With that list of cameras I think you have not refined your needs to the point where you can make a decision. For instance, you either need a SLR, or you don't. You either need interchangeable lenses, or you don't. You either need light weight or you don't.
If you had asked opinions between a Bronica SQ, a Rollei 6001, and the Blad, I would take your question seriously. But, you, Shel, are too knowledgeable for this kind of nonsense, so what is your game here? Ciao, graywolf [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- Original Message ----- From: Shel Belinkoff <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Pentax List <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, December 27, 2001 8:56 PM Subject: Med Format Quandry Within the next six months to a year I'd like to begin using a medium format camera for a long-term project that's been in the back of my mind for a while. I've somewhat narrowed the choices down to the following cameras: Hasselblad 501 Mamiya 7 or 7II Rolleiflex TLR Pentax 67 and variants and maybe a Fuji 6x9 Here's my thinking, your thoughts and suggestions are welcome and encouraged. I like the 2� format for both its shape and because I don't have to rotate the camera for horizontal or vertical framing. I like looking down into the viewfinder as much as using the camera like a 35mm camera. The 'blad interests me because it's a very complete system with a lot of forward and backward compatibility, the lenses are excellent, the camera seems to be durable and well-built, and it's not too big and cumbersome. The downside is that it's expensive and can sometimes be a bit finicky, but the all manual bodies are pretty simple things. The Mamiya is of interest because it offers a nice sized negative in a relatively small and lightweight package. I like the viewfinder, but am limited, it seems, by one viewing position - eye level. The Rolleiflex fascinates me because it's a classic 2� box, unassuming and simple, well-built, and reasonably easy to carry around. The down side is that it doesn't offer interchangeable lenses, and the lens options are limited. The viewfinder is less than stellar, but that can be modified. The Pentax 67 seems interesting, although it seems huge in comparison to the 'blad, and noisy as well. Admittedly, my experience with it is limited only to handling a couple in a camera shop. The price/value relationship seems to be good, and there are certainly enough lens choices. Does the beast have a viewfinder option that I can look down into, or does the camera have to be placed to the eye for all shots? Needing a battery to operate the mirror seems strange, and I don't think I like the idea on the face of it, but perhaps I can be convinced to embrace the concept. Since this is the pentax list, and there are a few 67 users here, what are the weak points of the system, problems I should look out for? And what are the differences between the early and late models? There's an early (late seventies) Fuji 6x9 that offers a few interchangeable lenses which intrigues me mostly for its negative size, and while I like the square format I also like that nice, perfect rectangle offered by a 6x9. Downside is that it's only an eye-level camera, lenses are few, and it's old, making parts and repairs somewhat difficult. I think that my choice will probably come down to the 'blad, one of which I almost bought earlier this year, or the Pentax 67. So, what've y'all got to say? -- Shel Belinkoff mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://home.earthlink.net/~belinkoff/ - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
