I owned the Koni Omega, and I loved the experience. Graflex Omega was in there too, I think one of the models had a moveable back to adjust the film plane.
Bought myself a Kiev 60 for less then a 150 usd last Winter (thanks to this channel for an idea) it was shipped from Ukraine, like new condition. Did a few rolls with standard lens and was quite impressed after 35mm. Happy with it so far.
The Kievs were a camera that I absolutely fell in love with in the late '90s. I don't know if they're still around, but there were several people (I want to say companies but I don't remember if they were companies or individuals) that were rebuilding them to a tighter spec for maybe $100 more. I loved the 88 the most. I would love to go back to shooting medium format, but the lack of availability for developing film without an investment, and honestly the lack of high MP digital backs for those that want to shoot both digital and it film is still a pitfall. I learned photography on a TLR. This was a great video to stumble across! You brought back a lot of memories. Well done!
A note to anyone considering a Koni-Omega. These cameras can be great, but most were worked very hard by photographers. The trouble points tend to be stuck shutters, backs that don’t work at all or advance with uneven spacing on frames, and there are more point to get light leaks than other types of cameras. The backs are pretty difficult to repair, I haven’t been brave enough to try yet but the instructions I’ve seen are intensive. Try to buy one that’s been tested, or if you are a tinkerer they can be fun to learn how to fix! When working properly you can get very sharp photos!
Thanks, some interesting cameras I did not know about. I have a Bronica GS-1 6x7 with lots of lenses, definitely beyond beginner level prices but very competitive versus other 6x7 SLRs. Also a Yashica D, which I use a lot for its portability. I went through several Yashica Mat124s and had problems with the gearing for shutter cock/film advance; the Yashica D has those as two separate actions which makes the gearing less complicated, and also makes shooting multiple exposures even too easy! I did a head-to-head comparison of my Yashica D with a Rolleicord (the less expensive Rollei), did not see any significant difference in image quality but preferred the viewing screen on the Yashica (the Rollei screen was brighter in the center but dimmer at the edges, making focusing easier but framing harder). Cheers from Montreal!
An alternative to the Yashica A is the Japan-only Yashica Rookie which is basically the same camera except it adds the ability to shoot 645 (provided you can find or print a mask).
I went stupidly cheap for my first medium format camera. I picked up a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye at a swap meet for $2 just because I liked the art deco style of it and I've since put several rolls through it. I won't argue that it's the perfect camera, having to modify or re-roll 120 to 620 spools is a very notable issue. But it's been a very fun little camera to walk around with. In some ways its a kind of no-thought shooting because there's really only the option of whether or not to take a picture. You as the photographer have to make sure that the shot works for the camera, not the other way around. You'll certainly lose a few frames by mis-judging the light level or moving while pressing the shutter but when it works it's even more rewarding than shooting point-and-shoot on 35mm (at least I think so)
I have owned a bunch of MF cameras over the years, and to me, nothing holds a candle to the Agfa Super Isollette. A awesome camera that fits in a pocket. With that said, it is my second choice because I do not like 6x6. I only shoot 2x3 ratio so 6x9 is my only option and the absolute best camera for me is the Voigtlander Bessa II. These are not as cheap as the ones you listed but at around 350-500 for a good one, it is so worth it. It is my endgame camera in MF. Takes stunning photos and it slides in the pocket. Built like a tank. I've shot this camera for years and it has never needed servicing.
the seagull is what i went with when looking for a cheap medium format camera to try it out. it was recently CLAed and cost €70 and was honestly a really good purchase, I can definitely recommend it.
@@metalfingersfilm You had also in your script wrong that is lightweight. Psix with 80mm Biometar weights little over 1,2 kgs, which is 2,64 that your pounds.
I just got a Yashica-C and since there is no mirror slap.i can hold it steady at like 1/25 no need for tripods. Brace against your torso and shoot carefully.
I bought a mamiya c33 2 years ago for $150 with a 105mm lens in excellent condition. For some reason, everyone wants the c330 and they cost twice what i paid for mine. The mamiya is a camera you can grow with as you get to afford other lenses, plus it has the ability to close focus. The other cheap cameras will be ok until you decide you want more thenyou will wind up spending more especially as prices keep going up .buy the best you can afford and if you decide large format isn't for you, you will be able to get most of your money back
I assume the C33 doesn't have parallax corection, which the C330 have? As.someone who like to shoot close-up ish, this issue had shoot me in the foot a few times.
You missed probably the best medium format camera for beginners that is still reasonably priced. The Pentax 645. The glass is great, inexpensive - and the cameras are generally bulletproof. I bought my 645 with two lenses for ~350 bucks and it has been reliable and a joy to use. I own a nice Bronica EC with a few lenses / accessories and a Fuji GS645W - and the Pentax is always the one I grab if I want to make sure the pics come out correctly.
A great camera, as long as the battery holder is in usable condition. Just not the 'cool' thing to have today, since everyone thinks you need a waist level finder on medium format. However, once your eyes get a certain age, you want nothing to do with a WLF.
Totally agree about the Pentax 645! I see them mint for $300 all the time - with the 75mm lens. You won’t be the envy of your youtuber friends but you’ll have awesome negatives! 645 is good for the wallet too as film is getting so $$$$!
I know it doesn't have a lot of resources, but I recently picked up a Suzuki Press Van 120. It's a 1950's rangefinder with bellows (that doesn't really fold) and an insanely bright rangefinger. It's fairly unknown but can be had for around 250-300 dollars. Great camera, really reliable and sturdy. Also the Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex cameras are pretty great TLR cameras that can be had for well under 100 bucks.
For a Soviet medium format camera that isn't Lubitel or Kiev, there's the Moskva line. Moskva 2, 4 and 5 all have coupled rangefinders, and 4 and 5 can shoot 6x6 alongside 6x9 if you happen to get one with the mask. Condition after up to 70 years is wildly varying, but idk, I found a Moskva-2 in pretty much perfect mechanical and optical condition for 40€. Some luck was needed of course, and Finland is a better than average location for finding these old Soviet cameras. Idk, I kinda need to go to Tallinn or Riga to see if I can find anything interesting there.
I have a moskva 5 I got at a local goodwill a couple years ago. The rangefinder is broken but the actual camera is in wonderful condition and it shoots such beautiful massive negatives.
I rarely write comments, but this time I have to... I really don't understand why most people are so insanely reserved about cameras like the Ljubitel. I understand that there are some requirements on how advanced the mechanics of a device must be to call it a camera, but for me personally, Ljubitel fits this pretty well. And yes I realize that it is a camera that is simply a product of the time and place of its creation. I found one in a closet about a year ago and just thought, how about giving it a try? After reading forums and watching youtube videos I was very skeptical of the outcome. Luckily what i got was complete opposite. The quality of the images taken was excellent. And in general, the whole process of getting familiar with the functionality of what many people call a "toy camera" was fun and, thanks to the technological limitations of the camera, also very educational. I understand that people in the photo community will probably rip my head off, but even a Ljubitel is a very rewarding companion with a little patience and willingness to at least give it a try. (If I'd belive to all of these skeptical comments, I'd never have started to shooting film, which is why I'm a little annoyed to see this narrative over and over again. ) Video as whole is really good and i like it. But I felt the need to stand up a little for my favourite piece of soviet history lol😅.
I have been sporting a Bronica ETRS (645) and Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 523/16 (6x6) and they are wonderful. Each sees on average 2-3 rolls per month. They are a steal for what they deliver.
agfa isola I. I've got one in about 20 bucks. It's plastic build and relying on estimated focus. But it might be one of the cheapest 6x6 cameras. I got a lot of fun shooting with it.
Very solid list of cameras, man. I’d heard of all of them except the Koni-Omega which I’m definitely interested in getting, so thanks! Also, have you noticed that prices on eBay seem to be really going down, compared to the craziness of 2-3 years ago?
I use a Kowa 6 and see it almost never mentioned or covered by film photographers. its great, I have 85mm (50mm equivalent) and it's all i need. it's basically a hasselblad without a removable back. I haven't had any mechanical problems yet and all the shutter speeds seem to be fine the only thing I don't like is that it doesn't seem to have a bulb mode for long exposures or I just don't understand how to make it work.
I like the Yashica c. No film window and has a counter instead and film lock so it winds perfectly frame to frame. Still allows multiple exposure also.
I have two Yashica As and theyre by far my favorite camera to use, the only issue is they dont have ports for Shutter Release cables (as far as I know) but I believe there are guides online on how to modify them to work.
I enjoyed using the Yashica TLR and some old 120-film cameras with bellows. Main problem with bellows cameras is aging and light-leak of the bellows. My favorite medium format camera was the Pentax 67, though it wasn't cheap (but wonderful).
I bought a Brownie Hawkeye Flash, definitely more toy camera but the results I got shooting Kodak gold 200 far exceeded my expectations, and I got it for $20 with the flash and flash bulbs, and its really clean
Being an eyeglass wearer, I'm a TLR fan. I used to a Yashica D. I've been looking for a used Yashica TLR, but everyone I look at has a disclaimer lens haze or fungus. I'm at a point of just giving up. Can you give me a suggestion, I can't afford a Hasselblad or Rolleiflex.
I'd add the Ricoflex (geared lens) series to the list. They do all tend to have seized focusing due to dried up grease, but the repair is relatively simple to do at home with just basic tools and materials. A little bit sturdier than the Lubitels, but often even cheaper to buy. I have an Eastar TLR (same design as the Seagull but made in a different factory) and it has a fantastically sharp lens. Not sure how it will hold up to continued use. I've only run about five or six rolls of film through it over the past four years.
I bought a Konica Omega 100 a couple weeks ago, and actually having some control over setting has been nice. I paired it with a TTartisan lightmeter and ive gotten some nice images. The camera was 120 bucks
The Agfa Isolettes (and Ansco Speedex) are also a relatively inexpensive way to get into medium format photography, but you may be paying more for fully restored versions with replacement bellows or uncoupled rangefinders (if so equipped). If you're willing to put in the work to restore one though they are very cheap.
2 points :- a) watch for light leaks on the backs of Lubitels b) buy the best & cry once... with the cost of film & processing spending a bit more on the camera & wasting less film (& having a more enjoyable experience) can be more economic in the long term.
My favourite choices are TLR (well, I'm biased to 6x6) Fixed-lens: Yashica Mat, Rolleicord Interchangeable-lens: Mamiya C3 Personally I'll stay away from typical folding cameras, because they are not coupled with rangefinder and thus zone-focusing only.
Back in the Mid 80's, I bought my first Holga 120 camera for just $12.00 Dollars. The place I bought the camera was, "Camera & Darkroom" in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Totally agree. I started out with a Pentacon Six and sold it to replace with a Kiev 88 CM and Kiev 60. I had problems with one of my Kiev 88s, but not the same issues like inconsistent and overlapping frame spacing on the P6.
lol cries in canadian prices, i just picked up a minolta autocord (for $340 plus $100 CLA) for my first medium format camera. i'm excited to start shooting medium format
Zeiss ikon ikoflex tlr series. As good as a Rollei with Zeiss lenses at a lower price. Only a prewar model has a f2.8 lens though. The post war models are f3.5.
Wait until you get into large format 😢 the best cheap medium format is a nice Yashica (preferably the yashica-Mat 124) TLR, they never gave me no problems with light leaks, affordable, and are leaf shutters which helps with learning flash photography. They are also very quite and people will also want to talk to you about it. I get asked more about my Yashica-12 than any of my film or digital cameras.
The Koni-Omegas are better built and have significantly better optics than any of the other cameras mentioned. When shopping for them used, the weak link is the back. It is the only part which wears out, and it is very difficult to repair, or find someone to repair it at any price. There are a series of models. The first model, the one shown here, is not the one to buy. After this first version. Subsequent versions changed to a better hand grip and an improved film back which is not interchangeable with this first model. His suggested price of $200 might have worked for me in the early 1980s, when these were very common. Today, a Koni priced at $200 is probably beaten to death with a back which is mis-spacing image frames. Buy with caution. It's basically a better built Mamiya 7, if you find a good one.
The Mamiya Press series of cameras are pretty much a better versioln of the koni omegas, with 6x7 and 6x9 backs readily available and pretty solid lenses they're one of the best ways to shoot giant negatives, affordably or not!v theyre like £250 and very capable
I recently picked up a cheap medium format camera, an Agfa Isola 1 for $14.50. If anyone is looking for essentially a holga made of metal and glass, I can gladly recommend the Isola 1, i would try and look for one $20 and under.
Flexaret (6) with a tessar clone (belar, not mirrar)and moskva 4 or 5. Worth mentioning is that the mount of pentacon6 and kiev is the same and there are cla'd ones with mirror lock up from hartblei and maybe arax too. In terms of reliability, the p6 is no way better than the kiev 60/6C and afaik it is the other way around. I have 4 pentacon6 cameras :)
I owned four Pentacon Six and all failed on me within a year of use. Not worth it, since servicing them is ridiculously expensive and a refurbished one will cost as much as a Mamiya RZ
I had several Kiev 60s trying to get a cheap MF camera way back in the day and they were JUNK. Constant issues of all kinds. The advance mech will just fail and crunch into oblivion. You get light leaks in general. If I remember right, no 220 capability. Its just for someone that REALLY wants all the hassles of a MF camera and the absolute pain in the ass of not really taking pictures, but struggling with taking pictures. I tried the pentacon six, which was nearly the same, better than that. After all the struggles, it wasnt worth 120 film, so I finally got to the Pentax 67. The lens options for the kiev 60 were interesting, but heavy and no real coatings on those lenses. Had the Koni Omega also, it was weird. Pentax 67 was certainly the way to do old MF if you have a little more money as you get a solid camera and the lenses have some modern coatings on them and you can really get amazing stuff.
Hey, man, slow down. It was really hard to follow you. Also, I'm curious how you were cradling your phone all the time, like it was some sort of comfort blanket.
The Exacta 66 and the Pentacon six are very far from cheap. Not sure why you listed them as cheap. And other cheap film camera videos list expensive cameras. I guess no one checks prices before hand.
Interesting that you characterize MF as 6x7. Full frame MF is 6x9. Then there are various fractional sizes down to half frame. Interesting that for the single folder you mentioned, you settled on one of the most obscure and rare models of the bunch. Dozens of Zeiss and other models made over the course of decades were not enough to catch your attention? Otherwise, good content. 👍
It's impossible to get decent medium format camera, they are all so old and unreliable, compare that with medium format film price I would just go digital-lost so much money on vintage mechanical junk. I still shoot 35 on early 2000s SLRs, such and enjoyable experience, still expensive though.
Not true at all - like most blanket statements. . My cheap Pentax 645 has been 100% reliable for hundreds of rolls. Sounds like to me you need to be more picky about what/where you buy your gear.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Those Koni-Omega cameras are the highest quality that you can get for the money, in my humble opinion.
Mamiya 23 Standard is in this price point, too~
I owned the Koni Omega, and I loved the experience. Graflex Omega was in there too, I think one of the models had a moveable back to adjust the film plane.
Penatcon Six with Zeiss lenses is a budget gem. Thanks for the shout out using the footage 🤘
Bought myself a Kiev 60 for less then a 150 usd last Winter (thanks to this channel for an idea) it was shipped from Ukraine, like new condition. Did a few rolls with standard lens and was quite impressed after 35mm. Happy with it so far.
so sick. love my kiev60
Could you please provide the details of the seller??
The Kievs were a camera that I absolutely fell in love with in the late '90s. I don't know if they're still around, but there were several people (I want to say companies but I don't remember if they were companies or individuals) that were rebuilding them to a tighter spec for maybe $100 more. I loved the 88 the most.
I would love to go back to shooting medium format, but the lack of availability for developing film without an investment, and honestly the lack of high MP digital backs for those that want to shoot both digital and it film is still a pitfall.
I learned photography on a TLR.
This was a great video to stumble across! You brought back a lot of memories. Well done!
Mamiya Universal Press is a goated choice that wasn’t mentioned. Large, but cheap and takes amazing photos
A note to anyone considering a Koni-Omega. These cameras can be great, but most were worked very hard by photographers.
The trouble points tend to be stuck shutters, backs that don’t work at all or advance with uneven spacing on frames, and there are more point to get light leaks than other types of cameras.
The backs are pretty difficult to repair, I haven’t been brave enough to try yet but the instructions I’ve seen are intensive.
Try to buy one that’s been tested, or if you are a tinkerer they can be fun to learn how to fix!
When working properly you can get very sharp photos!
Thanks, some interesting cameras I did not know about. I have a Bronica GS-1 6x7 with lots of lenses, definitely beyond beginner level prices but very competitive versus other 6x7 SLRs. Also a Yashica D, which I use a lot for its portability. I went through several Yashica Mat124s and had problems with the gearing for shutter cock/film advance; the Yashica D has those as two separate actions which makes the gearing less complicated, and also makes shooting multiple exposures even too easy! I did a head-to-head comparison of my Yashica D with a Rolleicord (the less expensive Rollei), did not see any significant difference in image quality but preferred the viewing screen on the Yashica (the Rollei screen was brighter in the center but dimmer at the edges, making focusing easier but framing harder). Cheers from Montreal!
An alternative to the Yashica A is the Japan-only Yashica Rookie which is basically the same camera except it adds the ability to shoot 645 (provided you can find or print a mask).
I went stupidly cheap for my first medium format camera. I picked up a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye at a swap meet for $2 just because I liked the art deco style of it and I've since put several rolls through it. I won't argue that it's the perfect camera, having to modify or re-roll 120 to 620 spools is a very notable issue. But it's been a very fun little camera to walk around with. In some ways its a kind of no-thought shooting because there's really only the option of whether or not to take a picture. You as the photographer have to make sure that the shot works for the camera, not the other way around. You'll certainly lose a few frames by mis-judging the light level or moving while pressing the shutter but when it works it's even more rewarding than shooting point-and-shoot on 35mm (at least I think so)
I have owned a bunch of MF cameras over the years, and to me, nothing holds a candle to the Agfa Super Isollette. A awesome camera that fits in a pocket. With that said, it is my second choice because I do not like 6x6. I only shoot 2x3 ratio so 6x9 is my only option and the absolute best camera for me is the Voigtlander Bessa II. These are not as cheap as the ones you listed but at around 350-500 for a good one, it is so worth it. It is my endgame camera in MF. Takes stunning photos and it slides in the pocket. Built like a tank. I've shot this camera for years and it has never needed servicing.
the seagull is what i went with when looking for a cheap medium format camera to try it out. it was recently CLAed and cost €70 and was honestly a really good purchase, I can definitely recommend it.
3:57 the hell do you mean ? Most medium format cameras max out at 1/500 while the pentacon gets 1/1000
Read my script wrong 🤦🏻♂️
@@metalfingersfilm You had also in your script wrong that is lightweight. Psix with 80mm Biometar weights little over 1,2 kgs, which is 2,64 that your pounds.
I just got a Yashica-C and since there is no mirror slap.i can hold it steady at like 1/25 no need for tripods. Brace against your torso and shoot carefully.
Got mine about a month ago now also untested from ebay 😊 got lucky with it and have loved my yashica c.
I bought an Agfa Isolette iii with the uncoupled rangefinder it's so small and quiet if you can find one
I bought a mamiya c33 2 years ago for $150 with a 105mm lens in excellent condition. For some reason, everyone wants the c330 and they cost twice what i paid for mine.
The mamiya is a camera you can grow with as you get to afford other lenses, plus it has the ability to close focus.
The other cheap cameras will be ok until you decide you want more thenyou will wind up spending more especially as prices keep going up .buy the best you can afford and if you decide large format isn't for you, you will be able to get most of your money back
I assume the C33 doesn't have parallax corection, which the C330 have? As.someone who like to shoot close-up ish, this issue had shoot me in the foot a few times.
Bro please check out the Mamiya super 23 and universal. They are heavy as hell, but incredible cameras.
You missed probably the best medium format camera for beginners that is still reasonably priced. The Pentax 645. The glass is great, inexpensive - and the cameras are generally bulletproof. I bought my 645 with two lenses for ~350 bucks and it has been reliable and a joy to use. I own a nice Bronica EC with a few lenses / accessories and a Fuji GS645W - and the Pentax is always the one I grab if I want to make sure the pics come out correctly.
A great camera, as long as the battery holder is in usable condition. Just not the 'cool' thing to have today, since everyone thinks you need a waist level finder on medium format. However, once your eyes get a certain age, you want nothing to do with a WLF.
Totally agree about the Pentax 645! I see them mint for $300 all the time - with the 75mm lens. You won’t be the envy of your youtuber friends but you’ll have awesome negatives! 645 is good for the wallet too as film is getting so $$$$!
I know it doesn't have a lot of resources, but I recently picked up a Suzuki Press Van 120. It's a 1950's rangefinder with bellows (that doesn't really fold) and an insanely bright rangefinger. It's fairly unknown but can be had for around 250-300 dollars. Great camera, really reliable and sturdy.
Also the Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex cameras are pretty great TLR cameras that can be had for well under 100 bucks.
Didn't Fuji have a folding field camera as well? Seeing that just sparked a memory.
Watching this like I don’t have 3 medium formats
For a Soviet medium format camera that isn't Lubitel or Kiev, there's the Moskva line. Moskva 2, 4 and 5 all have coupled rangefinders, and 4 and 5 can shoot 6x6 alongside 6x9 if you happen to get one with the mask. Condition after up to 70 years is wildly varying, but idk, I found a Moskva-2 in pretty much perfect mechanical and optical condition for 40€. Some luck was needed of course, and Finland is a better than average location for finding these old Soviet cameras. Idk, I kinda need to go to Tallinn or Riga to see if I can find anything interesting there.
I have a moskva 5 I got at a local goodwill a couple years ago. The rangefinder is broken but the actual camera is in wonderful condition and it shoots such beautiful massive negatives.
I rarely write comments, but this time I have to...
I really don't understand why most people are so insanely reserved about cameras like the Ljubitel. I understand that there are some requirements on how advanced the mechanics of a device must be to call it a camera, but for me personally, Ljubitel fits this pretty well. And yes I realize that it is a camera that is simply a product of the time and place of its creation.
I found one in a closet about a year ago and just thought, how about giving it a try? After reading forums and watching youtube videos I was very skeptical of the outcome. Luckily what i got was complete opposite.
The quality of the images taken was excellent. And in general, the whole process of getting familiar with the functionality of what many people call a "toy camera" was fun and, thanks to the technological limitations of the camera, also very educational.
I understand that people in the photo community will probably rip my head off, but even a Ljubitel is a very rewarding companion with a little patience and willingness to at least give it a try.
(If I'd belive to all of these skeptical comments, I'd never have started to shooting film, which is why I'm a little annoyed to see this narrative over and over again. )
Video as whole is really good and i like it.
But I felt the need to stand up a little for my favourite piece of soviet history lol😅.
I have been sporting a Bronica ETRS (645) and Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 523/16 (6x6) and they are wonderful. Each sees on average 2-3 rolls per month. They are a steal for what they deliver.
Bronica ETRSi with its lens is super sharp and awesome
Bronicas for some time used to be really cheap here, and in like two years have quadrupled in price unfortunately
I loved my ikonta so much, unfortunately it took a fall and broke irreparably.
agfa isola I. I've got one in about 20 bucks. It's plastic build and relying on estimated focus. But it might be one of the cheapest 6x6 cameras.
I got a lot of fun shooting with it.
Interesting video. I didn’t know that film was still being used.
i have a hasselblad 500elm i recommend it its the cheapes way into the hasselblad system. the hasselblad 500elm is a hasselblad 500cm with a motor.
Be on the lookout for Yashica D as well. Cheap, quality, basic. Can't go wrong! Great list. Thank you.
The super fujica 6 was my first medium format camera, absolutely no regrets. If I were to do it again, I'd consider a TLR but it's an amazing camera
Look out for the Kowa Six 6x6. Reasonably priced with good lens selection.
Very solid list of cameras, man. I’d heard of all of them except the Koni-Omega which I’m definitely interested in getting, so thanks! Also, have you noticed that prices on eBay seem to be really going down, compared to the craziness of 2-3 years ago?
I use a Kowa 6 and see it almost never mentioned or covered by film photographers. its great, I have 85mm (50mm equivalent) and it's all i need. it's basically a hasselblad without a removable back. I haven't had any mechanical problems yet and all the shutter speeds seem to be fine the only thing I don't like is that it doesn't seem to have a bulb mode for long exposures or I just don't understand how to make it work.
I like the Yashica c. No film window and has a counter instead and film lock so it winds perfectly frame to frame. Still allows multiple exposure also.
I have two Yashica As and theyre by far my favorite camera to use, the only issue is they dont have ports for Shutter Release cables (as far as I know) but I believe there are guides online on how to modify them to work.
I have yashica d...very good but my Dreams Is mamiya 330 or rb67
I enjoyed using the Yashica TLR and some old 120-film cameras with bellows. Main problem with bellows cameras is aging and light-leak of the bellows. My favorite medium format camera was the Pentax 67, though it wasn't cheap (but wonderful).
I bought a Brownie Hawkeye Flash, definitely more toy camera but the results I got shooting Kodak gold 200 far exceeded my expectations, and I got it for $20 with the flash and flash bulbs, and its really clean
rocking the yashica mat G
Mans fighting for his life! I think your camera wants to go ✨OUTSIDE✨ with all those auto focus shifts to the window!
How is the Pentacon a TLR?
Yeah, and how is it "light"?
Being an eyeglass wearer, I'm a TLR fan. I used to a Yashica D. I've been looking for a used Yashica TLR, but everyone I look at has a disclaimer lens haze or fungus. I'm at a point of just giving up. Can you give me a suggestion, I can't afford a Hasselblad or Rolleiflex.
I'd add the Ricoflex (geared lens) series to the list. They do all tend to have seized focusing due to dried up grease, but the repair is relatively simple to do at home with just basic tools and materials. A little bit sturdier than the Lubitels, but often even cheaper to buy. I have an Eastar TLR (same design as the Seagull but made in a different factory) and it has a fantastically sharp lens. Not sure how it will hold up to continued use. I've only run about five or six rolls of film through it over the past four years.
I bought a Konica Omega 100 a couple weeks ago, and actually having some control over setting has been nice. I paired it with a TTartisan lightmeter and ive gotten some nice images. The camera was 120 bucks
The Agfa Isolettes (and Ansco Speedex) are also a relatively inexpensive way to get into medium format photography, but you may be paying more for fully restored versions with replacement bellows or uncoupled rangefinders (if so equipped). If you're willing to put in the work to restore one though they are very cheap.
that grainydays cameo scared the crap out of me
2 points :-
a) watch for light leaks on the backs of Lubitels
b) buy the best & cry once... with the cost of film & processing spending a bit more on the camera & wasting less film (& having a more enjoyable experience) can be more economic in the long term.
My favourite choices are TLR (well, I'm biased to 6x6)
Fixed-lens: Yashica Mat, Rolleicord
Interchangeable-lens: Mamiya C3
Personally I'll stay away from typical folding cameras, because they are not coupled with rangefinder and thus zone-focusing only.
Why shoot a TLR over something like the Mamiya 6 folder?
@@jaxmanf TLR is especially handy for low angle shooting
Im getting the fuji gfx50r its gonna be here in a few days.
A friend uses the Minolta Autocord, it has a very nice lens, it seems reliable and it's damn small and lightweight for a 6x6 camera.
Back in the Mid 80's, I bought my first Holga 120 camera for just $12.00 Dollars. The place I bought the camera was, "Camera & Darkroom" in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Koni omega 90mm lens is excellent. The three cold shoes are also very useful
Koni-Omega was great for press photography with its fast film advance and very sharp Hexanon lens.
The kiev 60 is an improvement in many places over the P6.
And those Carl Zeiss lenses from the P6 fit just fine on the Kiev.
Totally agree. I started out with a Pentacon Six and sold it to replace with a Kiev 88 CM and Kiev 60. I had problems with one of my Kiev 88s, but not the same issues like inconsistent and overlapping frame spacing on the P6.
lol cries in canadian prices, i just picked up a minolta autocord (for $340 plus $100 CLA) for my first medium format camera. i'm excited to start shooting medium format
The Super Fujica 6 has really unique and fine rendering IMO!
I did the exact opposite. I started with Medium Format in 2008. I didn't get into 35mm until a few years later.
Bros uploading from the future
Zeiss ikon ikoflex tlr series. As good as a Rollei with Zeiss lenses at a lower price. Only a prewar model has a f2.8 lens though. The post war models are f3.5.
Wait until you get into large format 😢 the best cheap medium format is a nice Yashica (preferably the yashica-Mat 124) TLR, they never gave me no problems with light leaks, affordable, and are leaf shutters which helps with learning flash photography. They are also very quite and people will also want to talk to you about it. I get asked more about my Yashica-12 than any of my film or digital cameras.
Oof, I love good shutter slap
The Koni-Omegas are better built and have significantly better optics than any of the other cameras mentioned. When shopping for them used, the weak link is the back. It is the only part which wears out, and it is very difficult to repair, or find someone to repair it at any price. There are a series of models. The first model, the one shown here, is not the one to buy. After this first version. Subsequent versions changed to a better hand grip and an improved film back which is not interchangeable with this first model. His suggested price of $200 might have worked for me in the early 1980s, when these were very common. Today, a Koni priced at $200 is probably beaten to death with a back which is mis-spacing image frames. Buy with caution. It's basically a better built Mamiya 7, if you find a good one.
Homie’s in the future
The author didn't say about bunch of great lenses for PentaconSix. One of them is truly a masterpiece. Sonnar 180/2.8
I was not at all prepared for how cheap these cheap medium format cameras are! Under 100 bucks for a TLR??
The Mamiya Press series of cameras are pretty much a better versioln of the koni omegas, with 6x7 and 6x9 backs readily available and pretty solid lenses they're one of the best ways to shoot giant negatives, affordably or not!v theyre like £250 and very capable
Keep away from the Pentacon Six, they're just too good and I need to pick up another one.
Still to mention of the Rolleicord.
I'm sorry to be "that guy", but the Pentacon Six is actually an SLR as there's no viewing lens and you're actually looking through the prism/lens
True, and at 1,5kgs it is not really "lightweight"
I recently picked up a cheap medium format camera, an Agfa Isola 1 for $14.50. If anyone is looking for essentially a holga made of metal and glass, I can gladly recommend the Isola 1, i would try and look for one $20 and under.
Flexaret (6) with a tessar clone (belar, not mirrar)and moskva 4 or 5. Worth mentioning is that the mount of pentacon6 and kiev is the same and there are cla'd ones with mirror lock up from hartblei and maybe arax too. In terms of reliability, the p6 is no way better than the kiev 60/6C and afaik it is the other way around. I have 4 pentacon6 cameras :)
I owned four Pentacon Six and all failed on me within a year of use. Not worth it, since servicing them is ridiculously expensive and a refurbished one will cost as much as a Mamiya RZ
Did I miss new year's?
I had several Kiev 60s trying to get a cheap MF camera way back in the day and they were JUNK. Constant issues of all kinds. The advance mech will just fail and crunch into oblivion. You get light leaks in general. If I remember right, no 220 capability. Its just for someone that REALLY wants all the hassles of a MF camera and the absolute pain in the ass of not really taking pictures, but struggling with taking pictures. I tried the pentacon six, which was nearly the same, better than that. After all the struggles, it wasnt worth 120 film, so I finally got to the Pentax 67. The lens options for the kiev 60 were interesting, but heavy and no real coatings on those lenses. Had the Koni Omega also, it was weird. Pentax 67 was certainly the way to do old MF if you have a little more money as you get a solid camera and the lenses have some modern coatings on them and you can really get amazing stuff.
Hey, man, slow down. It was really hard to follow you.
Also, I'm curious how you were cradling your phone all the time, like it was some sort of comfort blanket.
Id understand like 120 bucks for some of these, but some are literally 200 for a body or film holder
The Exacta 66 and the Pentacon six are very far from cheap. Not sure why you listed them as cheap. And other cheap film camera videos list expensive cameras. I guess no one checks prices before hand.
The pentagon six is sub $500 and I was just mentioning the exacta 66 as it is interesting.
Agfa Clack 6x9 is very cheap and similar to holga render
No, you must nothing. I don’t want you to drive prices up for some other cameras. 👍🏻
this post was sponsored by #MeduimFormatGang
it's only sept man
Interesting that you characterize MF as 6x7. Full frame MF is 6x9. Then there are various fractional sizes down to half frame.
Interesting that for the single folder you mentioned, you settled on one of the most obscure and rare models of the bunch. Dozens of Zeiss and other models made over the course of decades were not enough to catch your attention?
Otherwise, good content. 👍
It's impossible to get decent medium format camera, they are all so old and unreliable, compare that with medium format film price I would just go digital-lost so much money on vintage mechanical junk. I still shoot 35 on early 2000s SLRs, such and enjoyable experience, still expensive though.
Not true at all - like most blanket statements. . My cheap Pentax 645 has been 100% reliable for hundreds of rolls. Sounds like to me you need to be more picky about what/where you buy your gear.
@@theangrymarmot8336
Where is pentax 645 cheap?