Recommend me a good Medium format camera under 500$

[Soulz3urn3lack]

Looking for one, must be able to use 120 film (I'm sure most or all do but just saying) and be pretty versatile. Something I could find on ebay easily.

 

[Tiller]

Mamiya 645

 

[cgw]

Get the newest gear you can afford. Avoid relics like old folders or TLRs. System cameras like the Mamiya 645(Super/Pro/ProTL), Bronica ETRSi, and Pentax 645 are worth considering. Since you didn't state a preference for format(645. 6x6, 6x7), I'll stop with 645 till you fill us in.

 

[Derrel]

Bronica SQ-A series 120 reflex body with an 80mm f/2.8 normal lens, and maybe a 65mm PS lens? Shoots 120 6x6, or 645, or even 35mm or 35mm panoramic, with corresponding backs with inserts.

 

[gsgary]

Get the newest gear you can afford. Avoid relics like old folders or TLRs. System cameras like the Mamiya 645(Super/Pro/ProTL), Bronica ETRSi, and Pentax 645 are worth considering. Since you didn't state a preference for format(645. 6x6, 6x7), I'll stop with 645 till you fill us in.

Why avoid TLR's ? my Mamiya C330 is great fun to shoot and the lenses are top notch

 

[gsgary]

Mamiya 7

 

[timor]

Something I could find on ebay easily.

If you in USA try KEH, same prices like Ebay, but there is some sort of assurance of quality.

 

[limr]

Get the newest gear you can afford. Avoid relics like old folders or TLRs. System cameras like the Mamiya 645(Super/Pro/ProTL), Bronica ETRSi, and Pentax 645 are worth considering. Since you didn't state a preference for format(645. 6x6, 6x7), I'll stop with 645 till you fill us in.

Why avoid TLR's ? my Mamiya C330 is great fun to shoot and the lenses are top notch

I agree - there's no need to avoid older cameras just because they're old. I really like my Mamiya 645. It's an extremely capable camera. I also love shooting with a TLR. It helps me transition to medium-format more easily because it's such a different way of shooting. Mamiya C330s are good quality cameras and have interchangeable lenses, which make them more flexible than many other TLRs. It is, in fact, one of the items on my medium-format Wish List.

Edited to add: Btw, is that an Exa in your avatar? Is that you shooting with the Exa? If so, perhaps you are interested in older cameras? Any more details about what is important to you in the camera would surely help with recommendations.

 

[Soulz3urn3lack]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I forgot to mention I'd like to keep it in the 6x6 format if possible and no TLR's please. If I could get my GL2 sold I may have a little more cash flow to put towards something. Ask of right now 500 and below.

 

[Mike_E]

In 6x6 Bronica.

A Hassy is beyond your price point.

 

[Soulz3urn3lack]

In 6x6 Bronica.

A Hassy is beyond your price point.

Ok cool, any certain one you would suggest or?

 

[cgw]

In 6x6 Bronica.

A Hassy is beyond your price point.

Ok cool, any certain one you would suggest or?

You might find a Bronica SQ-B in your price range. These were sold as a "budget"(sic) kit:body, matching 80/2.8 lens, WLF and 120 back. I got a like-new kit 5 years ago for $400 with a speed winder. They're a stripped-down SQ-Ai: no electric contacts for AE finders or motor drives. Great no frills 6x6. Prices on once-expensive accesories like WLFs and newer 120 backs are down, as are prices on SQ-Ai bodies and later PS lenses.

My rationale for "newer-the-better" is simple: all the fun goes out of medium format fast when that "classic" breaks--unless it was yard-sale priced and disposable. Repairs now are neither cheap or easy to find.

 

[gsgary]

In 6x6 Bronica.

A Hassy is beyond your price point.

Ok cool, any certain one you would suggest or?

You might find a Bronica SQ-B in your price range. These were sold as a "budget"(sic) kit:body, matching 80/2.8 lens, WLF and 120 back. I got a like-new kit 5 years ago for $400 with a speed winder. They're a stripped-down SQ-Ai: no electric contacts for AE finders or motor drives. Great no frills 6x6. Prices on once-expensive accesories like WLFs and newer 120 backs are down, as are prices on SQ-Ai bodies and later PS lenses.

My rationale for "newer-the-better" is simple: all the fun goes out of medium format fast when that "classic" breaks--unless it was yard-sale priced and disposable. Repairs now are neither cheap or easy to find.

Not much can go wrong with the Mamiya C330 thats why it was one of the top wedding cameras

 

[Derrel]

Not much can go wrong with the C330? Are you kidding? Many of them are 40 years old, and they never were all "that" reliable...

here's just a smattering of what can and often does go wrong with C330's. A lot of them are beat to $hi+ as well. Mamiya C330 [Archive] - Rangefinderforum.com

 

[webestang64]

Mamiya 645

I bought one of those with 2-120 backs 1-220 back and a 80mm lens for $125...........!