What would be a good medium-format camera to start with?

I have always loved photography and now I would like to start using a medium format camera, but I am not sure as to where to start. Can someone give me ideas about cameras and their costs. Thank you.

What would be a good medium-format camera to start with?
MAMIYA RB67, I DO WORK WITH IT, IT IS A WONDER.
Reply:To get a medium format camera, you don't go to Ritz. They don't carry any - they have given way to digital, carrying only a minumum number of film cameras and no medium format.





To start, I would either go with a Pentax 645 or 67 or to Mamiay 645, RB67, or RG67. There are others, Fuji makes a few.





To ensure that you get one that works, I don't recommend ebay. I would call www.keh.com and talk to Arthur if you can get him on the line. You will need a few lenses. For the 645, a standard lens of 80mm y ou will need and then you will need a wide angle, which might be between 50mm and 60mm, then for a portrait lens, you can get a 180mm. For 6x7, you will need a 90 for a standard lens, a 50 for a wide angle, and a 180 for portraits.





I like the Mamiyas 67s. They have a back that turns, so therefore you don't need to turn your camera vertically for a picture. film backs come in 120 and 220 film sizes, the 120 has ten shots, the 220 has 20. Then Pentax cameras are more designed like the normal 35mm, only larger, and I think bulkier. I don't know about the new RGs, but the older ones are heavy so if you go trapsing off to take scenic shots in the mountain, you will need both a tripod and a backpack to carry your gear. Mamiya makes other medium format, as a matter of fact, no 35mms, that are very versatile, so you have to shop around for what you want - what you can carry, and the ease of operation. The RBs have no electronics in them, no light meter, so you have to get a handheld light meter and set your own shutter speed, f stops and ++//cock/++ manually - two actually - you have to do the back and the camera. These are not point and shoots.





There are an abundance of 6x6, or square format cameras that are excellent also. The Mamiya 330s are fantastic, but a little old and very manual also.





Other manufacturers like Bronica, Hasselblad, and still others have the cameras that fit into your desired category, so I suggest that you get what you can for the money - they can all get expensive.
Reply:Go to Ritz Camera
Reply:Heya,


All the advice they gave you was great but here is another option for you.


I don't know what intentions you have for a final outcome so that would help, like is it just for artistic use, weddings, commercial or whatever. If it is purely artsy may I suggest this as a fun, very cheap way of entering the medium format world, having those nice big negs that will create great results. There is a camera, (once called the Diana) but now the Holga. They can be found online just about everywhere including Ebay and some local camera shops carry them. For all of 20 bucks you get this cool little 120 camera. Yes, it's all plastic, including the lens, it comes with a strap and now even a hotshoe for a strobe. I have about 10 of them and everyone of them creates different images but when some pracgtice at exposure you may be surprised to see your results. (PLEASE, don't buy one and go shoot a wedding with it unless that gritty artsy style is the desired effect). Anyways, some of mine were so sharp that I took some sandpaper and scratched the lenses up a bit to get what I was looking for. Practice with it, shoot some film through it and get to know it and you may like it. Look for it on yahoo search and you will find many sites dedicated to Holga lovers and some of the incredible work they have made.
Reply:If you can find one, a yashika mat 124G is an inexpensive way to break into the medium formats. The size is 6X6. Whatever you go to, remember that it is going to be used (new is way too expensive) so be careful.





The mamiya line up are all very good, and middle priced.