medium format

[911newbie]

I'm toying with the idea of buying a medium format film camera, say a Bronica SQ or Mamiya 645...
something not too expensive to buy or run.

Any words of wisdom from you ladies and gents here ?
Is there a list of basic kit I'd need ot get started ? Are there how to books or websites that would get me started with the nuts and bolts of how to use the cameras, eg how to load/unload a film.

I'm fairly familiar with SLR/DSLR cameras and fancy exploring some other kinds of photography...

Cheers

[Snapper7]

The Mamiya 6x7 camera is the one to go for, It has the best of everything, but it is heavy. (Great Lenses with leaf shutter for high flash sync and interchangeable rotating backs)

The Mamiya 645 is rather budget and suffers from very low flash sync (Due to not having the shutter in the Lens)

IMHO the Bronica SQ and ETRSi were stunning cameras and the system was fantastic. Great Lenses with leaf shutter for high flash sync and interchangeable backs Not to heavy (Way better than the Mamiya 645). But there is a down side, Bronica went bust a good few years ago and I don't believe you are able to get anything repaired.

I have in my time as a photographer had both Bronica systems (Prefered the ETRSi over the SQ because I preferred the 645 format over the 6x6). But eventually I stepped up to the Mamyia RB67 which was fantasic but heavy.

if I was given a system I would go for the Mamiya RB67.

But there is a wide card, The Pentax 6x7 camera is also very manageable and flexible. Later versions had metering. Worth having a look at.

Pentax: http://www.pentax.co.uk/en/product/10291/body/over...
Mamiya: http://www.mamiya.co.uk/


Hope that helps

Edited by Snapper7 on Thursday 14th May 19:14

[CivicMan]

Hasselblad. Is the king and you can pick them (500CM/501CM) up fairly reasonably. No electrics, everything interchangeable. I still have my whole 'blad kit though I use digital 100% these days. I should sell it all but it'd be like getting rid of my own children.