks for watching. - Connor
The Press Super 23 is less expensive than the RB67. I think it gives the photographer more flexibility as it is modular. The backs for the Press Super 23 are known for their film flatness. It is always a good idea to get the foam light seal kit as they often need replacement over time.@@michaelguterl4643
I have the Hasselblad 500CM, the Pentax 67II, and the Rollei2.8F, 3.5F and the Mamiya 645 Super for about 2- 5 years now, what can I say, happily ever after 😆
I had a medium format film camera which I treasured ... my old Mamiya 6 camera. Very small, lightweight, and not terribly expensive compared to plenty of other cameras. It was great for doing wedding photography. If I maybe wanted to give it another try these days, I might want to sample a Pentax 6 by 7 camera.
I am very satisfied with my Bronica GS-1! I had bad luck with a Yashica Mat124, now have the D. I kind if like the separate film advance and shutter cock levers, makes multiple exposures easy.
Enjoy your Bronica, Mark! And I agree, if you're looking to do double exposures the uncoupled shutter & advance are great! My issue is that I make double and triple exposures without realizing it, ha! Thanks for watching! - Connor
I have never seen a review for the Norita 66 with the Noritar 80mm f2.0 lens. I hear the lens is considered the Noctilux for medium format. Any opinions?
I have a couple of the yashica mat cameras, what I didn’t see in your list is the Mamiya twin lens cameras. The C 220 and 330 cameras are great and the lens selection is great.
I had a Mamiya RZ with lots of accessories. It was big, bulky and heavy. Paid about $ 1000 for it. Then I found one who would like to swap his Mamiya 6MF with two lenses. Then I got a 4x5" to do the slow stuff. Some months ago I got a superdeal with a Mamiya 7 with 43mm, and there went all my money I had saved for a Fuji GFX. Hope I did the right decision, and hopefully don't lose any money, and maybe do better pictures.
I think the Mamiya 7 is a great choice! I doubt it'll drop in value any time in the near future the way digital gear tends to do. Thanks for watching! - Connor
@@Kamerastore Sometimes, a 4x5 is too much hassle, with weather, light and hurry, then it's nice to have a good MF rangefinder. My Mamiya 6 and 7 will both complement the task. The M7 is more for landscape, and the M6 is more daily, because I love the square format. They are all tools to get what I want.
I used the RB-67 in my studio for years and it never failed me buts not a true ideal format (1-1.25 ration). That's why I eventually went to the RZ-67. I also had the Pentax 645N and a bunch of lenses which all fit the Pentax 645Z 51mp digital.
The hasselblad 500c has no instant return mirror. You forgot to mention.. For me who have a Pentax 6x7 with a 75mm f4.5 lens and a Pentax 67 with a 55mm f4 lens. Rubber grip lens. These two cameras blow all other medium formats away. I also have a 1957 Yashica Mat with the 75mm Lumaxar f3.5 lens. Pretty rare. Excellent results.
I am surprised the Bronica did not make the list. I have an Icoflex, which I,did not expect to be on the list, but they are really nice (I also have a rolleiflex, but not with the 2.8 lens)
I think Bronicas are quite popular these days, but still are an underappreciated brand. They also didn't sell cameras for nearly as long as the other brands, so there aren't as many of them kicking around. Plus, they're all different models. The SQ, the ETR, and the GS-1 are all excellent cameras for their respective formats. Glad you're enjoying your Zeiss Ikon TLR, & thanks for watching! - Connor
Back in the late 80s/early 90s, I picked up a used Bronica ETRS system. It came with a waist level finder, metering prism finder, 120 and 220 backs, a 75mm and 150mm lens, and later added the newer updated 40mm lens and a Polaroid back. Coming from photojournalism and 35mm film, it was great to slow down in the studio and out in the field. Plus a fantastic image upgrade. I used the Mamiya RB in school for portraiture (and 4x5) and assisted a buddy who used the RZ in his business of commercial, wedding and portraiture.
I bought the Mamiya M645 around 1978 and used it till 2007 (when I started digital), with two lenses: the 80mm standard lens and the 150mm portrait lens. Many years later I bought the Hasselblad x1d and with an adapter I could again also use these Mamiya lenses, suddenly I had, beside my two HB lenses, two extra lenses. The only disadvantage is that I have to use the electronic shutter on the HB and so cannot use my strobes. But with my old Canon Eos Mark II (also with an other adapter for the Mamiya lenses) I can use these lenses and trigger my strobes. The Mamiya lenses are great and I'm happy to use them again on a digital camera starting their second life!
I forgot to tell I bought the Mamiya with a prisma on top...never had any problem with this camera and I never regretted the price I had to pay at that time,,,,
Great selection! I have the Mamiya 7, RB and 645 Pro TL and the briefly mentioned Fuji GX680 III. All those which I could not afford in the nineties. ;-)
Thanks for watching, Jan! It's always funny to think about the pricing now versus then. Glad you scooped up your favorites in the down years. (-; - Connor
I have a Fuji GX680 lll too. I love that is a studio, architecture, macro, and landscape camera all in one. And it feels like you have a backpack full of rocks when carrying out in the field, so you get a great workout. 😂
Thanks for watching, Petko! Like we said, this list was generated entirely by users. If it were up to me, there would be many more "hidden gem" cameras on the list. (-; - Connor
Thanks for watching! The Mamiya C330 was actually #11, and we talked about the Bronicas as great alternatives in the accompanying article! Link in the description! - Connor
I have an older Pentax 6 x 7 and it has a leaf shutter in its lens, in the front, which does about 4-5 speeds . This shutter and the main shutter are designed to work together for flash use, I think
Yes! The 67 system does include a few leaf shutter lenses designed specifically for flash use. These aren't the norm, though, and they weren't produced in great numbers. Thanks for watching! - Connor
I love my RB67, I have the Pro SD version with 6x8 motor advancing film backs. This is my go to camera and great as a gal's tote about camera. If the best camera is the one you have with you when you need to capture a shot, then why not just always carry your favorite and best camera.
Thanks for watching, Pat! ALL cameras are going up in price as the film community grows and grows, but medium format seems particularly affected since there were less made. Lower production numbers and higher image quality make them quite desirable, but hard to find! - Connor
@@Kamerastore yes i agree i started collecting medium format cameras a long time ago glad i did but would not sell them as i use them as much as i can, the first medium camera i got of my dad in the late 70s was Nettar S with Zeiss Ikon lens i was blown away with the size of the negative, keep up the great work
They're great cameras, Aaron! I had a GM670 (the 6x7 version of the original GL690, the predecessor to the GWs) and loved it! They're basic workhorses and make huge, beautiful negatives. Thanks for watching! - Connor
I shoot 6x6 with a Pentacon six TL. Equipped with Carl Zeiss Jena MC lenses you really get excellent results. And I really like the camera's somehow agricultural feel... 😄
Suprised you didn't mention any foldables.. My overall #1 is Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 532/16. It has a 80mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar, exact same optics as Rolleiflex, has shutter from 1s to 1/400, has self timer, and most importantly, its about as compact as a big point and shoot and weigh less than a kg. Sure some cameras on this list offers somewhat better image quality, or more versitality as a system, but most of the cameras here won't be with you when you go out without a clear intent of photographing something.
I own three cameras from this list: M645, C330 and RB67. I started with M645 late 2018, then got a C330 May last year and a RB67 now a year ago. All had service at Mamiya service in the Netherlands (that guy is doing Mamiya's over 45 years) After a year I can say that the C330 is my favourite. I find it rather compact and not that heavy. At least much lighter than the RB. Other than the needle that shows the parallax, you can also choose to use the paramender. Only disadvantage of that you have to use a tripod. I understand why the M645 is the most searched for, because it's a nice system for medium format beginners. You can't do so much wrong (not cocking the shutter, chance for double exposures) and it are good and reliable cameras. I have to disagree about the 4:3 ratio being similar to 3:2. With 35mm cameras I tend to shoot a lot in portrait mode and with my GW690 also. I think I'll get a GSW680III one day.
The GSW680 is surprisingly affordable (relative to the other cameras on the list), mainly because of it's huge size - intended for studio use, but totally still usable handheld. Another point is the fact that it is very battery-reliant, but overall you get a hell of a lot of camera for the price with stunning lenses and accessories. I think the III model you mentioned uses readily available batteries, however the previous models are a pain to replace the batteries.
@@samskordi6079 aren't you confused with the GX680, that indeed is a huge SLR system designed for studio use and battery dependent. The GW/GSW are very simple (but good) rangefinders.
my personal list from best to 1. Rolleiflex 2.8GX 6x6 cm 2. Horsman 612 6x12 cm and 6x9 cm 3. Rolleiflex 6800 AF or i2 or Hy6 6x6 cm 4. Contax 645 with AF Zeiss lenses. 6. Mamiya 7 6x7 cm for landscape or travel photography 7. Hasselblad 205 6x6 cm 8. Rolleiflex SL 66 SE 6x6 cm 9. Fuji GW 690 6x9 cm 10. Mamiya 6 6x6 cm
It depends on a lot of things! The lens and film are probably the most important, followed by the developing process and scanning/printing process. The actual camera itself is more a vehicle for different lenses and some different features than something that very directly affects the photo. A rapid-fire Canon EOS film camera, for example, is better for sports photography than a Hasselblad because you can take many photos and be sure to get the right moment. In that sense, the EOS camera isn't "affecting" each photo but is affecting the overall photography. Hope that makes sense! - Connor
How could you forget the most brilliant and sought-after medium format camera of all time-the Contax 645? Even today, 17 years after it was last manufactured, it's commanding $$$$ prices for used ones.
Besides mamiya, it seems they aren't aware of other brands. No contax, no bronica, no zeiss ikontas, no agfas.... It's annoyingly narrowminded. Or they have an awful surplus of mamis to sell to the casual hipster.
Thanks for watching, Justin! Some Perkeo models actually came with built-in rangefinders, but adding an external rangefinder to your folding camera can really improve its usability! My Zeiss Ikon Nettar became a real powerhouse after I got a Soviet BLIK finder! - Connor
Nico, the RZ also had a motor winder you could attach to the bottom, and for fashon photography, (what these were mainly used for at that time); so this was better for that; and YES I do know that a "power advance" back was available for the RB, Pro II ? but I presume this was only for single shooting aka like an autowind 35 mm camera, on S, NOT C or H burst shooting!, but the mamiya winder I think was capable of burst shooting, at least for this format!
Love these top 10 reviews ,the snapping of the hasselblad backs were making me cringe everytime,i kept looking at nico to see his expression as i learnt from his video it's not the way to mount the backs 😂
@@jude979 We actually filmed this video super early in the morning, so I was just tired. I'm almost always tired, though. Thanks for watching guys! - Connor
Pretty cool, pretty cool. Mamiya stonks are erecting. The c330 is my favourite camera of all time. Try taking it out in the field, it's how it feels that gives it that edge
Besides owning Leica cameras.M6 and R4 I also owned pre Leica a Bronica 645 camera. This was a great camera backed up with a few accessories, Backs, prism viewfinder etc! plus of course lenses. I agree with your comment about these types of cameras being more at home in Studio condition. However, for the more posed or none immediacy picture these were great cameras. especially when doing your own processing. The larger format giving a superior negative to work from....Horses for course I suppose...
They're lovely cameras, but not searched enough to be on this list! I would assume low production numbers and high costs combine to make the camera a bit harder to find than the ones on this list. Thanks for watching! - Connor
Its brilliant learning about these cameras, it would be great to see a list (across the 3 videos that you have put up) on under appreciated alternatives. I find that a lot of the cameras that we see in these lists are hyped (medium format not so much but SLR and Rangefinder) when there are many many alternatives to these cameras that are in some cases over priced IMO. It would also be good to hear from Camera Rescue the most well built cameras, ones that done like to break. Love that you mention the Mamiya C3 as an alternative, the "speed" of taking a photo isn't possible on a TLR so the extra cocking of the shutter is no problem. I own a C3 and love it! Great video thanks team.
Hey Anderson! There is a text version of the SLR video that features alternatives to each model and some recommendations! Other articles to go along with the videos will be coming in the near future. Our mechanics here at Kamerastore certainly have opinions on which cameras are best, but the truth is that whether or not it has been serviced is the FAR more important question to ask. Even if a camera was reliable and well built when it was new, it requires service to be reliable today. Even if Pentax used the best lubricants back in the day, those lubricants go bad over time. Hope that helps! - Connor
@@Kamerastore Thank you for you reply, I look forward to reading these articles. I'm a Minolta user and as you have captured in one of you previous comments they are very underrated which I'm happy about as the price is reasonable still. SRT 303b is a dream to use! The comment from the mechanics is very fair, even a military tank needs an oil change! made me think that i should get a CLA on some of my mechanical beasts. Looking forward to your video content in 2022.
Great video, however, as usual they have forgotten to mention the revolutionary Rolleiflex SL66 that in the year of its introduction in Photokina in 1966 marked a milestone in the design of Medium Format cameras, its characteristics are so many that it is not possible to list them in my comment, unfortunately to date, has not received the recognition it deserves. As is tradition in innovation, Rolleiflex also contributed with the 6000 series, but that's another story. Thank you for your interesting videos. Greetings.
We haven't forgotten the SL66! This video was made using user search data, so it doesn't represent our opinion. The mechanics of the SL66 are very impressive, but they didn't sell nearly enough of them for it to become as well-known as the cameras on our list. It's a hidden gem for those who can find a working one. Thanks for watching! - Connor
Amen, John! I think there's a reason Hasselblad's designs remained so similar for decades. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Thanks for watching! - Connor
rollei 6008 is better than than the selection presented, I've used all but the pentax 6x7 and the mam RX. also where is the Bronica GS1, sqam etc both easily hand usable.
ZBronica SQ 6x6 square .. that’s the format 4 me .. the ZBronica SQ I’ve wanted one 4 ages / circumstances allow now so pulled trigger on the SQ. Expecting 2 take delivery later 2day. It’s a given ur gonna get CLA done on ur used camera. The Blad’s expensive but reliable .. no electronics all mechanical in 500 series. Nup, ZBronica 4 me. That Rolleiflex loox interesting .. had one yonx ago but too old so too hard 2 kit out.
It's a great camera, Keanu! We were surprised it wasn't on the list as well. We have a full review of the camera on our channel if you want to see more! - Connor
NO, Nico, Hasselblad 500C/M's did NOT have a fisheye lens (the Hasselblad system had a SWC, a special thin camera body, like the flex and arc body, NO movements!, but a fixed 38mm bio-gon lens!! ( think of the more recent 907x camera, same shape!!)
Hey Andy! The Hasselblad V system has a 30mm f3.5 F-Distagon C fisheye lens. There was even a 24mm f3.5 in the CF lineup, although they were mostly shutterless. Some could be found with Prontor shutters, though! There are also the ultrawide 40mm f4 Distagons that replicate the SWC field of view quite faithfully. Thanks for watching! - Connor
They are not nearly as popular these days, and this list is driven by search results. Bronica cameras were quite far down the list compared to these more popular models. Thanks for watching! - Connor
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In 2005 a coworker asked me to take a group photo of his family reunion with over 40 people. I had a Nikon D100 at the time. After realizing that each face would only get a few pixels resolution, I dusted off the Mamiya RB67 I’d bought new in ‘76. Sure glad I did as everyone wanted enlargements. Your video convinced me to have a cla done on it and both lenses. Time to bring it back into play.
Glad to hear this, its such a great camera system. Hope you enjoy using it again!
Hasselblad 500c - I bought second hand in 1978. That sound. I love the square format, a challenge for composition but beautiful when you get it right. This camera is still going strong, everything works; it's been serviced a few times but never broke down. You can also attach a V system digital back like a Phase One.
You can get very good 6x6/6x9 cameras for a few bucks! I tell you get french HQ 6x6 and 6x9 folder and TLR cameras from the 1950s and 60s:
Sem Semflex oto Automatique with 3.5 75 coated Som Berthiot "flor" 4 Element lens = Tessar and the Lumiere Lumirex III folder with rangefinder and HQ coated Spector 4.5/102 or Angenieux 3.5 102 Tessar. Royer Royflex III and Royer Teleroy and Telka III and Kinax Superkinax III and those great old french Kodak 6x6/6x9 folders model 40 and 42 with HQ coated Angenieux lens. Most had very good Tessar type of lenses by Som Berthiot or Angenieux or Boyer. Oh I forgot the legenday Pierrat Drepy folder with 4 element Drestar coated lenses 4.5 and 3,5 / 102
Thanks for a great video.
I began shooting medium format cameras at the age of 5. During my childhood, I used a variety of fixed-lens medium format cameras such as Ansco, Diana, Holga, Kodak Brownie, and Kodak Bullet.
In college, the YashicaMat TLR was my first professional quality medium format camera.
The Mamiya TLR was my second professional quality medium format camera.
Fuji 6x7 and 6x9cm fixed-lens rangefinders replaced my worn Mamiya TLR wedding cameras.
The Mamiya RB67 SLR was my last professional quality medium format camera.
I own a Bronica ETRS and SQA absolutely gorgeous both of them I won’t part with either lens are superb SQ - A is sometimes called the Japanese Hasselblad I can see why for less than 1/3 of the price of a 500 series yep I do love my Bronnyblad 👍🏻greetings from the UK 🇬🇧
I decided to make the move into medium format earlier this year, and I'd always liked the Mamiya C series, so I managed to get a bargain..a C2 that had been fully serviced and has the 80mm "Blue Dot" lens. It's over 60 years old, but takes some awesome images!
I'm just getting into 120 medium format. I havnt invested yet but love the look of the photos and want to try it. I'm used to 35mm film and know there is a learning curve. But I love this video, I know it has narrowed my search down especially to affordability.
Kids, old dude here. I've shot the Hassy, Mamiya 6x6 (like the Rollei) and the Pentax 6x7, as well as 35mm, 4x5, 8x10. The Hassy is a great studio camera, the Mamiya/Rollei.... very slow to work with - I don't recommend them at all. The Pentax 6x7? That's the one I'd haul around to get larger B&W negatives - so here are a couple of tips from my experience. Pentax: get the big wooden handle (unless you're always using a tripod), and practice, practice, practice - that huge mirror swinging around inside at first ruins every handheld shot you'll take. Too much vibration. For a while I thought - no tripod, no go. But I got better at it. (It's probably more like shooting a pistol than taking a photograph). I also had a Kowa - Japanese knock off of the Hassy. The 55mm wide angle lens had to be stopped down or most of your frame would be out of focus. But the lenses were a bit soft and so were better portrait lenses (80 and 150) than the Hassy's (which was designed for map making not people.) However, the Kowa has a stamped sheet metal main gear that will warp and jam - so mechanically they're unreliable. Definite no go (I think I've still got mine - jammed if anyone wants it.) To buy any of this gear 30 years after its manufacture? Hassys are good, reliable, but I think a Pentax 6x7 is basically bullet proof.
The point about slow flash sync shutter speed for the Pentax is very important point. Do you think you're Annie Leibowitz or Diane Arbus? You're going to need a faster sync speed for controlling flash outdoors. Good point. (I'd want at least a 1/250 flash sync leaf shutter -otherwise you'd need large flash units with long extension cords.)
Would I shoot film again? Maybe B&W, T-Max 400..... I wouldn't take it to a lab. Since the mid-1980s I've used pyro developers. These are compensating developers. This is really really important. A compensating developer will develop the highlights (densest darkest part of the neg) and then it will peter out - so not too much. In the shadow areas (thinnest lightest part of the neg) the developer will keep working building up the density. You will then get a negative that is easier to print - gives you more options. (None of that 1950s - 70s D76 blank white skies, D-Max shadows- if later you decide you want that? Just crank up the contrast - it's impossible going the other way.) Edward Weston had no light meter, guessed at his exposures, used a pyro compensating film developer... and changed photography. I would probably only shoot B&W if after I process it myself (easy) I could get really high res scans. I wouldn't want to go anywhere near a darkroom again. Things that would take me hours and days; that I wouldn't know if they worked or not until weeks later when I toned the prints... I can do in seconds on a computer. (And I've got Epson Photo inkjet prints from 1995 on watercolor paper that still look like new - so any of the archival inks made since then should be brilliant. They're also behind UV protective OP1 plex.)
Should young photographers shoot film? Sure. It slows you down, connects you to the history. (But anybody saying "I only want to shoot film," "Film is the only real photography," "film is better," should be left on the side of the road someplace. Color film is a complete dead end. There's no more Kodachrome (and I could talk your ears off for hours about how brilliant Kodak film was in the 1990s.) There is nothing that color negative can do that just about any digital system can't do infinitely better - meaning if you want something to look like 1950s Kodachrome - you can only do it digitally. So film slows you down, but so does spending hours chasing that idea using Photoshop and a good digital printer. You do want this, later you'll be able to do things much quicker.
👋👋
Surprised didn't mention the Fuji GX680. It is more robust than the Mamiya RB67. One thing I love about the 680 is the ability can do movements similar to a large format camera- rise and fall/tilt and shift, it also has amazing optics and not to mention the ability to go from 6x8 to 6x7, 6x6, 645 to even Polaroid.
Mentioned at 4:24
I have used in the past as a assistant photographer the Hasselblad 500cm and the SWC with its fixed superwide lens that you had to use a tape measure for focusing.
I have also used the RB67 but fancied the Fuji GX 6×8 camera and this to had a revolving back.
I liked using occasionally fixed lens TLR cameras like Rolliflex and Yashica
But my favourite camera I actually owned was the Bronica S2a with a rare 100mm f2.4 made by Carl Zeiss in Jena I also got a photo used from this camera for a book cover. A 30 year old camera at the time the picture was published.
I also liked the idea of being able to use a tilt shift bellows instead of the cameras helicoid.
Always fancied trying out the Mamiya Universal or 23 with it 6×9 format.
Very cheap well made camera!
I went for the second best thing. Instead of Rolleiflex I have Minolta Autocord III, instead of Mamiya 7II I have Fuji GSW690III and instead of Pentax 67 or Mamiya RB/RZ I have Bronica GS-1. Much cheaper, but good enough for me and my customers
Great choices! I especially love those Texas Leica Fujis! Thanks for watching!
- Connor
I went for the 10th best thing. Instead of a Rolleiflex I have a Yashica LM, and some random 35mm SLRs.
I have got those same two models and they serve me well. The Bronica GS-1 is still one of the best deals out there and more comfortable to walk around with than the Mamiya. You can't beat the image quality and portability of the Fuji GSW690III, simplicity at its best. The Fuji will be still be working after the Mamiya 7's electronics finally give out.
Thank you for inform about Autocord III. I'm now getting one of them.
@@dalivedo
You will be impressed by the image quality and quickly learn the way we operate the camera. The Camera has great character - that's why you'll love it. Good luck!
Thank you Kamerastore for your nice and helpful reviews. I had a Pentax 67-2 for many years until recently. I had the wooden left hand grip, and it has a hot shoe on it. Only the version for the Pentax 67-2 has this. I started to have some electronic issues with it and I replaced it with the Bronica Gs-1 6x7. So far I am very pleased with it and with the results. Better than I had expected. My other MF kamera's are a late Rolleiflex 3.5F with the very sharp Carl Zeiss 6 element lens, a Fuji gs645s and a Fuji gsw690 rangefinder.
Thanks for watching!
- Connor
Lovely and very fair review. I own the Mamiya 6 and 330f, and I have previously owned a Mamiya 645 and RZ67 and your review was spot on. Interesting that none of the Fuji medium format cameras made it into the top ten, I wonder why people weren't searching for them?
If I had to guess, I'd say that a lot of them are either relatively new (GS645, GA645zi, GX680, etc.) or not sold much outside of Japan (GL690, etc.). Plus, Fuji's naming conventions are a bit difficult for newcomers, I'd say. Easier to search for Mamiya 7 than Fujifilm GX680 III, eh? Getting onto a search results list like this requires longevity of design and name! Thanks for watching, Rupert!
- Connor
Probably because the Fuji MF cameras are not subjected to the never ending hype which surrounds most of the Mamiya cameras. Also, the Fujis are not part of the "all the same" groups as are the Mamiyas. By this I mean that there is no ergonomic difference of importance between a 645 Mamiya, Bronica, Pentax, or all of the cameras which parrot the design of the Hasselblad SLR/box style. No one makes a functional option to a GA or GS 645, or the GX680 studio SLR. (The RB/RZ Mamiyas have an external appearance similar to the 680, but the 680 is a generation more advanced in its features.) No matter how good the camera, being "different" is a deal killer for the social media driven buyers.
A word of warning: the RB67 is not a camera for beginners. There are so many interlocks on them that they are extremely -difficult- complicated to use, compared to a Mamiya 645 or Hasselblad. I used a Bronica in the brief period I was a working photographer in the 1980s and it was a much simpler camera to use. I also used the Mamiya 645. The RB is a great camera - I own one - but it requires the photographer to think before every step. Focusing is different, especially with floating element lenses, there are no electronic connections between the various components and the body. Cocking is a two step process - cocking the mirror and the shutter and winding the film. You can really screw up if you don't know what you're doing.
It’s a great camera - I have taken spectacular pictures with it - but it's hard to use and not a good place for beginners to start.
5 out of 10 of the presented cameras are in my possession! And all are working great. Thx for your video.
I think the Mamiya 645 has some of the most underrated glass of any cameras!
In my collection of wonderful things, I have a Hasselblad 500CM, two Mamiya RB67s, a Fujica GSW670, a Fujica GSW690, a Fujica GSW645, four Rolleiflexes, a Rolleicord, a Graflex XL, a Minolta Autocord, two Yashicamat 124s, a Flexaret, a Zeis Ikon Ikonta, a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye, numerous medium format folders, a Holga and stuff i cannot remember. Except for the Hawkeye and Graflex, they all get used.
When I die, my kids can have one helluva yard sale!
I have an RZ67 Pro II, overall great condition but have a strange issue with the shutter.
When it hasn’t been shot for a few days, the first shot no matter what, takes around 1 second, even when set at 1/400. Takes a few shots until the shutter speed starts to quicken up until normal accurate speeds. It’s useable as I take the back off, warm her up, and then continue the film in between different days. Any experience with this before? Thanks!
The camera requires service. Likely even your "normal speeds" are out of tolerance, and issues like this tend to get worse over time. Over 90% of Mamiya cameras we see require moderate or serious service before they're ACTUALLY working properly. While it may deliver images that seem okay, by using it without proper service you're shortening its lifespan.
- Connor
@@Kamerastore
Thanks so much for the reply, good to know.
Will find a place to take it into here in Singapore. Is there any specific service you recommend for this, or just standard CLA? Cheers
I use a Pentax 67 for my medium format needs. I have the 90mm leaf shutter lens which comes in very handy with hand held exposures, since the mirror action on this camera can be brutal. That lens, which can be very hard to find, is tack sharp and allows different flash sync exposure times. All in all, its a great piece of equipment.
Rollieflex. sL -f66
Pentacon 66
Rollei sl 6000
Yeah there is Aperture priority on the Mamiya 6, just choose the square or circle on the speed dial.
My bad! We made all these Top 10 videos quite quickly, it can be difficult to keep information for 50+ cameras in your head while recording! Thanks for watching!
- Connor
@@Kamerastore no worries my dude!
A very affordable Medium Format camera is the Mamiya Press Super 23. The 50mm F6.3 and the 100mm F2.8 lenses are outstanding and it has interchangeable 6x9 and 6x7 backs known for their film flatness. It also has a fast 250mm F5 telephoto lens. The camera has a back bellows which provide the equivalent of swing for providing foreground to background focus.
You're right, John! The Press cameras are hidden gems, overlooked for their large size. The versatility they have, though, is classic Mamiya; designed to fit as many features in as possible! Thanks for watching.
- Connor
so wonder do I get RB 67 or Press Super 23 for portrait/studio?
The Press Super 23 is less expensive than the RB67. I think it gives the photographer more flexibility as it is modular. The backs for the Press Super 23 are known for their film flatness. It is always a good idea to get the foam light seal kit as they often need replacement over time.@@michaelguterl4643
Fuji GF670 for me! It’s light, folds up so it’s quite small, rangefinder, sharp optics, 6x6 and 6x7 modes, meter, it’s pretty much perfect
Would love to have a Diacord. A mechanical Mamiya 645 is an intriguing choice too.
I have a Yashica 635 that I love and shoot with often.
I have the Hasselblad 500CM, the Pentax 67II, and the Rollei2.8F, 3.5F and the Mamiya 645 Super for about 2- 5 years now, what can I say, happily ever after 😆
Thank you for this really good overview, presented with very high knowledge and competence. Great.
I had a medium format film camera which I treasured ... my old Mamiya 6 camera.
Very small, lightweight, and not terribly expensive compared to plenty of other cameras. It was great for doing wedding photography.
If I maybe wanted to give it another try these days, I might want to sample a Pentax 6 by 7 camera.
Literally just hit the “buy now” button on EBay for my Bronica etr. Now I impatiently wait like a kid on Christmas Eve lol
Enjoy! Thanks for watching!
- Connor
I am very satisfied with my Bronica GS-1! I had bad luck with a Yashica Mat124, now have the D. I kind if like the separate film advance and shutter cock levers, makes multiple exposures easy.
Enjoy your Bronica, Mark! And I agree, if you're looking to do double exposures the uncoupled shutter & advance are great! My issue is that I make double and triple exposures without realizing it, ha! Thanks for watching!
- Connor
I have never seen a review for the Norita 66 with the Noritar 80mm f2.0 lens. I hear the lens is considered the Noctilux for medium format. Any opinions?
I have a couple of the yashica mat cameras, what I didn’t see in your list is the Mamiya twin lens cameras. The C 220 and 330 cameras are great and the lens selection is great.
I had a Mamiya RZ with lots of accessories. It was big, bulky and heavy. Paid about $ 1000 for it. Then I found one who would like to swap his Mamiya 6MF with two lenses. Then I got a 4x5" to do the slow stuff. Some months ago I got a superdeal with a Mamiya 7 with 43mm, and there went all my money I had saved for a Fuji GFX. Hope I did the right decision, and hopefully don't lose any money, and maybe do better pictures.
I think the Mamiya 7 is a great choice! I doubt it'll drop in value any time in the near future the way digital gear tends to do. Thanks for watching!
- Connor
@@Kamerastore Sometimes, a 4x5 is too much hassle, with weather, light and hurry, then it's nice to have a good MF rangefinder. My Mamiya 6 and 7 will both complement the task. The M7 is more for landscape, and the M6 is more daily, because I love the square format. They are all tools to get what I want.
I used the RB-67 in my studio for years and it never failed me buts not a true ideal format (1-1.25 ration). That's why I eventually went to the RZ-67. I also had the Pentax 645N and a bunch of lenses which all fit the Pentax 645Z 51mp digital.
The hasselblad 500c has no instant return mirror. You forgot to mention..
For me who have a Pentax 6x7 with a 75mm f4.5 lens and a Pentax 67 with a 55mm f4 lens. Rubber grip lens. These two cameras blow all other medium formats away.
I also have a 1957 Yashica Mat with the 75mm Lumaxar f3.5 lens. Pretty rare. Excellent results.
The Hasselblad C was produced from 1957 to 1970/71 and then followed by the 500 CM....cheers
I am surprised the Bronica did not make the list. I have an Icoflex, which I,did not expect to be on the list, but they are really nice (I also have a rolleiflex, but not with the 2.8 lens)
I think Bronicas are quite popular these days, but still are an underappreciated brand. They also didn't sell cameras for nearly as long as the other brands, so there aren't as many of them kicking around. Plus, they're all different models. The SQ, the ETR, and the GS-1 are all excellent cameras for their respective formats. Glad you're enjoying your Zeiss Ikon TLR, & thanks for watching!
- Connor
Back in the late 80s/early 90s, I picked up a used Bronica ETRS system. It came with a waist level finder, metering prism finder, 120 and 220 backs, a 75mm and 150mm lens, and later added the newer updated 40mm lens and a Polaroid back. Coming from photojournalism and 35mm film, it was great to slow down in the studio and out in the field. Plus a fantastic image upgrade.
I used the Mamiya RB in school for portraiture (and 4x5) and assisted a buddy who used the RZ in his business of commercial, wedding and portraiture.
I bought the Mamiya M645 around 1978 and used it till 2007 (when I started digital), with two lenses: the 80mm standard lens and the 150mm portrait lens. Many years later I bought the Hasselblad x1d and with an adapter I could again also use these Mamiya lenses, suddenly I had, beside my two HB lenses, two extra lenses. The only disadvantage is that I have to use the electronic shutter on the HB and so cannot use my strobes. But with my old Canon Eos Mark II (also with an other adapter for the Mamiya lenses) I can use these lenses and trigger my strobes. The Mamiya lenses are great and I'm happy to use them again on a digital camera starting their second life!
I forgot to tell I bought the Mamiya with a prisma on top...never had any problem with this camera and I never regretted the price I had to pay at that time,,,,
I have a C220 and it is heavy. I have a 80mm 2.8 on there and it is beautiful. I will say go for the C330 if you have to choose.
Thanks for watching, Jose! Those Mamiya 120 cameras are maybe not the best for an everyday carry unless you're looking for a workout!
- Connor
@@Kamerastore Heck no it is not a EDC camera. If you want a EDC 120 camera go with a Holga, but then your photos look like they were taken on a holga.
Great selection! I have the Mamiya 7, RB and 645 Pro TL and the briefly mentioned Fuji GX680 III. All those which I could not afford in the nineties. ;-)
Thanks for watching, Jan! It's always funny to think about the pricing now versus then. Glad you scooped up your favorites in the down years. (-;
- Connor
I have a Fuji GX680 lll too. I love that is a studio, architecture, macro, and landscape camera all in one. And it feels like you have a backpack full of rocks when carrying out in the field, so you get a great workout. 😂
The Mamiya also had a parallax corrector that was placed on the tripod.
Just found you guys… thanks for the presentation. Best regards 😀
One can always add others, like the economical 645 rangefinder cameras , but great talk and coverage.
Thanks for watching, Petko! Like we said, this list was generated entirely by users. If it were up to me, there would be many more "hidden gem" cameras on the list. (-;
- Connor
Great video, I was surprised that the Bronica SQ series and Mamiya C330 series.
Thanks for watching! The Mamiya C330 was actually #11, and we talked about the Bronicas as great alternatives in the accompanying article! Link in the description!
- Connor
I have an older Pentax 6 x 7 and it has a leaf shutter in its lens, in the front, which does about 4-5 speeds . This shutter and the main shutter are designed to work together for flash use, I think
Yes! The 67 system does include a few leaf shutter lenses designed specifically for flash use. These aren't the norm, though, and they weren't produced in great numbers. Thanks for watching!
- Connor
I love my RB67, I have the Pro SD version with 6x8 motor advancing film backs. This is my go to camera and great as a gal's tote about camera. If the best camera is the one you have with you when you need to capture a shot, then why not just always carry your favorite and best camera.
I love mine but it is heavy as hell so I am looking to get a 645 as well
Do you know any good digital back for the Mamiya RB 67?
The 645’s are great. I decided on the Pentax 67 for the more unique aspect ratio
all great cameras thank you ,2 super cameras missing of the list is Bronica ETRsi and Fuji GW 690 also very affordable but are going up in price
Thanks for watching, Pat! ALL cameras are going up in price as the film community grows and grows, but medium format seems particularly affected since there were less made. Lower production numbers and higher image quality make them quite desirable, but hard to find!
- Connor
@@Kamerastore yes i agree i started collecting medium format cameras a long time ago glad i did but would not sell them as i use them as much as i can, the first medium camera i got of my dad in the late 70s was Nettar S with Zeiss Ikon lens i was blown away with the size of the negative, keep up the great work
Fuji GW series! There’s not many videos on them and theres one I got my eye on
They're great cameras, Aaron! I had a GM670 (the 6x7 version of the original GL690, the predecessor to the GWs) and loved it! They're basic workhorses and make huge, beautiful negatives. Thanks for watching!
- Connor
I shoot 6x6 with a Pentacon six TL. Equipped with Carl Zeiss Jena MC lenses you really get excellent results. And I really like the camera's somehow agricultural feel... 😄
Suprised you didn't mention any foldables.. My overall #1 is Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 532/16. It has a 80mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar, exact same optics as Rolleiflex, has shutter from 1s to 1/400, has self timer, and most importantly, its about as compact as a big point and shoot and weigh less than a kg. Sure some cameras on this list offers somewhat better image quality, or more versitality as a system, but most of the cameras here won't be with you when you go out without a clear intent of photographing something.
I own three cameras from this list: M645, C330 and RB67.
I started with M645 late 2018, then got a C330 May last year and a RB67 now a year ago. All had service at Mamiya service in the Netherlands (that guy is doing Mamiya's over 45 years)
After a year I can say that the C330 is my favourite. I find it rather compact and not that heavy. At least much lighter than the RB.
Other than the needle that shows the parallax, you can also choose to use the paramender. Only disadvantage of that you have to use a tripod.
I understand why the M645 is the most searched for, because it's a nice system for medium format beginners. You can't do so much wrong (not cocking the shutter, chance for double exposures) and it are good and reliable cameras.
I have to disagree about the 4:3 ratio being similar to 3:2. With 35mm cameras I tend to shoot a lot in portrait mode and with my GW690 also. I think I'll get a GSW680III one day.
The GSW680 is surprisingly affordable (relative to the other cameras on the list), mainly because of it's huge size - intended for studio use, but totally still usable handheld. Another point is the fact that it is very battery-reliant, but overall you get a hell of a lot of camera for the price with stunning lenses and accessories. I think the III model you mentioned uses readily available batteries, however the previous models are a pain to replace the batteries.
Can you message me that camera repair person? I recently picked up a 645 super and the lens is a little loose/stiff when focusing.
@@samskordi6079 aren't you confused with the GX680, that indeed is a huge SLR system designed for studio use and battery dependent.
The GW/GSW are very simple (but good) rangefinders.
@@Uwe_Ludolf oh yes my bad, read the comment wrong
Love your work.
my personal list from best to
1. Rolleiflex 2.8GX 6x6 cm
2. Horsman 612 6x12 cm and 6x9 cm
3. Rolleiflex 6800 AF or i2 or Hy6 6x6 cm
4. Contax 645 with AF Zeiss lenses.
6. Mamiya 7 6x7 cm for landscape or travel photography
7. Hasselblad 205 6x6 cm
8. Rolleiflex SL 66 SE 6x6 cm
9. Fuji GW 690 6x9 cm
10. Mamiya 6 6x6 cm
Does the way the photos look really depens on the camera or the photo paper?
It depends on a lot of things! The lens and film are probably the most important, followed by the developing process and scanning/printing process. The actual camera itself is more a vehicle for different lenses and some different features than something that very directly affects the photo. A rapid-fire Canon EOS film camera, for example, is better for sports photography than a Hasselblad because you can take many photos and be sure to get the right moment. In that sense, the EOS camera isn't "affecting" each photo but is affecting the overall photography. Hope that makes sense!
- Connor
I've had a lot of cameras and te RB had to be the best overall. Amazing lens system too, plenty to choose from.
Why no bronica? Its a really phenomenal camera line. And affordable
Subscribed. Awesome content.
How could you forget the most brilliant and sought-after medium format camera of all time-the Contax 645? Even today, 17 years after it was last manufactured, it's commanding $$$$ prices for used ones.
Besides mamiya, it seems they aren't aware of other brands. No contax, no bronica, no zeiss ikontas, no agfas....
It's annoyingly narrowminded.
Or they have an awful surplus of mamis to sell to the casual hipster.
A Medium format or the canon r7 if I want to spend no more than 1500€ for the body?
What about Fuji GW690?
Its a great mechanical camera, but its not so widely searched for.
RB means "Really Big".
My voigtlander perkeo would be on the list, lens almost as good as a rollei (at f8) fits into my jeans pocket and OK you have to guess the distance.
Thanks for watching, Justin! Some Perkeo models actually came with built-in rangefinders, but adding an external rangefinder to your folding camera can really improve its usability! My Zeiss Ikon Nettar became a real powerhouse after I got a Soviet BLIK finder!
- Connor
Nico, the RZ also had a motor winder you could attach to the bottom, and for fashon photography, (what these were mainly used for at that time); so this was better for that; and YES I do know that a "power advance" back was available for the RB, Pro II ? but I presume this was only for single shooting aka like an autowind 35 mm camera, on S, NOT C or H burst shooting!, but the mamiya winder I think was capable of burst shooting, at least for this format!
Love these top 10 reviews ,the snapping of the hasselblad backs were making me cringe everytime,i kept looking at nico to see his expression as i learnt from his video it's not the way to mount the backs 😂
Seems like Nico is super pissed that the guy smoked a bowl before the video 😂
@@Murdog36 if connor does'nt i'll eat my hat.
@@jude979 We actually filmed this video super early in the morning, so I was just tired. I'm almost always tired, though. Thanks for watching guys!
- Connor
@@Kamerastore 😄 I’m a fan of your deliveries dude, very chill calm friendly energy 🙌🏾😄, Great dynamic between you two 👍🏾, was just having a laugh 😄
Pretty cool, pretty cool. Mamiya stonks are erecting.
The c330 is my favourite camera of all time. Try taking it out in the field, it's how it feels that gives it that edge
The C330 is a great camera, the lenses are sharp.
Yo why no Bronica love?
What is your thoughts on the Minolta Auto cord
Besides owning Leica cameras.M6 and R4 I also owned pre Leica a Bronica 645 camera. This was a great camera backed up with a few accessories, Backs, prism viewfinder etc! plus of course lenses. I agree with your comment about these types of cameras being more at home in Studio condition. However, for the more posed or none immediacy picture these were great cameras. especially when doing your own processing. The larger format giving a superior negative to work from....Horses for course I suppose...
So glad I kept my Pentax, a high quality image maker.
Its an amazing camera.
Hey! Would be great if you guys cover the Mamiya M Time Machine, there’s barely any info of it, found one for peanuts and seems pretty decent
why no contax 645?
They're lovely cameras, but not searched enough to be on this list! I would assume low production numbers and high costs combine to make the camera a bit harder to find than the ones on this list. Thanks for watching!
- Connor
😍Mamiya RZ67!!!!!!!
34:08 Tessar? I have a Rolliflex with a Zeiss Tessar 75mm f 3.5.
Its brilliant learning about these cameras, it would be great to see a list (across the 3 videos that you have put up) on under appreciated alternatives. I find that a lot of the cameras that we see in these lists are hyped (medium format not so much but SLR and Rangefinder) when there are many many alternatives to these cameras that are in some cases over priced IMO. It would also be good to hear from Camera Rescue the most well built cameras, ones that done like to break.
Love that you mention the Mamiya C3 as an alternative, the "speed" of taking a photo isn't possible on a TLR so the extra cocking of the shutter is no problem. I own a C3 and love it!
Great video thanks team.
Hey Anderson! There is a text version of the SLR video that features alternatives to each model and some recommendations! Other articles to go along with the videos will be coming in the near future.
Our mechanics here at Kamerastore certainly have opinions on which cameras are best, but the truth is that whether or not it has been serviced is the FAR more important question to ask. Even if a camera was reliable and well built when it was new, it requires service to be reliable today. Even if Pentax used the best lubricants back in the day, those lubricants go bad over time. Hope that helps!
- Connor
@@Kamerastore Thank you for you reply, I look forward to reading these articles. I'm a Minolta user and as you have captured in one of you previous comments they are very underrated which I'm happy about as the price is reasonable still. SRT 303b is a dream to use!
The comment from the mechanics is very fair, even a military tank needs an oil change! made me think that i should get a CLA on some of my mechanical beasts.
Looking forward to your video content in 2022.
What about the Ertc? sQ-1?
Great video
Thanks for watching!
- Connor
Hey Connor, nice watch!
Thanks! I use it to see when it's time to go home! 🙃
- Connor
I'll search for Zenzas until Easter, to influence the next year's list :)
Good strategy! I think having a Bronica on the list would be a lovely change! Might drive the prices up a bit, though. (-;
- Connor
Great channel
Nuno is the only guy i've seen to effortlessly match Nico's level when it comes to cameras 📸 😂
Nuno is the boss, Nico is sadly not as good. But he tries.
@@Kamerastore 😂
Hasselblad 503CW?
I one roleflex with a flash on the front
Great video, however, as usual they have forgotten to mention the revolutionary Rolleiflex SL66 that in the year of its introduction in Photokina in 1966 marked a milestone in the design of Medium Format cameras, its characteristics are so many that it is not possible to list them in my comment, unfortunately to date, has not received the recognition it deserves. As is tradition in innovation, Rolleiflex also contributed with the 6000 series, but that's another story. Thank you for your interesting videos. Greetings.
We haven't forgotten the SL66! This video was made using user search data, so it doesn't represent our opinion. The mechanics of the SL66 are very impressive, but they didn't sell nearly enough of them for it to become as well-known as the cameras on our list. It's a hidden gem for those who can find a working one. Thanks for watching!
- Connor
You failed to mention the Mamiya Six, with interchangeable 6x4.5 and 6x6 formats
Love my Hasselblad 2000 FC/M, the only MF camera that I own. Cannot improve on perfection, especially with those Carl Zeiss lenses...:)
Amen, John! I think there's a reason Hasselblad's designs remained so similar for decades. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Thanks for watching!
- Connor
rollei 6008 is better than than the selection presented, I've used all but the pentax 6x7 and the mam RX. also where is the Bronica GS1, sqam etc both easily hand usable.
where is the Bronica love?
ZBronica SQ 6x6 square .. that’s the format 4 me .. the ZBronica SQ I’ve wanted one 4 ages / circumstances allow now so pulled trigger on the SQ. Expecting 2 take delivery later 2day. It’s a given ur gonna get CLA done on ur used camera. The Blad’s expensive but reliable .. no electronics all mechanical in 500 series. Nup, ZBronica 4 me. That Rolleiflex loox interesting .. had one yonx ago but too old so too hard 2 kit out.
1/30 th flash sync isn't a big deal. The flash duration will decide, particularly in studio.
Hasselblad 500cm that what I shoot very dependable. I’ve scuba dived with my hassy
I have camera AT1 canon I want Film Rool
Wear available in Kuwait and Pakistan
No Plaubel Makina 67, such a top camera
It's a great camera, Keanu! We were surprised it wasn't on the list as well. We have a full review of the camera on our channel if you want to see more!
- Connor
Note Yashicamat LM: LM = light metre.
Para mi falta mencionar la Zenza Bronica S2 que creo es mejor que la pentax y la RZ67.
NO, Nico, Hasselblad 500C/M's did NOT have a fisheye lens (the Hasselblad system had a SWC, a special thin camera body, like the flex and arc body, NO movements!, but a fixed 38mm bio-gon lens!! ( think of the more recent 907x camera, same shape!!)
Hey Andy!
The Hasselblad V system has a 30mm f3.5 F-Distagon C fisheye lens. There was even a 24mm f3.5 in the CF lineup, although they were mostly shutterless. Some could be found with Prontor shutters, though! There are also the ultrawide 40mm f4 Distagons that replicate the SWC field of view quite faithfully. Thanks for watching!
- Connor
Or a Rolliflex SL 2000 0r Mamiya R bX - 1000
Only 10?
Maybe there is a surprise!
and where is the Bronica SQ or the ETRS cameras that were way more popular than the mamiya
They are not nearly as popular these days, and this list is driven by search results. Bronica cameras were quite far down the list compared to these more popular models. Thanks for watching!
- Connor