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What next for medium format film gear...

 

I have owned a Mamiya RB67 for many years, I love it, and it's fun to shoot with... there is only the one issue...  the kit with lens and film-back comes in at around 2.7 kg.  What in the heck are people complaining about when they say that their 35mm camera is too heavy... okay, loose the 200mm f/2.8 but still.

On top of that the dimensions of the RB67 don't really make hand holding a walk in the park, I need to shoot with a tripod... a big heavy tripod like my SLIK Grand Master II with a 3W head.  Add another 3.7 kg. So we are talking 6.4 kg not including a light meter, accessories, etc. etc.

So I started to think about alternatives like the Hassy 500c/m (leaf shutter) or maybe a 203FE (focal plane shutter) and I asked "J", who has been shooting the 500 for some time... he came back to me that, in his experience, the hassy was too heavy... hahaha.

I test drove the Hasselblad 500c/m with the CVF digital back a few years ago and thought it was a perfect size... some comparison photos.





RB67, the 500c/m w/ CVF, and a Leica MP




Mamiya RB67 side by side with the Hasselblad 500c/m

I hope you can see what I am talking about ; )

No decision yet, and even if I pick up a square shooter I would not sell the RB67... any medium format experience or recommendations?  Okay the Hasselblad X1D-50c Medium Format Mirrorless Digital Camera is very interesting.

Thanks for reading,
Casey

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12 Comments view entire thread 

You could get digital back

 
By: Deardorff8x10 : September 26th, 2018-16:05
For either of the two MF cameras. I have the 50c for v system. I think the X1D is cool, but didn’t love the viewfinder, so got the H6D. It is also quite heavy. Maybe the best is a digital Leica?

hahaha... I will stick with my film Leica

 
By: cshimokita : September 26th, 2018-21:17
Thanks Deardorff8x10... I don't see a MF digital back in my near future... for my digital use a FF or APS-C sensor is enough. Digital MF or near MF would be overkill. I did like the X1D but have not shot with one yet. At the core I am still a happy film u... 

Steve: I did a mini review of the X1D back in July 2016...

 
By: cshimokita : September 26th, 2018-21:27
and I was impressed. "Every once in awhile a new camera comes along that has that potential to be very dangerous" was my opening comment ; ) New offerings have since come down the pipe, but I haven't changed my mind... Casey

My suggestion Casey

 
By: xplorer2 : September 26th, 2018-17:01
if you are looking for film based Medium Format is for the Mamiya 7ii 6x7 Rangefinder. It is basically a medium format rangefinder with excellent interchangeable optics. And to this date, it is absolutely also the quietest shutter that I have ever shot. M... 

My friend who thought the Hassy 500c/m was heavy...

 
By: cshimokita : September 26th, 2018-21:46
is also shooting both the Plaubel Makina 67 with Nikkor 80mm f/2.8 and Makina W67 with Nikkor 55mm f/4.5 and enjoys them both... I will take another look at the Mamiya 7II, thanks for that suggestion "xplorer2". At the moment it's still film. Of course th... 

The Pentax has the same sensor as the X1D

 
By: cshimokita : September 26th, 2018-21:54
and of course Pentax lenses are great... It was the first MF digital I looked at when it came out. How are things with you, hope all is well. Casey