Support our Sponsors, they keep FADU free:   AG Photographic   The Imaging Warehouse   Process Supplies   RH Designs   Second-hand Darkroom Supplies  

Notices

Go Back   Film and Darkroom User > Equipment > Cameras - medium format

  ***   Click here for the FADU 2015/2014 Yearbooks   ***

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9th March 2016, 03:50 PM
Chrisvclick Chrisvclick is offline
Friend
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Wales Uk, Gods Garden
Posts: 100
Default Economic route into 6x7 ?

Hi all,
As well as my Rolleicord, I have been using a Bronica 645 for a while now, But want to go bigger negative for landscapes. Dont think finances alllow me to go to 4x5, similar problem going to 6x9, my enlarger wont go that big..
However, there is 6x7 of course. My enlarger will just about manage that, But is the extra 10mm worth the extra hassle and cost ?.
If it is, what is the best bang for the buck ?. Tried a Pentax 67, just bout recovered from the Hernia and didn't like the "kick". Was fun otherwise .
Is there anything "economic" that is reasonable quality or do I have to go the Bronica/Mamiya route ?..
__________________
Is there a level below "in the poop" ?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9th March 2016, 04:02 PM
Collas Collas is online now
Friend
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 971
Default

The Fujifilm GW670 is available in three different generations - Fujica GM670 and the Fujifilm GW670 II and III. And there are other sizes, such as 6x 8, and 6 x 9 to choose from, too. And the choice of "standard" GW and wide-angle GSW for some of the other film sizes. They don't have interchangeable lenses, however.

Nick
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9th March 2016, 04:29 PM
Lostlabours Lostlabours is offline
Friend
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: West Midlands/Aegean
Posts: 1,988
Default

The 6x7 format won't give you a particularly noticeable increase in quality compared to your 645.

I thought about moving up from my Mamiya 645's about 30 years ago to an RB67, in the end I just went to 5x4 instead which I already used for work. That did give me the increased quality I wanted.

At the moment I'm printing 645 negatives shot in 1986, the quality is excellent but I 'd sometimes run out of DOF for some images I wanted to make and knew I needed a camera with movements.

Ian
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9th March 2016, 04:54 PM
Alan Clark Alan Clark is offline
Friend
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 1,426
Default

Chris, it is easy to get bogged down and confused with this. I think you need to ask yourself what size prints you would like to do. If the answer is "20 x 16" then , yes, you probably could benefit from the bigger negative. But with 12 x 16 or smaller I would have thought you would be fine with the cameras you have.
I have generally found in photography that changing gear may solve one problem, but often creates others. I had used 6x6 format cameras for years, but, in pursuit of the bigger negative, bought a Pentax 67. I never got a sharp picture with it. at slow shutter speeds on a tripod, for landscape photography. ( Because of shutter vibration) So I swapped it for an RB67. This camera gives wonderful looking prints, I've done 20 x 16s with it that look really nice. But it has its drawbacks. It is very heavy to carry around. And if you like to use the hyperfocal settings on a lens to get max. depth of field, then you can't with this camera, as it focusses with bellows...But RBs are cheap, and a delight to use, being all mechanical. The Bronica 67 may be a better bet, but I can't say because I have never used one.
You are probably more confused than ever now! But keep your intended print size in mind.

Alan
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9th March 2016, 05:07 PM
DaveP DaveP is offline
Friend
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 990
Default

Best bang for your buck in 6x7 is almost certainly a Mamiya RB67 outfit. Loads of them around as they were popular with studios back in the day. Suits landscape work as they are heavy.

The other thing I'd look at is a Fuji GX680 with a 6x7 back. These are very cheap for what you're getting. Has tilt, which can solve the DoF problems inherent with medium format. You don't have to stop down so far, leading to sharper images. Again, these are big heavy motherf***ers though!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9th March 2016, 05:18 PM
Richard Gould Richard Gould is offline
Friend
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Jersey Channel Islands
Posts: 5,433
Default

If you want to dip your toe in a bigger size then why not try a Folder? there are a lot that take 68, just slightly bigger, and reasonably priced that would give you an idea, although, To be honest, the difference in quality between your Rollei at 66, or even 645, you would be very hard pressed to find a real difference, I have tried it, got a Ensign Selfix 820 and the only difference I could find was the shape of the negative, If you want to go bigger than 66 to get better quality the LF is the way to go, Personally, I am quite content shooting 645 or 66, with various Rollei's and folders
Richard
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9th March 2016, 05:29 PM
MartyNL's Avatar
MartyNL MartyNL is offline
Friend
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: based in The Netherlands
Posts: 3,341
Default

Deleted
__________________
MartyNL

“Reaching a creative state of mind thru positive action
is considered preferable to waiting for inspiration.”
- Minor White, 1950

Last edited by MartyNL; 9th March 2016 at 05:59 PM. Reason: Not appropriate to op
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9th March 2016, 05:40 PM
Alan Clark Alan Clark is offline
Friend
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 1,426
Default

A 6x9 negative exposed with a good lens would be a definite jump up from 645. But the OP doesn't have a 6x9 enlarger....6x7 is his limit.

Alan
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9th March 2016, 09:27 PM
Lostlabours Lostlabours is offline
Friend
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: West Midlands/Aegean
Posts: 1,988
Default

Look at the maths the long edge of 645 and then 67, it's only 1/6th longer for the 6x7 negative. I agree with Alan that a 6x9 will show a slightly better jump.

If you're shooting B&W I'd suggest looking at switching films, if you can shoot Pan F rather than a 100 or faster ISO film you'll see a much greater increase in quality (using the Mirror lock and a tripod) than the insignificant difference between 645 and 67.

Ian
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10th March 2016, 07:33 AM
mpirie mpirie is offline
Friend
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Highlands of Scotland
Posts: 430
Default

+1 for the RB system if you want the best bang for your buck/pound.

It's not a light system, but the quality is superb if you stick it on a tripod and are looking to slow down your shooting process.

Mike
Reply With Quote
Reply
Support our Sponsors, they keep FADU free:   AG Photographic   The Imaging Warehouse   Process Supplies   RH Designs   Second-hand Darkroom Supplies  

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 01:24 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.