Getting back into it...

[kdryan]

Hi all, I just wanted an opinion on something if you will. Back in the early 90's I did some time working in portraits and doing a little commercial work. I was talking to the wife about getting back into it, not as a profession, but as a serious amateur. To that end, I bid on a RZ-67 on Ebay and much to my surprise, I actually won it! Here is the auction:

Mamiya RZ67 Pro-S (6X7) medium format SLR w/127mm lens - eBay (item 180470345537 end time Feb-23-10 16:29:37 PST)

I was hoping someone might tell me how I did. I know that the industry is no longer film friendly, but it seems like a great camera for a low price. I actually never did much in medium format, so I'm not sure where I stand. Almost all of my portraiture was on 35mm and the commercial stuff was on 4x5...

Also, I have a hard time finding serious 35mm processing any more, much less medium format. I doubt in my town of 80,000 people there is any place left that sells 120 or 220 film. Does anyone have any tips on getting film and processing done?

Thanks in advance,

Kevin

 

[WilliamH]

Check out Freestyle Photo for film. They sell all types, from 35mm to 8x10 sheet film. Great company to deal with. I've used them several times for 35mm bulk film.

Freestyle Photographic Supplies - Traditional Black & White Film, Paper, Chemicals, Holgas and ULF

As far as processing, I'm not sure. I think Freestyle does that too, but I can't remember. I'm sure someone else will have ideas for that, though.

 

[Proteus617]

Nice camera! I gravitate toward the pre-1960 stuff but the tanking prices on RBs and RZs have been very tempting. Deal or not, you got a lot of camera for your money. Head over to APUG for advice on cheap film (Adorama) and mail away processing (Blue Moon). Also, acceptable MF flatbeds have gotten cheap. I picked up an older Epson for less than $40, a new one would be about $170. It allows me to shoot much more as my only outlay to the lab is for development ($6/roll).

 

[kdryan]

Thanks guys, I miss film... :er: I'm looking at digital backs, but they seem WAY out of the price range for any amateur work so far. What's the normal turn around time on processing these days?

Kevin

 

[gsgary]

Great camera, my friend has a digital back for his and it will fit his Hassleblad also

 

[kdryan]

Unfortunately, I took a closer look at it and though it's listed as a RZ, the pictures are of an RB. Needless to say, I decided not to follow through on it...

 

[Proteus617]

Maybe give the RB's a second look? Bet you can find a kit for less than $200. I understand the advantages of the RZ, but as these things age I would rather have my money in the fully mechanical predecessor that's not going to turn into a doorstop when the electronics go geriatric.