I was thinking of getting medium format camera, want to get advice on quality and pricing?

Hey everyone. I was thinking of getting a medium format camera. I know a bit about them but some things are a bit confusing, such as film backs. Basically as I understand one can get a medium format body, but this would not be enough. Ofcourse there is lenses, but as I understand there is also film back, and viewfinders that are seperate from the camera itself. I was thinking of getting Pentax 67, but they seem a bit expensive for a first medium format, but then again maybe it makes sense to invest into a system that will worth it in a long run. Any suggestions/links would be greatly appreciated. ThanksI was thinking of getting medium format camera, want to get advice on quality and pricing?
The Pentax has been discontinued.





The Mamiya 645, RB67 and Hasselblad 6x6 are the three to choose from, since they are still being made and digital backs are available for them





Look for them on craigslist in a city near you.





Sample offerings here in the Phoenix area.





http://phoenix.craigslist.org/pho/550285鈥?/a>


http://phoenix.craigslist.org/pho/550285鈥?/a>


http://phoenix.craigslist.org/pho/528127鈥?/a>


http://phoenix.craigslist.org/pho/510082鈥?/a>I was thinking of getting medium format camera, want to get advice on quality and pricing?
So much of what you asked depends on the camera. Yes, the Pentax is discontinued, but they are certainly still available. KEH is a great source for used equipment and as a pricing source. There is also always EBay. I have bought many items there with never a problem, but there is always risk. B-H also has a good used department.





Here is the link for KEH:


http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/Home.aspx





Personally, I use a Mamiya 645e. This does not have a removable back, but rather a removable insert that accepts 120 or 220 film. It is an SLR type camera, with built in eye level viewfinder. Light and easy to hand hold. The Mamiya RZ 67 is a terrific camera and offers the larger 6 x 7 cm negative size, but the camera is quite large. It uses the waist level finder, but can be fitted with an eye level finder. The Mamiya 7II camera is a rangefinder design, which has advantages and disadvantages over the SLR, but does produce the nice, large 6 x 7 negatives.





This is just a huge topic that cannot be easily answered here. You will just need to study various forums. I suggest you use the medium format forum on Photo.net. Many experienced MF film users there that can help you out.





Here is a link:


http://photo.net/bboard/forum?topic_id=3鈥?/a>





Here are some photos taken with my Mamiya 645 if you would like to take a look:


http://www.pbase.com/s_parrott/fall_foli鈥?/a>





Steve