Medium Format Film Cameras

[Daryl Wilson]

So, I've been contemplating the purchase of a medium format (120) film camera for the past several months. I have been considering the Pentax 6x7 format 6x7/67/67ii and the Pentax 6x4.5 format of the 645/645n/645nii, as well as the Fuji GX680/GX680ii/GX680iii because I love the Fuji's 6x8 frame size, as well as the fully articulating front and rear elements for architectural photos and macro work, maybe product photos as well. All models mentioned have a large selection of very fine and gorgeous lenses available. I don't mind lugging a heavier camera around the city or while hiking, along with a heavier duty studio tripod, if necessary. I, primarily, shoot handheld always, but a tripod definitely comes in handy sometimes, so the added weight of the tripod is also being considered. I have been shooting film since high school (1987) and digital since leaving uniformed law enforcement (2000). I prefer shooting film with my Nikon F5 or one of my other film cameras for that authentic "film look" that I really enjoy, except where digital is more expeditious and cost savings are important, or where clients demand digital exclusive of film, in which case I shoot with my Nikon D810. Anyways, I just wanted to know if anyone shoots medium format film and, in particular, one of the cameras mentioned earlier. Thanks!

 

[JimFox]

Hey Darryl, great question and what a cool desire on your part. I too am looking to get a camera that uses 120 film. I am still researching so I am not sure which brand or model I want yet.

@dan swiger might have some input.

 

[Jeffrey]

Not shooting MF any longer, but I still have my Pentax 67 setup with two bodies and a bag 'o lenses. Tell me, how do you shoot architecture, product and macro handheld? Are you always shooting in bright outdoor light with fast film?

 

[Jon Bev]

I used a rare Kowa 6 for a while. very sharp lenses, sorry I sold it.

 

[Ian Cameron]

So, I've been contemplating the purchase of a medium format (120) film camera for the past several months. I have been considering the Pentax 6x7 format 6x7/67/67ii and the Pentax 6x4.5 format of the 645/645n/645nii, as well as the Fuji GX680/GX680ii/GX680iii because I love the Fuji's 6x8 frame size, as well as the fully articulating front and rear elements for architectural photos and macro work, maybe product photos as well. All models mentioned have a large selection of very fine and gorgeous lenses available. I don't mind lugging a heavier camera around the city or while hiking, along with a heavier duty studio tripod, if necessary. I, primarily, shoot handheld always, but a tripod definitely comes in handy sometimes, so the added weight of the tripod is also being considered. I have been shooting film since high school (1987) and digital since leaving uniformed law enforcement (2000). I prefer shooting film with my Nikon F5 or one of my other film cameras for that authentic "film look" that I really enjoy, except where digital is more expeditious and cost savings are important, or where clients demand digital exclusive of film, in which case I shoot with my Nikon D810. Anyways, I just wanted to know if anyone shoots medium format film and, in particular, one of the cameras mentioned earlier. Thanks!

Hi Daryl. I am very much a new member here. I have a large number of landscape images (mainly taken in Scotland), on my website at www.transientlight.co.uk do feel free to take a look. I have only very recently switched to a Fuji GFX50S camera but I was using the Pentax 67II with 55-100 zoom and 90-180 zoom as the mainstay of my photoography together with a pentax digital spotmeter, the one on the Pentax 67II is okay but exposures are much more reliable with the separate spotmeter. Its a bit of a beast but immense fun to use I have been shooting with the Pentax 67II for 19 - 20 years scanning the results with a Nikon 9000ED film scanner. The whole kit works very well and gives excellent quality images most of which were shot on slightly overcast days with Fuji Velvia 50 Here is one of them below. For the record I have also had a Yashica 124G twin lens reflex and a Bronica 645 ETRSi. The Pentax was the runaway best to use. Just remember to use mirror lock up at anything less than a 1/30 second.

 

[BlackRockArt]

Hi Daryl. I am very much a new member here. I have a large number of landscape images (mainly taken in Scotland), on my website at www.transientlight.co.uk do feel free to take a look. I have only very recently switched to a Fuji GFX50S camera but I was using the Pentax 67II with 55-100 zoom and 90-180 zoom as the mainstay of my photoography together with a pentax digital spotmeter, the one on the Pentax 67II is okay but exposures are much more reliable with the separate spotmeter. Its a bit of a beast but immense fun to use I have been shooting with the Pentax 67II for 19 - 20 years scanning the results with a Nikon 9000ED film scanner. The whole kit works very well and gives excellent quality images most of which were shot on slightly overcast days with Fuji Velvia 50 Here is one of them below. For the record I have also had a Yashica 124G twin lens reflex and a Bronica 645 ETRSi. The Pentax was the runaway best to use. Just remember to use mirror lock up at anything less than a 1/30 second.

View attachment 64100

Ian, welcome to the focalworld, this is a beautiful shot.

I love this shot, there is something special about medium format, the Pentax 67 was a HEAVY duty work horse.

My old box was a Rollei 6008AF, I flew to New York to buy it in person, love the huge viewfinder.

Oliver