"Budget" Medium Format options?

[RalphLambrecht]

So I'm dabbling with the idea (again) of picking up a medium format camera. This would honestly only be used for fun and probably some candid street photography (I can imagine the reactions of people seeing one haha!)

Anyways I'm trying to figure out what my best options are going to be.

Some facts: I am not particular to any one format, I'm thinking I would be fine with a fixed lens, but modular cameras are not out of the question (future expansion, especially if Digital Backs are available), I'm going to have about $4-900 to work with.

I owned a Fuji GW670III for a short time, and while the image quality was amazing, I just didn't really care for how the camera felt in my hands. It felt a bit too "plasticky", I'm partial to metal cameras for some reason.

Regardless of my prior fuji experience, the GW690II is still on the table of interest, but not the III. I am also considering a TLR (thinking Yashica Mat 124g?). Also possibly one of the Fuji 645s? The GS645s sounded interesting because it was manual focus and had a range finder (not just scale focus).

Anyways I am open to suggestions from you guys. I am not looking to necessarily build out a kit right now. One lens would be fine (I am a big fan of 35mm and 50mm in 24x36 terms).

So what are some of your favorites in that price range?

- Abram

mamiya6 or7

[BrianL]

I agree with Brian. You can use any camera and any format for almost any type of photography, just pick one up and learn to use it. Adjust your style to the camera or at least decide what your style is and then see what camera may fit it. Shotgunning will drive you crazy, empty your purse and make you insane.

I've work from guys with a ton of money invested in a ton of gear while their best work comes from some amatuer pre-WWI 35mm camera that is beat to heck and cost them probably $5 at some flea market. I have a lot of bucks tied up in my Bronica and can say some of my better work came from either my Polaroid 180 or 195 and the Ziess 35mm Ikonta using the Sunny 16 system.

[Corto Maltese]

Personally, I'm a Big fan of the Agfa Isolette. I, II, and III.

So easy to carry, And with the mid range Apotar lens more than enough capable of decent shots.

Affordable, Reliable and light weight, Whats not to like? (And VERY easy to work on)

[prumpkah]

Personally, I'm a Big fan of the Agfa Isolette. I, II, and III.

So easy to carry, And with the mid range Apotar lens more than enough capable of decent shots.

Affordable, Reliable and light weight, Whats not to like? (And VERY easy to work on)

Just what I needed to hear: I'm very tempted by the chance to get a sweet Isolette III Mark II with upgraded leather bellows, late reformulation of the 75/3.5 Solinar and Synchro-Compur MXV. Same lens and shutter as the Super Isolette, at 1/3 the price. You may have just pushed me over the edge.

[Tony-S]

How is shooting the bronica for portrait images? That is the appeal of the RZ/RB system with the rotating backs.
I will also admit that with the P67 I like the sound of that 105 f/2.4

It's fine, other than the poor mfd of the lenses. You really need to have an extension tube if you want head shots. It's kind of a pain.

[prumpkah]

Just what I needed to hear: I'm very tempted by the chance to get a sweet Isolette III Mark II with upgraded leather bellows, late reformulation of the 75/3.5 Solinar and Synchro-Compur MXV. Same lens and shutter as the Super Isolette, at 1/3 the price. You may have just pushed me over the edge.

Picked this up today and it's a real cupcake in primo condition. A sweet 6x6 folder! Am looking forward to taking it out for a spin soon. Any advice from experienced users?