[Digital BW] Medium Format--Rangefinders
2002-05-30 by Paul Roark
Robert, > Have you shot a Mamiya 7II? I'm curious how it compares to >the Bronica and Fuji I rented one for a weekend because the conventional wisdom is that the 7II is the camera of choice. However, I just did not like it's handling, and while the lenses have a great reputation and (to the extent I could test them) tested out as good, the body workmanship and feel were not impressive at all. I couldn't entirely test the machine because the rangefinder was so far off as to be useless. There are a lot of threads about that rangefinder, and I suspect it is more prone to problems than most. I, also, prefer the 645 format because I shoot a fair number of 2-frame compositions. I do this either to extend the depth of field (dual focus) or to get super-wide-angle, 2-frame, side-by-side shots that I stitch (rather easy with digital and PS perspective controls). To do these I like to be able to keep the two frames attached and scan them, if not together, as least without touching the film/holder. That way the images are easier to align. With my equipment and habits, the 645 images are easier to do this with. The two 645 images are close to a 6x9 and fit into my 4x5 enlarger and other equipment while still together. I also like as many shots on a single roll as possible, while finding the 645 the minimum that I can live with in terms of quality. Developing film is not my favorite activity, so the fewer rolls, the better. The Fuji is really a glorified point-and-shoot. As Austin noted, the AF is weak, but one can learn its capabilities and live with it. The camera does have enough manual controls to go fine, tripod-mounted landscapes, dual focusing, etc. The Fuji does have some advantages. The zoom is great -- limited 55 - 90 range, but good enough to not worry about the optical quality. The Zi also focuses to 1 meter at its 90 mm lens setting. The maximum 90 mm, however, is not quite to my liking. I bought the Bronica RF 645 primarily for the manual focusing and the 135 mm lens (available through Robert White). The optics are fantastic -- about the best I've seen on any format. And it's handling and finish/feel are great. (One thing I always do with rectangular format cameras is make a bracket so that there are tripod threads on both the bottom and the end of the camera for convenient tripod mounting. The 7II didn't lend itself to this as well as the Bronica.) So, I don't want to over-sell any of these machines, but right now it looks like the Zi and Bronica are keepers. I use the Zi for family events and where light weight and speed are paramount, and the Bronica RF for more serious shooting where I'll want the 135 and have time to change lenses. Paul http://www.PaulRoark.com