Gear discussion

In digital era old gear is an exciting experience. Shooting film is an amazing experience. You should not miss it! From my point of view medium format would be the most interesting for a serious kick off. In my case I got into business with an old Rollei and I'm absolutely satisfied. If you are more tripod or studio oriented don't miss the Hasselblad's! Another camera that is absolutely fine is the Mamiya 7II. I think it is truly difficult to get something sharper!

THE HASSELBLAD SWC/M

This is one of my favorite film cameras. The Hassi SWC/M is a truly gem for those who are wide angle shooters.

Ken Rockwell has an interesting page where you can find lots of information on it.

The fixed lens is razor sharp (Karl Zeiss Biogon 4,5/38mm T*) and quite easy to focus (any object about 2 meters away gets easily in focus it most of the situations). Its weight and size allow for outdoors handheld operation, specially if you load fast film in it like the Portra 400 or a TMax 400.

The camera is absolutely manual, with no meter and no aids for focusing. There is an optional ground glass-back out there but I see it as pain!

The camera is very nice as well for interiors. Mounted on a tripod and well leveled you don't need to care about distortion.

Since 1954, when it was put in place, until 2009, its been almost the same, with just some minor changes. One of the most important changes was the switching from Compur to Prontor shutter. That happened in 1982 and should you want to get one of this beasts it is advisable to look for a Prontor one.

All in all a nice toy to enjoy with.

THE MAMIYA 7 II

The Mamiya 7 II is the most delicious think you can imagine. Called the 6x6 Leica, this is a telemetric medium format camera with a very reasonable weight and size. One of the best guys for handheld medium format film.

But perhaps the the most interesting think dealing with this camera is its lenses. I'd say with no doubt that most of the Mamiya N lenses are at the peak of the medium format.

It is difficult to find nowadays a new Mamiya 7II, but recently I saw one at Ebay for more than $4000. No bad for a discontinued and film camera! If you don't want to expend such and amount there are still many used in very good condition.

THE ROLLEI