22 replies to this topic

[markgoldstein]

Hi,

I'm "researching" e.g. looking to buy a cheap medium format system. I'm guessing that this should consist of: camera / lens / film back / grip / WLF.

So far I've narrowed down my choice to the Bronica ETRS/ETRSi or the Mamiya 645. Any info on these two makes and the various models would be appreciated.

[collinf]

Why would that be Mark?

The Bronica ETRS/Si is a superb system, as is the Mamiya. accessories for the ETRS/Si are more readily available s/h, but that's mainly because more were made and are now being sold s/h as people move to digital.

I went for the Broni as the kit I got came as a complete system for £1400, however, have a look at www.ffordes.co.uk as they have complete units (often without grip) for around £450.

I don't know too much about the Mamiya, but you have chosen the exact two that I was considering when I got mine. IFRC have a look at your own (old) forum, I think there were links to comparison pages in there. I'll have a look on Ephoto as well as I know there are some there.

Alternatively, if you just want to "try" the MF experience, why not consider a Seagull TLR (or similar)camera? They are (I think) copies of Rollei units made in China. Still 645 negs (much better than 35mm), and I've heard of them selling for as little as £60 s/h on ebay.

Collin

[collinf]

ETRS & ETRSi info

MF Film

ETRS vs Mamiya

ETRS vs Mamiya 2

All these are Ephotozine Forum links.

[collinf]

Don't forget you'll need a light meter if you haven't already got one.

I would suggest the Seconic that Jessops are flogging for around £160 as a good starter unit.

Collin

[collinf]

And another one!

I'll stop now

[markgoldstein]

Cheers Collin!

Have you been on here all day?!

I'd like to add a medium format camera to my kit-bag just because of the negative size. I've had a couple of requests lately for enlargements up to 1.5m square! Files from my 10D have to be resized by about 3-4 times to achive those enlargement sizes.

I had a play with a Bronica ETRS in Jacobs on Saturday - it was quite refreshing to use something so basic!

[collinf]

Basic he says! Ha!

Seriously, I know what you mean.

and yes, on and off I've been either here or Ephotozine all day

[markgoldstein]

I had to set the aperture on the lens, then set the shutter speed on the body, then compose the picture through the waist level viewfinder.

And then I remembered that I had to focus the damn thing as well!



No wonder you have to take more care over your photos with a medium format camera!

[collinf]

I have put about ten films through my Broni so far (at £9 for 15 shots at 5x4 it ain't cheap!). That's 150 photos. Of those I have about 40 photos that are a) focussed and correctly exposed.

So many times I forget to either focus or set the aperture or shutter speed. I will remember two of the three and then forget the third.

Or, I've forgotten to change the Film speed on the lightmeter.

I'm also guilty of setting the lightmeter correctly, getting a reading, setting the shot, getting interrupted, re-doing the lightmeter reading and then forgetting to reset the camera.

Thank god that print film is so forgiving!

I've only done one roll of slide, and only got 6 useable exposures from it.

All that said, I still love it, and the results speak for themselves!

Collin

[markgoldstein]

£9 for 15 shots! I'd forgotten how expensive film is :-)

Perhaps you should write a checklist for yourself Collin!!!

[collinf]

Might be wise

Perhaps I should go buy that 10d...

[markgoldstein]

Well, so far it's cost me about £2,000 for over 5,000 shots :-)

[markgoldstein]

Thanks for the clear answer Scott. I hadn't realised the full implications of the shutter speed until you pointed it out

[markgoldstein]

I've sort of decided on the Bronica ETRSi - just need to find a decent 2nd-hand kit now :-)