G.A.S rangefinder or medium format?

[jabes001]

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Good day fellow internet people,

I was gifted a Nikon FM2 along with two lenses (Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AI and Nikon 35mm f/2 AI-S) for Christmas from my Ex. Have been hooked on photography since.

I’m a fan of Fan Ho, Brassaï and Sebastian Salgado. That rich contrast and vivid detail look. Please feel free to share similar photographers. I am always on the look out to learn more.

To the main point. I’ve caught the gear acquisition syndrome bug and am looking to either acquire a rangefinder or medium format camera. Preferably I would like to get a camera which will still operate without batteries. For rangefinders I’m looking at the Leica M6, Bessa R4M or Zeiss Ikon. (yes i know the Zeiss Ikon needs batteries to operate however from my research it seems like its worth putting into the mix) As for medium format I’m looking at either the Mamiya 7ii or Pentax 67ii (yes i know both require batteries)

Are any of the options i've listed the right direction if I want to get similar vibes as the great photographers I’ve mentioned above? If not what are your recommendations? No TLR recommendations please.
I know that the camera doesn’t make the photographer but G.A.S and I’ve saved up a bit of money and feel like living it up a little.

[Keith (M)]

Buy a Fuji GW690 (aka Texas Leica) and you get rangefinder AND medium format!  No batteries required either.  Otherwise for MF, a Hasselblad V Series (500C, 500CM etc etc).

[pgk]

1 minute ago, Keith (M) said:

Buy a Fuji GW690 (aka Texas Leica) and you get rangefinder AND medium format!  No batteries required either.  Otherwise for MF, a Hasselblad V Series (500C, 500CM etc etc).

A friend (lens designer) has a GW690 and is underwhelmed by its performance and has just bought a dSLR as a result. You could add in a Leica M4 (with a CLA perhaps) but in all honesty the 35mm and MF cameras you suggest are chalk and cheese. Personally I'd rethink what it is you want to do with your photography before satisfying GAS. I accept that I'm biased but I'd buy an M6 (or alternatively, an M4) out of your listing because of those it is the camera I'd most enjoy using. Each to their own though and I know that you will get advocates for all.

[rim_light]

"Underwhelmed"? WOW. Maybe you like to have a look at my pictures I did with the GW690 https://www.stefangroenveld.de/2016/fuji-gw690-in-uganda/

It's a fantastic camera!

[frame-it]

19 hours ago, jabes001 said:

To the main point. I’ve caught the gear acquisition syndrome bug and am looking to either acquire a rangefinder or medium format camera. Preferably I would like to get a camera which will still operate without batteries. For rangefinders I’m looking at the Leica M6, Bessa R4M or Zeiss Ikon. (yes i know the Zeiss Ikon needs batteries to operate however from my research it seems like its worth putting into the mix) As for medium format I’m looking at either the Mamiya 7ii or Pentax 67ii (yes i know both require batteries)
 

 

>>> hasselblad SWC or Rolleiflex GX [TLR] or a Leica M3

 

[pgk]

Well, he knows what he's doing - a large format shooter. Perhaps the camera's age is showing?

[TomB_tx]

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Both M6 & Zeiss Ikon ZM are a pleasure to use, and give equivalent results. The Zeiss viewfinder is the brightest and best RF I’ve used, and while the feel is different than Leica I don’t consider it inferior. I’ve had my M6 viewfinder upgraded to the latest multicoated optics, but the Zeiss still has an edge. However, if the Zeiss RF nerds adjustment there are fewer techs who work on them. Mine was way off when I got it used, so I had to figure it out myself. I do tend to use my M6 more... but I’ve used Leica M cameras since 1968, so it’s a habit.

For MF I have a 6x7, Hasselblad 500, Rolleiflex, etc. The Pentax lenses rate with the best, and the “giant SLR” eye-level format is natural, but it is a heavy beast to use. The cameras also typically have had a lot of wear. The Rollei is the classic. (Of course a Yashicaflex is a much cheaper way to find out how that format works for you.)

[Keith (M)]

3 hours ago, pgk said:

Well, he knows what he's doing - a large format shooter. Perhaps the camera's age is showing?

That could be - certainly the results from my GW690 II are everything I expect from it.  A small album on Flickr.

[frame-it]

9 hours ago, Keith (M) said:

That could be - certainly the results from my GW690 II are everything I expect from it.  A small album on Flickr.

some absolutely delicious b&w shots...

[nefarious]

Another vote for a 500 series Hasselblad. If it's mechanical engineering and optics of the highest quality you're after, you can't really go wrong. I also have a MF rangefinder in the form of a Bronica RF645 which is an absolute joy to use (not to mention a lovely TLR!).  It does require batteries but is a lot more economical than a 6x9, where you'll be spending half your time changing rolls of film rather than shooting!  Check out the 'I love film' thread for lots of Hasselblad photo examples...

[tommonego@gmail.com]

Either the Leica or Mamiya 7, Hasselblad 500 series if you want a reflex camera. It is hard to go wrong with these. Forget 6x4.5 not big enough and most of the 6x4.5 cameras had forgettable lenses. 

Leica: M2 - M6 maybe not the 5, all are used and may need a CLA and other issues. Wonderful choice lenses and Salgado's camera, I believe Brassai did some work with Leica. 

Hasselblad: Beautiful solid and surprisingly light camera, you feel no shake when you press the shutter, I have hand held at 1/30 of a second and gotten sharp pictures, with just borrowed cameras, so no practice. 

Mamiya 7(x) Mamiya just got the camera right, I have never used one, when I had the opportunity I went with 4x5 instead. Everything I see from these cameras is nice crisp images.

Decide what you want to do with the camera, the Leica is the easiest to carry around and the easiest to find lenses for, with the other two you will be going to a tripod more. Hasselblad has a max shutter speed of 1/500th so not the best with fast moving subjects.  

[sblitz]

I had the Texas Leica and it was like carrying an oil rig around with me. Never used it much as a result and ended up trading it in for the smaller Fuji645s. Those are really good cameras, very light and great results. My dad just left me, among lots of other cameras, the Yashica G something that is like a Roliflex. I think what you need to consider is the size and weight and whether this matches up with your style of photography. Ansel Adams climbed through yosemite with a huge camera and tripod etc, not sure this is you either

 

[jabes001]

Update: I tried out a couple TLR’s and the Hasselblad 500.... but the pull of the Pentax was too strong. Snagged a handsome minty late 67 MLU along with the SMC 55mm f4 lens for $650 
Thanks for the advice and comments everyone Cheers

[Keith (M)]

Enjoy!    Look forward to seeing your results in  'I like film (Open Thread)' .  

[TomB_tx]

The Pentax 6x7 is also a part of my physical fitness program...

[tommonego@gmail.com]

11 hours ago, jabes001 said:

Update: I tried out a couple TLR’s and the Hasselblad 500.... but the pull of the Pentax was too strong. Snagged a handsome minty late 67 MLU along with the SMC 55mm f4 lens for $650 
Thanks for the advice and comments everyone Cheers

You did well, congratulations!

[plasticman]

The Pentax 67 is an awesome camera - good choice!

It was interesting reading through the thread, but really all you get is very subjective opinions: some people like the Hasselblad 500-series, I hated it (owned 2, including one bought new); I personally love the Mamiya 6 and 7 (the Mamiya 6 I consider the most perfect camera I have ever owned).

Enjoy the Pentax - look forward to hearing how it goes.

[logan2z]

On 1/31/2020 at 4:26 AM, plasticman said:

some people like the Hasselblad 500-series, I hated it (owned 2, including one bought new); 

Consider me 'some people' 😁 I've only had my 500 C/M for a few months but I love the camera.  I'm curious, what did you hate about it?

Edited February 2, 2020 by logan2z

[otto.f]

On 1/31/2020 at 1:26 PM, plasticman said:

Mamiya 6 I consider the most perfect camera

Why is it better than the 7 for you?

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[plasticman]

13 hours ago, logan2z said:

Consider me 'some people' 😁 I've only had my 500 C/M for a few months but I love the camera.  I'm curious, what did you hate about it?

It's all subjective. I bought a mint 500cm because I'm fussy about my cameras, but I found the operation of the camera clunky and noisy - which I assumed was due to the unit I had. I therefore tracked down a new camera, lens and back kit, which I bought at great expense. This was also just as noisy and clunky in operation.

I would also get irritated by small and insignificant details, such as the special procedure for putting on and taking off lenses, and also that neither of my backs had the little extra part for storing the darkslide when taken out, so I would do stuff like put it in my pocket and bend it. The lenses were all very good, but lacked character in my opinion - and I preferred what I got from my Mamiya lenses on the 645, or even the (very clunky and idiosyncratic) ARAX 60.

The ARAX I can put up with any amount of irritating strangeness because the images (especially portraits) can be magical. The Hasselblads just gave me objectively 'nice' images.

9 hours ago, otto.f said:

Why is it better than the 7 for you?

I prefer the Mamiya 6 to the 7 because I personally like 6x6 more than 6x7 - and because of the sheer genius of the collapsing lens. I can carry the Mamiya 6 in the same little bag I usually use for my M6/M2.