Resonablely priced (aka cheap) Medium Format camera?

blurblock · 8th December 2003

May I know where to get a cheap medium format camera and it's flim? Never tried Medium format before, thus I would not know if it would suit me....... just want to play with one.....

deslim27 · 8th December 2003

Hello,

Try a TLR first, cheap startup for medium format.

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=43490

If I not wrong all medium format use a common type of roll film. I'm not into medium format anyway

LCT · 9th December 2003

Any new comer to medium format, especially the TLR normally encounters some form of problems in one way of another. A limited amount of trial and error with some initial guidance from someone is therefore neccessary.

You need to know how to load the film, get used to the manual winding process after each shot, and also the unique way to remove the film cassette in the dark bag ( peeling away the double layer).

Getting a cheap medium format may not sounds like such a good idea particularly for item such as Lubitel or Seagull ( which I think fits your search) - which are prone to mechanical failure fortuitously.

The two entry level TLR are from the communist world ( centrally planned economy from factory of state owned enterprise with the key objectives of jobs creation to their people)

Its is built like a "tank" for the Seagull and is fully mechanical which has a high tendency of breaking down ( if buy as used) particularly the mechanical gadgets.

The lubitel are prone to light leakage problem and need experience to rectify them.

These are some of the issues to contend with. No doubt the lubitel has one of the sharpest Russian len and so is the Seagull.

It is my humble opinion for new comer to invest in a robust Seagull or if you more exploratory type, then I think Lubitel may possibly be a good choice because of the low price.

wildswan · 15th December 2003

imho, get a reasonably good one to try. they give better result and are less prone to breakdown (seagulls are good but not lubitels). go for a mid prized rolleiflex TLR or something equivalent. go for a MF SLR like bronica, mamiya if you are willing to spend more for the flexibility that comes with them. and a hasselblad or rolleiflex if you must have them.

if you are worry about resale, most reputable TLRs and MFs hold their values quite well and depreciation is low or minimal.

Ansel · 18th December 2003

chyeo is selling a Kiev 88 set for a song. This is a Hasselblad copy. Should be good for those wanting to start out on MF at minimal cost.

chyeo · 18th December 2003

Originally Posted by Ansel

chyeo is selling a Kiev 88 set for a song. This is a Hasselblad copy. Should be good for those wanting to start out on MF at minimal cost.

thanks ansel! yup do check out my kiev 88 set in buy and sell. great set at low price!

blurblock · 18th December 2003

Hehe.... after so many comments from all, I had decided to stick with 35mm first ... until I can be proficent enough in it before I go on to Medium format .... than you

.

8th December 2003	#1
blurblock Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 3,837	Resonablely priced (aka cheap) Medium Format camera? May I know where to get a cheap medium format camera and it's flim? Never tried Medium format before, thus I would not know if it would suit me....... just want to play with one.....

15th December 2003	#4
wildswan Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: jurong west Posts: 72	do get a reasonably good one imho, get a reasonably good one to try. they give better result and are less prone to breakdown (seagulls are good but not lubitels). go for a mid prized rolleiflex TLR or something equivalent. go for a MF SLR like bronica, mamiya if you are willing to spend more for the flexibility that comes with them. and a hasselblad or rolleiflex if you must have them. if you are worry about resale, most reputable TLRs and MFs hold their values quite well and depreciation is low or minimal.

8th December 2003	#2
deslim27 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: SG Posts: 2,603	Hello, Try a TLR first, cheap startup for medium format. http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=43490 If I not wrong all medium format use a common type of roll film. I'm not into medium format anyway

9th December 2003	#3
LCT Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 195	Any new comer to medium format, especially the TLR normally encounters some form of problems in one way of another. A limited amount of trial and error with some initial guidance from someone is therefore neccessary. You need to know how to load the film, get used to the manual winding process after each shot, and also the unique way to remove the film cassette in the dark bag ( peeling away the double layer). Getting a cheap medium format may not sounds like such a good idea particularly for item such as Lubitel or Seagull ( which I think fits your search) - which are prone to mechanical failure fortuitously. The two entry level TLR are from the communist world ( centrally planned economy from factory of state owned enterprise with the key objectives of jobs creation to their people) Its is built like a "tank" for the Seagull and is fully mechanical which has a high tendency of breaking down ( if buy as used) particularly the mechanical gadgets. The lubitel are prone to light leakage problem and need experience to rectify them. These are some of the issues to contend with. No doubt the lubitel has one of the sharpest Russian len and so is the Seagull. It is my humble opinion for new comer to invest in a robust Seagull or if you more exploratory type, then I think Lubitel may possibly be a good choice because of the low price.

18th December 2003	#5
Ansel Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Land Downunder Posts: 2,069	chyeo is selling a Kiev 88 set for a song. This is a Hasselblad copy. Should be good for those wanting to start out on MF at minimal cost.