medium format camera question....

[andre]

Hi guyz...

need ur advise for the following camera (medium format).

first is the Kiev camera... can some one share about this camera, i saw in kiev site....the price is quite low....so for budget wise...i think this camera is suitable for someone who want to get into medium format....

second is mamiya.... i heard that the mamiya agent is close shop....is it true ?? Can someone share about mamiya medium format system ?

Thanks,
Andre

[ckiang]

Quote: Originally posted by andre Hi guyz... need ur advise for the following camera (medium format). first is the Kiev camera... can some one share about this camera, i saw in kiev site....the price is quite low....so for budget wise...i think this camera is suitable for someone who want to get into medium format.... second is mamiya.... i heard that the mamiya agent is close shop....is it true ?? Can someone share about mamiya medium format system ? Thanks, Andre

Mamiya is carried by Cathay, no? Not familiar with Kiev, they seem cheap. Hasselblad copies, I believe.

Mamiya 645 and RB/RZ 67s are selling quite cheap used nowadays. About $2k for the RZ with a standard lens I think. If you are interested, Fundee seems to be selling.

Another alternative you can consider are the Seagull TLRs.

One bad thing, MF scanning is ridiculously expensive, the projectors are ridiculously expensive, and the scanners are equally expensive.

Regards
CK

[Ian]

Quote: Originally posted by andre Hi guyz... need ur advise for the following camera (medium format). first is the Kiev camera... can some one share about this camera, i saw in kiev site....the price is quite low....so for budget wise...i think this camera is suitable for someone who want to get into medium format.... second is mamiya.... i heard that the mamiya agent is close shop....is it true ?? Can someone share about mamiya medium format system ? Thanks, Andre

Kiev cameras have a well documented history of shutter problems and general quality control issues. Many of the Kiev 88 series medium format bodies require shutter repairs before the camera can even be used, that's right the shutters are stuffed when brand new. Build quality is well below that of the Chinese Seagull (esp the later ones).

Mamiya make some lovely gear, however it's not cheap like a Kiev when purchased new.