Medium Format Cameras

If photography is your passion then you should get a medium format camera. Especially if you want to sell your pictures, your chances are better if you use this type of camera. With medium format cameras, the quality of your photographs is more impressive.

Medium format cameras use a 120 or 220 roll film, which were introduced by Kodak for its medium format folding cameras. The typical 120-camera frame comes in many standard widths namely 645, 6x6, 6x7, 6x8, 6x9, 6x12, and 6x17. Hasselblad medium format cameras generally use the 6x6 format with lenses that are lighter than any 6x7 lens cam. Mamiya and Rollei are two of the best choices for a 6x6 medium format camera. Rollei medium format cameras, particularly the 6008 model, have strong and quality single lens reflex system while the lightweight Mamiya 6 rangefinder is excellent to use if you are traveling. You can also try the Yashica 124 with its nice twin-lens reflex system as well.

Meanwhile, the 645 format is the cheapest, lightest and smallest roll film design. However, it may be difficult to scan with a 35mm negative. Fuji makes 645 lenses that have just the same benefits as with the Hasselblad’s 6x6 lenses at a fraction of the cost. They also throw in a good body at the rear of the lens free of charge and a wide to normal zoom lens. Fuji was also the very first to introduce the autofocus mechanism as well. Fuji’s most collectible 645 format is the 75mm lens old folding model. Modern Fuji medium format cameras operate the same as with 35mm point and shoot cameras.

Moreover, a Pentax medium format camera offers the same flexibility and features as with a standard Nikon or Canon camera. The Pentax 645N has an amazing autofocus system with Zeiss branded lens and even contains Canon EOS-style ultrasonic motors. Its autofocus system is based on the ancient Minolta and Nikon style method, which is the screwdriver blade in the body.

Most photographers on magazine portrait assignments use the 6x7 format. Carrying it around may be a problem especially if you don’t have assistants to help you out.

When this happens, you may want to try Fuji rangefinders or the Mamiya 7 rangefinder. For quality magazine photography, other interesting medium format cameras that you should not want to miss out are the chunky and heavy Mamiya RB or RZ67 and Pentax 6x7 II.

For the 6x8 format, try the Fuji GX 680 III. With a size and weight that is the similar to the Mamiya RB and RZ system, you get to enjoy the same modern electronics and perspective controls that you would normally find with a view camera’s front standard.

In addition, Fuji’s 6x9 format has rangefinders that are amazingly cheap, compact, light and of high quality - only that it does not come with a meter though.

Meanwhile, the 6x12 format, which is the largest roll of film, is an interesting panoramic feature because it can fit into a standard 4x5 enlarger. The camera body of a 6x12 has a rotating lens that allows you to get more interesting photos and gives you better photo mileage. A popular example for this is the Noblex that produces 146 degrees of photos that prevents them from getting light falloff or becoming distorted.

But if taking more than four photos on a roll of film is a bummer for you, then you might as well get a 6x17 camera. A good pick is the Fuji G617. This camera allows great perspective control as well as a closer and sharper image focus.

Whether you dream of selling your pictures commercially or just plain want to take gorgeous photographs, a medium format camera can definitely help you out.