What Medium Format Cameras Are Members Here Using?

[Nokton48]

58 Grandagon Graflex XL Peco Jr Short Rail by Nokton48, on Flickr

I found my 58mm f5.6 Rodenstock Graflex XL Grandagon, which I removed with some surgery, attached it for decades to a Custom hand welded Norma deeply recessed board. I used this lens (sometimes) for landscape and Architectural Interiors. It was just a teeny wider than the 65mm lenses of the day. Loved it and has sentimental value to me. Now it's on a flat Peco Jr Board, all tuned up and ready to shoot. This lens covers 9x12cm but is really sweet on Peco Junior 6x9cm, which allows maximum camera movements without running out of image circle. This is a good setup for the Atomic Age LOL

 

[gone]

I've owned a lot of MF cameras over the years. 'blads, Super Ikontas, Bessas w/ Heliar lenses, Holgas. But the most bang for the buck was an old Rolleicord w/ a Triotar lens. It took killer photos stopped down, and was especially good for wide open head and shoulder portraits.

Unfortunately, a TLR is slow to shoot (for me), and the knob wind made it even slower. They're very simple cameras, so anyone that is halfway decent w/ hand tools can easily do a CLA on one.

 

[Anaxagore]

Could we maybe turn this thread into a query so we can find out what are the most used ones, the interesting outsiders (each camera with I use / I have used but don’t anymore / I never tried it) ?

 

[koraks]

Could we maybe turn this thread into a query so we can find out what are the most used ones, the interesting outsiders (each camera with I use / I have used but don’t anymore / I never tried it) ?

I personally don't think that will work very well and it would work better to just make a new thread with a survey attached to the first post. Many people have already commented to this thread and will likely miss your follow-up questions, so a new thread would get more useful feedback. You'll have to think a bit about survey design as it won't work very well to just list every MF camera out there (which would be virtually impossible to begin with), so you'd have to devise a different approach for that.

 

[Jeremy Mudd]

Oh man, I probably shouldn't write them all down, because that's just acknowledging the problem.

Mamiya 645 1000s (rarely used)
Mamiya 645 Pro/TL (used more often than the 1000s, and I have 4 of them)
Mamiya C220
Mamiya RB67 PRO SD (most often used MF cameras I own, I have 3 of them)
Goodman Zone
Bessa I
Bessa II
Bronica S2A (rarely used anymore, don't like dim viewfinder)
Brownie Hawkeye
Yashicamat
Kowa Six (own 3 or 4 working ones and a bunch of cannibalized others) (really enjoy using the Kowa Six)
Kowa Super 66 (2 working ones) (enjoy using but the removable film backs are huge)
Hasselblad 500C (early)
Hasselblad 500CM
Holga 120N (several)
Holga 120 Pinhole
Holga 120 Pan
NOON 612 Pinhole
Fuji GX617 (love using it, but don't use it often enough)

If I had to narrow down what I had, I'd probably keep 1 of each aspect ratio, and those would be the following:

6x4.5 = Mamiya 645 Pro TL
6x6 = Holga 120N
6x7 = Mamiya RB67 Pro SD
6x9 = Bessa II
6x12 = Holga 120 Pan
6x17 = Fuji GX617

Jeremy

Now that a year+ has passed since I responded, my list is ever-changing.

I've added a few and also need to get rid of some that aren't seeing any love from me.

On the cut-list due to non-usage - ie, will be up for sale soon (if anyone is interested before I put them on the 'bay let me know):

Goodman Zone
Bronica S2A
ALL of the Kowa's (SIX's and Super 66's)
NOON 612 Pinhole

Added in the past year and LOVE using:

Rolleiflex Automat 3.5 (1938)
Rolleiflex 3.5C(E)
Rolleiflex 2.8D
Rolleicord V

I never really understood the whole Rolleicord/Rolleiflex fanboy thing, but after owning and using some I have come to understand it for certain.

Out of the entire list, the one I've used the most this year has been my Mamiya C220 with the 80mm f/2.8 blue dot lens. I started a project earlier in the year and am using the C220 and Ektar film exclusively for it for a consistent look and workflow. Plus the C220's bright screen is great for focusing in the darker conditions of the project, and the quiet leaf shutter doesn't get me noticed or heard easily. I also added a Mamiya C33 as a back-up for the C220 for the project, but honestly its a brick in regards to weight by comparison to the 220 and haven't really used it.

Jeremy

 

[MattKing]

Clearly, the answer to the question raised by the OP is:
"All of them".

I posted this in September, 2021.
Clearly, the answer has not changed!

 

[ronw]

Rolleiflex 2.8E (belonged to grandfather who owned it from new and now my son 23 y/o son is using and the current custodian)
Rolleiflex 2.8F by Magicflex in process

 

[Klaus_H]

Too many cameras - too little time ...

4.5 x 6
Fujica GS645 (Folder)

6x6
Agfa Super Isolette (Folder)
ISKRA 2 (Folder)
Yashica Mat 124G
2 x Rolleiflex F 3,5 & Mutar 0,7 & Mutar 1,5
Bronica SQ-A
Bronica SQ-Ai
Bronica SQ-B
Bronica lenses: 40,50,65.80,110,150,180,250, 500, 50-100 Zoom

6x9
Fuji GW 690 II
Fuji GSW 690 II

All cameras are well serviced and perfect working.

I am the limiting factor when I take photos

 

[campy51]

I have a 4x5 Crown, Hassy 500c/m Rolleiflex 2.8E, Kowa Six, Medalist II, Autocord and Bronica EC-TL. I have a Mamiya Universal with 100mm f2.8 arriving this week. I have to take the first step and admit I have a problem, I want to sell some off but it took years to find them in excellent condition at excellent prices and I just can't bring myself to do it.

 

[John Wiegerink]

I have a 4x5 Crown, Hassy 500c/m Rolleiflex 2.8E, Kowa Six, Medalist II, Autocord and Bronica EC. I have a Mamiya Universal with 100mm f2.8 arriving this week. I have to take the first step and admit I have a problem, I want to sell some off but it took years to find them in excellent condition at excellent prices and I just can't bring myself to do it.

You and I have the same addiction/illness, for which I'm afraid there is no cure. I even tried wearing mittens when on the big auction site so as not to be able to hit that "buy" button, but no use.

 

[lxdude]

Yes, since "Square is the perfect format." and perfectly square.

I'm glad we got that squared away..

 

[lxdude]

I have two ETRS-i cameras.
Lenses- 40mm MC, 40mm PE, 75mm PE, 105mm 1:1 Macro PE, 135mmPE, 150mm MC, 250mm PE.
Two Motor Winders, two or three Speed Grips, two hand cranks.
AE-III finder, plain prism finder, waist-level finder.
135W back, several 120 backs, several 220 backs. (Actually, more accurate functionally would be to say numerous backs, several 120 inserts, several 220 inserts.)
Sunpak 555 flash with Bronica TTL module.
Lens caps, focusing handle, lens hoods, compendium lens hood, and some other doo-dads.

All that, and now lately I've been thinking of going to 6X6..

 

[SilverDog]

Yashica Mat, first generation. Excellent condition, found on Ebay. I've been shooting B & W with it. Love it!

 

[Jeremy Mudd]

Yashica Mat, first generation. Excellent condition, found on Ebay. I've been shooting B & W with it. Love it!

Can't go wrong with a Yashica Mat!

Jeremy

 

[flavio81]

I have two ETRS-i cameras.
Lenses- 40mm MC, 40mm PE, 75mm PE, 105mm 1:1 Macro PE, 135mmPE, 150mm MC, 250mm PE.

But... do you have a Pentax LX?

My current MF gear:

Two Bronica ETRSi, lenses 40MC, 50PE, 50MC, 75EII, 105MC, 150PE, 200PE, 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters (PE).

Two Salyut-S cameras in need of repair

One Pentax 67 with factory-installed multiple-exposure device and aftermarket focusing screen.
One Pentax 6x7 MLU
Lenses: 45(67), on its way from japan; 55/4 (6x7), 90/2.8 (non-LS), 150/2.8, 200/4 (6x7). Extension tubes, right-hand 3d-printed grip, viewfinder magnificator, chimney finder.

I have a Pentax LX too...

 

[Alentejo]

I use:
Mamiya 645 1000S with 45mm, 80mm, 150mm
Mamiya RB67 Pro, 37mm, 50mm, 90mm, 180mm, 250mm, 360mm
Kodak Medalist II
Mamiya 330 and 33, not used for long time.

 

[aparat]

Pentacon Six Tl since 1989.

 

[lxdude]

But... do you have a Pentax LX?

Oh, indeed!
Some MXs and ME Supers, too... they follow me home.

 

[Roger Thoms]

Most recently a Zenza Bronica S2A, still testing out the camera, and getting to know it. I also have a Rolleiflex Automat MX with I shoot with occasionally. Two Century Graphic’s that I should probably sell. A Fuji GS645S which is great for traveling when you want something light and compact. And finally a Fuji GW680III which is on it’s way back from the repair shop. The GW680III jammed and would not advance, turns out that the gear for the roll counter had a few broken teeth. The old gear was plastic and the replacement gear is metal so I shouldn’t have this problem again. I also had a CLA done and the light seals replaced. I’m really looking forward to getting the GW680III back.

Roger

 

[ma-me-us-12]

I have two MF cameras:
1. Minolta Autocord CDS I -- very compact and light TLR.
2. Hasselblad 500c/m + 100m CF, 50mm CF lenses.

I like to use Hasselblad more because it is easier to use despite is bulkiness (compared to Minolta) and (2) it has interchangeable film backs and lenses.

 

[Roger Thoms]

Most recently a Zenza Bronica S2A, still testing out the camera, and getting to know it. I also have a Rolleiflex Automat MX with I shoot with occasionally. Two Century Graphic’s that I should probably sell. A Fuji GS645S which is great for traveling when you want something light and compact. And finally a Fuji GW680III which is on it’s way back from the repair shop. The GW680III jammed and would not advance, turns out that the gear for the roll counter had a few broken teeth. The old gear was plastic and the replacement gear is metal so I shouldn’t have this problem again. I also had a CLA done and the light seals replaced. I’m really looking forward to getting the GW680III back.

Roger

Lol, almost forgot about the two Fuji GX680’s that I have along with a good assortment of lens. Other than the weight these are great to shoot with and I really like the format. I took the GW680III out on New Years Day and it’s working great, definitely benefited from the CLA.

Roger

 

[campy51]

My latest toy to play with is a Mamiya Super 23 with 100mm f3.5 and 6x9 back. Other than needing seals on the back it's in great condition. Only shot 1 roll around the house just to make sure it's working. Bought it from a Japan seller and got it in less than 3 days. Amazon Prime has been taking 3 days lately.

 

[John Wiegerink]

My latest toy to play with is a Mamiya Super 23 with 100mm f3.5 and 6x9 back. Other than needing seals on the back it's in great condition. Only shot 1 roll around the house just to make sure it's working. Bought it from a Japan seller and got it in less than 3 days. Amazon Prime has been taking 3 days lately.

Yes, I still haven't figured out how something can come from Japan in that short of time, and I can't get a letter sent across town as fast. From what I see on the big auction site, the Japanese have lost interest in film cameras. When I used to set up and camera shows, they were sending buyers over here from Japan with big airline shipping containers to buy cameras. My, how times change.
Have fun with your new toy.

 

[Donald Qualls]

the Japanese have lost interest in film cameras.

Yeah, I've seen some YouTube videos suggesting they're now treating digital point & shoot cameras as their "vintage" equipment. Stuff like the Gateway 5 megapixel zoom I had back in '03 (don't know where it went, but I kept having to replace batteries because they were swelling).

 

[Jeremy Mudd]

Yeah, I've seen some YouTube videos suggesting they're now treating digital point & shoot cameras as their "vintage" equipment. Stuff like the Gateway 5 megapixel zoom I had back in '03 (don't know where it went, but I kept having to replace batteries because they were swelling).

I think the "they" is mostly "personalities" trying to create a new trend or ride the wave of one that's semi-started. I've seen quite a bit of that as well but I bet its because I've watched two or three of them and now the darn algorithm keeps pushing them at me periodically.

I have 2 ancient 6mpx Canon Elph's that a group of us have used for a "cheap camera challenge" that, I have to admit, was kinda fun. In a "how can I make some mediocre images that I'll never really do anything with" kind of way. That said, I can't imagine making something like that my everyday camera. And none of these personalities are printing their work, they are just using them for social.

Maybe I need to buy a dozen Nikon D1's while the price as cheap, and make a few videos promoting them as the next big thing.

Jeremy