BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Medium Format Cameras

Brittany		What Medium Format Camera to Buy I want a medium format camera. I don't need any special bells and whistles, but I would like a nice lens with a wide range of f-stops. I have 1,300 bucks (US) to spend. Buy used body and new nice lens? Any recommendations? What do I need? To love this question, log in above October 07, 2004

Terry L. Long		Hello Brittany, When I first entered the "realm" of MF, I went to that (in)famous Internet auction site and got a Mamiya 1000S. It's an old (to say the least) camera, but it's built like a tank. I asked the seller many questions before I bid on it. I wanted to make sure all the seals were intact ... which they were. I also purchased/bid on a couple of lenses ... 80mm (the "normal" lens for MF), 210mm telephoto, and 110mm. They were all pretty inexpensive but good in quality. The only thing I need now is a wide-angle lens, such as a 45mm or 55mm to complete my ensemble. All of the lenses are "fast" lenses (f/2.8) and use the same thread size for filters (58mm) ... which means I only have to buy one filter size for the lenses. Also, I purchased prism finders for the two bodies I now own. However, the only nit to these cameras is the film inserts. For some unknown reason, the cost is higher (respectively) than the bodies and/or lenses. I've got three now ... two 120 and one 220. All in all, if I can recall accurately, I think I paid less than $550.00 for everything. Remember, they're older bodies/lenses/finders - but they work like a champ. New lenses cost quite a bit for MF cameras. Take a look at the prices at B&H. Hope this helps. To love this comment, log in above October 10, 2004

Terry L. Long		Oh ... I forgot to add ... they're completely manual cameras with "spot" metering. If you end up getting a comparable camera, remember: You can use a "linear" polarizer filter, which means it'll cost less than a "circular" polarizer. Good luck. To love this comment, log in above October 10, 2004

Jim Zimmerman		Another thought is the Kiev line of 2 1/4 cameras. I've never owned one, so I cannot speak from experience, but there have been several favorable articles on those models imported and upgraded by Kiev USA. Kiev USA does a lot of rebuilding on these cameras, and while they may not (or may) hold up to a full-on pro effort, I bet they'd be fine for an advanced amateur. You can definitely get the camera and an additional lens or maybe two for your budget. They have a web site (its not always the most user-friendly web site, but it'll get you the info on them). They also have links to the same articles I've seen. JimZ To love this comment, log in above October 12, 2004

Carl Schulz		I bought Kiev 60 off of Ebay. It was shipped here from the Ukraine and take excelent pictures. It's a 120 format camera, shutter speeds are below, lens is F2.8-22. Comes with macro rings, eye and waist lever view finders, eye level has a meter, flash attachment, yellow/green filter, neck strap, lens shade, lens cap, cable release and case. Not bad for $120 Shutter speeds are 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 and B. To love this comment, log in above October 13, 2004

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