Buying Your First Medium Format Camera - SLR vs TLR vs Rangefinder

A brief overview of the different styles of medium format cameras, as well as some model suggestions for anyone who is looking to purchase their first one.

►*DISCLAIMER*
Some of the links below are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.

CAMERAS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO(*these are affiliate links):

►GEAR(*these are affiliate links):

..................................

DISCLAIMER
Some of the links above are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.

[batuhancokmar]

One key point which isn't really emphasized in this video is size and weight. For 35mm format, portability difference between rangefinder and SLR is not a huge deal, we are talking about +/- 100 grams worth of weight difference there... For medium format, SLRs like RB67 weigh 2.7kg with a standard lens and really needs its own seperate camera bag if you want to take it anywhere. Interchangable lenses sound good, but lenses are also heavy too. On the other hand, A Super Ikonta with f/2.8 tessar weighs around 850 grams and compact enough to carry around in a back pocket.

Personally I too am pro-SLR for 35mm, but for medium format, rangefinders are the only viable option if you like to hang your camera around your neck and forget about it until you need it. For people coming from 35mm and buying their first medium format camera, I think this is a VERY important point to consider.

[Arb]

After buying 4 medium-format cameras, I wish I had seen your video earlier. You provide a lot of insight. Thanks for the high quality videos as always.

[KonradSarnowski]

If you're in Europe, cheap SLR option is to get Kiev60 (body) + Carl Zeiss Jena lenses (psix mount) or for TLR option Flexaret VI ;)

[The_Mister]

For 6x6...if you want the ability to change lenses, Mamiya is a great system. Either the C220 or C330. For a carry around 6x6...the Yashica Mat rocks. It’s small, cheap and light. Also...look for the Yashica 12. It’s the same as the 124, but only takes 120 film. Most people look for the 124 and 124G so those cost more. The Yashica 12 flies under the radar. Nobody has 220 film anymore anyway. I started by getting a Hasselblad and a Mamiya 645 1000s but sold the Hasselblad because I preferred using the 645. It was just more fun to use, and economical, and really less of a hassle...pardon the pun. I had a Mamiya RB67 and the negatives are unbelievably sharp, but there’s a lot of susceptibility to light leaks between the body and film backs so prepare to spend a lot for a tested kit with no light leaks. The most reliable systems I’ve used have been the Mamiya TLRs and 645. They just don’t let me down and they’re affordable. You can get the 80mm f1.9 for the 645 system which is the fastest medium format lens on any system. It produces amazing 3D quality bokeh and it’s super sharp if you’re focusing with the micro prism screen, open up to f1.9, focus, then stop down.

[ktor]

I bought a Mamiya RB67 Pro S back in 2012 for $500.00 dollars, That came with 2 film backs and 1 polaroid back with the handle and shutter release with 127mm lens and various filters I absolutely love the mechanical functionality of this camera! I can't recommend enough! Cheers

[grant]

Dude I love your channel so much. Not pretentious and not all the usual content. Thanks man

[Pigletsyes]

Awesome video!
I have a Mamiya 645 Super with 3 film backs: one for slide film, one for color negative, and a black and white. Nice and versatile

[frankdekock]

I'm a Pentax 67 guy. Absolutely love that camera...and combined with the legendary 105mm lens it's a dream set up!

[certs]

For TLRs a good budget option that is very versatile is the Yashica 635. Basically it is a Yashica D TLR designed to be dual format so you can use 120 or 35mm film. You can also get a set of addon lenses in wide angle and a short telephoto for portraits. I got one TLR with all the bells and whistles for about 200 CDN and a second camera body for about 100.

[hanphan]

Seriously, so comprehensive. Love how informational your videos are.

[northstar]

A lot of people doing reviews often mention that fact that the Mamiya 1000s and its 'J' version don't have a facility for changing film but so what neither does any 35mm camera either. Really interesting and enjoyable review.

[DanFrizzell]

My first medium-format camera (Mamiya C330), after 40+ years of shooting 35mm and several years using mirrorless Fujifilm gear, arrived from Japan four days ago. I have one shot left on my first-ever 120 roll (Portra 400). So far I love everything about this camera and the shooting process. Looking forward to seeing the results after I really get the hang of it, which I imagine will take a while. It’s a big change. And a big camera.

[solidsixx]

been using my Mamiya 645 as my number 1 medium format camera for the past two years, as it hits that sweet spot between image quality and cost-effectiveness as I can get 16 shots from a roll and have them still look really good. For slide film I like shooting my RB67 though because the huge "negatives"(positives? idk) look amazing

[inevitablecraftslab]

Bronica ETRSi is by far the best 645 option in my opinion.
I started shooting old 135 film that was still in the fridge and i found a cool way to trick the 120 back and get more that 15 images.

When the camera starts to roll free after the 15th frame, just advance a bit, pop the double exposure lever in to cock the shutter and take a photo.
Repeat till you feel the roll is on its very end.
Works perfectly, got more than 30 images on it, i guess 36 isn't possible as you waste a lot when starting the roll.

Also you can chop a takeup spool and use it to hold the 135 in place.

[luisbperez]

Outstanding review, I have a Yashica 124 that I bought in 1984 used at Alameda Naval Base sitting in my closet. Gonna take it to a camera repair shop to start using it. You gained a new subscriber. Best regards from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

[mudgie]

If it's a budget people are on simple, get an old folding camera. I've got a Vogitlander Bessa 1 and an Agfa Isolette II from the 1950s and they are both still working a treat and producing wonderful negatives :)

[simonberry]

SUCH a helpful video, even if - like me - you already own several Medium Format cameras! I've personally never adjusted to the waist-level finder on my Yashica & am considering a 645 instead, so this video is super helpful - along with others in your archive, thanks

[jimmy]

I would add the Mamiya Press system to the rangefinder line! It’s still fairly cheap, has good lenses and interchangeable film backs that goes from 645 to 6x9! It’s kind of bulky but it’s simple and I like shooting with it. William Eggleston has done some interesting work with it. Definitely worth checking out! Keep up the good work, love your channel!

[ErnestoIbarra]

My first (and only so far) medium format camera was a Mamiya RB67. It's a heavy tank, but it's great! Medium format is a game changer! The quality of the photos has no comparison.

[Dylanwade_]

Was just about to message you on IG but checked YouTube first. Hell yeah.