Medium Format opinions

Arriviste · #1 Posted **Feb 18, 2007, 1:17 AM**

I am considering getting in to the world of MEdium Format photography. I have been recently shooting Large Format, and am delighted with the results. The idea of the Polaroid back intrigues me. Obviously Large Format is not exactly mobile which leads me to Medium. I Already have a stock of Camera's ranging from my Nikon N75 with a few Sigma Lenses, my classic Minolta SRT 101, and a Canon 30D. I need to start rounding out the fleet.
I have narrowed my search down to two contenders.

1. Hasselblad 500 (In CM guise)

2. Bronica ETR

Anybody with any opinons on these two beauty's?

LSyd · #2 Posted **Feb 18, 2007, 1:28 AM**

looks like fun. only medium format that i've done is with a Holga.

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peacefu603 · #3 Posted **Feb 18, 2007, 1:30 AM**

cool

Via Chicago · #4 Posted **Feb 18, 2007, 7:30 PM**

those look like fun. but yea, holga is as far as ive gotten.

Arriviste · #5 Posted **Feb 20, 2007, 7:00 PM**

No one with hands on experience?
Oh well! I think I'll go with the Hasselblad, just in case I can afford the 16mp digi back.

Robert Pence · #6 Posted **Feb 20, 2007, 11:43 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arriviste

No one with hands on experience?
Oh well! I think I'll go with the Hasselblad, just in case I can afford the 16mp digi back.

You can't go wrong with that. You get what you pay for.

My stuff is mostly older and pretty basic, but I've had such a long-term relationship with some of it that I'd find it hard to change.

Two Rolleis (6x6), 1951 and 1955. My aunt bought the older one when it was new, and I used it in the early sixties when I was first taking a serious interest in photography. She gave it to me a few years ago when she moved and downsized her residence. I bought the other one lightly used in 1967 from a co-worker.

I bought the Mamiya 7 (6x7) used from my local dealer a few years ago. It's a rangefinder, and the only lens I own is the 65mm that came with it. I love to shoot Fuji Provia 100F with it; I scanned a Provia 100F transparency of a Cleveland skyline shot and had a 24x30 print made from it, and it's sharp as a tack.

Arriviste · #7 Posted **Feb 21, 2007, 3:09 AM**

Those Rolleiflex are terrific. It's even better to have the history of the camera intact. I was actually contemplating buying one not too long ago. I really think it's worth while trying all the formats that are available.
I really like the various Mamiya Medium formats, but they don't allow for a polaroid back, which is something I value. I'm starting to work in a studio more, and find the polaroid back lets me get thimgs just so on the large format. I love it's flexability, and resolution.

Here's what I have, other than the 30D I'm shooting with (just a mindless robot, no sould like the rest) :

And lastly something I'm just starting to play with. A Lentar Super 8. Classic, and produces striking results. Especially when you slow down the FPS. 12 is quickly becoming my favourite: