Jhono Bashian wrote:
You can find a good deal on a 500c/m w/ waist level finder, 80mm and a 120 film back. That rig fits in your hand beautifully, its still a top of the line camera system and coupled with Carl Zeiss glass, you cant go wrong.  I shoot with mine all the time and I invested in Phase One back. AD's love the square images too.

And today the extra lenses are inexpensive compared to what they once were and if I'm correct, you can get a digital back that will work on it from Hasselblad, I think it's the CFV 50, or the Mamiya Leaf Aptus-II33, Phase one IQ180...

Fred Greissing wrote:
Pfffff... the RB is a bit chunky, but the beast is the Fuji GX680

Both wonderful cameras.

Recent Fuji GX680II/IIIS shooter! Lovee Lovee The quality of the images and lenses! Yes its a beast but that doesn't shake me at all. Do need a good tripod but highly recommend this format camera. If you research high and low, you can get a good complete set for under $1,000.

So far I shoot both film and digital; mostly digital. the sharpness and clarity is amazing!

DK

intense puppy wrote:

Hey, I just checked out the Bronica SQ series. Shooting 6x6 and cropping might be a nice idea. I'd prefer 645 if I can get it, but I'm, starting to see the options for portrait (Ie. 4.5 x 6) are pretty limited.

Anyways, the Bronica looks kinda of big too. Do you know how is compares in weight and portability to the RB?

The SQ-A, SQ-B are fairly small cameras, about the same size as a Hassey 500/501/503.  One option that I would get would be the 45 deg prism finder.  Makes life easy.  Also the camera is very easy to handle...  Nothing like the RB/RZ cameras.  I love the RZ tons also but it is a big camera.  One camera we use all the time is the FUJI GX680 III.  Now that is big.  Shoot with it on a camera stand.

Take care,

Stan

Fred Greissing wrote:

Pfffff... the RB is a bit chunky, but the beast is the Fuji GX680





Both wonderful cameras.

LOL@Fred... Just speaking from experience with the RB, but I see what your saying Fred.

Fred Greissing wrote:
Pfffff... the RB is a bit chunky, but the beast is the Fuji GX680

Bloody hell. I own cine cameras smaller than that

AgX wrote:
So many options. The RB is a legendary camera with great glass and was the de facto model/fashion weapon of choice for years with good reason. Personally I didn't like the ergonomics for handheld shooting, but that doesn't detract from the fact that you can get big, beautiful negatives. The rotating back is a big bonus.

Many here will say that 645 (6x4.5 cm) is too little a difference in negative size as a jump from 35mm, but I strongly disagree. I find it to be an excellent starting (and landing) point for MF introduction, with many options and minimal cash outlay.

I've owned and shot both Mamiya and Bronica 645 SLR systems. I stayed with the latter, but I don't think you can go wrong with either. With a prism viewefinder (but both have WLF options as well) and a grip, these handle like oversized 35mm SLRs, and you can get them for pennies on the dollar these days. Something like a Pro/Pro TL or an ETRS with a winder and a normal (75/80 mm) and medium tele (I like the 150 mm length for portraits) and you're good to go.

If you buy one and decide you don't like it, you can resell it for what you paid.

Much of my current portfolio was shot with a Bronica ETRSi system.

+1
I'm also a Bronica & Mamiya 645 shooter. I've always preferred the 120 roll to 35. Now since I don't have a darkroom, the bigger negative is easier to scan. someday I might go full digital, but I still love film. It's good to see people on here that are still sticking to the traditional forms of our craft. Even if it's not the whole method like me.

intense puppy wrote:
So, seeing as it's Christmas I think I'm going to splash out and buy a Hasselblad 500cm.
I've found one going cheap from a camera shop. It's got an A12 film back and an 80mm lens.
Seeing as I shoot 90% of my 135 film on a 50mm lens, I think the angle of view should be roughly comparable.

Do you guys think I'll need another back (for speed when shooting) or is 120 film pretty simple to load in these cameras?

Sweet.

120 is easily loaded, but I would recommend getting at least one other back so that you have different film options at your disposal. One of the very big advantages of the cameras with interchangeable backs is that you can swap to a different film for the same scene without having to finish the roll. I have multiple backs for my Bronica, typically loaded with a fast B&W, a slow B&W, and some colour.

intense puppy wrote:
So, seeing as it's Christmas I think I'm going to splash out and buy a Hasselblad 500cm.
I've found one going cheap from a camera shop. It's got an A12 film back and an 80mm lens.
Seeing as I shoot 90% of my 135 film on a 50mm lens, I think the angle of view should be roughly comparable.

Do you guys think I'll need another back (for speed when shooting) or is 120 film pretty simple to load in these cameras?

I have two backs, one for 100 and one for 400. It's not necessary though. I think you'll be happy with it. I assume you have a light meter.

FYI, don't remove the lens without the shutter being cocked.

MMDesign wrote:

I have two backs, one for 100 and one for 400. It's not necessary though. I think you'll be happy with it. I assume you have a light meter.

FYI, don't remove the lens without the shutter being cocked.

Yep, I'm handy with a light meter

Thinking about it, I actually have two identical 35mm bodies and lenses I use for different stocks, so I guess with my shooting style I may eventually need another back. But one thing at a time.

Thanks again everyone for your input.

Fred Greissing wrote:

Pfffff... the RB is a bit chunky, but the beast is the Fuji GX680





Both wonderful cameras.

Love that camera, was a mainstay for me for travel and architecture shots

Marcio Faustino Santos wrote:
If you don't have a car and travel or walk lond distances with your camera I highly recommend Pentax 67. The body is like 35mm style but the negative is 6x7.

But focal plane shutter, sync speed issues.. although there are leaf shutter lenses available, but even they have limitations.