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.

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

ETRS & ETRSi info

MF Film

ETRS vs Mamiya

ETRS vs Mamiya 2

All these are Ephotozine Forum links.

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

And another one!

I'll stop now

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!

Basic he says! Ha!

Seriously, I know what you mean.

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

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!

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

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

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

Might be wise

Perhaps I should go buy that 10d...

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

I looked at both cameras before selecting a Hasselblad 503CW. The Bronica's & Mamiya's are much more affordable than the Hassey, as the Hassey's seem to be holding their prices better than the others during this rush to digital. I wish they would drop, cause I'd like some more lenses for my Hassey.

Anyhow, between the Bronica & the Mamiya, I would choose the Bronica. I see more used bodies, backs, and lenses for it AND most importantly, the Bronica uses Leaf Shutter lenses, which allows you to sync your flash up to 1/500sec vs Mamiya's 1/125 sec. This is a HUGE deal if you plan on using fill flash outdoors. It allows you to open up the aperture by 2 stops, allowing less depth of field and better outdoor portaits.

Both are great cameras, but I'd give the nod to the Bronica.

If you want new, and can live with the slow flash sync of the Mamiya's then the Mamiya 645E isn't a bad deal at the prices it is at - even if it doesn't have interchangeable backs or prisms.

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

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

Sweet

You won't be sorry! Look at Mifsuds and Ffordes for second hand

Mifsuds have sold the one that they had for £399. Now they have this:

ETRSi + 75 F2.8 PE + 120 Back - £449

but a new one only costs £549!!

New Bronica ETRSi Comp (Inc 75mm F2.8 PE, Body, W.L.F. & 120 Ei Back) £549

http://www.mifsuds.com/usedpriceindexaf.htm

I'm going to wait and see what eBay throws up. Here's one I've got my eye on:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...egory=3350&rd=1

[FONT=Times]

Either way you're looking at 6x4.5 unless you go with the Bronica GS-1. Personally, I have had a Mamiya m645 for ten years and I find it very easy to use. It takes great photos and a light meter is a light meter, whether TLR or hand held. It's the photographer that has to make the exposure decisions. For my pursuits, I have now switched to the Mamiya RB67 Pro SD. I looked at the Bronica but one glaring fact stuck out. They're no longer made by Tamron and the longevity of parts (repairs) may be limited. Therefore, I purchased the Mamiya. Mamiya lenses are extremely good, don't know about Bronicas, but, assume they are nearly equal. The main reason I went to the 67 was for a larger neg. 6x4.5 is close to the 35mm format, albeit, larger and therefore better for 11x14 > prints. The 67 is better yet.

My old Mamiya m645 is a workhorse. Great lenses and focusing is not a problem. If available, though, I would suggest a Beattie Intenscreen. For dimly lit interior shots it is much easier and, for my 57 year old eyes, better for ANY shots.

Good Luck...... TCrowe

Hi,
I know you are in London. However if you try MXV in Ukfield they have a great selection of medium format used cameras. They give a good service and really know their stuff. They have a web site which lists most of what they have available.
Regards
JMC

Hi

I'm new to the site

I have recently obtained a ETRSI which I bought CAREFULLY through Ebay in bits.
The whole kit comprising a body 120 back with waste level finder and 70mm lens was augmented by a VERY necessary metered prism finder. ( necessary as otherwise it is extreemly difficult to tale portrait format pics)
and a first class winder.

The whole lot cost me less than £300 and I am really pleased with it all.

As others have said here, lots of kit are being disposed of in pref' for digital so there's some good prices out there.

I too looked at the Mamiya but decided there was more stuff out there for the ETRSI so I suppose that means that the pro's prefered that camera.

I would like to get a 150mm lens next so I'm on the hunt.

I still use my old Weston meter with its invercone for some work with the Broni' even tho' the metered prism works well.

Good luck with your choice.

I shot medium format and love it. Great choice in formats.

Go to www.keh.com a company out of Atlanta Ga USA

Great to do business with and have all kinds of medium format camers used but warranted.

My personal favorite is a Pentax 6x7 but started with a Yashica 124G and still have it.

Good luck

If you want new, as well as can live with the slow flash sync of the Mamiyas then the Mamiya 645E isnt a bad deal at the prices it is at - even if it doesnt have interchangeable backs or prisms.