Cost of starting in MF

[Culés]

Hi!

Presently using/ have used Nikon and Canon digital and film SLRs, but really want to take some baby steps into MF, hope you guys can take a few mins and advise me.

I dont want to sound like a cheapie, but budget it really tight, so I am trying to gather information on how much the most basic setup will cost. My need is studio portraiture and some landscape work only.

I have read in some website that you can use even 50 year old MF cameras and lenses and get great quality. What I was more interested was that these same sites mentioned that some of these cameras and lenses are almost given away (they quoted US$50-100 etc). Is this true? what camera and lens system can I buy for my need, and what will be my approx cost minimum?

Last question, who are the reliable dealers for used MF equipment in SG, I know TCW pretty well, but have never asked them about MF (don't really know anything in the first place, to be honest )

[forward]

Originally Posted by Culés Hi! My need is studio portraiture and some landscape work only. I have read in some website that you can use even 50 year old MF cameras and lenses and get great quality. What I was more interested was that these same sites mentioned that some of these cameras and lenses are almost given away (they quoted US$50-100 etc). Is this true? what camera and lens system can I buy for my need, and what will be my approx cost minimum? Last question, who are the reliable dealers for used MF equipment in SG, I know TCW pretty well, but have never asked them about MF (don't really know anything in the first place, to be honest )

A simple MF camera is the TLR (Twin Lens Reflex) cost less than S$300. The Chinese Seagull 6x6cm with a fixed standard lens is the norm for starters. Get a used one for
less than two hundred dollars for portraiture studies. The dealers are in Peninsula Shopping Centre on the ground floor and also one on the first floor.

Getting deeper into landscape photography a wise guide will be the view camera with all its swing and tilt facilities.
The details are here.

[o00001]

Ebay is your good friend!

[Culés]

Originally Posted by o00001 Ebay is your good friend!

Thanks I searched all over and I think I would like a Mamiya 645E, which I believe was sold as a kit for less than US$700. Is this kit still available? in Singapore?

For the Mamiya 645, what focal length of lens do I need to cover (in 35mm terms) 20mm and 100mm?

Thanks!

[o00001]

not sure about the availability... call cathay and check?
you will need a 35mm to 175mm to cover that focal length

[waileong]

Nobody buys MF film gear new any more. It's all eBay now. Prices are dirt cheap. A Hassy mag goes for $1,000 new!!! Online, it's about $200-300.

[alternatve]

I have heard nothing but good about the Mamiya RB67. It's pretty cheap too, since many were produced. Since you're going to use it in a studio and outdoor landscape work, it's weight won't be too much of a factor.

Samuel

[o00001]

i heard a good place to buy online is www.keh.com or try to find one along sungei rd like eamesboy
the shops at pennisular plaza and adelphi sells 2nd cameras though the price might not be as good as those on ebay...

[gossipmonger]

yup, ebay's a fantastic place to snap up great deals on MF stuff whether new or second hand...but retailers like KEH who also sell some of their 2nd hand merchandise on ebay, tend to affix higher prices on such goods.

[Culés]

Advertised on BnS and also looking at Keh.com to buy a M645 system!

[Hacker]

The digital backs cost a bomb.

[o00001]

Originally Posted by Hacker The digital backs cost a bomb.

Use films!!!!