6 Affordable Medium Format Film Cameras for Studio Photography
Medium format film cameras are treasured by studio photographers for their superior image quality, sharpness, and depth. A lot of recommended studio film cameras like the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II or the Hasselblad 500cm, while undeniably spectacular film cameras, can be expensive. Getting crisps images inside a studio doesn’t have to break the bank. There are several affordable options that deliver excellent performance without a hefty price tag. Here’s a look at six affordable medium format film cameras, offering different formats such as 6x6, 6x7, and 645, known for their reliability and consistent performance.
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1. Mamiya RB67
Bio/History:
The Mamiya RB67 was launched in 1970 and quickly established itself as a studio powerhouse. Its name, "RB," stands for "Revolving Back," highlighting its innovative rotating film back that allows film photographers to switch between portrait and landscape orientations effortlessly. It was designed to cater to professional photographers who needed flexibility and precision, making it perfect for studio settings.
Price Point:
Typically found on the used market for around $400-$800, depending on condition, lens choice, and included accessories.
Specs:
Format: 6x7 cm
Shutter: Mechanical leaf shutter
Focusing: Bellows focusing
Weight: Approximately 2.6 kg with standard lens
Viewfinder: Waist level and prism options available
Pros:
Rotating back for easy orientation changes
Large negatives offer stunning detail
Fully mechanical, no need for batteries
Cons:
Heavy and bulky, best used on a tripod (not an issue for studio)
Manual operation can be slow for fast paced shoots (again, not really an issue for studio shots)
Unique Features:
The bellows focusing system allows for extremely precise focusing, which is particularly beneficial for macro photography in the studio.
2. Bronica ETRSi
Bio/History:
The Bronica ETRSi, introduced in 1989, is the culmination of the ETR series, which started in the late 1970s. This medium format film camera was designed to be a more affordable and accessible entry into the world of medium format photography, especially for those transitioning from 35mm film shooting.
Price Point:
Available on the used market for around $300-$600. Recently prices have gone up, but this price range is still attainable when buying the body and lease separately.
Specs:
Format: 6x4.5 cm
Shutter: Leaf shutter
Focusing: Manual focus
Weight: Approximately 1.8 kg with standard lens
Viewfinder: Interchangeable prisms and waist-level finders
Pros:
Compact and lightweight compared to other medium format film cameras
Leaf shutter lenses for high speed flash sync
Modular design with interchangeable components
Cons:
Limited lens selection compared to other systems
Requires a bit of a learning curve for those new to manual systems
Unique Features:
The ETRSi’s leaf shutter allows for flash synchronization at all speeds, making it perfect for complex lighting setups in the studio!
3. Pentax 645
Bio/History:
The Pentax 645, released in 1984, was designed to fill the gap between 35mm film cameras and larger medium format systems. It was intended to provide photographers with a more portable medium format option without sacrificing image quality.
Price Point:
Typically priced between $300-$500 on the used market.
Specs:
Format: 6x4.5 cm
Shutter: Electronically controlled focal plane shutter
Focusing: Manual focus, with some models offering autofocus (645N)
Weight: Approximately 1.4 kg with standard lens
Viewfinder: Built in metering prism
Pros:
Ergonomic design with comfortable handling
Reliable and consistent performance
Affordable lenses with great optical quality
Cons:
Requires batteries for operation
No interchangeable film backs
Unique Features:
The Pentax 645 offers a balance of portability and image quality, making it a versatile choice for studio and on location shoots. 645 is a very appealing ratio for studio photographers because it allows for more frames per roll than 6x6 or 6x7, making test shots and experimentation more doable.
4. Mamiya 645 Pro
Bio/History:
The Mamiya 645 Pro, released in 1993, is part of the long running Mamiya 645 series known for its professional grade performance and versatility. It was created to offer film photographers a more affordable medium format film camera option with a comprehensive range of accessories.
Price Point:
Available for around $400-$700 on the used market.
Specs:
Format: 6x4.5 cm
Shutter: Electronically controlled focal plane shutter
Focusing: Manual focus
Weight: Approximately 1.5 kg with standard lens
Viewfinder: Interchangeable prisms and waist level finders
Pros:
Modular design with interchangeable components
Wide range of lenses and accessories
Durable construction suitable for professional use
Cons:
Requires batteries for operation
Heavier than some other 645 options
Unique Features:
The Mamiya 645 Pro’s extremely modular system allows film photographers to customize the camera to fit their shooting needs, whether it’s in the studio or in the field.
5. Bronica SQ-A
Bio/History:
Introduced in 1982, the Bronica SQ-A was designed as a more affordable alternative to the Hasselblad 500 series. The SQ-A was popular for its square 6x6 format and modular capabilities, appealing to film photographers who wanted the flexibility of a system camera without the premium cost.
Price Point:
Typically priced between $400-$700 on the used market.
Specs:
Format: 6x6 cm
Shutter: Leaf shutter
Focusing: Manual focus
Weight: Approximately 2.0 kg with standard lens
Viewfinder: Interchangeable prisms and waist-level finders
Pros:
Square format eliminates the need for orientation changes
Leaf shutter lenses for high speed flash sync
Modular design with flexibility in lens and accessory choices
Cons:
Limited accessories compared to more expensive systems
Heavier than some other medium format film camera options
Unique Features:
The SQ-A’s leaf shutter allows for flash sync at all speeds, making it perfect for intricate lighting setups in the studio.
6. Kowa Six
Bio/History:
The Kowa Six, introduced in the early 1960s, is a Japanese made medium format film camera known for its simplicity and solid construction. It was designed to be an affordable entry into the medium format market, with a focus on ease of use and reliability.
Price Point:
Available for around $300-$500 on the used market.
Specs:
Format: 6x6 cm
Shutter: Leaf shutter
Focusing: Manual focus
Weight: Approximately 1.5 kg
Viewfinder: Waist level with magnifying glass
Pros:
Solid build quality with simple controls
Interchangeable lenses, offering more versatility than some TLRs
Sharp and contrasty lenses
Cons:
Limited availability of lenses and accessories
Somewhat heavier than other entry level medium format options
Unique Features:
The Kowa Six offers interchangeable lenses in a simple SLR-style body, making it a unique option for those who want the versatility of lens changes in a budget friendly package.
This alternative provides more flexibility in terms of lens options while maintaining affordability, making it an appealing choice for studio photographers looking to explore medium format photography.
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