Medium Format - DPChallenge Forums

07/30/2010 01:56:28 PM · #1

I have been considering a find investment into a Medium Format system someday realistically soon. Does anyone have any knowledge and experience in this area? I was thinking that it would probably have to be a film camera that has the option for having a digital back because I cant honestly afford a 30k Hasselblad H3D.

What say you?

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Nikon

07/30/2010 02:08:24 PM · #2

I have a Mamiya RB67 which can be picked up for under $300 which many digital backs can be attached too.

cryan

Nikon D700

07/30/2010 02:37:21 PM · #3

Originally posted by JayA:

I have a Mamiya RB67 which can be picked up for under $300 which many digital backs can be attached too.

I would second the idea of an RB67. I used one for partraits while in the Navy and loved the camera.

07/30/2010 02:44:04 PM · #4

The RB67 is fully manual, at least till you add the digital back. THere is also a Mamiya RZ67 which is similar but has automatic winding etc.

ETA: They also give a larger negative size of 6x7 opposed to the usual 6x6 aswel as a rotating back.

Message edited by author 2010-07-30 14:45:17.

07/30/2010 04:51:24 PM · #5

thats awesome. Are there a good assortment of great lenses for it still available?

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR

07/30/2010 04:55:30 PM · #6

When using Medium Format lenses, what are good ideas for lenses as far as portrait lenses are concerned?

George

Nikon D750

07/30/2010 05:01:29 PM · #7

Originally posted by mgarsteck:

When using Medium Format lenses, what are good ideas for lenses as far as portrait lenses are concerned?

Isn't there a "factor" just like with APS-C sensors, by which you multiply the focal length to get the 35mm focal length?

Message edited by author 2010-07-30 17:07:19.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR

07/30/2010 05:09:16 PM · #8

Bingo... Right here is a good one

Price is right too. Plenty of backs for it as well. And hopefully the digital ones would go down in the future.

You can get some pretty cool viewfinders as well.

Does anyone know by chance if those lenses are good to use on new Mamiya digitals?

You guys are a wealth of knowledge btw, thanks...

George

Nikon D750

07/30/2010 05:10:19 PM · #9

Originally posted by mgarsteck:

Bingo... Right here is a good one

Whoaaa... sweet, dude!

ETA: Mamiya RB67 info

ETA2: Click here and scroll down for a decent answer to your "what lens" question.

Message edited by author 2010-07-30 17:21:34.

07/30/2010 05:12:50 PM · #10

Originally posted by George:

Originally posted by mgarsteck:
Bingo... Right here is a good one

Whoaaa... sweet, dude!

Now if I only had the money for it. Wont have it till the weekend.

07/30/2010 05:40:29 PM · #11

At the minute I only have the 90mm lens. Here are some portraits I've shot with it.

Set 1
Set 2

Morgan

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

07/30/2010 06:59:50 PM · #12

This is a easy question to answer. Go find a used Hasselblad 500 series body. You can use film and even find a digital back if you select one of the models that can accept a CCD back. You can also purchased used Hasselblad lenses, which are amazing. A good film kit can be had for a very reasonable cost these days. So, hunt for a bargain. A good handheld light meter is also essential as is a sturdy tripod. I have two mint bodies, with four film backs and four lenses, as well as prism meters, grips, sun shades, and a myriad of other accessories. Hasselblad is truly amazing and beats all the digital cameras sold today in so many ways, including my Nikon D3. The Mamiya is a great camera too, but does not have the same calibre of Carl Ziess glass. The lenses are what makes it all so good.

07/30/2010 07:03:27 PM · #13

Check this Link out. It compares digital slrs to medium format film.

bspurgeon

Fujifilm x100

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

07/30/2010 07:11:36 PM · #14

Originally posted by JayA:

The RB67 is fully manual, at least till you add the digital back.

Are you sure you can put a digital back on the RB67? My Dad handed his down to me, definitely enjoyable.

07/30/2010 07:14:07 PM · #15

Originally posted by bspurgeon:

Originally posted by JayA:
The RB67 is fully manual, at least till you add the digital back.

Are you sure you can put a digital back on the RB67? My Dad handed his down to me, definitely enjoyable.

100% sure, I've used it with one. (Adapters are needed, but usually are)

bspurgeon

Fujifilm x100

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

07/30/2010 07:19:15 PM · #16

Originally posted by JayA:

100% sure, I've used it with one. (Adapters are needed, but usually are)

I'm curious, can describe the set up a bit more in detail.

07/30/2010 07:22:07 PM · #17

Originally posted by bspurgeon:

Originally posted by JayA:
100% sure, I've used it with one. (Adapters are needed, but usually are)

I'm curious, can describe the set up a bit more in detail.

Check these links

ZD Digital Back Adapter for RB67
Photo.net fourm (6years old)

There is also more information on the mamiya website.

07/30/2010 07:40:45 PM · #18

Originally posted by Morgan:

Are the lenses compatible with the new bodies of the pure digital Hasselblads?

jvaughn94

Canon EOS-1000D Rebel XS

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

07/30/2010 08:00:26 PM · #19

How much does a digital back like that run?

07/30/2010 08:04:27 PM · #20

Originally posted by jvaughn94:

How much does a digital back like that run?

Depends on the sensor size, about 6k plus I think.

Message edited by author 2010-07-30 20:04:34.

bspurgeon

Fujifilm x100

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

07/30/2010 08:52:02 PM · #21

Thanks Jay, I recall that info. My RB is from 1971, won't take a back. No matter, I still can't make a decent negative! Those backs are strickly pro, way too much money. I like the low cost of the 120 film.

Mamiya slashes MF Prices..

07/31/2010 07:32:56 PM · #22

07/31/2010 07:52:42 PM · #23

10k for the 22mp version, heck of a lot cheaper than the alternatives I would say

07/31/2010 07:54:41 PM · #24

Originally posted by mgarsteck:

10k for the 22mp version, heck of a lot cheaper than the alternatives I would say

But 96.7mp 120 film is even cheaper!

Message edited by author 2010-07-31 19:55:33.