David Mitchell
Well-Known Member
Hi all,
I have just been looking around at different films after seeing some nice shots with some XP2, I had a look at some Ilford Pan F plus @ ISO 50 (I like slower films lol). I will probably get myself some 35mm Pan F as my next selection of film once I run out of the basic poundland stuff (although its doing pretty good).
After seeing the below image which is shot on some 120 Pan F I am thinking about looking into a medium format system of some sort. I do have a few medium format cameras already, however these usually have uncoated lenses or have little in the way of settings (perfect for creating an 'older' looking image, but not ideal when wanting some sharpness).
Here is the image of some quartz I found on Flickr:
After shooting that building with the poundland film and enjoying shooting landscapes around Matlock I enjoy the sharpness and detail of the image. Also seeing the set that Chris did for the 'Hotrod and custom' images on the 'blad I really enjoyed the cleaner image.
I am therefore looking for suggestions around getting a decent (although not mega expensive) medium format camera/system. I don't think I could afford a 'blad but I like the fact you can change roll film backs over and the quality of the product. I have heard that the Kiev 88 was also an option as a Russian copy which seems to be ok, what else should I look at? I am in no rush for it and want to consider my options, but hopefully will be able to use it over the summer when its stopped raining/snowing/arctic weather.
As its black and white I can develop it myself which I am planning to work towards soon, my photo scanner is fine for medium format as well which is a plus. I am aware that I can't simply re-add colour in, however I can always take another roll film back with colour film in if I feel that I want a certain shot in colour rather than on the Pan F.
I am basically looking for something that there are lots of options for, so probably a modular system would be ideal although I know there are a few 'camera looking' medium format cameras that are good. I might be tempted with a TLR but having a decent lens on it would be key - unless you can get interchangeable lens TLRs!
Anyhow, what should I look at/cost up/save for?
I have just been looking around at different films after seeing some nice shots with some XP2, I had a look at some Ilford Pan F plus @ ISO 50 (I like slower films lol). I will probably get myself some 35mm Pan F as my next selection of film once I run out of the basic poundland stuff (although its doing pretty good).
After seeing the below image which is shot on some 120 Pan F I am thinking about looking into a medium format system of some sort. I do have a few medium format cameras already, however these usually have uncoated lenses or have little in the way of settings (perfect for creating an 'older' looking image, but not ideal when wanting some sharpness).
Here is the image of some quartz I found on Flickr:

After shooting that building with the poundland film and enjoying shooting landscapes around Matlock I enjoy the sharpness and detail of the image. Also seeing the set that Chris did for the 'Hotrod and custom' images on the 'blad I really enjoyed the cleaner image.
I am therefore looking for suggestions around getting a decent (although not mega expensive) medium format camera/system. I don't think I could afford a 'blad but I like the fact you can change roll film backs over and the quality of the product. I have heard that the Kiev 88 was also an option as a Russian copy which seems to be ok, what else should I look at? I am in no rush for it and want to consider my options, but hopefully will be able to use it over the summer when its stopped raining/snowing/arctic weather.
As its black and white I can develop it myself which I am planning to work towards soon, my photo scanner is fine for medium format as well which is a plus. I am aware that I can't simply re-add colour in, however I can always take another roll film back with colour film in if I feel that I want a certain shot in colour rather than on the Pan F.
I am basically looking for something that there are lots of options for, so probably a modular system would be ideal although I know there are a few 'camera looking' medium format cameras that are good. I might be tempted with a TLR but having a decent lens on it would be key - unless you can get interchangeable lens TLRs!
Anyhow, what should I look at/cost up/save for?