What's the best buy in used MF? Moving up from a Yashica 124

[suzyj]

I don't understand the usefulness of the lead bags. If they can't see into it won't they ask you to open it? I've had to open my checked luggage on occasion because the x-ray couldn't figure out what it was seeing.

The problem is the cheerful "xrays won't harm your film" BS that they give you if you try to not feed it through. Sure, one xray won't, but a typical international flight these days can involve half a dozen or more of the damned things, and they're cumulative.

The idea of the lead-lined box is that the film is protected on the way through the xray, and they then get you to open it so they can inspect it afterwards, reducing the dose.

[2F/2F]

The problem is the cheerful "xrays won't harm your film" BS that they give you if you try to not feed it through. Sure, one xray won't, but a typical international flight these days can involve half a dozen or more of the damned things, and they're cumulative.

The idea of the lead-lined box is that the film is protected on the way through the xray, and they then get you to open it so they can inspect it afterwards, reducing the dose.

It is not B.S. They are absolutely correct when they say that, as long as they are referring to carry-on x ray machines, as opposed to checked baggage x ray machines.

In order for something to be cumulative, each repetition must have at least some tiny effect...and with carry-on x ray machines, it does not. It is similar to how even if something is reflecting some light, but it is below a certain level of it, it simply will not expose photographic film, no matter how long you leave the shutter open.

All a lead bag will do is increase scrutiny, and all a hand check will do is give your film the risk of being exposed to light by an inspector who 99% likely both knows nothing about film and cares nothing about ruining it.

I have gone through many, many more than a half dozen carry on machines with all speeds of film, exposed and unexposed, pushed, etc. I have never had x ray damage from a carry on scanner.

[Andrew K]

If you want a cheap 6x6 have a look at the Bronica SQ - they are a bargain here in Australia, and are a good reliable camera with a leaf shutter..

If you want a mechanical camera have a look at the Kowa 6 - NOT the 66 or any with interchangable backs. The original 6 is a great, reliable and sharp camera thats easy to repair..on the other hand the interchangable back ones were a pain to repair reliably...

Steer clear of the Pentacon 6/Practisix/Kiev 6 or any other version - I've had several and none ever worked the way they should......

Norita 66 - nice camera if you can find one, and don't want flash sync at all shutter speeds

I've owned/used all of the above cameras (plus Pentax 645, Mamiya 645 and ETRS Bronica, plus a couple of Hasselblads, a Mamiya Press, Marshall Press, Koni Omega, Fuji rangefinder), and also a RB - which is great camera - but if they made a 6x6 back I've never seen one in 20 years of working in the photo industry...

I'd definatly consider a C330 series Mamiya - they have auto paralax, focus close, and are reliable and super sharp...

My camera of choice now? A folding 645 Zeiss folder - no rangefinder - cost me $30 on ebay - super sharp, and fits in my pocket......

Good luck in your search...

[suzyj]

It is not B.S. They are absolutely correct when they say that, as long as they are referring to carry-on x ray machines, as opposed to checked baggage x ray machines.

Hey, don't take my word for it. Take Kodak's (http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/tib/tib5201.shtml).

From the link:


X-ray equipment used to inspect carry-on baggage uses a very low level of x-radiation that will not cause noticeable damage to most films.

And more importantly:


If you're going to be traveling through multiple X-ray examinations (more than 5 times), request a hand search of your carry-on baggage. FAA regulations in the U.S. allow for a hand search of photographic film and equipment if requested. (See below for further FAA information.) However, non-US airports may not honor this request.

The main problem is a technician who takes a good, long look at the big complicated jumble of camera gear and film in your bag, running it back and forth through the machine and giving it a much higher dose than a the quick cursory glance that the usual laptop etc gets.