How many using medium format this days?

Pro Image · 5th November 2003

Hi guys and gals out there!

I would like to know how many of you are still using Medium Format? Film or Digi Backs? Lens used? Just a short comment on why you are or not using anymore. Appreciate the feedbacks.

I am using Mamiya RB67 Pro SD. 50mm, 90mm, 150mm & 250mm. Polariod Back. 3 Film Holders.

11MP Leaf Digi Back for commercial used or paid jobs only.

Mostly used Kodak 160VC for Neg. Fuji RDP II for slide and cross process. Kodak T-Max 400 (Rated 200) for B&W.

Still prefer using MF camera although is heavy to lug around but just imagine Ansel Adams 40-50 years back. He lug around a 8 X 10 camera with 10 pieces of 8 x 10 film holders! Now that is heavy. Anyway he uses a donkey to carry his stuff when he when to Yosimite Park.

Anyway, I think MF will never die. Although I use a digital back, I still prefer to used film as colours are still more brilliant. Colour & saturation is unmatchable against digital. Even if you lug a low end MF, is better than digital backs. Not digital cams but digi back. I know there will be people out there will not agree with me but it is ok.

Digi back is always my back up not by main. Film is still the best.

Those still using MF, please support this thread!

Thanks a million!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sputnik · 5th November 2003

I am using a Rolleiflex 3.5F planar for B&W photography...
was very impressed with the rolleiflex when i was shown some B&W protraits from my friend's Rolleiflex recently.

Still learning... lots to learn in B&W

The camera is very functional .. and everything is designed to be really long lasting and probably idiot proof ( i hardly think any camera this days can take 30 yrs of use and still look like this).

Oh well if u are looking for another MF user... here i am ..

Cheerios

kex · 5th November 2003

i always bring my rolleicord VB out on holidays and my mamiya RB67 with the 90mm F3.8 when i need more precise framing.i shoot ekta pro 160 for film,VS100 and provia for slides..sometimes a roll of ilford 50 B&W for that nostalgic feel..
it is so much fun to shoot with a mechanical MF camera and the results are always far more satisfying than using digital medium..

dreamseeker · 5th November 2003

Using a Rolleiflex 3.5F and Rolleicord Vb. Use Provia for slides and NPS 160 & portra 400 for color film. T-max for B&W.

Sputnik, agree with you on the age of the camera. They don make cameras like this nowadays. ALso more fun to use it too.

Have blown up pictures to 20 x 20 and my friends can't believe that is is taken by a camera about 30+ years old.

Sputnik · 5th November 2003

It is rather hard to get filters for the Rolleiflex though ... (bayonet II)

i think the rolleiflexs might even outlast people .. if it is well taken care of...
in fact i can't believe how mint mine was ... when i bought it recently ..

it is pretty good for its intended purpose ....
for portrait and landscape... due to its fixed lens...

to me it is not a limitation.. but an opportunity to learn ...

cheerios

Neo · 5th November 2003

Couldn't justify a Rollei TLR, so I bought a Seagull. It's a refreshing change from the usual 35mm film and digital camera. Everyone likes to pose for it, because it so weird and so old-looking. "eh.... you using your grandfather's camera iszt?" is a comment you'd always hear. Ha ha!

Simple and no-frills. Quality is pretty good, but resolution of the lens could be better lor... nice to use once every few months. But for convenience sake... digital camera still lure me... sigh...

chyeo · 5th November 2003

My Seagull TLR follows me everywhere (almost).

Getting a Mamiya for work purpose though.

MF rocks!

YuHsuan · 6th November 2003

Bronica ETRc with AE II and 75mm lens.

Using this primarily for shots that require very large enlargements, and for the occasional weddings.

yowch · 6th November 2003

Wow, so many Rolleicord Vb! I am using my father's Vb on and off. This camera took my childhood pictures and that was about 30 years ago. too bad the lens fogged and mouldy.

Sputnik · 6th November 2003

yowch ...

you can probably do your father a favour and get the Rollei cleaned and maintained... it will last very long ... besides.. i think it has too much sentimental value for most ppl to let it decay...

send it down to some ppl to have them assess the situation...
for example ppl from TWC or Hotshots at Riverwalk ...

they might be able to sort you out...

Cheerios

yowch · 6th November 2003

I have checked out the regular guys, costs $200 to clean and that only the fungus. The bonding agent between the bonded lens has degraded adn fogged, and the only way is to replace the lens. That'll cost about $300 more, and to buy a reasonably good working model is about $700!

On the other hand, the images taken with this 'infected' Rollei isn't too bad, just a little soft. I have shot many protraits of people (friends and family) with this and the results are good enough. I guess I'll let it be for now.

It was a workhorse camera for my dad, used in all conditions and everywhere, so the loss of quality is expected.

Thanks for your suggestion.

I am waiting for chyeo to organise another TLR outing! Hopefully better weather.

vader · 6th November 2003

I'm using mamiya 7 with the 65 f4 lens. like the way things is being done.Kex, when are you joining the M7 group??

yellow_kiwi · 6th November 2003

Originally Posted by chyeo

My Seagull TLR follows me everywhere (almost).

Getting a Mamiya for work purpose though.

MF rocks!

looking to get a seagull after exams, then can join u guys for MF shoots!

kex · 6th November 2003

Originally Posted by vader

I'm using mamiya 7 with the 65 f4 lens. like the way things is being done.Kex, when are you joining the M7 group??

thinking of getting a set of used one leh,but no one seems to be selling.Anyway,i not in a hurry,got my TLR and RB to shoot..$2000 is not a small amount in this economy,cannot anyhow spend..
i'm having great fun with my T3 recently,so dun have time to think about the M7

maxby · 6th November 2003

Am using a Mamiya C330 with 55,80and 180mm lenses. Use for lanscape and architecture. Find it more fun than using slr or digital.

Shooting B&W and colour slides.

khinmarn · 7th November 2003

I have a Rolleicord Vb, takes great b/w, tried color but not so saturated. Almost gave up on printing color, has strange color cast when printed by RGB but Konota the color comes out accurately.

I also have a 500c with standard lens. They are different animal totally. But I like them both.

For metering I use a Gossen Sixtomat meter, great meter but I am hoping to get a flash meter.

kingpin · 7th November 2003

Using Mamiya 645 Pro TL. Execellent results so far with NPS, Portra 400 VC and 160 VC. Trying B&W soon.

chyeo · 7th November 2003

Originally Posted by yowch

I have checked out the regular guys, costs $200 to clean and that only the fungus. The bonding agent between the bonded lens has degraded adn fogged, and the only way is to replace the lens. That'll cost about $300 more, and to buy a reasonably good working model is about $700!

On the other hand, the images taken with this 'infected' Rollei isn't too bad, just a little soft. I have shot many protraits of people (friends and family) with this and the results are good enough. I guess I'll let it be for now.

It was a workhorse camera for my dad, used in all conditions and everywhere, so the loss of quality is expected.

Thanks for your suggestion.

I am waiting for chyeo to organise another TLR outing! Hopefully better weather.

Dun worry, after my exams I'll organise one more.

And must pray for good weather this time.

Ian · 7th November 2003

Assorted Bronica's, Mamiya, Rollei, Ricoh and others. Phase One H20 back on Mamiya for commercial use along with an adaptor for Toyo 4x5 view camera.

Lenses: Schneider, Rodenstock, Nikkor and Zeiss in a variety of lengths from 45mm to 1200mm.

andre · 7th November 2003

Me using mamiya RB67 PRO SD wiht 90 mm lens and TLR iconflex.

rgds,
Andre

5th November 2003	#1
Pro Image Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Last planet from the sun Posts: 2,822	How many using medium format this days? Hi guys and gals out there! I would like to know how many of you are still using Medium Format? Film or Digi Backs? Lens used? Just a short comment on why you are or not using anymore. Appreciate the feedbacks. I am using Mamiya RB67 Pro SD. 50mm, 90mm, 150mm & 250mm. Polariod Back. 3 Film Holders. 11MP Leaf Digi Back for commercial used or paid jobs only. Mostly used Kodak 160VC for Neg. Fuji RDP II for slide and cross process. Kodak T-Max 400 (Rated 200) for B&W. Still prefer using MF camera although is heavy to lug around but just imagine Ansel Adams 40-50 years back. He lug around a 8 X 10 camera with 10 pieces of 8 x 10 film holders! Now that is heavy. Anyway he uses a donkey to carry his stuff when he when to Yosimite Park. Anyway, I think MF will never die. Although I use a digital back, I still prefer to used film as colours are still more brilliant. Colour & saturation is unmatchable against digital. Even if you lug a low end MF, is better than digital backs. Not digital cams but digi back. I know there will be people out there will not agree with me but it is ok. Digi back is always my back up not by main. Film is still the best. Those still using MF, please support this thread! Thanks a million!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6th November 2003	#15
maxby Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 69	How many using medium format this days? Am using a Mamiya C330 with 55,80and 180mm lenses. Use for lanscape and architecture. Find it more fun than using slr or digital. Shooting B&W and colour slides.

7th November 2003	#19
Ian Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Perth Australia Posts: 2,330	Assorted Bronica's, Mamiya, Rollei, Ricoh and others. Phase One H20 back on Mamiya for commercial use along with an adaptor for Toyo 4x5 view camera. Lenses: Schneider, Rodenstock, Nikkor and Zeiss in a variety of lengths from 45mm to 1200mm. __________________ The Ang Moh from Hell

7th November 2003	#20
andre Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Sengkang, Singapore Posts: 621	Me using mamiya RB67 PRO SD wiht 90 mm lens and TLR iconflex. rgds, Andre __________________ http://andslm.deviantart.com

5th November 2003	#2
Sputnik Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Singapore Posts: 216	I am using a Rolleiflex 3.5F planar for B&W photography... was very impressed with the rolleiflex when i was shown some B&W protraits from my friend's Rolleiflex recently. Still learning... lots to learn in B&W The camera is very functional .. and everything is designed to be really long lasting and probably idiot proof ( i hardly think any camera this days can take 30 yrs of use and still look like this). Oh well if u are looking for another MF user... here i am .. Cheerios

5th November 2003	#3
kex Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: beebox Posts: 2,101	i always bring my rolleicord VB out on holidays and my mamiya RB67 with the 90mm F3.8 when i need more precise framing.i shoot ekta pro 160 for film,VS100 and provia for slides..sometimes a roll of ilford 50 B&W for that nostalgic feel.. it is so much fun to shoot with a mechanical MF camera and the results are always far more satisfying than using digital medium..

5th November 2003	#4
dreamseeker Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Singapore Posts: 354	Using a Rolleiflex 3.5F and Rolleicord Vb. Use Provia for slides and NPS 160 & portra 400 for color film. T-max for B&W. Sputnik, agree with you on the age of the camera. They don make cameras like this nowadays. ALso more fun to use it too. Have blown up pictures to 20 x 20 and my friends can't believe that is is taken by a camera about 30+ years old.

5th November 2003	#6
Neo Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 947	Couldn't justify a Rollei TLR, so I bought a Seagull. It's a refreshing change from the usual 35mm film and digital camera. Everyone likes to pose for it, because it so weird and so old-looking. "eh.... you using your grandfather's camera iszt?" is a comment you'd always hear. Ha ha! Simple and no-frills. Quality is pretty good, but resolution of the lens could be better lor... nice to use once every few months. But for convenience sake... digital camera still lure me... sigh...

5th November 2003	#7
chyeo Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Yishun Posts: 2,563	My Seagull TLR follows me everywhere (almost). Getting a Mamiya for work purpose though. MF rocks!

6th November 2003	#8
YuHsuan Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Singaproe Posts: 167	Bronica ETRc with AE II and 75mm lens. Using this primarily for shots that require very large enlargements, and for the occasional weddings.

6th November 2003	#9
yowch Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Singapore, Redhill Posts: 1,063	Wow, so many Rolleicord Vb! I am using my father's Vb on and off. This camera took my childhood pictures and that was about 30 years ago. too bad the lens fogged and mouldy.

6th November 2003	#12
vader Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: DEATH* Posts: 618	I'm using mamiya 7 with the 65 f4 lens. like the way things is being done.Kex, when are you joining the M7 group??

7th November 2003	#16
khinmarn Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 161	I have a Rolleicord Vb, takes great b/w, tried color but not so saturated. Almost gave up on printing color, has strange color cast when printed by RGB but Konota the color comes out accurately. I also have a 500c with standard lens. They are different animal totally. But I like them both. For metering I use a Gossen Sixtomat meter, great meter but I am hoping to get a flash meter.

7th November 2003	#17
kingpin Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 1,414	Using Mamiya 645 Pro TL. Execellent results so far with NPS, Portra 400 VC and 160 VC. Trying B&W soon.