Finally someone talks about folding cameras! I absolutely love the low tech workflow with a seperate light meter and just a viewfinder, it's very calming to me.
When you picked up the Zenza Bronica S2A and said my pride and joy...I feel the same about mine, such a beautiful looking camera with an amazing shutter sound.👍Subscribed.
Ahhhh, if you love your S2A then you've come to the right place!! That is my camera. Other cameras come and go, but the S2A will never leave. It's got a real place in my heart now, we've been through some stuff together! Lots of vids with the S2A already on the channel, and lots more to come!
Lovely to see folding cameras getting some appreciation. I know they are not as slick/professional as the SLRs and don't have the cool factor of TLRs but the likes of Zeiss Ikon or Franka Solida cameras take very decent images. Being fully manual they really set us up to learn the technicalities while giving us an opportunity to develop our photographic eye. Also, something that rarely gets mentioned on TH-cam, these little cameras are accessible for folks with chronic mobility, fatigue or pain issues. Many of us don't have the energy or strength to carry a bulky camera, interchangeable lenses, tripods etc around whereas a folder that slips into a pocket or bag might be manageable (and in my experience more so than a 35mm SLR).
Totally agree! There are some fantastic folding 120 cameras out there, and they're still not that popular, so you can pick them up for a song. Although, I have seen a few YT vids come out recently with Nettars... they seem to be getting some time in the limelight right now. And for good reason! In fact... maybe I'll get some of mine out again. Hmmmmm...
Thanks for the video. Over the decades, I have used the following medium format cameras: Ansco Standard Speedex 90mm f/4.5 120 folder (6x6cm) Ansco Viking 105mm f/6.3 120 folder (6x9cm) Fuji GSW690 III rangefinder with fixed 65mm f/5.6 lens (6x9cm) Fuji GW670 III rangefinder with fixed 90mm f/3.5 lens (6x7cm) Holga 120 Panoramic Camera with 90mm f/8 lens 1/100sec. (6x12cm) Kodak Brownie Box Kodak Bullet Diana Polaroid Portrait Big Shot Polaroid Square Shooter Yashica Mat 6x6cm TLR camera (6x6cm) Mamiya-Sekor C3 TLR camera body (6x6cm) Mamiya-Sekor C22 TLR camera body (6x6cm) Mamiya-Sekor C220 TLR camera body (6x6cm) Mamiya RB67 SLR camera body (6x7cm) Mamiya Universal with lens (6x7cm) Holga 120 WPC pinhole (6x12cm) Zero Image pinhole (6x9cm) All were right for me.
Thank you for a great video. I'd like to note that "КИЕВ 60" has never been a russian camera (21:25). This camera was designed and made in Ukraine. At least, you can call it a soviet camera but not russian.
Okay.... this is a great thumb nail, and looks like one of my tiny closets and reminds me of the photos I sent you... ha, ha... Now I'm going to sit back and watch the video. I love it. Cheers Nic, happy holidays mate.
I put all the effort into the thumbnail!! Took me ages, covered a load of boxes with black sheets, stacked up the cameras... and then came so close to knocking them all over! I couldn't get everything in either, there were still quite a few that didn't make the thumbnail cut! Happy holidays to you too clay. Hope you have a great time with the family!
@@the120ist Yeah... the family...lol, its just me and the 2 dogs, and 2 cats here for the holidays mate, and a 15 year old bottle of Aberfeldy I've been saving for this Christmas. The only other little mention I might have included in your video, is there are available portable rangefinders for the view-finder or folder cameras that can assist in focusing, like Watameter, or the one made by Voightlander I have one attached to the Voightlander Perkeo I picked up last month, and they work really well.
@@clarhettcoalfield3616 I probably shouldn’t say it but… I’m jealous!! Love the kids, but it’s frikkin madness here. Damn! I meant to do a section on accessory rangefinders! Totally forgot about it. Ah well, I’ll just have to do another vid on that! I’ve got a few here, a watameter and a handful of other more obscure models. Invaluable for the folders, for sure.
I have 2 Nettar, 1 Isolette III, 1 Yashica 124G, 1 Agfa Clack, 1 Tengor Box, 1 Ondu 6x6, 1 Zero Image 2000 et I used to have an Hasselblad 500 and a Bronica ETRSi. My favourite one is Isolette III with a Solinar F3.5 75mm
Nice collection! I had an Isolette 1, it was my very first MF camera. I keep meaning to get another one and do a video about it, I loved that camera! I think I might go check eBay now actually!
And just like that, I have another camera to add to the "never heard of until now" list! I'll go take a look for one now. You may see a vid on the channel with one in the near future!
I love my Agfa Isolette. I have three currently, but I haven't shot with them in a while. I keep thinking about them actually. I'm sure I'll have them out soon. The Isolette was the very first MF camera I owned actually! Loved that little thing.
What a nice, comprehensive presentation and description of the range of medium format cameras and their price ranges. Had a pleasant time thinking 'had one of them'. Thank you.
Thank you! U had fun making it. My camera collecting reached a peak and I decided that was the moment to make the video! Have sold a few of these now. No one needs that many cameras right?!
My vote goes to the folders. I was surprised that you did not mention the Zeiss Ikontas in your review, and there are others of similar quality. A folder with a f3.5 Tessar lens will hold its own against any Bronica, H'blad, etc. Boyond this, while the later medium format cameras are larger and heavier than my tent, either of my folders will slide into my hip pocket.
I'm a big fan of the folders too! I couldn't cover every MF camera, sadly! I also I tried to limit what I talked about to what I could show you, ie what I actually own. Otherwise I'm just talking about cameras with nothing to look at. But I did mention an Ikonta, there was one in there! I was also keen to focus a bit of affordable cameras, and the Nettars are all crazy cheap, so I concentrated a bit on those. The Ikontas can still carry a hefty price tag. Some of them at least. Totally agree about folders in general though... a gold mine there, totally under appreciated!
Good review of a place to start shooting medium format. Damn! That S2A is such a great looking camera. Every time I see yours I kick myself for selling mine.
Ha ha! Get yourself another one! Prices seem to be dipping a little, I’m definitely seeing a general downturn over the last few months. Make sense of course, what with the world going down the pan! Will soon be a good time to buy though….
I used Hasselblad Cameras for 16 years, my top favorite was a factory customized Hasselblad 2000 FC with Zeiss Distagon 50mm 2.8, Zeiss Planar 110mm 2.0, Zeiss Tele-Tessar 350mm 4.0 and Zeiss 2x Mutar plus five A12 film magazines.
Still down the TLRs... for now, but I am totally with on the folders. I don't know what it is about the TLRs that's irking me right now. I'm sure I'll get over it!
Very nice review of what medium format cameras are available. I have a Pentax 645n that I use manuals focus lenses on. I think it is a very under rated camera & I find the lenses to very good. The Mamiya Six is a very nice camera if you can find one with a clean lens. I was fortunate to find a folding Super Fujica 6x6 in good condition. It has a very good coupled rangefinder & is quite compact for having a rangefinder.
I've never tried a Pentax 645, but they are definitely the other well respected 645s. I've read a lot about them. One day I'm sure one will cross my path. Interesting about the Super Fujica 6x6. Not one I've come across either, but I'm a big fan of Fuji cameras, so I shall go start finding out about them! Thanks!
While the Mamiya 6 folder is a wonderful pocketable medium format camera, when I first got mine it shot perfectly, then the wear and tear on the bellows started to reveal pin holes with light leaks. The replacement bellows had to me made by the only manufacturer left in the UK, but fitted to the camera by another repairer. Great camera, but needs a lens hood to reduce flaring.
Interesting. I've been watching ebay for a Mamiya 6 for a while now. I'll see on that suits me, at a good time to buy, and I'll take the plunge. I know bellows are super tricky. I would love to avoid getting myself into a camera that requires repair in that area, if I can. But I'm sure I'll have to tackle that issue eventually. I just hope that the bellow guys who I think you are referring to (are the called Custom Bellows?), are still in business by then!
@@the120ist You are right about the bellows supplier, but he couldn’t fit it to the Mamiya 6, so I had to use my regular film camera repair man, Miles at MW Camera Repairs. Just a tip, as the Mamiya 6 folder benefits from a lens hood. However, as there’s no thread on the Olympus lens on my camera to screw on a conventional lens hood, I found an old 36mm BDB hood which push fits and works well. Great camera and has been with me on expeditions to Amazonia and West Africa.
Love my little Mamiya Six K II folder. It's easy to focus and when you load your film you can set it to shoot 6x6 or 6x4.5. I've also found that the Leitz SOOGZ filter adapter I have for my Leica also fits its lens. That gives me a screw thread to use filters giving it a great deal of versatility.
First, for a beginner film shooter who is not yet decided on photography at all, start with 35mm as a matter of camera choices, lower costs of camera, film and processing. Once you are hooked, only then consider medium format. IMO skip all of the cheap junk like Holgas. They may have a place with those who want to incorporate their sever limitations into a "style", but useless for beginners. Also skip the old folders. The great quality ones in good conditions and ready to shoot (Bessas, Mamiya 6, Super Ikontas, etc) are now prices more as collectibles. The cheap ones tend to have problems and are not repairable. Also skip the early, mostly Japanese TLRs like the Yashica A - D models, Ricohs, and others with three element lenses from the 1950s - optically challenged (to be nice) and mostly overpriced by social media hype. Also skip the low quality cameras now hugely over priced by media hype, like the Yashica 124G at $400-600 for a camera which originally sold new on the street for well less than $90. The 124G is perfect starting medium format camera at $150, and a sucker trap at any higher price. Best buys: TLRs you rarely hear of hyped om social media with good Tessar (4 element) copy lenses: Rollicord, Minolta Autocord, Ricoh Diacord. Cameras like these exhibit the quality advantages of medium format, are simple and easy to use and have serviced, and will retain value if resold. If MF sticks to you, only then go upscale for that Hasselblad, Pentax 67, etc.
That was what I thought when I started with MF. That's why I wanted to do this video, there are so many affordable little MF cameras out there. Have fun with your search!
Thank you for the nice review😊 I love my Fujucas GL690, GM670 and GS645pro😊 small, light and amazing rendering... Also, if you can find GL690/GM670 lens barrel without optics, you can adapt Mamiya Press lenses to the GL690/GM670 system, especially famous Press 100mm f2.8😊
Some lovely cameras you mention there! I haven't tried any of them. I had a GW690 for a while, and I loved it. But had to let it go during a financial rough patch! I'll have another one some day.
@@the120ist GW690 is amazing camera, with very nice lens (it's contrast giving EBC coating)... The only minus is non interchangeable lens... Interchangeable lens gives more flexibility in terms of adapting some lenses from other medium format rangefinder cameras with leaf shutter. It is a lot of hassle, but on the end it is really worth it...😉👌
Excellent intro to the 120 camera ranges. Keeping my GAS warm. Still looking for that perfect folder , specifically a drop down rather than gate style. Don't ask me why I prefer that. I have one of the Frankas which is 6x9 - a format available in these folders which I'm not sure you mentioned. Oh and can I do the routine winge when you didn't mention one of mine - the Pentax 645 which is probably the most 35mm SLR like 645 you can get. Slightly quieter than the 6x7 but isn't everything :-)
Oh the GAS. The GAS we all have. I would love to say I've thinned out my collection since this video, as I planned, but I've probably sold 5-6 of these cameras. And not because they're on sale, but won't go, but because I think deep down I don't want to sell them and so I'm procrastinating! Don't think I've come across a 6x9 Franka. The ones I've had were all 6x6. Will have to keep a look out for one of those. I sort of muttered about a 6x9 Nettar in the video I think, but didn't make much of it, I agree. And I'm sorry for missing out the Pentax 645... my bad! Another one on my list which I have never tried, but would like to!
Aside from a pair of ETRSi's and a Mamiya press, all my MF cameras have been TLRs. Several Yashicas, a Minolta, and a couple of Rolleiflexes. I think of the Rolleis as the broke person's Hasselblad. Their Zeiss and Schneider lenses (even the Xenars and Tessars) are all terrific. I haven't shot MF in a long time, but I hang onto my E2 Rolleiflex (Xenotar 3.5) just in case. It retains a proud spot on my camera shelf.
I haven't shot with a TLR for a while now. I don't know what happened with me and TLRs! I had Yashicas and a Rolleicord and a C330, and whenever I went to pick up a camera to go out shooting, I just never wanted to pick up those ones. No idea why not. It's probably time I went back to TLRs and gave them another shot. They are beautiful cameras, for sure, and the Rolleis especially so.
@@the120ist While it's true that a Rollei or Yashica is far less flexible than a Hasselblad or Mamiya, I find its simplicity (one normal focal length) and light weight make it a perfect walk around camera for landscape or street photography (hello Vivian Meier). There's a reason it was the mainstay of press photogs in the 50s and early 60s, before the NIkon F changed everything.
@@the120ist The really nice thing about the TLR's and indeed the folders is they are light. I really regret selling my Rolleiflex TLR, stupidity of youth. The nice thing about medium format is most of the cameras are cracking. Just find one you like and enjoy.
Very cool tutorial. Thanks for sharing! It looked like your Minolta Autocord is a CDS model with those strange strap lugs. Have you had any luck getting a modern camera strap attached?
Thank you! I can't say I've ever looked for a strap for the Autocord. And until you mentioned it I didn't even realise there was anything unusual about the lugs!! I am totally not a fan of straps. I will even confess to having cut off some of the horrible plastic ones that come permanently attached to some of the 60s cameras.
@@the120ist That’s for sure lol. I sometimes ask myself if I like taking pictures or collecting cameras. And the answer is both! That is a very nice mountain you have got there! 👍😌📷
Although my favourite medium format camera is my Hasselblad 501cm, I picked up a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 518/16 in an antique shop a few months ago and I really enjoy shooting with it. It great to be able to go out with a 120 camera in your pocket and the Novar 75mm f4.5 seems pretty sharp.
The nettars I have are really surprisingly good. Most of them came to me in job lots at auctions, so I never thought too much about them. But then I’ve tried them out and the images are great. Plus, you just can’t argue with that portability!
Aweome run through Nick, a fine collection. I have a Bronica ETR, an RB67, and a selection of folders. By far my fave at the moment is the Zeiss Ikonta M 6x6 lovely camera with an uncoupled RF. One I reaaly love by looks alone is the Ferrania Falco II just gorgeous Italian styling. It's a view camera which I've struggled a bit with so recently picked up an old Watameter external RF, so looking forward to trying that soon. Pinholes, never tried them but keep to have a go in 23. Have an epic Crimbo mate hope you and the fam have a banging 2023, stay warm keep shooting keep creating. Laters mate
Cheers Paul! It was basically an excuse to get all my cameras out and spread them out on my desk! Took quite a while to get them all cleaned up, my wife was not happy with them all being in the house! I have an ikonta, but haven’t shot with it yet. It’s an early one, no RF or any bells or whistles, but I really should take it out. Not heard of the falco, I’ll go look that up now! Merry Christmas mate, all the best to you and your family 👍👍
@@the120ist You need a bigger house or another wife mate haha. My kit is mostly stored in a lockup out of the way til needed. The Falco is a cracker mate I did a couple of vids on it but now I have an external RF i'll give it a better go. I flick between the Bessa II (6x9) and the Zeiss M (6x6) can never decide which I prefer, although for ease of use the Zeiss is hard to beat. You did well setting your collection up if I tried that it'd end up like a jenga tower twated by a scud. Have a top '23 mate keep em comin'.
I chose to own a Linhof 617s Technorama (makes the XPan look like a toy) and a Fujica GW690. Cinematic images at your fingertips in glorious 6x17 cm chromes.
Great overview! I recently became obsessed with finding a folding camera, and ended up with an Adox Sport that I'm in love with. It is missing the mask, so it's now a dedicated 6x9" and it works brilliantly. No leaks, super sharp, a beautiful maroon color with the original leather case (which is actually useful). I'm going to use it in place of my Hasselblad 500cm to take on long hikes to save weight. I do have a question, as you seem to be quite familiar with folding cameras. Are they all "normal" perspective lenses or is it possible to get any of them with a wide angle lens? Thanks!
With you on the Bronica C for sure! The press cameras are genuinely great cameras, if my Super 23 is anything to go by... but they are such an awkward shape!! I swear that thing is impossible to pack into any kind of bag!
One thing you failed to mention is the Mirror Slap of the SLR's. I had a Pentax 67 for about 1 1/2 years and was overjoyed when I sold it and the 3 lenses I had for it. If you forgot to pre-release the mirror you could get better sharpness with a Box Brownie and I am not kidding there, the mirror slap was horrible. Never having owned a Hassleblad I cannot say how bad the mirror slap was but I have had several users tell me that to get the best sharpness you have to pre-release the mirror. It's why I have always stuck with my Mamiya C220, it's very smooth to operate and building a habit of cocking the shutter is simple. As for the Mamiya lenses my 65mm. 80mm, and 135mm are excellent with fantastic sharpness.
I throw in a few budget-centric options easier to find in north America - a lot of the folders you showed would be quite difficult to find here or get shipped from Europe. Argus super-seventy-five is a very cheap psuedo-tlr that delivers great results really. There are a few other argus models to look out for, such as argoflex. Ciro-flexes and later graflex tlr's are great full TLR cameras with a variety of different lenses. The Ciro-flexes are cult classics but can be found online $50-75. Box cameras can be good fun. Kodak box brownies, ansco, and brownie Hawkeyes are very common and cheap. All sorts of folding cameras from Kodak, but most are 620 or dead formats. With 620 cameras you can either clip off the edge of a 120 roll or respool. Kiev 88 is a fairly nice camera if you get a good copy or get it CLA'D by ARAX but that can get expensive, and you may be better off buying a Japanese SLR but it is something to consider.
I do find the variation around the world pretty fascinating. I recently spent a bit of time in South Africa, and there are plenty cameras there which you don't see much in Europe, but are easy to find down there. So the folders in this video you wouldn't find in the US? I didn't know that! Argoflexes I've seen here in the UK, haven't seen many Ciro-flexes, and I'm trying to think now, but I'm not sure I even knew Graflex made TLRs!! Kodak box cameras are cheap and everywhere over here, and 620 isn't as hard to shoot as I thought it was, for sure. Really interesting info, thank you for sharing!
In folders, most of the ones you showed were basically zone focus, viewfinder types but with better lenses, iris, and shutters. There are some rangefinder folders (Zeiss Ikon IV, various Soviet copies, etc.) but I find that the rangefinding is pretty complicated and prone to not working. Folders also are prone to having issues with the shutter release; most seem to need a bit of careful bending and adjusting. That said, agreed that they are very underrated and (usually) significantly cheaper. I would also add in the old plate folders that can easily be adapted with roll film or polaroid backs that are surprisingly inexpensive, all things considered (more or less similar to what you showed with the Speed Graphic).
I had a Bronica EC with the Zenzanon 75mm 2 4 and a Nikon 50mm f4 wide angle lens. More recently I had 2 Pentax 6x7s with a 75mm f4. 5 on one and a 55mm f4 on the other one. I use a 1957 Yashica Mat 6x6 tlr with the 75mm Lumaxar lens. I have a pair of Rollei number 2 close up lenses for it. Excellent results. I paid £150 for the whole kit.
A few cameras there on my wish list - I will get myself an EC at some point, although I find myself less eager for that one as I already have the S2A and the SQA, which are essentially the before and after. But I'll get my hands on one, just so I can say I've completed the set! Now, the Pentax 67 is not a camera that I have really been looking out for. They're pricey, and I'm not yearning for it. But would you recommend? What did you think of them?
@@the120ist I look through the negs and prints from the Pentax 67 cameras and wish I had kept the 6x7 with the 55mm f4 lens with the rubber grip. I was hard up when I sold it. I am better off now so if I see a nice one I will be selling my 4x5 kit to help buy one. They are quite reasonable from Japan with the 75 f4. 5 lens which is a bit slow but very sharp.
It should be mentioned that most of these old cameras don't have diopter correction. Most of them also don't support diopter correction lenses. That makes them more or less unusuable for me unless I search my reading glasses all the time. So the choice for people needing diopter correction is much smaller. There are correction lenses available for example for the Zenza Bronica SQ prism finder of the Fuji GW690 cameras.
Interesting. I confess it's not something I have, so far, had the need to be all that aware of. But a very interesting point, for sure. Presumably the rangefinders are usable without the diopters? Or would someone short sighted still struggle to see enough to line up the images?
@@the120ist It's the usual presbyopia that many people over 45 have (now I'm 56). The eye simply cannot focus on close objects anymore. This is why I'm using reading glasses. I currently need a diopter correction of about +2. Focusing with rangefinders (for example my Fuji GW690III) is very difficult for me without my reading glasses, because the image seems quite blurry for me. However since I can perfectly see at longer distances (>1m) I usually don't wear reading glasses while I'm taking pictures. This is why I expect my camera to be able to correct the viewfinder image. All modern cameras like for example my Sony Alpha 1 support this, but in the old days camera manufactures simply did not provide built in viewfinder diopter correction. Instead there were correction lenses available for some cameras that could be attached to the viewfinder. I think for Leica M these are still available brand new. For my Fuji GW690III I can use the Nikon correction lenses. Also for my Zenza Bronica SQ-A these are still available used, but can be hard to find with the right amount of correction. I had to order my +2 correction lenses from Canada and Japan.
No doubt Zeiss made some amazing folders, for sure. Even the "lower quality" models like the Nettars are pretty good. I've recently bought a Mamiya 6, I haven't tried one before. So video coming up on that pretty soon. I have a some fungus to clean first though!
This video is sooooo much fun! Woohoo! Many thanks! If you could choose only one fixed focal length for medium format what would it be? I ask because there's a Fujifilm GSW680 III on sale now but the 65 mm fixed lens might be a bit too wide for general use?
Ooh, you know what, I’m a sucker for the wider lenses. That GSW is like my perfect camera. I’m scared to ask how much it’s on sale for??!! For me, I actually prefer wide lenses shot close up to a standard lens length. You do get a different field of view, but I quite like that, especially when taking candid shots or environmental portraits. I feel like the slight bowing draws you into a scene. But it’s all personal preference!
@@the120ist Its a GSW 680iii (I think they only made the 6x8 for Japan market?) for 1380 Australian dollars which I think is about 920 American dollars? Sound good?
This is a really good overview of the variety of medium format cameras available. If you’re looking for your first medium format or to expand your collection, watch this.
recently I bought Konica pearl 2 folding camera :) small with coupled rangefinder and very sharp high contrast lens, I highly recommended. I also uses previous medium format TLR's and SLR's
Great overview man. T L R forever! :D The holga is a lot of fun and when paired with a speedlites creates stunning portraits too! Why do you have so many film cameras though?
Oooh, TLR / SLR fight fight fight... I really really need to put some film in my Holga and take it out for a spin. I feel like I can't really call myself a medium format photographer if I haven't done that!! Now, on the question of why I have so many cameras. The actual answer is that I have a sort of side business flipping them, so to speak. I keep an eye on the auctions and snap up cheap models with minor issues where I can, fix them up and sell them on. Then work has been brutal for a few months, so the camera repairs have backed up. Then I had the idea of doing this video, so I allowed them to back up even further! January is now sell off month, there are lots ready to go on sale. Oh and on top of that I'm a closet hoarder...
Do you know, I haven't tried an Isolette II. I have my Jsorette, and I actually have two Isolette I's, but have yet to explore the rest of the Isolette range. It's on my to-do list, quite close to the top actually! Watch this space.
There are lots of rangefinder cameras within the folder category, and most of the folders you showed are nothing but fancier (and better) metal versions of the viewfinder group you started with. What you missed are the pre-war folders, which are often offered for less than 50 USD. Most of them are glas plate or sheet film cameras, but there are 120 film backs available for many of them and some are very capable genuine rollfilm cameras, mostly for 6x9cm negatives. One of my favorite and most used camera for instance is a 1916 Kodak 3-A Special, which comes with a Tessar lens and a coupled rangefinder. It's a rollfilm camera for an obsolete format (122), but can easily be modified to accept 120 film and than delivers 6x14cm panorama negatives.
True of course, I didn’t mention that many of the higher spec folders have rangefinder models, I should have. But they’re still grouped with the folders on most websites I think, rather than taking them into the rangefinder category. As someone else mentioned, I should probably have said something about accessory rangefinders as well, especially in the context of this folders. I’ll probably do another video about accessory rangefinders, I have a few. Interesting what you say about the pre-war plate cameras. Is it easy enough to modify a quarter plate camera to take a roll film back? I don’t think it’s something I’ve ever looked into.
@@the120ist Well, you don't need to modify plate cameras to take a roll film back. Just like there are roll film backs for Graflex or Mamiya Press cameras, or for 4x5 large format cameras, there were roll film backs made for many of the pre-war plate cameras (Rado was the most prevalent brand for such backs here in Germany). You just slip those backs into the place you slip the plate holders or the viewing screen into. What you (mostly) can modify are pre-war roll film cameras designed for nowadays obsolete film sizes like 122 or 118 film. And that modification typically is just adding adapters to the spools. Last but not least: don't forget the many 120 film (mostly 6x9cm size) roll film folders which were sold as alternatives to their plate camera brothers at that time. Voigtländer, ICA, Zeiss Ikon (I'm mainly familiar with German brands, but UK, France or the USA also had their brands) and many others had very capable cameras which are not only still fun to use these days, but also provide a very unique quality in their negatives. When you search for it, you will find catalogues of camera producers from the 1910s to the 1930s where you can read up about the roll film cameras offered by them among all the plate cameras. Kodak (which in pre-war times was practically the only non-German camera brand of international significance) by the way was very particular in that time, since they always invented new proprietary film formats for which they then made cameras. In that time Kodak seemed to hate the 120 film format. While you can easily use most German pre-war roll-film folders with today's 120 film, you can't say that about Kodak cameras. Using a Kodak camera of that time mostly means modifying its film spools to accept 120 film.
@@Dahrenhorst amazing! Thank you so much for the information. I actually have an ICA Ideal 225, 9x12, but I took the lens and shutter and mounted for use on 4x5. But I’ll take a look, see if I can find a roll film back that will fit. Would be great to get that camera going, it’s a beauty. A new collection of cameras for me to look into. Thank you!
@@the120ist I have - among a dozen other of such cameras and brands - an ICA Ideal 325, the 10x15cm equivalent to your 9x12 225. In their time, this model was actually just one or two steps below the top line cameras of the brand. Personally, I actually like to use the plate holders to either take pictures on photographic paper or on glas dry plates. The biggest problem with the better ICA cameras is to find those holders because of their special lay-on fold - I still didn't find a plate holder for my 325 for a reasonable price: the few I found so far did cost the same as the whole camera. For your 225 you need the plate holder ICA No. 726/6. There may be a Zeiss produced holder which also fits, but among the dozen different slide-on and lay-on systems this particular one is the only one which fits to your ICA 225. As far as I know ICA didn't make roll film cassettes for their cameras, but Rada did. For your ICA 225 you would need the Rada roll film cassette No. 1500. If you want to start to collect those pre-war plate and roll film cameras, there is a huge amount of them on the market, and since nobody knows what to do with them, you can get most of them really cheap. The larger ones (10x15 and 13x18 cm) tend to be quite expensive, though, and can easily cost between 200 and more than 500 USD. Also some particular cameras (so called Tropen-Kameras, or the Voigtländer Bergheil with the Heliar lens) are hyped collector items and the larger format ones can easily cost more than 1,000 USD (in Europe, don't know of the prices on other continents). More often than not the lenses are in quite good shape. The shutters are very often stuck but can be easily CLA'd and will work again. The biggest problems are the bellows, which nearly everytime need to be replaced unless someone has done that for you already.
@@Dahrenhorst Great! Thank you again for the information. Watch out for a vid on the channel on that camera some time in the future! I confess I haven't taken it out of storage for maybe a year, but I still have the ICA and from memory the bellows are good. It also came with maybe 4-6 plate holders, so no problem having to find them. I'll start keep a look out for the Rada film backs too. Thank you so much!
I have an agfa isolette 1. I love it but the lense isnt coupled so I just bought a Fujica 6, really cost effective. I considered mamiya 6 folder and one of the press cameras cause of options to shoot diffeent aspect ratios okus mamiya 6 focusing method seems really good. Ultimately I dediced on the Fujica Six model IICS, variant a, Rectar lens,because the copy had a 6x6 and 6x45 back, and the shutter speeds were more than my agfa and go faster that most of the mamiyas. I shoot alot if street and spur of the moment landscape, and wanted something that I can enjoy like i do my old canon f1. I think i made the right choice. Its gonna be really refreshing to shoot medium format with a viewfinder in to the right since i am left eye dominant, and have a bad right rye. I am still trying to fins out if that model has a coupled viewfinder.
I liked the video, really refreshing. I have to say I am not a fan of the Hasselblad, beautifully made yes, but very poor in some respects, having to take the back of to change viewfinders and no instant return mirror, so rather backward even for the date it was launched. The Rollei SLX is a wonderful camera, extremely well thought out for its target market, the professional wedding photographer, and in my opinion probably the nicest 120 camera to use. The Bronica S2a was I think quite beautifully made. I have not handled one since the early 1980's but it did leave me a very positive impression. The more modern Bronica cameras, when I have used them, I felt that they seemed a bit cheap. That said, I could not criticize the results which were up to par. When Bronica started, they wanted to make a better camera than the Hasselblad, by the time they came to make the ETR, I think they wanted to dominate the world of 120 and had a plan, a good value camera that delivers. Well that seemed to work for them. Sad to say, I have not used any Mamyia cameras. One camera you could have mentioned is the Fujifilm GX680. I purchased mine for £400 on eBay last year. Apart from needing a sherpa to carry it, it is a really fabulous camera. As I said, a lovely video.
Yeah they tend to be pretty poorly maintained, because no one loves them! So you'll get a lot of duds, for sure. Often though they are very simple cameras. I showed a Kershaw 110 in this video as well, and that was stuck when I got it. I took the shutter apart and it was the most insanely simple mechanism inside. Cleaning was so easy. So for the viewfinder cameras, with in mind that they're basically worthless, it might be worth getting the screwdrivers out and seeing what you can fix at home?
What do you mean by the lugs? Do you mean the triangle shaped things that would be on the ends of the straps? Or the actual posts that stick out of the camera?
@@the120ist no the actual lugs on the strap. The ones that connect to the camera. I don’t have a strap for my S2. I could make my own strap, but need those little lugs/snaps that snap onto the main body. I may? Have found a couple in the US, but they were going to charge me $50-70usd to post them to N.Z, madness. Link to a video I made explaining it. th-cam.com/video/7rWQ-H03Pgc/w-d-xo.html
So many people really love those Holgas! I got that one meaning to give it a go and see what all the fuss is about, and just haven’t had a chance to take it out. It’s on my list for early 23, watch this space!
Nice informative video, but your autofocus is wildly distracting. Also, I use medium format VF and folders which have no functional difference. I use a tape measure for critical focusing and stop down. Thanks for the fine work.
Apologies about the autofocus... I was between video camera systems! Things are definitely improved now. I have borrowed a pocket laser distance finder from a surveyor friend of mine, interested to see if it will simplify the process of getting those distances right. The accuracy will depend on the correct calibration of the focusing ring, of course. I've had a few cameras recently where the distance markings have been way off.
I used to have a Voigtländer Perkeo for 20£, first time using medium format, was a blast at first, but seriously that tiny little viewfinder was a pain to use, coupled with the seriously restrictive speeds and rather slow lens, had to sell it
Best to call the Kiev cameras Ukrainian anymore, or Soviet. The Zeiss Jena lenses from the Pentacon fit just fine, and are sharp. The Soviet made lenses are no slouches either, when you get a good one. The 30mm fisheye and 40mm will give a Hasselblad SWC a run for it's money, and won't drain your wallet. I really enjoy mine.
That’s a good point! I should be saying soviet, for sure. Not Russian. I’ve heard good things about the 30mm, will hopefully get my hands on one at some stage!
You have the Kiev-6C not Kiev-60. The 6C is an upgrade of the 60. There is also the ARAX and Harbelie conversions/upgrades, used only. I have all 3. I also have a collection of Kiev-88s. If your going that way try for an 88CM or one of the ARAX and Harblei MLU rebuilds. The Kievs are not Russian, they are Ukrainian as the name implies. The factory is now a pile of bricks but ARAX and Harbelie are still in business.
Interesting, thank for the info. I confess that despite having the Kiev for some time now, I've yet to get it out and shoot with it properly, beyond a test roll when I initially picked it up. Yep, you got me on the Russian thing. I should have said Soviet, as a grouping for cameras made in Soviet states during that era. But yes, of course, the Kiev are made in Kiev, which is of course Ukraine. Thanks!
This is a long shot but hey I’ll ask anyway… On a scale from “mmm maybe ok” to “bwahaha what are you smoking”, how legit is a Mamiya 6 (oldie-foldie) advertised as “Excellent condition, no fungus, small dust, shutter and focus fine. Missing pressure plate” I’m kinda convinced that no pressure plate is same as “focus, yeah maybe, depends on the barometric conditions”…
Hey, I’m so sorry, I saw this message and replied in my head, but clearly didn’t actually type it out. Did you already do something? Did you buy it? FWIW pressure plates are important. If you’re getting an amazing deal on the camera then you could go for it and rig up something. Let’s face it pressure plates aren’t the most complex part of the camera! But… if the seller is asking almost full price, claiming that the missing pressure plate doesn’t matter, I would walk away!
@@the120ist no apology needed! I only posted a couple of days ago, and I’m really grateful you’re so generous with your time and replies. And no I didn’t buy, they were tersely insistent it didn’t matter - and I thought no point arguing. Unfortunately I’m not at all technically competent. Yes I have opposable thumbs, but my brain doesn’t control them well… and down here in Sydney (Aus) there is an absolute dearth of camera techs. If I’m going to buy another folder that needs outsourced work it’s more likely to be a Bessa ii - or find a better lens/shutter option for my i and get that transplanted onto my lowest-of-the-low spec but excellent condition Bessa i. Already spending quite a lot on getting my Mamiya 330c refurbed, and as i get the lenses CLA’d there’s quite a few bits which are “well worn and should be replaced” but parts are hard to get so bidding on unloved low price “as is / parts” lenses for future spares. So yeah i regret I didn’t spend a bit more on the 330 body, but as far as the lenses go, doesn’t matter how good the glass has been kept and the lenses well cared for - the more they’ve been loved, the probability is that something in them is going to need a fix sooner or later. The chances are that any good TLR lens is going to have more ROLLS fired off thru it than any LF lens has had SHEETS exposed…
@@bernardkealey6449 I think you've dodged a bullet with the Mamiya 6. Shame because they're wonderful cameras. But if the seller is claiming 100% that the camera doesn't need a pressure plate, then probably better off left alone! If cameras didn't need pressure plates, then why did so many manufacturers insist on installing them?? You're right, of course, we're working with equipment which is all second hand, all well used, and despite what the wonderful guys in Japan might tell you, is not mint condition! I've got two lenses sitting next to me here for my RB67. One is beautiful, clean, shiny, looks like it has only been used once or twice. The other is full of crap, grubby, lens separation on the rear element. BUT, the grubby lens works. The shiny one doesn't. It has some really frustrating issue with the shutter where it doesn't quite cock properly. So for now, against my strongest wishes, I am going to swap out the separated elements and do what I can to clean up the grubby one. The moral of the story is, these are 50 year old cameras! You never really know what you're going to get. You could spend double the price on a camera which claims to be mint condition, and still find problems. Just have to go with your gut! Keep looking for a Mamiya 6 I reckon. The right one will come along!
Cameras Kyiv-60, Kyiv-88 - this is not a russian cameras! Stop confusing!! Kyiv, this is Ukraine! UKRAINE! Remember! Open the map, finally! The Kyiv-60, 88- cameras was produced at the Kiev plant "Arsenal" !!
If you do not mind, at present all cameras of film are out of date, because the production of film is closed, now digital photography and digital camera is in fashion
Sorry to burst your bubble there my friend, analogue film photography is alive and well. Film is very much still being made, new cameras are being made. This is real buddy!
Which medium format camera suits ME perfectly? The modern version of the Mamiya 6 rangefinder camera. Not that I'm particularly fond of rangefinder cameras ... but just because it's a medium format camera, one of very high quality, with three great lenses in a very small, lightweight, and more affordable package than a Hasselblad camera, for example. The Mamiya 6 was my wedding photography camera. Very SWEET indeed -
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 91 | คู่เอก "คมอาวุธ vs อเล็กเซย์"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/V0RkEfYFsgM/mqdefault.jpg)
Finally someone talks about folding cameras! I absolutely love the low tech workflow with a seperate light meter and just a viewfinder, it's very calming to me.
Totally agree! I love my folders. More videos on the folders coming soon!
When you picked up the Zenza Bronica S2A and said my pride and joy...I feel the same about mine, such a beautiful looking camera with an amazing shutter sound.👍Subscribed.
Ahhhh, if you love your S2A then you've come to the right place!! That is my camera. Other cameras come and go, but the S2A will never leave. It's got a real place in my heart now, we've been through some stuff together! Lots of vids with the S2A already on the channel, and lots more to come!
Lovely to see folding cameras getting some appreciation. I know they are not as slick/professional as the SLRs and don't have the cool factor of TLRs but the likes of Zeiss Ikon or Franka Solida cameras take very decent images. Being fully manual they really set us up to learn the technicalities while giving us an opportunity to develop our photographic eye. Also, something that rarely gets mentioned on TH-cam, these little cameras are accessible for folks with chronic mobility, fatigue or pain issues. Many of us don't have the energy or strength to carry a bulky camera, interchangeable lenses, tripods etc around whereas a folder that slips into a pocket or bag might be manageable (and in my experience more so than a 35mm SLR).
Totally agree! There are some fantastic folding 120 cameras out there, and they're still not that popular, so you can pick them up for a song. Although, I have seen a few YT vids come out recently with Nettars... they seem to be getting some time in the limelight right now. And for good reason! In fact... maybe I'll get some of mine out again. Hmmmmm...
Hidden gem folder is the Super fuji 6x6 folder, its gotta rangefinder too
Thanks for the video.
Over the decades, I have used the following medium format cameras:
Ansco Standard Speedex 90mm f/4.5 120 folder (6x6cm)
Ansco Viking 105mm f/6.3 120 folder (6x9cm)
Fuji GSW690 III rangefinder with fixed 65mm f/5.6 lens (6x9cm)
Fuji GW670 III rangefinder with fixed 90mm f/3.5 lens (6x7cm)
Holga 120 Panoramic Camera with 90mm f/8 lens 1/100sec. (6x12cm)
Kodak Brownie Box
Kodak Bullet
Diana
Polaroid Portrait Big Shot
Polaroid Square Shooter
Yashica Mat 6x6cm TLR camera (6x6cm)
Mamiya-Sekor C3 TLR camera body (6x6cm)
Mamiya-Sekor C22 TLR camera body (6x6cm)
Mamiya-Sekor C220 TLR camera body (6x6cm)
Mamiya RB67 SLR camera body (6x7cm)
Mamiya Universal with lens (6x7cm)
Holga 120 WPC pinhole (6x12cm)
Zero Image pinhole (6x9cm)
All were right for me.
ohh my friend, try to get a Super Isolette
Thank you for a great video. I'd like to note that "КИЕВ 60" has never been a russian camera (21:25). This camera was designed and made in Ukraine. At least, you can call it a soviet camera but not russian.
Okay.... this is a great thumb nail, and looks like one of my tiny closets and reminds me of the photos I sent you... ha, ha... Now I'm going to sit back and watch the video. I love it. Cheers Nic, happy holidays mate.
I put all the effort into the thumbnail!! Took me ages, covered a load of boxes with black sheets, stacked up the cameras... and then came so close to knocking them all over! I couldn't get everything in either, there were still quite a few that didn't make the thumbnail cut!
Happy holidays to you too clay. Hope you have a great time with the family!
@@the120ist Yeah... the family...lol, its just me and the 2 dogs, and 2 cats here for the holidays mate, and a 15 year old bottle of Aberfeldy I've been saving for this Christmas. The only other little mention I might have included in your video, is there are available portable rangefinders for the view-finder or folder cameras that can assist in focusing, like Watameter, or the one made by Voightlander I have one attached to the Voightlander Perkeo I picked up last month, and they work really well.
@@clarhettcoalfield3616 I probably shouldn’t say it but… I’m jealous!! Love the kids, but it’s frikkin madness here.
Damn! I meant to do a section on accessory rangefinders! Totally forgot about it. Ah well, I’ll just have to do another vid on that! I’ve got a few here, a watameter and a handful of other more obscure models. Invaluable for the folders, for sure.
I have 2 Nettar, 1 Isolette III, 1 Yashica 124G, 1 Agfa Clack, 1 Tengor Box, 1 Ondu 6x6, 1 Zero Image 2000 et I used to have an Hasselblad 500 and a Bronica ETRSi. My favourite one is Isolette III with a Solinar F3.5 75mm
Nice collection! I had an Isolette 1, it was my very first MF camera. I keep meaning to get another one and do a video about it, I loved that camera! I think I might go check eBay now actually!
Great video! My favorite folder is the Welta Weltur. The quality is excellent on them.
And just like that, I have another camera to add to the "never heard of until now" list! I'll go take a look for one now. You may see a vid on the channel with one in the near future!
With a Perkeo i in my pocket right now, I’m here for the folder love!
Thank you for your time and effort in making such an in-depth and informative video. I've an Agfa Isolette that gives spectacular images.
I love my Agfa Isolette. I have three currently, but I haven't shot with them in a while. I keep thinking about them actually. I'm sure I'll have them out soon. The Isolette was the very first MF camera I owned actually! Loved that little thing.
What a nice, comprehensive presentation and description of the range of medium format cameras and their price ranges. Had a pleasant time thinking 'had one of them'. Thank you.
Thank you! U had fun making it. My camera collecting reached a peak and I decided that was the moment to make the video! Have sold a few of these now. No one needs that many cameras right?!
Great review of an epic variety of cameras; really cool!
Thanks! I could go on and on about cameras… but my family won’t listen! So I turn to TH-cam! 😂😂
@@the120ist LOL! Their loss is my gain!
My vote goes to the folders. I was surprised that you did not mention the Zeiss Ikontas in your review, and there are others of similar quality. A folder with a f3.5 Tessar lens will hold its own against any Bronica, H'blad, etc. Boyond this, while the later medium format cameras are larger and heavier than my tent, either of my folders will slide into my hip pocket.
I'm a big fan of the folders too! I couldn't cover every MF camera, sadly! I also I tried to limit what I talked about to what I could show you, ie what I actually own. Otherwise I'm just talking about cameras with nothing to look at. But I did mention an Ikonta, there was one in there! I was also keen to focus a bit of affordable cameras, and the Nettars are all crazy cheap, so I concentrated a bit on those. The Ikontas can still carry a hefty price tag. Some of them at least.
Totally agree about folders in general though... a gold mine there, totally under appreciated!
Good review of a place to start shooting medium format.
Damn! That S2A is such a great looking camera. Every time I see yours I kick myself for selling mine.
Ha ha! Get yourself another one! Prices seem to be dipping a little, I’m definitely seeing a general downturn over the last few months. Make sense of course, what with the world going down the pan! Will soon be a good time to buy though….
I used Hasselblad Cameras for 16 years, my top favorite was a factory customized Hasselblad 2000 FC with Zeiss Distagon 50mm 2.8, Zeiss Planar 110mm 2.0, Zeiss Tele-Tessar 350mm 4.0 and Zeiss 2x Mutar plus five A12 film magazines.
I've got a few medium format cameras. I really like the folders and twin lens. This is a great overview.
Still down the TLRs... for now, but I am totally with on the folders. I don't know what it is about the TLRs that's irking me right now. I'm sure I'll get over it!
Very nice review of what medium format cameras are available. I have a Pentax 645n that I use manuals focus lenses on. I think it is a very under rated camera & I find the lenses to very good. The Mamiya Six is a very nice camera if you can find one with a clean lens. I was fortunate to find a folding Super Fujica 6x6 in good condition. It has a very good coupled rangefinder & is quite compact for having a rangefinder.
I've never tried a Pentax 645, but they are definitely the other well respected 645s. I've read a lot about them. One day I'm sure one will cross my path.
Interesting about the Super Fujica 6x6. Not one I've come across either, but I'm a big fan of Fuji cameras, so I shall go start finding out about them! Thanks!
While the Mamiya 6 folder is a wonderful pocketable medium format camera, when I first got mine it shot perfectly, then the wear and tear on the bellows started to reveal pin holes with light leaks. The replacement bellows had to me made by the only manufacturer left in the UK, but fitted to the camera by another repairer. Great camera, but needs a lens hood to reduce flaring.
Interesting. I've been watching ebay for a Mamiya 6 for a while now. I'll see on that suits me, at a good time to buy, and I'll take the plunge. I know bellows are super tricky. I would love to avoid getting myself into a camera that requires repair in that area, if I can. But I'm sure I'll have to tackle that issue eventually. I just hope that the bellow guys who I think you are referring to (are the called Custom Bellows?), are still in business by then!
@@the120ist You are right about the bellows supplier, but he couldn’t fit it to the Mamiya 6, so I had to use my regular film camera repair man, Miles at MW Camera Repairs. Just a tip, as the Mamiya 6 folder benefits from a lens hood. However, as there’s no thread on the Olympus lens on my camera to screw on a conventional lens hood, I found an old 36mm BDB hood which push fits and works well. Great camera and has been with me on expeditions to Amazonia and West Africa.
Love my little Mamiya Six K II folder. It's easy to focus and when you load your film you can set it to shoot 6x6 or 6x4.5. I've also found that the Leitz SOOGZ filter adapter I have for my Leica also fits its lens. That gives me a screw thread to use filters giving it a great deal of versatility.
I'm definitely on the look out for a Mamiya 6 folder. I'll need to try one at some stage!
First, for a beginner film shooter who is not yet decided on photography at all, start with 35mm as a matter of camera choices, lower costs of camera, film and processing. Once you are hooked, only then consider medium format. IMO skip all of the cheap junk like Holgas. They may have a place with those who want to incorporate their sever limitations into a "style", but useless for beginners. Also skip the old folders. The great quality ones in good conditions and ready to shoot (Bessas, Mamiya 6, Super Ikontas, etc) are now prices more as collectibles. The cheap ones tend to have problems and are not repairable. Also skip the early, mostly Japanese TLRs like the Yashica A - D models, Ricohs, and others with three element lenses from the 1950s - optically challenged (to be nice) and mostly overpriced by social media hype. Also skip the low quality cameras now hugely over priced by media hype, like the Yashica 124G at $400-600 for a camera which originally sold new on the street for well less than $90. The 124G is perfect starting medium format camera at $150, and a sucker trap at any higher price. Best buys: TLRs you rarely hear of hyped om social media with good Tessar (4 element) copy lenses: Rollicord, Minolta Autocord, Ricoh Diacord. Cameras like these exhibit the quality advantages of medium format, are simple and easy to use and have serviced, and will retain value if resold. If MF sticks to you, only then go upscale for that Hasselblad, Pentax 67, etc.
Good advice! Although I don't think I've seen a 124G at $150 (or UK equivalent) for a long time!
This is such a bad advice. Glad you aren’t spreading this information via a channel
Always figured that most medium format cameras were just outside my price range, yet going to have to give a few of those folders a go for the price!
That was what I thought when I started with MF. That's why I wanted to do this video, there are so many affordable little MF cameras out there. Have fun with your search!
Thank you for the nice review😊
I love my Fujucas GL690, GM670 and GS645pro😊 small, light and amazing rendering... Also, if you can find GL690/GM670 lens barrel without optics, you can adapt Mamiya Press lenses to the GL690/GM670 system, especially famous Press 100mm f2.8😊
Some lovely cameras you mention there! I haven't tried any of them. I had a GW690 for a while, and I loved it. But had to let it go during a financial rough patch! I'll have another one some day.
@@the120ist GW690 is amazing camera, with very nice lens (it's contrast giving EBC coating)... The only minus is non interchangeable lens... Interchangeable lens gives more flexibility in terms of adapting some lenses from other medium format rangefinder cameras with leaf shutter. It is a lot of hassle, but on the end it is really worth it...😉👌
Excellent intro to the 120 camera ranges. Keeping my GAS warm. Still looking for that perfect folder , specifically a drop down rather than gate style. Don't ask me why I prefer that. I have one of the Frankas which is 6x9 - a format available in these folders which I'm not sure you mentioned. Oh and can I do the routine winge when you didn't mention one of mine - the Pentax 645 which is probably the most 35mm SLR like 645 you can get. Slightly quieter than the 6x7 but isn't everything :-)
Oh the GAS. The GAS we all have. I would love to say I've thinned out my collection since this video, as I planned, but I've probably sold 5-6 of these cameras. And not because they're on sale, but won't go, but because I think deep down I don't want to sell them and so I'm procrastinating!
Don't think I've come across a 6x9 Franka. The ones I've had were all 6x6. Will have to keep a look out for one of those. I sort of muttered about a 6x9 Nettar in the video I think, but didn't make much of it, I agree.
And I'm sorry for missing out the Pentax 645... my bad! Another one on my list which I have never tried, but would like to!
Aside from a pair of ETRSi's and a Mamiya press, all my MF cameras have been TLRs. Several Yashicas, a Minolta, and a couple of Rolleiflexes. I think of the Rolleis as the broke person's Hasselblad. Their Zeiss and Schneider lenses (even the Xenars and Tessars) are all terrific. I haven't shot MF in a long time, but I hang onto my E2 Rolleiflex (Xenotar 3.5) just in case. It retains a proud spot on my camera shelf.
I haven't shot with a TLR for a while now. I don't know what happened with me and TLRs! I had Yashicas and a Rolleicord and a C330, and whenever I went to pick up a camera to go out shooting, I just never wanted to pick up those ones. No idea why not. It's probably time I went back to TLRs and gave them another shot. They are beautiful cameras, for sure, and the Rolleis especially so.
@@the120ist While it's true that a Rollei or Yashica is far less flexible than a Hasselblad or Mamiya, I find its simplicity (one normal focal length) and light weight make it a perfect walk around camera for landscape or street photography (hello Vivian Meier). There's a reason it was the mainstay of press photogs in the 50s and early 60s, before the NIkon F changed everything.
@@the120ist The really nice thing about the TLR's and indeed the folders is they are light. I really regret selling my Rolleiflex TLR, stupidity of youth. The nice thing about medium format is most of the cameras are cracking. Just find one you like and enjoy.
Very cool tutorial. Thanks for sharing! It looked like your Minolta Autocord is a CDS model with those strange strap lugs. Have you had any luck getting a modern camera strap attached?
Thank you! I can't say I've ever looked for a strap for the Autocord. And until you mentioned it I didn't even realise there was anything unusual about the lugs!! I am totally not a fan of straps. I will even confess to having cut off some of the horrible plastic ones that come permanently attached to some of the 60s cameras.
That picture of you behind that mountain of cameras is funny lol 😂
You can never have too many cameras!! If you don't own enough to make a mountain to hide behind then you need to go camera shopping!
@@the120ist That’s for sure lol. I sometimes ask myself if I like taking pictures or collecting cameras. And the answer is both! That is a very nice mountain you have got there! 👍😌📷
I'm really loving my mamiya c330 with the 180mm and my 6x9 folders with ground glass these days
Oh yeah, 6x8 folders with ground glass. That's where it's at. But only if you have a good lens right??
Zeiss made a few coupled rangefinder folders, fun, high quality and sometimes cheap.
The Super Ikontas I think. I have one, but the bellows have holes. Another one in the repair queue!
Great discussion !
I’m feeling like I need to grab an old folder !
They're out there, waiting to be loved!!
Although my favourite medium format camera is my Hasselblad 501cm, I picked up a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 518/16 in an antique shop a few months ago and I really enjoy shooting with it. It great to be able to go out with a 120 camera in your pocket and the Novar 75mm f4.5 seems pretty sharp.
The nettars I have are really surprisingly good. Most of them came to me in job lots at auctions, so I never thought too much about them. But then I’ve tried them out and the images are great. Plus, you just can’t argue with that portability!
Nettar 518/16 is so sharp, I did very awesome portraits with it
Aweome run through Nick, a fine collection. I have a Bronica ETR, an RB67, and a selection of folders. By far my fave at the moment is the Zeiss Ikonta M 6x6 lovely camera with an uncoupled RF. One I reaaly love by looks alone is the Ferrania Falco II just gorgeous Italian styling. It's a view camera which I've struggled a bit with so recently picked up an old Watameter external RF, so looking forward to trying that soon. Pinholes, never tried them but keep to have a go in 23. Have an epic Crimbo mate hope you and the fam have a banging 2023, stay warm keep shooting keep creating. Laters mate
Cheers Paul! It was basically an excuse to get all my cameras out and spread them out on my desk! Took quite a while to get them all cleaned up, my wife was not happy with them all being in the house!
I have an ikonta, but haven’t shot with it yet. It’s an early one, no RF or any bells or whistles, but I really should take it out. Not heard of the falco, I’ll go look that up now!
Merry Christmas mate, all the best to you and your family 👍👍
@@the120ist You need a bigger house or another wife mate haha. My kit is mostly stored in a lockup out of the way til needed. The Falco is a cracker mate I did a couple of vids on it but now I have an external RF i'll give it a better go. I flick between the Bessa II (6x9) and the Zeiss M (6x6) can never decide which I prefer, although for ease of use the Zeiss is hard to beat. You did well setting your collection up if I tried that it'd end up like a jenga tower twated by a scud. Have a top '23 mate keep em comin'.
Got a Mamiya 7ii absolutely outstanding
I chose to own a Linhof 617s Technorama (makes the XPan look like a toy) and a Fujica GW690. Cinematic images at your fingertips in glorious 6x17 cm chromes.
I am hankering after a 617 right now... or a 612 would also do it for me. I want to explore the possibilities of those super wide frames. One day!
Great overview! I recently became obsessed with finding a folding camera, and ended up with an Adox Sport that I'm in love with. It is missing the mask, so it's now a dedicated 6x9" and it works brilliantly. No leaks, super sharp, a beautiful maroon color with the original leather case (which is actually useful). I'm going to use it in place of my Hasselblad 500cm to take on long hikes to save weight. I do have a question, as you seem to be quite familiar with folding cameras. Are they all "normal" perspective lenses or is it possible to get any of them with a wide angle lens? Thanks!
Great range of cameras there. I also love the TLR and folders but I have to admit lusting over the Broncos C and Mamiya Press cameras.
With you on the Bronica C for sure! The press cameras are genuinely great cameras, if my Super 23 is anything to go by... but they are such an awkward shape!! I swear that thing is impossible to pack into any kind of bag!
One thing you failed to mention is the Mirror Slap of the SLR's. I had a Pentax 67 for about 1 1/2 years and was overjoyed when I sold it and the 3 lenses I had for it. If you forgot to pre-release the mirror you could get better sharpness with a Box Brownie and I am not kidding there, the mirror slap was horrible. Never having owned a Hassleblad I cannot say how bad the mirror slap was but I have had several users tell me that to get the best sharpness you have to pre-release the mirror. It's why I have always stuck with my Mamiya C220, it's very smooth to operate and building a habit of cocking the shutter is simple. As for the Mamiya lenses my 65mm. 80mm, and 135mm are excellent with fantastic sharpness.
I throw in a few budget-centric options easier to find in north America - a lot of the folders you showed would be quite difficult to find here or get shipped from Europe. Argus super-seventy-five is a very cheap psuedo-tlr that delivers great results really. There are a few other argus models to look out for, such as argoflex. Ciro-flexes and later graflex tlr's are great full TLR cameras with a variety of different lenses. The Ciro-flexes are cult classics but can be found online $50-75. Box cameras can be good fun. Kodak box brownies, ansco, and brownie Hawkeyes are very common and cheap. All sorts of folding cameras from Kodak, but most are 620 or dead formats. With 620 cameras you can either clip off the edge of a 120 roll or respool. Kiev 88 is a fairly nice camera if you get a good copy or get it CLA'D by ARAX but that can get expensive, and you may be better off buying a Japanese SLR but it is something to consider.
I do find the variation around the world pretty fascinating. I recently spent a bit of time in South Africa, and there are plenty cameras there which you don't see much in Europe, but are easy to find down there. So the folders in this video you wouldn't find in the US? I didn't know that!
Argoflexes I've seen here in the UK, haven't seen many Ciro-flexes, and I'm trying to think now, but I'm not sure I even knew Graflex made TLRs!! Kodak box cameras are cheap and everywhere over here, and 620 isn't as hard to shoot as I thought it was, for sure.
Really interesting info, thank you for sharing!
In folders, most of the ones you showed were basically zone focus, viewfinder types but with better lenses, iris, and shutters. There are some rangefinder folders (Zeiss Ikon IV, various Soviet copies, etc.) but I find that the rangefinding is pretty complicated and prone to not working. Folders also are prone to having issues with the shutter release; most seem to need a bit of careful bending and adjusting. That said, agreed that they are very underrated and (usually) significantly cheaper. I would also add in the old plate folders that can easily be adapted with roll film or polaroid backs that are surprisingly inexpensive, all things considered (more or less similar to what you showed with the Speed Graphic).
Would have loved to have seen some Graflex RB cameras thrown in there!
I would love to own some Graflex RB cameras to be able to show them to you!!
I had a Bronica EC with the Zenzanon 75mm 2 4 and a Nikon 50mm f4 wide angle lens.
More recently I had 2 Pentax 6x7s with a 75mm f4. 5 on one and a 55mm f4 on the other one.
I use a 1957 Yashica Mat 6x6 tlr with the 75mm Lumaxar lens. I have a pair of Rollei number 2 close up lenses for it. Excellent results. I paid £150 for the whole kit.
A few cameras there on my wish list - I will get myself an EC at some point, although I find myself less eager for that one as I already have the S2A and the SQA, which are essentially the before and after. But I'll get my hands on one, just so I can say I've completed the set!
Now, the Pentax 67 is not a camera that I have really been looking out for. They're pricey, and I'm not yearning for it. But would you recommend? What did you think of them?
@@the120ist I look through the negs and prints from the Pentax 67 cameras and wish I had kept the 6x7 with the 55mm f4 lens with the rubber grip. I was hard up when I sold it.
I am better off now so if I see a nice one I will be selling my 4x5 kit to help buy one. They are quite reasonable from Japan with the 75 f4. 5 lens which is a bit slow but very sharp.
It should be mentioned that most of these old cameras don't have diopter correction. Most of them also don't support diopter correction lenses. That makes them more or less unusuable for me unless I search my reading glasses all the time. So the choice for people needing diopter correction is much smaller. There are correction lenses available for example for the Zenza Bronica SQ prism finder of the Fuji GW690 cameras.
Interesting. I confess it's not something I have, so far, had the need to be all that aware of. But a very interesting point, for sure. Presumably the rangefinders are usable without the diopters? Or would someone short sighted still struggle to see enough to line up the images?
@@the120ist It's the usual presbyopia that many people over 45 have (now I'm 56). The eye simply cannot focus on close objects anymore. This is why I'm using reading glasses. I currently need a diopter correction of about +2. Focusing with rangefinders (for example my Fuji GW690III) is very difficult for me without my reading glasses, because the image seems quite blurry for me. However since I can perfectly see at longer distances (>1m) I usually don't wear reading glasses while I'm taking pictures. This is why I expect my camera to be able to correct the viewfinder image. All modern cameras like for example my Sony Alpha 1 support this, but in the old days camera manufactures simply did not provide built in viewfinder diopter correction. Instead there were correction lenses available for some cameras that could be attached to the viewfinder. I think for Leica M these are still available brand new. For my Fuji GW690III I can use the Nikon correction lenses. Also for my Zenza Bronica SQ-A these are still available used, but can be hard to find with the right amount of correction. I had to order my +2 correction lenses from Canada and Japan.
The Mamiy 6 is a great folder,but i love the super ikonta b. Both great cameras.
The Brinica Sa, has those great Nikon lenses. Another grest camera.
No doubt Zeiss made some amazing folders, for sure. Even the "lower quality" models like the Nettars are pretty good. I've recently bought a Mamiya 6, I haven't tried one before. So video coming up on that pretty soon. I have a some fungus to clean first though!
This video is sooooo much fun! Woohoo! Many thanks! If you could choose only one fixed focal length for medium format what would it be? I ask because there's a Fujifilm GSW680 III on sale now but the 65 mm fixed lens might be a bit too wide for general use?
Ooh, you know what, I’m a sucker for the wider lenses. That GSW is like my perfect camera. I’m scared to ask how much it’s on sale for??!!
For me, I actually prefer wide lenses shot close up to a standard lens length. You do get a different field of view, but I quite like that, especially when taking candid shots or environmental portraits. I feel like the slight bowing draws you into a scene. But it’s all personal preference!
@@the120ist Its a GSW 680iii (I think they only made the 6x8 for Japan market?) for 1380 Australian dollars which I think is about 920 American dollars? Sound good?
I have a GW690 with a fixed 65mm f/5.6 wide-angle lens (28mm equivalent). It is my favorite landscape, scenic, and group portrait camera.
This is a really good overview of the variety of medium format cameras available. If you’re looking for your first medium format or to expand your collection, watch this.
Thanks! Impossible to cover everything of course, but hopefully it gives people some pointers for where to look.
recently I bought Konica pearl 2 folding camera :) small with coupled rangefinder and very sharp high contrast lens, I highly recommended. I also uses previous medium format TLR's and SLR's
There are cameras combining your categories, like my zeis ikon collapsible with rangefinder viewer. Awesome camera with very sharp lens.
Great overview man. T L R forever! :D The holga is a lot of fun and when paired with a speedlites creates stunning portraits too! Why do you have so many film cameras though?
Oooh, TLR / SLR fight fight fight... I really really need to put some film in my Holga and take it out for a spin. I feel like I can't really call myself a medium format photographer if I haven't done that!!
Now, on the question of why I have so many cameras. The actual answer is that I have a sort of side business flipping them, so to speak. I keep an eye on the auctions and snap up cheap models with minor issues where I can, fix them up and sell them on. Then work has been brutal for a few months, so the camera repairs have backed up. Then I had the idea of doing this video, so I allowed them to back up even further! January is now sell off month, there are lots ready to go on sale. Oh and on top of that I'm a closet hoarder...
I use Agfa Isolette II :) Great camera if you like non typical look of photo :)
Do you know, I haven't tried an Isolette II. I have my Jsorette, and I actually have two Isolette I's, but have yet to explore the rest of the Isolette range. It's on my to-do list, quite close to the top actually! Watch this space.
Hiya is there a way to contact you regarding a bronica question? Much appreciate
Of course! Drop me an email, you can find my email address in the about section of my profile page. Or failing that it's hello at the120 dot ist
There are lots of rangefinder cameras within the folder category, and most of the folders you showed are nothing but fancier (and better) metal versions of the viewfinder group you started with.
What you missed are the pre-war folders, which are often offered for less than 50 USD. Most of them are glas plate or sheet film cameras, but there are 120 film backs available for many of them and some are very capable genuine rollfilm cameras, mostly for 6x9cm negatives. One of my favorite and most used camera for instance is a 1916 Kodak 3-A Special, which comes with a Tessar lens and a coupled rangefinder. It's a rollfilm camera for an obsolete format (122), but can easily be modified to accept 120 film and than delivers 6x14cm panorama negatives.
True of course, I didn’t mention that many of the higher spec folders have rangefinder models, I should have. But they’re still grouped with the folders on most websites I think, rather than taking them into the rangefinder category. As someone else mentioned, I should probably have said something about accessory rangefinders as well, especially in the context of this folders. I’ll probably do another video about accessory rangefinders, I have a few.
Interesting what you say about the pre-war plate cameras. Is it easy enough to modify a quarter plate camera to take a roll film back? I don’t think it’s something I’ve ever looked into.
@@the120ist Well, you don't need to modify plate cameras to take a roll film back. Just like there are roll film backs for Graflex or Mamiya Press cameras, or for 4x5 large format cameras, there were roll film backs made for many of the pre-war plate cameras (Rado was the most prevalent brand for such backs here in Germany). You just slip those backs into the place you slip the plate holders or the viewing screen into.
What you (mostly) can modify are pre-war roll film cameras designed for nowadays obsolete film sizes like 122 or 118 film. And that modification typically is just adding adapters to the spools.
Last but not least: don't forget the many 120 film (mostly 6x9cm size) roll film folders which were sold as alternatives to their plate camera brothers at that time. Voigtländer, ICA, Zeiss Ikon (I'm mainly familiar with German brands, but UK, France or the USA also had their brands) and many others had very capable cameras which are not only still fun to use these days, but also provide a very unique quality in their negatives. When you search for it, you will find catalogues of camera producers from the 1910s to the 1930s where you can read up about the roll film cameras offered by them among all the plate cameras.
Kodak (which in pre-war times was practically the only non-German camera brand of international significance) by the way was very particular in that time, since they always invented new proprietary film formats for which they then made cameras. In that time Kodak seemed to hate the 120 film format. While you can easily use most German pre-war roll-film folders with today's 120 film, you can't say that about Kodak cameras. Using a Kodak camera of that time mostly means modifying its film spools to accept 120 film.
@@Dahrenhorst amazing! Thank you so much for the information. I actually have an ICA Ideal 225, 9x12, but I took the lens and shutter and mounted for use on 4x5. But I’ll take a look, see if I can find a roll film back that will fit. Would be great to get that camera going, it’s a beauty. A new collection of cameras for me to look into. Thank you!
@@the120ist I have - among a dozen other of such cameras and brands - an ICA Ideal 325, the 10x15cm equivalent to your 9x12 225. In their time, this model was actually just one or two steps below the top line cameras of the brand.
Personally, I actually like to use the plate holders to either take pictures on photographic paper or on glas dry plates. The biggest problem with the better ICA cameras is to find those holders because of their special lay-on fold - I still didn't find a plate holder for my 325 for a reasonable price: the few I found so far did cost the same as the whole camera. For your 225 you need the plate holder ICA No. 726/6. There may be a Zeiss produced holder which also fits, but among the dozen different slide-on and lay-on systems this particular one is the only one which fits to your ICA 225.
As far as I know ICA didn't make roll film cassettes for their cameras, but Rada did. For your ICA 225 you would need the Rada roll film cassette No. 1500.
If you want to start to collect those pre-war plate and roll film cameras, there is a huge amount of them on the market, and since nobody knows what to do with them, you can get most of them really cheap. The larger ones (10x15 and 13x18 cm) tend to be quite expensive, though, and can easily cost between 200 and more than 500 USD. Also some particular cameras (so called Tropen-Kameras, or the Voigtländer Bergheil with the Heliar lens) are hyped collector items and the larger format ones can easily cost more than 1,000 USD (in Europe, don't know of the prices on other continents).
More often than not the lenses are in quite good shape. The shutters are very often stuck but can be easily CLA'd and will work again. The biggest problems are the bellows, which nearly everytime need to be replaced unless someone has done that for you already.
@@Dahrenhorst Great! Thank you again for the information. Watch out for a vid on the channel on that camera some time in the future! I confess I haven't taken it out of storage for maybe a year, but I still have the ICA and from memory the bellows are good. It also came with maybe 4-6 plate holders, so no problem having to find them. I'll start keep a look out for the Rada film backs too. Thank you so much!
I have an agfa isolette 1. I love it but the lense isnt coupled so I just bought a Fujica 6, really cost effective. I considered mamiya 6 folder and one of the press cameras cause of options to shoot diffeent aspect ratios okus mamiya 6 focusing method seems really good. Ultimately I dediced on the Fujica Six model IICS, variant a, Rectar lens,because the copy had a 6x6 and 6x45 back, and the shutter speeds were more than my agfa and go faster that most of the mamiyas. I shoot alot if street and spur of the moment landscape, and wanted something that I can enjoy like i do my old canon f1. I think i made the right choice. Its gonna be really refreshing to shoot medium format with a viewfinder in to the right since i am left eye dominant, and have a bad right rye. I am still trying to fins out if that model has a coupled viewfinder.
I liked the video, really refreshing. I have to say I am not a fan of the Hasselblad, beautifully made yes, but very poor in some respects, having to take the back of to change viewfinders and no instant return mirror, so rather backward even for the date it was launched. The Rollei SLX is a wonderful camera, extremely well thought out for its target market, the professional wedding photographer, and in my opinion probably the nicest 120 camera to use. The Bronica S2a was I think quite beautifully made. I have not handled one since the early 1980's but it did leave me a very positive impression. The more modern Bronica cameras, when I have used them, I felt that they seemed a bit cheap. That said, I could not criticize the results which were up to par. When Bronica started, they wanted to make a better camera than the Hasselblad, by the time they came to make the ETR, I think they wanted to dominate the world of 120 and had a plan, a good value camera that delivers. Well that seemed to work for them. Sad to say, I have not used any Mamyia cameras. One camera you could have mentioned is the Fujifilm GX680. I purchased mine for £400 on eBay last year. Apart from needing a sherpa to carry it, it is a really fabulous camera. As I said, a lovely video.
With these viewfinder cameras you started with, from all those that got in my hands, like 80% were broken or stuck.
Yeah they tend to be pretty poorly maintained, because no one loves them! So you'll get a lot of duds, for sure. Often though they are very simple cameras. I showed a Kershaw 110 in this video as well, and that was stuck when I got it. I took the shutter apart and it was the most insanely simple mechanism inside. Cleaning was so easy.
So for the viewfinder cameras, with in mind that they're basically worthless, it might be worth getting the screwdrivers out and seeing what you can fix at home?
Did you separate the photo one from the video one ?
Hello anyone out there in camera-land know where I could get a couple of those little lugs that click on the side of the S2 for the straps?
What do you mean by the lugs? Do you mean the triangle shaped things that would be on the ends of the straps? Or the actual posts that stick out of the camera?
@@the120ist no the actual lugs on the strap. The ones that connect to the camera. I don’t have a strap for my S2. I could make my own strap, but need those little lugs/snaps that snap onto the main body.
I may? Have found a couple in the US, but they were going to charge me $50-70usd to post them to N.Z, madness.
Link to a video I made explaining it. th-cam.com/video/7rWQ-H03Pgc/w-d-xo.html
Hasselblad 201F ifyou can find it. You can use all the lenses, and you get the focal-plane shutter up to /1000 second.
Love all my mf cameras. Oddly enough, the one I use most is the Holga. Dreamy, far-away aesthetic..
So many people really love those Holgas! I got that one meaning to give it a go and see what all the fuss is about, and just haven’t had a chance to take it out. It’s on my list for early 23, watch this space!
Nice informative video, but your autofocus is wildly distracting.
Also, I use medium format VF and folders which have no functional difference.
I use a tape measure for critical focusing and stop down.
Thanks for the fine work.
Apologies about the autofocus... I was between video camera systems! Things are definitely improved now.
I have borrowed a pocket laser distance finder from a surveyor friend of mine, interested to see if it will simplify the process of getting those distances right. The accuracy will depend on the correct calibration of the focusing ring, of course. I've had a few cameras recently where the distance markings have been way off.
I used to have a Voigtländer Perkeo for 20£, first time using medium format, was a blast at first, but seriously that tiny little viewfinder was a pain to use, coupled with the seriously restrictive speeds and rather slow lens, had to sell it
Best to call the Kiev cameras Ukrainian anymore, or Soviet. The Zeiss Jena lenses from the Pentacon fit just fine, and are sharp. The Soviet made lenses are no slouches either, when you get a good one. The 30mm fisheye and 40mm will give a Hasselblad SWC a run for it's money, and won't drain your wallet. I really enjoy mine.
That’s a good point! I should be saying soviet, for sure. Not Russian. I’ve heard good things about the 30mm, will hopefully get my hands on one at some stage!
I have a Yashica A that I got in mint condition for 12 dollars off Facebook marketplace 😊
That's a great find! I'm sure you could get a lot more than that if you ever chose to sell it. They're good solid, no frills cameras!
the mamiya c330 is like a tank. So heavy!
Great viewed. Too bad folders got left behind.
I know right? Some great folders out there.
You have the Kiev-6C not Kiev-60. The 6C is an upgrade of the 60. There is also the ARAX and Harbelie conversions/upgrades, used only. I have all 3. I also have a collection of Kiev-88s. If your going that way try for an 88CM or one of the ARAX and Harblei MLU rebuilds. The Kievs are not Russian, they are Ukrainian as the name implies. The factory is now a pile of bricks but ARAX and Harbelie are still in business.
Interesting, thank for the info. I confess that despite having the Kiev for some time now, I've yet to get it out and shoot with it properly, beyond a test roll when I initially picked it up.
Yep, you got me on the Russian thing. I should have said Soviet, as a grouping for cameras made in Soviet states during that era. But yes, of course, the Kiev are made in Kiev, which is of course Ukraine.
Thanks!
Hi,
I want purchase lubitel camera
Great choice! They're a little tough to use, but they're good value. Maybe try a 166B?
@@the120ist are you sell this 166B camera?
@@Yashfilms. I'm sorry, I don't have one! Where are you in the world? What country?
@@the120ist India
@@the120ist can you please suggest any camera dealer
Tell me you are selling those Rolleiflex 😱
The SLX?? I'm afraid not. I sold one about two years ago and I regretted it so much I bought another one! Definitely not selling this one!
Nice...
Thanks
This is a long shot but hey I’ll ask anyway…
On a scale from “mmm maybe ok” to “bwahaha what are you smoking”, how legit is a Mamiya 6 (oldie-foldie) advertised as “Excellent condition, no fungus, small dust, shutter and focus fine. Missing pressure plate”
I’m kinda convinced that no pressure plate is same as “focus, yeah maybe, depends on the barometric conditions”…
Hey, I’m so sorry, I saw this message and replied in my head, but clearly didn’t actually type it out. Did you already do something? Did you buy it?
FWIW pressure plates are important. If you’re getting an amazing deal on the camera then you could go for it and rig up something. Let’s face it pressure plates aren’t the most complex part of the camera!
But… if the seller is asking almost full price, claiming that the missing pressure plate doesn’t matter, I would walk away!
@@the120ist no apology needed! I only posted a couple of days ago, and I’m really grateful you’re so generous with your time and replies.
And no I didn’t buy, they were tersely insistent it didn’t matter - and I thought no point arguing. Unfortunately I’m not at all technically competent. Yes I have opposable thumbs, but my brain doesn’t control them well… and down here in Sydney (Aus) there is an absolute dearth of camera techs.
If I’m going to buy another folder that needs outsourced work it’s more likely to be a Bessa ii - or find a better lens/shutter option for my i and get that transplanted onto my lowest-of-the-low spec but excellent condition Bessa i. Already spending quite a lot on getting my Mamiya 330c refurbed, and as i get the lenses CLA’d there’s quite a few bits which are “well worn and should be replaced” but parts are hard to get so bidding on unloved low price “as is / parts” lenses for future spares.
So yeah i regret I didn’t spend a bit more on the 330 body, but as far as the lenses go, doesn’t matter how good the glass has been kept and the lenses well cared for - the more they’ve been loved, the probability is that something in them is going to need a fix sooner or later. The chances are that any good TLR lens is going to have more ROLLS fired off thru it than any LF lens has had SHEETS exposed…
@@bernardkealey6449 I think you've dodged a bullet with the Mamiya 6. Shame because they're wonderful cameras. But if the seller is claiming 100% that the camera doesn't need a pressure plate, then probably better off left alone! If cameras didn't need pressure plates, then why did so many manufacturers insist on installing them??
You're right, of course, we're working with equipment which is all second hand, all well used, and despite what the wonderful guys in Japan might tell you, is not mint condition!
I've got two lenses sitting next to me here for my RB67. One is beautiful, clean, shiny, looks like it has only been used once or twice. The other is full of crap, grubby, lens separation on the rear element. BUT, the grubby lens works. The shiny one doesn't. It has some really frustrating issue with the shutter where it doesn't quite cock properly. So for now, against my strongest wishes, I am going to swap out the separated elements and do what I can to clean up the grubby one.
The moral of the story is, these are 50 year old cameras! You never really know what you're going to get. You could spend double the price on a camera which claims to be mint condition, and still find problems. Just have to go with your gut!
Keep looking for a Mamiya 6 I reckon. The right one will come along!
@@the120ist better by a factor of 10 to make a dud buy on a Mamiya 6 folder than a “modern” one…
Koni omega rapid m missing
Liftoff made some beautiful press cameras but out of most people's price range.
Hassel 205
"absolute peanuts" hahaha
😂😂 cheap as chips!
Mein Englisch ist nicht gut genug. Schade!
Ich entschuldige mich. Gibt es deutsche Untertitel?
At this point it’s the one you can afford lol.
Ahhhh, but within that bracket of what you can afford, there are still many choices.
@@the120ist I got me a Super Ricohflex for a decent deal. Glad not everybody sneers at me and calls me a loser because it’s not a Rolleiflex!
Cameras Kyiv-60, Kyiv-88 - this is not a russian cameras!
Stop confusing!!
Kyiv, this is Ukraine! UKRAINE! Remember!
Open the map, finally!
The Kyiv-60, 88- cameras was produced at the Kiev plant "Arsenal" !!
I hold my hands up that i should have said "Soviet", not Russian. I agree.
If you do not mind, at present all cameras of film are out of date, because the production of film is closed, now digital photography and digital camera is in fashion
Sorry to burst your bubble there my friend, analogue film photography is alive and well. Film is very much still being made, new cameras are being made. This is real buddy!
I think you are right
Kiev 60 is not "russian" camera. Kiev is in Ukraine.
Yep. I know. My bad. I did a video on the Kiev 60 recently and I made sure I got it right!
For now 😂
Yeah but when the camera was made it probably was part of the USSR
@@Analouge.motor-photography part of USSR, not Russia. USSR is more like EU now.
Which medium format camera suits ME perfectly? The modern version of the Mamiya 6 rangefinder camera. Not that I'm particularly fond of rangefinder cameras ... but just because it's a medium format camera, one of very high quality, with three great lenses in a very small, lightweight, and more affordable package than a Hasselblad camera, for example. The Mamiya 6 was my wedding photography camera.
Very SWEET indeed -