Starting out

Buzz · 12th November 2003

I am thinking of entering the world of medium format. Like to take portraits . Is the Mamiya 645 Pro TL a good camera ? It comes as a package with the 80mm lens. What other lenses should I be looking at when it comes to taking portraits ?Also what are the prices for the lenses? Thanks

Pro Image · 12th November 2003

Ok let's get straight to the point.

Are you venturing into Photography Business? If you are, then you will be able to cover your investment. If not, you will be wasting a lot a lot a lot of money!

I have used many MF cameras, each has a different functions. The one you are choosing is quite ok but start off with the standard 80mm lens first. You may want to consider after using it. Portraits lenses are more expensive but try out this 80mm which is equivalent to around 50mm on a 35mm SLR.

Basically all cameras are the same. It's just that when you shoot slides, it looks wonderful. Larger prints. Sharper images overall. This model shud be able to fit a digi back if you have some $$$ to spare (11MP cost from $25,000 and up)

You will be spending more money when you first start off MF. I have a Mamiya 6 X 7 Pro Sd, 50mm, 90mm, 150mm, 250mm, Polariod Back and 3 Films backs. I invested a lot of money ($35,000 includes a 11MP Digiback) but manage to get plenty of return over the months I work.

So unless you really have a lot of money to burn, my suggestion is look for a friend who has a MF. Try out and see. That's how I started off my MF by borrowing from friends.

Sorry to be a wet blanket but money is damn precious nowadays!!!!!

Thanks!

Buzz · 12th November 2003

Thanks for the putting things in perspective. My wife will be really grateful for this advice

Yes... was thinking of making some money out of this hobby of mine. looks like I have to save up some more before owning one. Meanwhile will look out for friends who has a MF sitting idle in their dry cupboards ...

12th November 2003	#1
Buzz Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bukit Timah Posts: 220	Starting out I am thinking of entering the world of medium format. Like to take portraits . Is the Mamiya 645 Pro TL a good camera ? It comes as a package with the 80mm lens. What other lenses should I be looking at when it comes to taking portraits ?Also what are the prices for the lenses? Thanks

12th November 2003	#2
Pro Image Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Last planet from the sun Posts: 2,822	Where are you heading to? Ok let's get straight to the point. Are you venturing into Photography Business? If you are, then you will be able to cover your investment. If not, you will be wasting a lot a lot a lot of money! I have used many MF cameras, each has a different functions. The one you are choosing is quite ok but start off with the standard 80mm lens first. You may want to consider after using it. Portraits lenses are more expensive but try out this 80mm which is equivalent to around 50mm on a 35mm SLR. Basically all cameras are the same. It's just that when you shoot slides, it looks wonderful. Larger prints. Sharper images overall. This model shud be able to fit a digi back if you have some $$$ to spare (11MP cost from $25,000 and up) You will be spending more money when you first start off MF. I have a Mamiya 6 X 7 Pro Sd, 50mm, 90mm, 150mm, 250mm, Polariod Back and 3 Films backs. I invested a lot of money ($35,000 includes a 11MP Digiback) but manage to get plenty of return over the months I work. So unless you really have a lot of money to burn, my suggestion is look for a friend who has a MF. Try out and see. That's how I started off my MF by borrowing from friends. Sorry to be a wet blanket but money is damn precious nowadays!!!!! Thanks!

12th November 2003	#3
Buzz Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bukit Timah Posts: 220	Thanks for the putting things in perspective. My wife will be really grateful for this advice Yes... was thinking of making some money out of this hobby of mine. looks like I have to save up some more before owning one. Meanwhile will look out for friends who has a MF sitting idle in their dry cupboards ... Last edited by Buzz; 12th November 2003 at 11:26 PM.