BetterPhoto Q&A
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BetterPhoto Member		Medium Format Camera's I am really interested in purchasing a medium format camera. I don't know anything about them except the film size and making enlargements. Can someone please explain how they are used and if it would be better to buy medium format for my studio than a 35mm. I do have 2 35mm as of right now but am interested in the medium format..Thank you To love this question, log in above February 14, 2004

x		MF cameras are used just like any other camera. The main difference is that you can't really hold them due to the weight and size. Therefore, they must be on a tripod at all times. If you plan to purchase a MF camera larger than 645, you also lose most automation that 35mm's have, such as autofocus, and any other automatic setting. Everything is manual, which I love. I have a Mamiya RZ67 Pro II. It's perect for portaiture and stills. Except, I wont use it for shooting kids. When it comes to shooting kids, I always use my 35mm due to kids not sitting still. I like having both 35mm and MF, and digital too. They all have their places. Jerry To love this comment, log in above February 15, 2004

John Papandreou		There are a number of differences between MF and 35mm. 1. Size of Enlargements, If your customers are asking for 11x14 or bigger you will notice the diffence due to the larger film size. 2. You can change film types mid roll just by changing the back not the whole camera. This lets you shoot colour print, slide and B&W without having 3 cameras!!! 3. Flash sinc at all shutter speeds, most MF cameras have a leaf sutter in the lens so you can flash sinc at any speed. 4. Polaroid backs are avaiable for test shots and Digital backs can be also had at a price. I use a Bronica ETRS in my studio and enjoy using it. I also like the Quality I get from the enlargements I do in B&W I notice the diffence. Regards John Papandreou Studio 23 To love this comment, log in above February 15, 2004

Robert Bridges		Bronica and Mamyia are great cameras but expensive. Take a look at Pentax67 cameras.....they are plentiful on the used market, the lenses are good and the prices are very reasonable. Get one with Mirror lock up. To love this comment, log in above February 19, 2004

doug Nelson		I like landscape and city scenes, and I need light weight. I'd also like to do a few weddings. The Mamiya 7 II has caught my eye. It's a 6 x 7 cm negative. The shutter is in the lens, not the camera body, so the thing will flash sync at any speed. It focuses by a rangefinder; it's not through-the-lens like an SLR. It looks like its nickname, the "Texas Leica". None of the medium formats are cheap; this one is at least $1000 for the body and another grand or so for each lens. With the shutter in the lens, it's be best to buy the lens new. To love this comment, log in above February 20, 2004

John Papandreou		With regards to buying USED Lenses with shutter in the lens. A general guide to how much work the lens has done is its over-all condition, If it is clean shows no ware on the lens body mounts on the camera fine its a good one Buy it. If the lens has ware on the body looks like its been used alot, and the lens when mounted on the camera has play in the mount this meens it has been used by a pro Every Day for years Don't Buy it the shutter may be on the way out that is why it was traded !!! I have bought most of my Bronica lenses Used and never had a shutter fail. Regards John Papandreou Studio 23 To love this comment, log in above February 20, 2004

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