20d or medium format?

Osmer_Toby · Oct 28, 2004

given about $1800 to spend, and given you already owned a 10d, which would you buy, the mf or the 20d? purpose primarily business- portrait work, weddings, etc. (i'm getting alot of requests for 16x20 , 20x24 enlargements, and i will need for the new cam to give me consistently sharp images with those sizes in mind)

voodoocat · Oct 28, 2004

With those print sizes in mind, medium format is your answer.

Mitica100 · Oct 29, 2004

voodoocat said:
With those print sizes in mind, medium format is your answer.

I totally agree! There are some good finds in MF, such as Bronicas, Yashicas (TLR) which won't take a lot of dough. If you want flexibility of interchangeable lens then invest in a MF SLR such as Bronica or others.

jadin · Oct 29, 2004

I'd personally go with the 20d, I prefer digital over film. The 20d will print just fine at those sizes (150 pixels per inch).

If you wanted larger than the dimensions you listed, then the 20d wouldn't work.

voodoocat · Oct 29, 2004

jadin said:
I'd personally go with the 20d, I prefer digital over film. The 20d will print just fine at those sizes (150 pixels per inch).

If you wanted larger than the dimensions you listed, then the 20d wouldn't work.

Some may find that acceptable... but 150 dpi is still pretty soft. No doubt the quality from medium format is superior at those sizes. I'm not saying you can't get a decent print from the 20d, but if you are looking strictly at how the image will enlarge, the larger format wins hands down.

ahelg · Oct 29, 2004

Since you already have the 10D then I would go for medium.

Osmer_Toby · Oct 29, 2004

thanks. i'm thinking i need something like an 85mm prime lens to offset barrel distortion, and at this point don't see much need for any other type of lens. so, what recommendations have you for a good mf, used or new, at around the $1500 price? any thoughts on where to purchase?

SWFLA1 · Oct 29, 2004

Osmer -

I have a Mamiya 645 AF with Mamiya 80mm I would let you have for 1800.00... it was 4,000 new and it is in great shape. I also have a mamiya af telephoto for it if your interested in that - new it was 1500.... i'd let you have it for 600 (i've never used it)

let me know...

santino · Oct 29, 2004

I'd stick with medium format, higher quality.

Osmer_Toby · Oct 29, 2004

SWFLA1 said:
Osmer -

I have a Mamiya 645 AF with Mamiya 80mm I would let you have for 1800.00... it was 4,000 new and it is in great shape. I also have a mamiya af telephoto for it if your interested in that - new it was 1500.... i'd let you have it for 600 (i've never used it)

let me know...

i am interested; how would we go about making the transaction if i decided to purchase it from you?

voodoocat · Oct 29, 2004

Another TPF hookup!

brings a tear to my eye.

MDowdey · Oct 29, 2004

voodoocat said:
Another TPF hookup!

brings a tear to my eye.

:::single tear:::

a 645 is badass toby...id go for it. i just bought a 6x6 bronica...with 150mm lens. its perfect for portraits....

md

santino · Oct 29, 2004

hey MD!
you got a Bronica? it's one of my dream-cams

congrtas!!!!

MDowdey · Oct 29, 2004

santino said:
hey MD!
you got a Bronica? it's one of my dream-cams
congrtas!!!!

yes!!!! i have three MF cameras...but this is definately the grand daddy!!!

md

Digital Matt · Oct 29, 2004

jadin said:
I'd personally go with the 20d, I prefer digital over film. The 20d will print just fine at those sizes (150 pixels per inch).

If you wanted larger than the dimensions you listed, then the 20d wouldn't work.

I print 16x24 at 300 dpi from my digital rebel and they look great. I've sold several prints at that size. I've also printed and sold a few 20x30s at 200 dpi which also look incredible. 20x30s are not meant to be looked at with a microscope.