Used system for about $250?

[R gould]

amongst my collection I have an Ikonta B with the nova lens, cost me 29GBP, works wonderfully for landscape/portrait work,good as anything else I use,folder of course, don't look for the expensive options, sometime a cheapie will be just as good,Richard

[srs5694]

An observation: The range of suggestions in this thread is extreme, and although every suggestion has merit for some users, chances are that many of these suggestions would not suit Josh, the OP. I think that he needs to specify what he wants to help narrow things down. Some specific questions that can help:

• Do you want/need interchangeable lenses?
• What format do you want? (645, 6x6, 6x7, etc.)
• Do you want/need other specific features, such as a self-timer, WLF, prism finder, built-in meter, etc.?
• Will you be carrying the camera around (hikes in the woods, say) or using it closer to home (studio shoots, for instance)?
• Do you have a preference for basic type (folder, rangefinder, SLR, TLR, etc.)?
• Are there specific types of photography you plan to do? (Landscapes, portraits, street shooting, macros, animals, etc.) The answer to this question alone might narrow the field quite a bit.

Even if you don't know the answer to all these questions, try answering those that you can. The result will probably be that many of the suggestions offered will drop away as unsuitable for your specific needs. For instance, if you need interchangeable lenses, that eliminates everything but SLRs and Mamiya C-series TLRs, AFAIK. OTOH, if you need something light and compact, a folder might be the best choice.

[AgentX]

True, but we're all going off a post that reads, in its entirety, "Hello!" so I think we're doing alright with our rampant speculation.

[photomat-]

For that kind of money you can get a nice Bronica ETRS or Mamiya 645. Check Keh.com for those two cameras. If a fixed lens doesn't bother you then a Yashica TLR or even a Rolleicord is doable on that budget.

Me, I gambled and bought a used Yashica D from eBay from a "I don't know much about cameras" type. I got lucky and got one in working condition. Later when I picked up a Rolleiflex Automat the same way, my luck wasn't as good. It worked fine for a few rolls then the shutter started sticking on the slow speeds. Mr. Ebel sorted that out for me by replacing the main spring but it cost me $170 on top of the $100 I paid for it. This can of course happen with any old camera you buy. Buying from a place gives a 60 day warranty or better is advisable.

[2F/2F]

Hello to you too! Did you have a question, or were you just sayin' hi?

[NJS]

Mamiya 645 1000s, best buy.

[2F/2F]

Mamiya 645 1000s, best buy.

It won't be if you fools keep suggesting it on the Internet!!!

[guitstik]

I found a Mamiya RB67 Pro SII with a prism finds ( non metered) and a 50 lens for $225.00. Nice camera.

[elekm]

Probably something Japanese or Soviet. I'd go Japanese on this one. Put away some more money in case it needs to be serviced. At the least, it might need new foam seals (depending on the camera).

[NJS]

It won't be if you fools keep suggesting it on the Internet!!!

true.
okay, camera is GREAT, but Sekor lenses are just awful, DON'T BUY IT, they suck big time, get a hassy zeiss instead! :P