SLR MF camera to begin

[Dismayed]

I've always liked the 645 format. The only reason that I sold my Bronica RF645 was because the film transport was unreliable. The lenses were excellent, and it was a small and light package to carry about.

So now I use a Mamiya 7 II for MF. Yes, it's more limited than an SLR, but I am willing to carry it far more often than I would a heavier camera.

[LarryD]

I have been Using an ARAX -60 for many years it is a 6x6 but they also make a 645 version. I prefer the Mir 45mm lens on mine as I love wider angles.

[Dismayed]

Impressive camera, Larry!

[LarryD]

It's a beast.

[PFMcFarland]

You could get a 645 folder like the Zenobia, Alex, a Japanese copy of the Zeiss Ikonta A (Ikomat 1) with a nicer finder. Easy to do portraiture with, and small enough to fit a jacket pocket.


Side-By-Side Zenobia-Ikomat 1 by P F McFarland, on Flickr

This from 120 Day this year:


Vented Ventilator by P F McFarland, on Flickr

PF

[Dismayed]

You could get a 645 folder like the Zenobia, Alex, a Japanese copy of the Zeiss Ikonta A (Ikomat 1) with a nicer finder. Easy to do portraiture with, and small enough to fit a jacket pocket.

PF

I've been tempted by 645 folders, but I've hesitated because I've been unable to find a reliable source of replacement bellows. Sandeha Lynch doesn't make them - he said that it's difficult to make them so that the door of the camera closes.

[alexvaras]

You could get a 645 folder like the Zenobia, Alex, a Japanese copy of the Zeiss Ikonta A (Ikomat 1) with a nicer finder. Easy to do portraiture with, and small enough to fit a jacket pocket.


Side-By-Side Zenobia-Ikomat 1 by P F McFarland, on Flickr

This from 120 Day this year:


Vented Ventilator by P F McFarland, on Flickr

PF

I don’t know why but the 4,5x6 cameras aren’t my thing, it should be perfect for portraits once you get the parallax correction done (maybe I fail a lot here)

[PFMcFarland]

You could get a 645 folder like the Zenobia, Alex, a Japanese copy of the Zeiss Ikonta A (Ikomat 1) with a nicer finder. Easy to do portraiture with, and small enough to fit a jacket pocket.

PF

I don’t know why but the 4,5x6 cameras aren’t my thing, it should be perfect for portraits once you get the parallax correction done (maybe I fail a lot here)

To each their own. You have to use what you are comfortable with, Alex. You'll find something, there are lots of choices out there.

PF

[PFMcFarland]

You could get a 645 folder like the Zenobia, Alex, a Japanese copy of the Zeiss Ikonta A (Ikomat 1) with a nicer finder. Easy to do portraiture with, and small enough to fit a jacket pocket.

PF

I've been tempted by 645 folders, but I've hesitated because I've been unable to find a reliable source of replacement bellows. Sandeha Lynch doesn't make them - he said that it's difficult to make them so that the door of the camera closes.

I imagine it's hard to get that thin leather these days. But old Zeiss cameras have excellent bellows, and the one on my Zenobia is in good shape too.

PF

[Dismayed]

You could get a 645 folder like the Zenobia, Alex, a Japanese copy of the Zeiss Ikonta A (Ikomat 1) with a nicer finder. Easy to do portraiture with, and small enough to fit a jacket pocket.

PF

I've been tempted by 645 folders, but I've hesitated because I've been unable to find a reliable source of replacement bellows. Sandeha Lynch doesn't make them - he said that it's difficult to make them so that the door of the camera closes.

I imagine it's hard to get that thin leather these days. But old Zeiss cameras have excellent bellows, and the one on my Zenobia is in good shape too.

PF

I caved. My 'new' Zeiss Super Ikonta 531A arrived yesterday. The bellows appear to be fine, but the camera needs to be serviced. Any recommendations?