Maryann Ianniello |
Medium Format Camera I am very interested in buying a medium format camera with auto focus. My eyes have really gotten bad over the years but I love taking photos. Any suggestions on what might be the best AF camera on the market. I do have my eye on the Mamiya 643AFD. Thanks
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John A. Lind |
Maryann, I'm aware of three manaufacturers that have have auto-focus MF SLR's: Contax 645 AF Mamiya 645AFD Pentax 645N II If priority is given to lenses, the Contax tops the heap with Carl Zeiss glass, but you will pay some $$$ for the privelege of having that name on the front of the lenses. Cannot judge too much on the other two. I use a Mamiya M645 ("j" and "1000-S"), but it's manual focus and the AFD lenses are different from those for the original M645 through current E and Pro-TL . . . an important note to remember . . . and Mamiya's lineup of AFD lenses isn't as extensive as for their manual focus 645's. I am in the "over 40" presbyopia crowd who cannot focus their eyes as closely as those who are younger . . . a phenomenon of aging . . . and I'm still using all manual focus equipment. A possible alternative to an entirely new camera system is exploring dioptric correction lenses on the viewfinder. If you have myopia or hyperopia (near/far sightedness) without too much astigmatism, you might be surprised at how much this truly helps. You shouldn't need any for pure presbyopia; viewfinder optics place the effective distance of the focus screen several feet in front of the camera. I started using viewfinder dioptric correction for mild myopia years ago and wondered why I hadn't done that many years before. It made an enormous difference in focus accuracy and allowed significantly better use of the microprism ring and matte area of the focusing screen. Before doing that I was relying very heavily on the center split rangefinder circle. If you have been using dioptric correction, then how much you need may have changed . . . and this is also "normal" with aging. The dioptric correction I use has changed over time. It's much easier than trying to look through a viewfinder while wearing glasses. -- John
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Judy |
I can highly recommend the Pentax 645N. I purchased mine the first month they were out and have not been sorry. I use it to do all my wedding work. With the advent of the newer version, you may be able to pick up the original 645N for a great price on the used market. The 200mm autofocus lens is great with this camera.
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Suzanne Boulanger |
Mariann, I know just what you mean! I purshased the Pentax 645-N in 2000 and absolutely love it! I did a lot of research before purshasing this particular camera and it has really paid off. I've covered 50 plus weddings since then and have never had one complaint about the quality of the photos. Another plus is the cost of the additional lenses compared to other brands...a lot cheaper! Pentax has won numerous awards and is well established so I had no hesitation in spending that much money for a camera. It is lightweight and the automatic focus is excellent. I have nothing but good things to say about it.
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Gregg Vieregge |
I am in the same situation with my eyes. I was reluntant to buy another medium format camera when digital is so much better for me. I do still shoot all my weddings with film. To solve the problem I bought a Beattie Intrascreen with grids and the split horizontal focusong screen. ($145)It took 5 minutes to install. The problem was solved. The image is so much brighter and the split image makes focusing a snap. It solved my problem and saved me $$$.
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Gustavo Gil |
How flash works with medium format? For example a Vivitar 283 with Bronica? Any suggestion? Thank you.
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John A. Lind |
Gustavo, Very well, just as with 35mm . . . but that's likely not the answer you are looking for. ;-) Depends on what make/model and what lens. Also depends on how old your Vivitar 283 flash is. First . . . about the Vivitar 283: About the Bronicas: Special Case with Leaf Shutter Lenses: Hope this helps you out. -- John
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