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V System digital preferences

How about the Pentax 645?

I know this is an indecent proposition on hasselbladinfo.
Just could not help it.


For me MF will always be Hasselblad and nothing else.
The Contax 645 gave me a hard time mainly because of the new range of CZ lenses.
Right now I am exploring the possibility to use the fabulous CZ 120 APO Makro Planar with a 2000/200 body..........
 
Thanks guys - more to consider! :)

But, my DSLR coice is already made for me by the fact that I have Canon L series lenses. That investment has me by the b..ls!!! :)

So my only consideration now is about a compact digi-cam. In this I am not really looking for good DSLR capabilities - it will be a "diferent horse for a different course"! It MUST give me the convenience of reasonable compactness - not like a credit card camera, but around the dimensions of the Canon G9 or G10. No images from it will be printed beyond say 8x10 inches.

I am very aware I must not look at small digi-cams and be thinking of high end DSLR capabilities - I must be carful to be thinking about good performance up to prints around 8x10 inches.

When I read some reviews of cameras like the Canon G10 - the only negative comments are ones that really are comparisons with good DSLRs - unrealistic and stupid reviews. A G10 or small cameras like it just can't be expected to deliver such results (even though I do want the best possible image quality from it!!).

And then there is the option of the 4/3rds Panasonic G1..... and maybe with a PRIME lens only of say 20 to 25mm giving me a 135 format angle of view like a 40 to 50mm lens!!!............................ Mmmmmmmmmmmmm! :)

That Sigma Marc mentioned seems very attractive - and with it comes a decent size cropped 35mm sensor! I am used to shooting Leica M with one lens on all day - it just has to be an angle of view and the Sigma has an equivalent of 41mm in 135 format, which I really like.

So, yes, I will go and annoy sales staff in various stores and play with the ones that have some appeal to me and then look at the results.
 
I am very aware I must not look at small digi-cams and be thinking of high end DSLR capabilities - I must be carful to be thinking about good performance up to prints around 8x10 inches.

When I read some reviews of cameras like the Canon G10 - the only negative comments are ones that really are comparisons with good DSLRs - unrealistic and stupid reviews. A G10 or small cameras like it just can't be expected to deliver such results (even though I do want the best possible image quality from it!!).

fuji's f200exr

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/f/finepix_f200exr/features/index.html

the image quality, colour, noise and dynamic range in this camera is impresive.... it has a new sensor technology that i think works to the expectations
 
Here an other suggestion . A true 6x6 solution .
No AF available , but a digital back adapter is in the pipe . :)
View attachment 1091
The expected sales figures for this camera will shurely bring us through the crisis .
 
Coincidence?

I bought my first folder last Sunday.
An old wish came true, a 6x9 camera.

Easy to slip in the pocket of a coat.
Always ready to record unexpected events.

All that fun for only 25 USD.


Agfa folder.jpg

Agfa folder
 

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Impatiently waiting for this beauty to be available .
Filter size is M 58x0,75 and lenshood availble from Heliopan .
View attachment 1094
Price is 2000€ here in Germany .
It is THE MF camera in your pocket . "only" 1000gr .
 
Thanks for posting the image Jurgen - it looks FANTASTIC! I believe it is for sale in Japan - if my memory is good Photo.net had a news item saying that.

Wow, just when I am getting ready to dive into 35mm digital, along comes another brilliant MF film camera...... Mmmmmmmm... what to do? :)

Paul, I've collected many $25 folding gems over the past 7 years - every one of them is wonderful.

There is a terrific man who is an expert in retsoration of folders and who occasionally gets Agfa Isolettes 6x9 and makes them "new" again - I think his name is Certo or something. He does work on owners cameras as well as finds folders and rebuilds them - extremely knowledgeable man and nice to deal with and does beautiful work. But such "like new" restorations are not cheap.

Now you and Jurgen remind me that over Easter I must "exercise my folders' shutters!
 
Hello Simon,

I will start a diet of power food and vitamins for the 667 camera.
For me a folder must be 6x9.
Why did not Fuji think of that?


Paul
 
Paul,
1. the site I could not remember for Agfa Isolette and other great folders and a brilliant restorer is certo6. http://www.certo6.com/ - take a look and you'll be giving up food for months to pay for all of his beauties!

2. I think it is that 6x9 is substantially bigger than 6x6 or 6x7 - body and lens - and the market appeal might be the ability to fold and put in a coat pocket - product marketing issues along those lines is my guess. I have just looked at my early Zeiss Ikon Ikonta (the Super Ikontas came later and have the optical view/range-finder) 6x9 and a similar 6x6 (OK not a 6x7 but you'll get my point) and the physical dimensions are significantly different - body, lens and bellows extension all folded up.

But, Agfa made its very best folders in 6x9 format - the Isolette III. It came in 3 (if my memory is good) lens versions. The best of them is even in today's terms a superb lens - the four element Tessar type Solinar, in the f3.5 (75mm) or f4.5 (80mm) variety.

See Certo6's huge amount of information - BUT be VERY CAREFUL, you will fall in love with his restoration work!

AND BY THE WAY HIS NAME IS JURGEN!!!!!!!!!!!! :) I wonder....... is our Jurgen an Agfa expert??? :) :) :)
 
... and PS... If Fuji strikes gold with the 6x7, who knows maybe they will release a 6x9 version... gee there could be a total revival of the great folder cameras!

Personally, I think that the 6x6 folder is an IDEAL travel companion - think about it, a totally dependable mechanical camera using wonderful 120 roll film, and easily closed and slipped into a pocket! I have often taken one out for the day and estimated exposures and never been disappointed with the results. Or, when using slide film, just pop a Voigtlander meter II on the cold shoe and now you have a "modern camera"! :)
 
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