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Medium format camera specs

PostPosted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 3:13 am
by Grev
Does anybody know where on this big internet are the specifications of medium format cameras? I'm mainly interested in Bronica or Mamiya.

Reasons? I found cheap Bronicas and Mamiyas for sale. :)

PostPosted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 7:55 am
by Hlop

Re: Medium format camera specs

PostPosted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 11:01 am
by Big Red
Grev wrote:Does anybody know where on this big internet are the specifications of medium format cameras? I'm mainly interested in Bronica or Mamiya.

Reasons? I found cheap Bronicas and Mamiyas for sale. :)



they have some at woolangabba 8)

PostPosted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 1:38 pm
by gstark
Grev,

What are you wanting to know?

We still have a Bronica here, and have used both brands. Ask away?

Oh yes ... I'm mving this to the film area, where I think it's more appropriate.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 3:38 pm
by elffinarts
Dont ignore the option of buying brand new Kiev cameras direct from the Arsenal factory in Kiev.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 4:25 pm
by jerrysk8
go bronica. i've got an sqai and i love it. its basically a japanese hasselblad and lenses for it are way cheaper. the only thing that stopped me from getting a mamiya was that the flash sync wasn't as fast and that they have a focusing bellows, which i didn't want and are also prone to light leaks. another thing about mamiyas is that they're big and heavy and more suited towards studio work. but if i could afford the glass i'd go back to a hassy in a heartbeat

PostPosted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 8:12 pm
by Hlop
On the one hand I'd suggest Mamiya because it doesn't need a battery and Mamiya's optic is equal to Hasselblad's Carl Zeiss glass. Some lenses have even slightly better resolution.

On the other hand, it's bigger and heavier than Bronica as mentioned above

PostPosted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 8:32 pm
by big pix
If you do a comparison between the Hasselblad lens and Mamiya lens shooting the same subject in normal sunlight, with as close as possible the same focal length lens, you will find that the Hasselblad lens have a lot more shadow detail, where the Mamyia lens have more contrast, which gives the appearance of being sharper.

Under very flat lighting conditions, i.e. studio, or very overcast, the Mamyia will be the better performer.

Where back lit subjects are better shot on the Hasselblad........

My favourite, is the Mamyia 645, a light medium format camera with a great range of lens.......

the only down side is the flash sync speed is a little slow on the Mamyia, but under studio conditions, this is not a concern

PostPosted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 8:53 pm
by james m
just go for one of these 8)

PostPosted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 9:01 pm
by phillipb
Don't forget that Bronica has just gone out of business, that may impact on their current prices and resale value.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 05, 2006 9:11 pm
by big pix
phillipb wrote:Don't forget that Bronica has just gone out of business, that may impact on their current prices and resale value.


They might become a collectors item.......

PostPosted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 1:31 am
by Grev
Information overload!! :lol:

I did manage to find some of the things around the internet, but didn't have that much information...

Thanks guys, I'll be looking at the info given first and will get back in here to post my questions. :)

PostPosted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 8:35 pm
by elffinarts
remind me to point you to some cool medium format shooters on deviantart as well mate.

PostPosted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 12:20 am
by Grev
elffinarts wrote:remind me to point you to some cool medium format shooters on deviantart as well mate.

I know of a few on the #photographer channel already, but yeah, I'd appreciate it. :)

And I'm still reading... :lol:

PostPosted: Fri Mar 17, 2006 4:46 am
by Grev
Ok, I'm leaning towards the Mamiya 645AF (or whatever the model is called, I've lost track... :lol: ) and just wondering if you guys know the estimated price for used units?

I'm sure there are bargains to be had for these cameras. :)

PostPosted: Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:02 am
by Hlop
Grev wrote:Ok, I'm leaning towards the Mamiya 645AF (or whatever the model is called, I've lost track... :lol: ) and just wondering if you guys know the estimated price for used units?

I'm sure there are bargains to be had for these cameras. :)


Hi,

Don't be so excited about bargains :) Many photographers are still using them in studios etc. so, even second-hand in good condition could cost you a fortune and, on the other hand, if price is so cheap - it is suspicious (stolen, broken etc. etc. etc.)

I'm not very familiar with Mamiya market and price depends on model and what included. I saw ads in newspapers for different sets between $1500 and $200

Try eBay and, at least, you can figure out your average price

PostPosted: Fri Mar 17, 2006 10:55 am
by jerrysk8
checkout keh.com my friend picked up a bronny sqa, 80mm and 120 back for just under $300 in great condition.

examples from his setup --> http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/im ... s-tail.jpg
http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/im ... k-tail.jpg

i got my bronny sqai, 40mm, 80mm, 150mm, 220back, polaroid and a heap of film and roids all locally for the price of a basic hassy setup.

PostPosted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 8:23 pm
by wongyboi
Hey Grev, you may find my nick a little familiar :lol:

I'm one of the mods on #photographers

Deviant artist imogene has a 654Mamiya for sale. I know this may be a bit late but if your still interested just message me either here or on the site, preferebaly on DA because I just discovered this forum.

Kiev 88's are also fantastic cameras to shoot with and i'm using one now (although I plan to sell it quite soon for an upgrade). most kievs will only cost you $300US with 2 backs and a quality starting lens.