Top 10 Travel Medium Format Cameras 2024
Travel photography demands a camera that balances performance, portability, and reliability. Medium format cameras, known for their exceptional image quality, have become increasingly popular among travel photographers. However, medium format film cameras can be bulkier and harder to be on the go with with than a 35mm cameras. Still, that shouldn’t stop photographers from bringing them along for the journey! Here's a list of the top 10 travel medium format cameras for 2024, evaluated based on price point, mechanical reliability, design, lens quality, durability, and user experience.
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Mamiya 7 II
Price Point: $2,500 - $4,000 (used market)
The Mamiya 7 II is a legendary medium format film camera that remains highly sought after in the used market. Its price reflects its status and the quality it delivers, making it a valuable addition for film enthusiasts and pros alike.
Mechanical Reliability: As a fully mechanical camera, the Mamiya 7 II is incredibly reliable and operates without the need for batteries (except for the light meter). Its mechanical nature ensures it remains functional in various conditions without reliance on electronic components.
Compact and Lightweight Design: Designed to be portable, the Mamiya 7 II is surprisingly light and compact for a medium format film camera. Its rangefinder design contributes to its portability, making it a favorite among travel photographers who shoot film.
Lens Quality and System Compatibility: The Mamiya 7 II uses some of the sharpest lenses available in medium format photography. The lenses are renowned for their exceptional optical quality, providing stunning clarity and detail across the frame. The lens quality alone is what makes it one of the best medium format film cameras.
Durability: Constructed with a robust build, the Mamiya 7 II is designed to endure the rigors of travel and withstand various environmental conditions. Its sturdy construction ensures it can handle the bumps and bruises of on-the-go travel shooting.
User Experience: Known for its straightforward operation and ergonomic design, the Mamiya 7 II offers an enjoyable shooting experience. Its clear viewfinder and intuitive controls make it easy to use, allowing photographers to focus on capturing travel moments.
2. Hasselblad 500CM
Price Point: $1,500 - $2,500 (used market)
The Hasselblad 500CM is an iconic medium format film camera that offers exceptional value on the used market. Its price is reasonable for the quality and performance it delivers, making it a great choice for serious photographers.
Mechanical Reliability: The 500CM is fully mechanical, ensuring reliable operation without the need for batteries. Its robust design and precision engineering make it a trusted choice for travel photography.
Compact and Lightweight Design: While not as compact as some other options, the 500CM is relatively portable for a medium format film camera. Its modular design allows for customization, which can enhance its portability.
Lens Quality and System Compatibility: The Carl Zeiss lenses for the Hasselblad 500CM are known for their superb sharpness and image quality. The system offers a range of lenses that provide excellent optical performance across various focal lengths.
Durability: The 500CM is built to last, with a solid metal body that can withstand the rigors of travel. Its durable construction ensures it can handle the wear and tear of frequent use in different environments.
User Experience: This medium format camera’s straightforward operation and ergonomic design make it easy to use, providing an enjoyable shooting experience. Its waist-level viewfinder and intuitive controls allow for precise composition and focusing.
3. Voigtlander Bessa I
Price Point: $300 - $600 (used market)
The Voigtlander Bessa I is an affordable medium format folding camera known for its quality and portability. It offers good value for photographers looking to delve into medium format photography without a significant investment.
Mechanical Reliability: The Bessa I is renowned for its mechanical reliability. As a fully mechanical camera, it operates without the need for batteries, except for light metering if available, depending on the model. Its straightforward and durable construction ensures reliable performance over time.
Compact and Lightweight Design: One of the primary advantages of the Bessa I is its folding design, which makes it highly compact and easy to carry. When folded, the camera is exceptionally portable, fitting easily into a small bag or even a coat pocket, making it an ideal choice for travel and on-the-go photography!
Lens Quality and System Compatibility: The Bessa I typically comes with a Vaskar or Color-Skopar lens, ranging from 105mm to 110mm with apertures of f/4.5 or f/3.5. These lenses are known for their sharpness and contrast, offering excellent image quality. Take this medium format film camera with you on your travels and easily switch from taking beautiful landscapes to stunning portraits.
Durability: The Bessa I’s metal body and bellows design are built to last, though care must be taken to maintain the bellows to prevent any light leaks or damage. Its robust construction is capable of withstanding the rigors of travel, provided the bellows are kept in good condition. Sourcing these medium format cameras in perfect condition can be a bit tough, but worth it to ensure there are no bellow issues before you embark on your travels.
User Experience: Using the Bessa I is a distinctly “vintage” experience, appealing to those who enjoy the tactile feel of manual camera operation. The camera features simple controls and a focus system via a rangefinder or zone focusing, depending on the model. It’s ergonomics make it great for shooting as its fold-out bellows design can make this medium format camera a great conversation starter, capturing the interest of both fellow photographers and subjects alike.
4. Rolleiflex 2.8 FX
Price Point: $3,000 - $4,000
The Rolleiflex 2.8 FX is a premium TLR (twin-lens reflex) camera that commands a high price due to its exceptional build quality and performance. It’s a worthy investment for photographers who appreciate the classic TLR design and outstanding image quality. If you want to take your film photography to the next level, this may be the medium format film camera for you.
Mechanical Reliability: The Rolleiflex 2.8 FX is renowned for its mechanical precision and reliability. Its fully mechanical operation ensures consistent performance without the need for batteries, making it a dependable choice for travel photography.
Compact and Lightweight Design: While not as compact as modern digital cameras, the Rolleiflex 2.8 FX is relatively lightweight and portable for a medium format TLR. Its design allows for easy handling and transport, ideal for travel photographers who prefer film.
Lens Quality and System Compatibility: The Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.8 lens is known for its superb sharpness and beautiful rendering. This fixed lens provides excellent image quality, with stunning detail and smooth bokeh that enhance travel photos.
Durability: Built to last, the Rolleiflex 2.8 FX medium format film camera features a robust metal body that can withstand the demands of travel. Its solid construction ensures durability, protecting it from the wear and tear of frequent use in various conditions.
User Experience: The medium format film camera’s classic TLR design and simple controls offer a unique and enjoyable shooting experience. Its waist-level viewfinder and precise focusing mechanism provide a distinctive way to compose and capture images, making it a favorite among film enthusiasts and professional film photographers.
5. Mamiya 6
Price Point: $2,000 - $2,800 (used market)
The Mamiya 6 is a highly respected medium format rangefinder camera that is prized for its portability and image quality. Its price reflects its superior build and functionality, making it a valuable option for traveling film shooters.
Mechanical Reliability: The Mamiya 6 is known for its mechanical reliability and precise engineering. It operates with minimal electronic components, ensuring dependable performance without heavy reliance on batteries.
Compact and Lightweight Design: One of the standout features of the Mamiya 6 is its compact, collapsible lens design, which makes it highly portable. This camera is particularly well-suited for travel, offering the convenience of a smaller medium format camera with the benefits of medium format film.
Lens Quality and System Compatibility: The Mamiya 6 features interchangeable lenses that are renowned for their sharpness and image quality. The 50mm, 75mm, and 150mm lenses cover a versatile range of focal lengths, ensuring high-quality results for a variety of shooting scenarios.
Durability: The Mamiya 6 is built to endure the rigors of travel, with a robust construction that can withstand various environmental conditions. Its solid build ensures it can handle the wear and tear associated with frequent use.
User Experience: The medium format film camera's rangefinder system and straightforward controls provide an intuitive shooting experience. Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use, allowing photographers to focus on capturing their travel adventures without being bogged down by complicated settings.
6. Fuji GF670
Price Point: $2,500 - $3,500 (used market)
The Fuji GF670 is a medium format folding camera that offers a unique combination of portability and image quality. Its price reflects its high-quality build and performance, making it a great choice for travel photographers.
Mechanical Reliability: The GF670 is highly reliable, featuring a robust mechanical design that ensures consistent performance. Its mechanical shutter and precise engineering make it a dependable option for travel photography.
Compact and Lightweight Design: The GF670 is remarkably compact when folded, making it one of the most portable medium format cameras. Its lightweight design and small footprint make it easy to carry, perfect for travel.
Lens Quality and System Compatibility: The GF670 features a fixed 80mm f/3.5 lens that provides excellent sharpness and clarity. The lens is designed to deliver superb optical performance, ensuring high-quality images in a compact form.
Durability: Built with a durable construction, the GF670 is designed to handle the demands of travel. Its robust body and folding mechanism ensure it can withstand various environmental conditions, making it a reliable travel companion.
User Experience: The camera’s straightforward operation and folding design provide an enjoyable shooting experience. Its rangefinder focusing and simple controls make it easy to use, and easy to carry!
7. Yashica Mat-124G
Price Point: $300 - $500 (used market)
The Yashica Mat-124G is an affordable medium format TLR camera that offers great value for its price. It’s a budget-friendly option for photographers looking to explore medium format film photography for travel.
Mechanical Reliability: The Mat-124G is known for its mechanical reliability and precision. Its fully mechanical operation ensures consistent performance without the need for batteries, making it a great medium format film camera choice for travel photography.
Compact and Lightweight Design: The Mat-124G is relatively lightweight and compact for a medium format TLR camera. Its design makes it easy to carry and handle, ideal for travel photographers on the go.
Lens Quality and System Compatibility: The Yashinon 80mm f/3.5 lens provides excellent sharpness and image quality. The lens delivers great optical performance, ensuring beautiful images with smooth bokeh and fine detail. This lens may not stand up against that of the Rollei or Mamiya, but still offers excellent detail for the price point.
Durability: Built with a sturdy construction, the Mat-124G is designed to handle the demands of travel. Its durable body ensures it can withstand various environmental conditions. Traveling with a medium format film camera that’s a bit cheaper can be freeing, maybe you are able to look the other way a bit easier something ends up scuffing the exterior!
User Experience: The camera’s TLR design and straightforward controls provide a unique and enjoyable shooting experience. Its waist-level viewfinder and simple focusing mechanism make it easy to use.
8. Bronica SQ-A
Price Point: $700 - $1,200 (used market)
The Bronica SQ-A is an affordable medium format camera that offers excellent value and performance. Its price is competitive for the quality it provides, making it an attractive option for travel photographers.
Mechanical Reliability: The SQ-A is known for its reliable mechanical performance. Its robust design and well-crafted components ensure consistent operation, making it a dependable choice for travel photography.
Compact and Lightweight Design: The SQ-A is a medium format film camera designed with portability in mind, featuring a compact and lightweight body that is easy to carry. Its modular design makes it ideal for travel, where size and weight are crucial factors.
Lens Quality and System Compatibility: The Bronica SQ-A system includes high-quality lenses that deliver excellent sharpness and clarity. The lenses are designed to provide superb optical performance, ensuring great image quality for travel photography. The Zenzanon-S 80mm f/2.8 is the standard lens for the SQ-A system, equivalent to a 50mm lens on a 35mm camera. It's versatile and well-suited for general-purpose photography. The Zenzanon-S 50mm f/3.5 is another lens option, a wide-angle lens that is excellent for landscape and architectural photography. It offers a broad field of view with minimal distortion.
Durability: The Bronica SQ-A is built like a tank. Its sturdy construction is designed to handle the bumps and knocks of travel with ease. Its metal components are resistant to wear and tear, making it a reliable companion for long-term use.
User Experience: The Bronica SQ-A is a medium format film camera that offers a unique user experience with its modular design, allowing photographers to customize their setup with various viewfinders, film backs, and grips. The camera's waist-level viewfinder provides a distinctive shooting perspective. Its well-placed controls and ergonomic design ensure comfort during extended shooting sessions. Additionally, the SQ-A's manual operation encourages a thoughtful and deliberate approach to photography, enhancing the creative process and allowing photographers to fully immerse themselves in capturing their travel adventures!
9. Zeiss Super Ikonta
Price Point: $400 - $800 (used market)
The Zeiss Super Ikonta is a revered series in the medium format camera market, known for its superior build quality and optical performance. This film camera offers a blend of classic design and exceptional functionality.
Mechanical Reliability: The Super Ikonta is celebrated for its mechanical precision and durability. Designed with a sophisticated folding mechanism and a coupled rangefinder, it operates smoothly and reliably, even after decades of use, provided it has been well-maintained.
Compact and Lightweight Design: As a folding camera, the Super Ikonta epitomizes portability in medium format photography. When collapsed, it is remarkably compact and easy to transport, fitting comfortably in a small camera bag or even a large pocket, making it an excellent companion for travel and fieldwork.
Lens Quality and System Compatibility: Equipped typically with a Zeiss Tessar lens, usually in the range of 70mm to 105mm with apertures like f/3.5, the Super Ikonta delivers sharp, contrast-rich images characteristic of Zeiss optics. The lens quality ensures outstanding performance across a variety of lighting conditions, capturing detailed and dynamic photographs.
Durability: The metal body and leatherette covering of the Super Ikonta are built to withstand extensive use over many years. The camera’s robust construction ensures it remains operational in various environmental conditions, from dry to humid travel locations, though care should be taken to protect the bellows and lens system from extreme elements.
User Experience: This medium format film camera’s manual controls, including its focus and exposure settings, demand a thoughtful and methodical approach, encouraging photographers to slow down and consider each composition carefully. The satisfaction of manually advancing the film and hearing the mechanical click of the shutter adds to the overall sensory experience of film photography. Additionally, the precision of the rangefinder and the quality of the viewfinder provide a clear and accurate means to frame and focus scenes, enhancing the user’s ability to capture images with intention and precision.
10. Bronica RF645
Price Point: $1,800 - $2,500 (used market)
The Bronica RF645 is a unique medium format rangefinder camera known for its distinctive vertical frame and excellent handling. Its price reflects its rarity and high-quality performance, making it a sought-after choice for travel photographers who appreciate a different perspective.
Mechanical Reliability: The RF645 is a mechanically sound camera with a minimalistic electronic interface. It is known for its dependability, thanks to its solid build and well-engineered components. This reliability ensures that the medium format camera performs consistently in various conditions, making it a trustworthy companion for adventurous travelers.
Compact and Lightweight Design: Designed with portability in mind, the RF645 is relatively lightweight for a medium format camera, weighing approximately 1.5 pounds (body only). Its compact design makes it easy to carry, fitting comfortably in a travel bag without taking up much space. The vertical orientation of the frame also contributes to its streamlined shape, making it an ideal travel companion for photographers on the move.
Lens Quality and System Compatibility: The RF645 uses a selection of high-quality lenses, known for their sharpness and clarity. The most notable lenses include:
65mm f/4: The standard lens, equivalent to roughly 40mm on a 35mm camera, ideal for general-purpose photography.
45mm f/4: A wide-angle lens, great for landscapes and street photography.
100mm f/4.5: A telephoto lens, perfect for portraits and distant subjects. These lenses offer excellent optical performance, ensuring superb image quality with great detail and vibrant colors across various shooting scenarios.
Durability: Built to withstand the demands of travel, the RF645 features a robust metal body and a well-sealed construction that protects against dust and moisture. The camera’s solid construction ensures it can handle the rigors of frequent use, from bustling city streets to rugged outdoor environments. The build quality of the RF645 instills confidence in photographers, knowing their equipment can endure challenging conditions.
User Experience: The RF645 offers a distinctive and enjoyable user experience, largely due to its vertical frame orientation, which is unique among medium format cameras. This vertical orientation is particularly well-suited for portraits and street photography, providing a fresh perspective that sets it apart from other cameras. The rangefinder focusing system is precise and easy to use, while the camera’s ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended shooting sessions. Additionally, the medium format film camera’s balance and handling are excellent, making it a joy to use for travel photography.
Enjoyed this article? Have another medium format travel film camera you like? Leave a comment below!
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