Digital To Film

[Jonni Allen]

Hi all.
I started off with film when i was a child but never did any developing and used to get the cheapest film on offer and send it off. I wouldn't mind getting back into it, trying medium format this time round.

Is there a good cheap MF camera and also a good scanner i could get.

The other thing was that I haven't seen anywhere in ages where you can send the film off to be developed.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

You can get MF cameras cheap on eBay. I have four - Mamiyas and Zeiss Icon. Film is readily available online. I get mine developed either by www.wedevelopfilms.co.uk or http://blackandwhitepics.co.uk/

 

[Pete Askew]

As Rob says, there is plenty of choice. What sort of budget and do you favour any particular format (6x6, 6x7, 6x9)?

 

[Jonni Allen]

Thanks for your helpful replies.

I am after a 6x9 and was looking to spend no more than £200. As I have to think of the cost of a good scanner. But after a quick look I don't think this budget will be good enough.

 

[Brian Moore]

As for a scanner I can't complain about my Epson V500. It has given me good service for a couple of years now,...and I'd say I do a fair amount of scanning. I think I paid about $150 for it,...maybe a little less.

 

[Jonni Allen]

Thanks Brian. I'll have a look at that one.

 

[Pete Askew]

Yes, I think you'll struggle with that budget. If you go down to 6x7 then the Mamiya RB67 provides probably the best value out there.

 

[Jonni Allen]

Thanks Pete, just had a look at that one. Very nice price . Now the hard part, the wife!

 

[Pete Askew]

Have you considered lying?!

 

[Jonni Allen]

Haha She could smell it a mile off

 

[Brian Moore]

Yes, I think you'll struggle with that budget. If you go down to 6x7 then the Mamiya RB67 provides probably the best value out there.

Or, if Jonni was interested in an old folder in good condition I'm sure he could find something. My Voigtlander Bessa is 6x9, is in excellent condition, and I got it for far less that Jonni's budget. Granted, its from 1939, but it captures light.

 

[Pete Askew]

How about, "I need a bigger camera to take even nicer pictures of you." Some form of body armour may be a wise precaution though!

 

[Pete Askew]

Good suggestion Brian.

 

[Jonni Allen]

Thanks for both of your help. I shall have a good look into this.

 

[Hamish Gill]

I was going to say Bessa ... More practical and fun, but harder work ...
Another v500 vote
And another vote for deceit

 

[Jonni Allen]

Sounds like fun

V500?

 

[Pete Askew]

Epson.

 

[Jonni Allen]

The other thing is, is film in good supply and is there companies out there that still make it?

 

[Pete Askew]

Yes and yes. Ilford make a good range of B&W material and both Fuji and Kodak supply colour material as well. There are a few others as well.

 

[Brian Moore]

And of course Fuji and Kodak both make B&W film. Also making film are Rollei,...which I mentioned in a post earlier this morning,...Fomapan, Orwo (bulk film only I think) and Adox. Also someone is making film under the Holga name (perhaps its the "Lucky" brand out of China), and I hear that Farrania is making a comeback. I'm not sure if all these outfits sell 120 film, but at minimum they all do 35mm.