Digital BW, The Print

> So, does anyone out there have recommendations for a medium
> format SLR camera, preferably manual, not very heavy, with nice
> optics (the lenses above appear to have great Bokah), that also
> does not say "I am a Hasselblad, steal me!".

I have traveled with a Hasselblad, sans prism and winder, with 110/2, shade
and strap...most everywhere (hiking, biking etc.) with no case...and never
had any problem.  It is quite a light camera, comparable to one of the
larger 35mm SLRs (or even a Leica M6 with 75/1.4 lense).  There really isn't
any MF SLR that is smaller, the Hasselblad is probably as small (volume
wise) as it gets for an MF SLR.  A Pentacon might be a decent choice, since
who cares if it gets stolen, and it has excellent Zeiss optics, but no meter
in the body.

The Hasselblad is my preferred traveling camera of choice...but if you are
in an area that you believe your Hasselblad is at risk...then I'd recommend
a folder/rangefinder, like a Fuji GS645...which is probably the smallest
excellent MF camera there is, short of an older Super Ikonta or Bessa
folder.  The Plaubel Makina 67/670 (later model with better lense
suspension) is exceptional...probably a better lense than the Fuji.  One
warning though, the Fuji has horrible bokeh, and the bellows should be
checked thoroughly for leaks.

Have you considered a very high end 35mm, like a Leica M6 or a Contax Aria?
They are also quite small, and the results are exceptional...not on par with
Hasselblad if you are going to be making 24x24 prints, but for anything 8.5
x 11 or below (and even one size larger), it will be quite adequate, IMO.

I've looked far and wide for a decent MF small camera...and I have yet to be
pleased with the results of any that I tried...if you are spoiled by a top
end MF, nothing else comes close IMO, though I do enjoy taking pictures with
my Super Ikontas, and the results are quite good...there is even one with a
built-in meter (not a good meter, but a meter none the less).