Affordable Medium Format Cameras!

Jumping from 35mm to 120 film can be quite intimidating, especially from a gear stand-point. With expensive, legendary cameras out there, it can be difficult to know which one to get in the beginning. From Landscape focused cameras, to Portrait focused cameras, to even some niche, tumblr style toy cameras, I go over my top 6ish cameras that are AFFORDABLE but still give great function and use! Let me know in the comments below if I missed any cameras that you think should have been added! Enjoy!

Metal Fingers Film:

Music by JUNO
#MediumFormat #120Film #Cheap

[joebradshaw]

I have an old tlr that I've had for 25 or so still alot of fun to shot with. but I'm 65 now so eyes not so good.
Nice to see young people shooting with theses cameras. Good luck
Keep on shooting

[jespersichlau]

This was so inspiring to me that I actually went out on a 30 minute bike ride to shoot a couple of 120's on my RB67 in the middle of the video. Good job with the video!

[hammychannel]

Hi Ive been shooting cameras as a hobby since 1983, buying a lubitel 166B in around 88 as a move up from my first 35mm a Practika MTL5B which i still have too. Since then Ive had hassleblads Kievs Mamiyas etc but theres something so simple and innocent about the Lubitel, buy a good one thats been looked after and mine still takes some great images and is a lovely way to spend a most of all whatever you have

[BraeHunziker]

Bronica gang lets go! Such a solid video man, good info and straight to the point. Great stuff.

[chrisperceval]

6x6 rules - literally the coolest aspect ratio! Think of legendary medium format system, Hasselblad, Rolleiflex TLR, Rollei and you are talking 6x6. Back when everyone shot film, 645 was a bit amateur, 6x6 got you access to the best cameras and lens systems (Zeiss etc) and 6x7 was a handy format for those shooting for magazines etc as the aspect ratio was better suited. People could be a bit sniffy about the lenses on the Japanese 6x7s - the Mamiyas, Pentax 6x7 but they are pretty good - just not Zeiss! 6x6 takes a bit of learning compositionally but once mastered... So many greats of photography in so many fields have used it. Iconic.

[edshotsdotcodotuk]

I'd still say square is the best medium format option. Makes you think about framing with purpose more.
Bronicas are definitely the best value for money. They were a workhorse for wedding photographers back in the day. In the UK there are still a lot of places you can pick up used film gear. You'll most likely get a warranty or at a 14 day return policy and they should come tested. The import tax on cameras from Russia and Japan can negate the cheaper price. Then there's the hassle should something go wrong.

[bingethink]

I've just inherited an early Rolleiflex T and I'm already hooked on Medium Format.

[ghw]

Don't forget the Russian folding cameras. The Moskvas are modeled after the German Zeiss Super Ikontas and the Industar lens is first rate. I have the Moskva 4 and it is a dual format camera--6x9 or 2 1/4 square if you can find the mask. Mine has been very reliable and the b&w images are killer!

[hatonafox]

So many dope photos in this video. I haven't paused a youtube video this much ever.

[splus]

I used a Yashica 124 for my high school annual pics back in the 70s. My high school offered a class in photography, we had a nice dark room and all the works. Its nice to look thru those annuals and remember taking those pictures! It was fun trying to get football action shots with a twin lens reflex! I just about got creamed a few times shooting from the sidelines! The one I used belonged to the school but I picked up one back in the 90s. Still have it. Its one of my favorite cameras. (favorite is a Nikon F3)

[fepatton]

My Dad used an RB67 for years professionally and I got to try it a few times. I now have a couple of them, and they are wonderful, reliable tanks. You have to get used to the order of operations and remember all the interlocks that prevent you from making mistakes. They are more awkward to handhold than smaller cameras, but they have great glass. I also have a very old Hasselblad 500C and the Mamiya 645 Super. I grab the Super when I need something that handles well and shoots quickly, but the Hasselblad definitely has a great vibe!

[pawelkostulak]

"If you can get past the square Yes, if you can get past it just maybe it will reward you with your best pictures

[blainemarcano]

Hey man. I’ve been shooting 35mm and feeling for something more. This video is just what I needed. Thanks.

[zhepingwang]

the lick from the background music lol

[LittleMissIssues]

I adore my Holga! I get ethereal and ghostly images, that I could never have planned!! Always fun waitin to get the film returned!!

[noneofyourbusines]

The best cheap introduction to medium format IMO is the Argus 40. A pseudo TLR with a three element glass, single coated lens that is focused by distance estimation with a F4.5-F22 lens and a 1/25th to 150th sec plus B shutter. Its designed for 620 film, but a 120 film roll can be trimmed down to fit (with a 620 take up spool) . The best part is F8-F22, its pictures are almost indistinguishable from those taken with Yashica Mat or Rolleicord.

[Wesleycallison]

Everyone always misses out the Mamiya Press, its super underrated.

[jakeoliveira]

i just got into medium format through the Pentax 645n and I really love it. that's the only one that jumps out to me as missing from this list. pretty sure you can get the original Pentax 645 for like 300-400 bucks.

[RemySneek]

I recently bought a Bronica ETRS, a 6x4.5 with great lenses.

[leeo.alexander]

This is a very good video describing the various medium format cameras and their status as starter level investments. I owned an M645 back in 1978 while stationed in Germany. To my bad judgment, I sold it around 1983 or so. As of now, I have made up for that slip. I have a number of the Mamiya M645s up to the M645AF. And they all fit beautifully in my hand. The only one that I am missing is the (E). I have also acquired a Bronica SQ-A with a leaf shutter lens. I have added two Pentax 645(s), the A, and N models. The Pentax(N) needs a mode dial and I hope to be able to 3d print one. I have repaired and added several TL cameras to my collection. The Mamiya C3 is the heaviest one but it works great. I know you will enjoy the ones you have. They help you to be more intentional with your photography, causing you to slow down and pay attention to the smallest area of a scene. Enjoy and take great images.