Alpha_Geist wrote:
Thank you for the tons of information!!! I think I might start with a Mamiya RB/RZ system first. I did a bit of Googling and browsing KEH and stumbled upon a Pentax 67ii. What a behemoth! If I recall correctly, a local camera store has the 67ii with wooden grip for sale. I think I will stop by early next week and hold it. I've read that the RB/RZ cameras were heavy, but I think the 67ii trumps them both!
It is really hard to overstate how large and heavy the Mamiya 6 x 7's are. Every time I saw one of those in the shops I just shook my head at how large they are, unable to understand how anyone can hand hold such a camera. They are just massive cameras. The Pentax 67 too, but not as bulky as the Mamiya's.
Alpha_Geist wrote:
Thank you very much Dan! I'm perusing through EvilBay for prices on the Mamiya 645 RB/RZ and the Mamiya 7II MF cameras. I do have one question regarding the MF lens focal length though. Since I've only shot 35mm, I don't have a reference for MF focal lengths. I'm seeing quite a few 645 RZ w/ 110mm f/2.8 kits. What is the "equivalent" FL for the 110mm in terms of 35mm film?
For the Mamiya 7, 80mm is a normal lens (40mm), 65mm is wide angle (around 28mm 135), 43mm is ultra wide (21mm) and 150mm is portrait (around 75mm).
Alpha_Geist wrote:
Jeez you guys! Now I'm really wanting a MF film camera. Only question is...which one should I be looking at for my first MF camera? Some sort of Hassy with the 80/2.8
Awesome stuff Ratty and Nico!!!
I started out with a Fujifilim GA645. Extremely light, small, and easy to use. Awesomely sharp lens.
My first C-41 home-developed 4x5. Expired Portra160 exposed at 100 iso. Turned it into black and white in Nik Silver Efex Pro, because of an apparent light leak and some weird streaks in the sky. Taken with a Wista 45 field camera and a Schneider-Kreuznach 150mm F5.6 Symmar-S, scanned with Epson V700
You're looking at trimmed trees at the Amsterdamse Bos, a forest-like park made by unemployed people during the depressions of the 1920's/1930's on the southwestern outskirts of Amsterdam.
rattymouse wrote:
WOW, but that is one sharp scan! Amazing. Absolutely amazing.
Question for you, what DPI setting do you scan for web use? I'm not sure how high up the resolution scale I should go. It's fun to max out the DPI but it takes time and disk space.
Glad that you like the scan - Ektar 100 has amazing resolution and is almost grain free. I always scan at 4000dpi as I also submit my images to stock libraries and larger resolution files attract higher fees. As I usually PP my images quiet extensively don't really want to have to re-do it all. For web use I just link back to the "medium" sized image in Flickr for use on here and always upload the full resolution image.
Disk space can be an issue but storage is getting cheaper and cheaper. I have almost used up around 3TB of storage for my current catalog of images and will have to upgrade to a 6TB drive and update my backup NAS very soon. I only keep the final processed TIF/PSD file and delete the original scan as I can always re-scan if necessary.
Since I currently have both of these kits, I thought I would add comments, hoping not to be redundant.
As many have stated the RB/RZ types are modular & heavy cameras.
They are mostly suited to a tripod although at 1/400, the mass may actually help hand-held.
The lenses, especially the 210mm APO, 50mm ULD & 65mm LA are especially nice/sharp. The 110mm/f28 is also great.
I currently have the 50mm ULD & the 180mm.
My previous RZ had the metered prism. The pluses is that it provided an Av shooting mode, as well as eye level viewing.
The problem is the added weight.
On my current kit, I am using the waist level finder.
It's drawback is having to stand over the camera for composition. This limits tripod height & can limit scenes.
I plan on getting an RB small prism finder (yes they are useable on an RZ) for those viewing situations.
The RZ has such a great collection of lenses, the temptation is to get them all, especially when a bargain pops up on Ebay! BUT, carrying more than a 2 lens kit in a backpack is a handicap.
This is my 3rd RZ kit in the last 5 years. More on that later
What I like about it are
1. The image quality possible.
2. "Seeing" what I'm shooting. This means precise framing, seeing what a GND filter is doing.
3. Film backs. Now that I shoot more B&W, sometimes I want to change film types, then back to color
.
What I don't like
The weight & the mechanical complexity. If all the interlocks & mechanisms are working it's sweet.
Overall its very reliable. But it is getting old. If the body crapped out, I could get one for under $200
In the past, I have had to learn how to do minor repairs & adjustments and have the manuals.
I bought my current body from Roberts Camera, which has a 6 mo warranty.
This moves me on to the Mamiya 7 Rangefinder.
All the lenses are very good. I only have the 80mm & the 65mm. I do want to get the 50mm but it's pretty ^$$.
I have had it about 6 months & have not been disappointed in it image making capabilities..
It is definitely a much lighter kit. It has built in metering & an electronic control of it's leaf shutter.
So you can shoot in Av if you want.
The limitations of the metering are that as the focal length goes up, it becomes more of an average metering.
With the wider angles, more of a spot. Since I shoot most of my film with a hand held meter, this is not an issue for me.
What I like
1. Light weight kit
2. Very good, some say perfect lenses
3. Very easy to use, in most cases.
4. Shoots hand held nicely.
What I don't
1. Lack of flexibility w/film selection. Which means can't switch film types mid-roll.
2. Rangefinder focusing. This really is not a dislike but a limitation for me. The rangefinder "patch" needs to stay calibrated.
3. Field of view OK not precise, needs to be "learned. This is especially true of the 210mm lens where the focusing must be done by the numbers.
4. This brings me to the use of filters. If I'm shooting chromes I may want to use a GND filter. The grad/line placecment also needs to be learned/calibrated.
But when you get it all right, it's worth the quirks.
Since I shoot mostly landscapes, the RZ67 is more suited, except for the weight. The Mamiya 7 is just more of challenge sometimes for that type of shooting.
See the trend here? I buy cameras & sometimes sell them, only to buy same model again a few years later.
I am pretty savvy at spotting good deals/prices & have always sold at near break even. This is way cheaper than renting!
I don't usually plan on selling them, but I don't get too attached. If I had more money to spend, might keep several, but have a limited black budget & must use it wisely
Chris, what dilutions/times are you using on your kentmere 100? Just picked up a bulk roll of the k100 and use dilution h most of the time. By the way, nice work.
Tom, nice work as usual. You are really trying to get me to get some acros with all those nice captures.
I've learned quite a bit of the characteristics from the two bodies/formats in your post. I was going back and forth from the RB/RZ and Mamiya 7(ii), but I think I might start with the RB/RZ first.
In your opinion, which body works/flows better with portraits and general "street" shooting? I'm not much of a landscape person, so not too big on filters other than yellow/orange for B&W films. As for weight, with a "standard" (50mm'ish lens in 35mm format), what am I looking at for a body and one lens (without using a tripod)? I'm thinking a BlackRapid strap or something similar.
I think for general "street" shooting the RZ is not going to be an enjoyable experience for you. I love mine for portraits, but shoot it on a tripod most of the time. "Street" shooting is much more fun and practical with a rangefinder like the M6/M7(ii). You might want to consider a Rolleiflex or an older (cheaper) Fuji fixed lens camera. These don't have the versatility a modular system like an RZ has, but are portable and punch well above their weight. You could even look into Bronica, where value reigns supreme.
Alpha_Geist wrote:
In your opinion, which body works/flows better with portraits and general "street" shooting? I'm not much of a landscape person, so not too big on filters other than yellow/orange for B&W films. As for weight, with a "standard" (50mm'ish lens in 35mm format), what am I looking at for a body and one lens (without using a tripod)? I'm thinking a BlackRapid strap or something similar.
OK I take it back. Not a tech cam for you. For portraits, RB/RZ if you're set on 6x7, though 6x6 will be much more manageable. For street, the Mamiya 6 or 7, the Fuji 6x7, the Bronica 645 rangefinder ... unless by street you mean architecture (or like to go Weegee style) where a tech cam with movements is superb. These are from a 2x3 Linhof Super Technika with 6x7 rollfilm (probably Delta 100 in my favorite dilute XTOL)
I've learned quite a bit of the characteristics from the two bodies/formats in your post. I was going back and forth from the RB/RZ and Mamiya 7(ii), but I think I might start with the RB/RZ first.
In your opinion, which body works/flows better with portraits and general "street" shooting? I'm not much of a landscape person, so not too big on filters other than yellow/orange for B&W films. As for weight, with a "standard" (50mm'ish lens in 35mm format), what am I looking at for a body and one lens (without using a tripod)? I'm thinking a BlackRapid strap or something similar. ...Show more →
For portraits in a studio environment, an RB/RZ. But for anything more dynamic, especially street shooting the Mamiya 7.
The RZ is not just heavy, but it is pretty obtrusive, as in large & obvious. With a short-tele used for portraits, it would look like weapon. The Mamiya 7 just looks like a large rangefinder but not as intimidating as the Fuji GW690 type. It also handles nicely & more quickly.
I bought my lens/body off of Ebay, from a Japanese seller, and wasn't disappointed.
That's my take, however I did meet a street/fashion shooter with an RZ67, 110mm (55) lens who liked it. The 110 lens is much shorter as well. This combo can be had for $400-700, depending on condition, ProII, etc.
I buy cameras & sometimes sell them, only to buy same model again a few years later.
