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

[Sully75]

Hi there,

I have owned a Yashica 124 but haven't used it much until the last couple of months where I've started to shoot film again after several years with a 5d. I really enjoy the MF process, and I like working wtih the Yashica, but definitely notice some problems with the camera. Lens flare is huge, and I kind of get the feeling that the lens is not all that sharp to begin with. It works good when conditions are perfect, stopped down, but anywhere near wide open is pretty soft.

I've attached two photos I've taken with the camera and I'm pretty happy with them, but I've lost a fair amount of pictures due to lens flare and softness.

So I'd like to buy a MF camera but my budget is pretty thin. I'm wondering what the best buy for an ugly duckling MF camera is right now? One thing I really don't like about the Yashica is the lack of close focusing. I was thinking that maybe a Mamiya RB67 might be a good choice, but I'm open for suggestions. Priorities are portability (not really excited about the Mamiya TLR), close focusing for portraits, lens sharpness and cost (or lack thereof). I'd prefer a 6x6 format.

Any thoughts?

[jamesgignac]

Well I haven't tried one myself but I've heard good things about the Pentacon Six and they tend to be pretty cheap:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Pentacon-Six-TL-w...mZ160415010540

Best of luck with your hunting! If you're not already aware of camerapedia.org they can be very helpful if you look through their categories (slr-6x6.)

[nyoung]

You might as well go for the RB now and save the cash and the time you'll spend trading up to it.

I've been where you are and feel your pain. I started with the 124. Tried the Mamiya twin lens - same problems as the Yashica with a better but still very limited lens choice. I also tried out roll film backs on a Super Speed Graphic with middling results - solved the close focusing itch but just too limited in every other way.

I bought a used RB67 kit last year and am not looking back. Lenses are good to excellent - newer coated examples are better on the flare issue - at steal-of-a-deal prices. Its easily serviced at lots of shops around the country. Flash sync at all shutter speeds. Lots of backs available in various formats (including D*** if you are so inclined and inherit a pile of cash some day). All round - lens selection, accessories etc. - the RB series comes closest to providing the flexibility you're used to as a 35mm/Digi SLR shooter.

The only down side I find is that it is a heavy beast - I often shoot off a monopod in the field just because of the weight - and the double cocking of the shutter and the film back takes some getting used to.

[Jeff Kubach]

I recommend a RB67 also. Might be a little on the heavy side, but still a great camera all in all.

Jeff

[Stephanie Brim]

Do you have a lens hood for use with your 124? I'd try one. It should help with the flare.

One thing you have to get out of your head is that soft = bad. For portraits, for the most part, a little softness isn't so bad of a thing. Unless you're trying to be able to count every pore in someone's face, it doesn't hurt for the lens to have a bit of softness. Now, I'm not trying to push you into the realm of real soft focus lenses here...but you may want to consider that.

I have a Mamiya TLR with the normal 80mm f/2.8 Sekor-S. That lens, when stopped down to no farther than f/4, is pretty sharp. When wide open at f/2.8 it's pleasantly soft, but there isn't a whole bunch of DOF.

[agphotography]

Well I wasn't looking to spend a ton of money on a kit either but I managed to win a Bronica ETR-Si kit w/ a prism, 2 lenses, a grip, 1 120 back and a polaroid back for under $200. I'd say that's a pretty reasonable price

[Q.G.]

That's pretty good. Congratulations!

[Robert Budding]

"Priorities are portability (not really excited about the Mamiya TLR), close focusing for portraits, lens sharpness and cost (or lack thereof). I'd prefer a 6x6 format."

I wouldn't recommend an RB if you want something portable or if you want to hand hold. THe Bronica SQ series is excellent for 6x6. And the Bronica ETRSi is a steal in 645. Both have leaf shutter lenses, so you get flash sync at all speeds.

[mooseontheloose]

I ended up upgrading to a Bronica SQ after wanting to move up from my collection of TLRs. It was the only choice really, wanting to stay in the 6x6 format, but not being able to afford the Hasselblad option. I haven't really done any portraits, so I can't comment on the lens choices for that, but I've been very happy with my 50-80-150 lens combo, and I find the camera very handholdable -- it's not much heavier than a TLR, with the waist-level finder.

BTW, I think the images you posted look fine (at least on my computer) -- not sure about the flare and softness you're worried about, although I know that it's an issue with the TLRs.

[Pumal]

Mamiya M645