Choosing a medium format film camera

[Charlie Bernstein]

Hello, TPF!

I'd like to get a medium-format 6x6 film camera for black-and-white street photography. I've found a couple of used cameras online from reputable dealers: a Yashika 120G for $300 and a Rollei Rolleiflex 3.5 T for $550. They both seem promising, but I know nothing about medium-format cameras.

I have a little bit of darkroom experience — not enough to really know what I'm doing, but enough to know what I'm getting into. As a hobbyist on a budget, the one I get should be a keeper, not something to upgrade from later. What matter are sturdiness and image quality.

Thoughts? Advice? Thanks!

 

[cgw]

With respect, what's the priority: street or medium format?

 

[Nikon photographer]

Both the cameras you've listed are very good, but neither cameras have interchangeable lenses, if this is something you might need, there's a few out there that you can do so, Mamiya made a few, I used a C330 s for a lot of my work for magazine work

 

[greybeard]

What is your budget and how will you use it? If you are OK with just a normal lens then either of the 2 you mentioned will do fine. If however you want interchangeable lenses then an SLR from Pentax etc. would do better. I had a Mamiya C330 with 3 lenses years ago and It did fine but changing lenses was a pain.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Both the cameras you've listed are very good, but neither cameras have interchangeable lenses, if this is something you might need, there's a few out there that you can do so, Mamiya made a few, I used a C330 s for a lot of my work for magazine work

Thanks! I have a Canon AE1 SLR and a brace of lenses. The 50mm lens seems to stay on it all the time, so I don't think I'd miss lens-swapping. And I like the idea of a camera I don't have to hold up to my face.

Ig the Rolleiflex and Yashika are pretty much the same, sounds like I should go with the Yashika.

Thanks!

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

What is your budget

I can afford either one but I don't want to waste money.

and how will you use it? If you are OK with just a normal lens then either of the 2 you mentioned will do fine.

If the image quality and reliability are the same, I'll get the Yashika.

If however you want interchangeable lenses then an SLR from Pentax etc. would do better. . . .

I have an SLR. (See post 4.)

Thanks!

cb

 

[smoke665]

I'm currently restoring a Yashica TLR LM. Based on price, I would guess that neither of the cameras mentioned has had a recent CLA, something that will need to be done. Depending on who you get, a CLA only will run $180 to $300 plus parts. Bob Sara, CLA Studio, Orlando, FL does CLA on Yashica and sells beautiful fully restored TLRs for $750. Mark Hama in GA is still doing limited CLAs on Yashica TLRs.

FYI TLRs are on the clunky side, the viewfinders aren't very bright or easy to focus, especially outside in bright light, the size, shape, etc draws attention and you're locked to one lens.

Another option in medium format is the Pentax 645n. It's a solid performer with the added feature of interchangeable lenses.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I'm currently restoring a Yashica TLR LM. Based on price, I would guess that neither of the cameras mentioned has had a recent CLA, something that will need to be done.

I'll bite. What's a CLA?

Depending on who you get, a CLA only will run $180 to $300 plus parts. Bob Sara, CLA Studio, Orlando, FL does CLA on Yashica and sells beautiful fully restored TLRs for $750. Mark Hama in GA is still doing limited CLAs on Yashica TLRs.

FYI TLRs are on the clunky side,

On the other hand, you don't have to hold them up to your face. I like that.

the viewfinders aren't very bright or easy to focus, especially outside in bright light, the size, shape, etc draws attention and you're locked to one lens.

One is penty for my purposes.

Another option in medium format is the Pentax 645n. It's a solid performer with the added feature of interchangeable lenses.

Good to know. I'll check it out. Is it 6x6? (And six what, anyhow? Centimeters?)

Thanks!

 

[Don Fischer]

I'm currently restoring a Yashica TLR LM. Based on price, I would guess that neither of the cameras mentioned has had a recent CLA, something that will need to be done. Depending on who you get, a CLA only will run $180 to $300 plus parts. Bob Sara, CLA Studio, Orlando, FL does CLA on Yashica and sells beautiful fully restored TLRs for $750. Mark Hama in GA is still doing limited CLAs on Yashica TLRs.

FYI TLRs are on the clunky side, the viewfinders aren't very bright or easy to focus, especially outside in bright light, the size, shape, etc draws attention and you're locked to one lens.

Another option in medium format is the Pentax 645n. It's a solid performer with the added feature of interchangeable lenses.

I had that camera and gave it to a nephew when he wet pro. Loved the thing! Had two variable lens with it. Much more handy than my old RB67 And simply felt better than my 35mm.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

. . . neither of the cameras mentioned has had a recent CLA . . . .

Aha. Found it. Clean, lube, and adjust. Makes sense. Since the Yashika is just as good as the Rolleiflex, I can spend the difference on some tender, loving CLA (what we guit pickers call set-up).

 

[cgw]

Get repair resources sorted before you buy anything. The late model(Super/Pro/ ProTL)Mamiya 645 system is also worth a look.

 

[joelbolden]

When you write 120G I assume you mean the Mat 124G since I can't find a reference for a 120G. I have both the 124G and the Rolleiflex T and like them both. I can't really see any difference in photo quality between them. My 124G has a light meter that works, my T doesn't have one(although it was available with). The 124G's light meter requires a battery(1.4v) to operate; my T doesn't use a battery. The T's viewfinder is brighter, the 124G's somewhat dimmer; since you intend street photography which is typically fairly close range that might not matter. When it comes to CLA's for the Yashica, Bob Sara and Mark Hamas are top technicians;, as are International Camera Technicians(ICT). For the Rolleiflex T you run into problems. What few technicians there are here in the U.S. that work on Rollei's are reluctant to work on the T due to parts availability. Others charge super expensive rates. I just had a Rolleiflex 2.8F repaired and CLA'd by ICT and they did a super job, but it required more than a CLA(there was impact damage, broken and bent springs etc). My T has never been CLA'd, it just keeps chugging along. I actually prefer using the T more than the 124G, but that's where personal preference comes along. From the viewpoint of available repair resources then the 124G is a better option.

 

[smoke665]

I'll bite. What's a CLA?

On the other hand, you don't have to hold them up to your face. I like that.

One is penty for my purposes.

Good to know. I'll check it out. Is it 6x6? (And six what, anyhow? Centimeters?)

Thanks!

Sorry. clean, lube and adjust. After 50 years it's a given it will be needed.

The Yashica TLRs are notorious for having a dim viewfinder. There's some after market upgrades but still not like a range finer or TTL.

The Pentax 645n with 120 back uses the same film as the TLRs. With the Yashica 635 you can use 120 or standard 35mm.

The size of a 120 film negative depends on the camera used, but it's always 6 centimeters (2.25 inches) wide. Common frame sizes include: 6 x 4.5 centimeters, 6 x 6 centimeters, 6 x 7 centimeters, 6 x 9 centimeters, and Panoramic 6 x 12 centimeters and 6 x 17 centimeters.

 

[cgw]

I've shot my MF cameras(Mamiya RB67 Pro S, Bronica SQ-B and Mamiya 645 Super) frequently for 10+ years and found them ill-suited to my street shooting style. The Mamiya 645 is an exception even though its clattering motor drive often gave me away. Shoot 120 for portraits, landscapes, still life, flora and anything stationary. My street bag now is a Fuji X-100T and Ricoh GR II--small, light, fast-handling and mostly unnoticeable. Iffy quality TLRs, spotty service options, film and processing costs, and hand-held metering all need a hard look before you jump. YMMV, as always.

 

[coastman6]

There's no doubting the enjoyment and quality of a TLR or most other medium format cameras for that matter, but to capture any spontaneous street scene photos your gonna need to have your reaction and camera handling technique pretty well polished.