Okay, guys. I have a question for you (if you're smart, you already know what it is)...
Each of us has all sorts of ideas. But sometimes, it's just hard to do something because we get our minds set on something big that requires a bit more gear than we can handle. Other times, the creativity runs dry. But if you've ever been there, for better or for worse, you know there's nothing quite like new gear to get you revved up again. So here it goes...that camera that gets you going again -- what is it?:
What is your DREAM film camera for every format (35mm, if you want to clump 645/6x6/6x7 together under medium format or keep them separate -- it's all fair game...so long as it's FILM!).
Comment below...and yes, there's a reason. No, I'm not giving anything away for free. Not really, anyway. Intrigued??? Then join the conversation!!!!
Update (01/24/16): Okay, so it's been quite some time for me to get this set up, but news on the reason for this post is coming soon (hopefully a week or two). Stay tuned!!!
Update (03/21/16): After quite some time, I've finally gotten to a point where I can announce this to a few people. I'll reward you all here, first, for answering earlier when this was all just a vague question. I'm starting something called Film Objektiv. The idea is to rent film cameras -- some of the coolest ones -- at little more than cost to maintain the program and so it can grow slowly over time. But the little that it does cost will help get more film cameras into more people's hands so we can all experience and/or re-experience how fun film really is. I am putting the last pieces into the site, but I am literally still updating a few things as we speak. The next week will see the final updates to the site before I officially announce and launch it, but if you'd like to take a look, go ahead and peak at filmobjektiv.org (password: filmisnotdead). Some photos are missing, and the ordering isn't quite ready, of course. But soon enough, you'll be able to rent some awesome film gear at extremely affordable rates. We're starting small, but we'll grow with time and with everyone's help. PLEAES feel free to let me know what you think so far!
For 35mm, I can't beat the 1V. I just can't argue with a bulletproof body, amazing AF and the ability to put any EF lens I want to on it. It really opens up a ton of creative possibilities. I do adore my Rollei 35S, though, which goes everywhere I do. It's sharp, has character and shoots without ever getting in the way. I can't ask for much more.
For MF, definitely the Fujifilm GF670. I love the folding lens. The 80/3.5 is tack sharp, spectacular for portraits, the shutter is completely silent, it's built solidly, the viewfinder is big and bright, it can shoot in 6x6 or 6x7 (an aspect ratio I'm quickly growing fond of) and the metering is spot-on. It's about as portable as a MF camera can get.
And for LF, well, I'm working on educating myself!
...but for real, are you giving something away for free?
Not exactly....but I'm planning a little something. Thank you for sharing... Details need to be sorted out, but the goal is to get more people to shoot more film, and perhaps for others who haven't tried it much to dip their toes into the medium :-)
I really want a Bronica for MF. There is nothing better than looking down through that viewfinder. Due to digital taking over, these have become really affordable lately.
For large format, I know this sounds absolutely insane, but I would like to build my own camera.
Wish list:
35mm: Nikon F3 HP, Contax G2, Nikon N90s
Medium format: Hasselblad 203FE, Rollei 6006/6008
Nikon F6, Nikon F100, Nikon F2, Canon EOS-1V and A Bronica For Medium Format
35mm - Canon 1V
120mm - Hasselblad 503cx
4x5 - Tachihara
A film group in Fstoppers,,,, this rocks!
Post more! :-) And you're all going to be pretty happy (I hope) in the next coming weeks. Hint: more film cameras in more people's hands more often for less money. Stay tuned!
For 35mm I wish I had a Nikon FM3A with the Voigtlander Ultron 40mm, that would be my dream travel 1 lens 1 camera setup. Of course a another 20 or 28mm lens, and the Nikon 85 2.0 Ais would be nice. Also a Contax T2 or T3 would be perfect for travel.
For MF, again I'm looking for lightweight, so i would love the Voigtlander Bessa III 667 wide (or it's fuji counterpart) or the Fuji GS645S Pro wide 60 as a cheaper alternative. Would also love any 2.8 Rollei
I haven't tried LF but I guess a Linhof Technika IV isn't such a bad place to start.
I really miss my RB 67. I used a Hasselblad as well, but the RB produced beautiful images, and commanded so much respect from my clients. And really, I'd probably get an old F1 if I didn't have nearly 20 EF lenses. So an EOS 1, any iteration, would make me happy.
I've got most of my dream film cameras already. Hasselblad 500CM, Mamiya 6, Nikon F4, Leica M6, and a Chamonix 4x5. However I would love a few more.
Such as an Xpan or an Ebony 617 or any Ebony for that matter. My main dream is a darkroom though. One day.
That's interesting... Wow. Nice list! I will get around to saying what this is all about soon(ish). But in the meantime, I have some xpan stuff if you're at all interested... Just throwing it out there :-)
For 35mm, sounds typical but I've always dreamed of owning a Leica. M3 or maybe m6. I'm a student and the thought of ever owning one is so far off its a fantasy, but I fell in love after shooting a few rolls on one. I love rangefinders.
Medium format - hasselblad 500C, perfect in its simplicity. Or fujica Gw690.
As for large format I have no experience there yet but hoping to try it out one day!
Oh and also! I would love an old hunky Polaroid camera like 100 type but the thought of what the film would run me has always deterred me. Although I guess you don't have to pay for developing!
For 135 I have an F100 and Leica R4 already but would like to ad an F4. I also shoot a Yashicamat 124G but would love a RZ67. For big pictures I'd either go all the way to a 11x14 Deardorff or stick with 4x5 like a Gowanflex field camera.
I've only worked with 35mm (getting into 120 soon!), and given that I inherited into Canon FD land, my dream at the moment is an F-1 (I'm thinking New F-1 for the changable metering, although an original or F-1n would be equally awesome). An M3 would obviously be great, or a Nikon S.
EDIT 35mm: Canon 7sZ with a 50mm f/0.95 dream lens (I just purchased my previous 35mm choice, the Canon EOS 1V HS)
MF: Hasselblad 503CW, since I already own my other dream MF camera, a Pentax 6x7.
LF: Calumet C1 Green Monster 8x10
Old thread, but im new to this group, so: 35mm - Nikon F100, MF - RZ67
I have never tried LF but for 35mm I use an F5 and for 120mm I use a Bronica GS-1 which, with different fim backs, allows different 120mm formats - lenses are sharp too
Right now I am in love with my Minolta AL rangefinder film camera from the 1960s. Shutter to 1/1000, f2 45mm lens, sync with electronic flash at any speed. For 2 1/4, my 60-year old Rolleiflex. I have a Frankengraphic, a Crown Graphic I am building from spare parts. For digital I am looking for a camera with a Decisive Moment App.
35mm - Leica M6 because I've already got a couple of Canon's that I love and would love to use a rangefinder.
MF - I have my Hasselblad 500C/M so I'd love something newer like the Bronica RF645.
Polaroid - I'd love a Polaroid 600SE.
35mm - Nikon Fm2n with the 50mm 1.4
MF - Love my Hasselblad 503cw with the 150mm
Camera's I lust For:
35mm: Hasselblad X-pan or (FujiFilm TX-1), Contax T2
Medium Format: Mamiya 6 or 7, Pentax 6x7 or 67, Hasselblad 110mm f/2 w/200 series Body
Instant Film: Polaroid Land 190,195 (any manual exposure Polaroid Land Camera)
Camera's I own:
35mm Film: Canon Ellan IIE, Nikon N65
Medium Format: Hasselblad 501c w/Metered Prism PME-5 and Zeiss C 80mm f2.8 (all black)
Instant Film: Polaroid Back for Hasselblad, Polaroid Land Camera 100.
Digital: Canon 5D, Canon 5D Mark III, FujiFilm X-T1,
For 35mm I have always been a fan of Nikons, si I would probably say an F5/F6 since they are compatible with all my current nikon lenses.
6x6 I would say a hasselblad 500cm. Always loved the look of 6x6 and I love the classic look (as well as optics) of the 500cm. Not to mention taking pictures of strangers is easier with that camera because they always seem intrigued by it and more willing to stop for a minute.
645 Im not really sure. I would probably get a 645 back for my (imaginary 500cm)
6x7 I would go with a Mamiya 7II. I l love the portability of the rangefinder camera that allows you to travel much lighter and take 6x7 places you would not usually be able to lug a much larger 6x7.
6x9 I would go with a Fuji GX. The ability to add limited movements adds a lot of creative control, though on the downside, portability is not a word associated with this camera.
Large format (4x5 or larger) I would probably go with an arca swiss, mostly because of the precision they offer, but Im honestly happy with my Toyo (though geared movements would be nice).
Knock the 500cm off the list! Got a killer deal on a pristine 1970's 500cm w/ lens back and a few extras. Now I can't stop shooting with it. And, though I know this may be blasphemy for a film group, I must admit that the thought of throwing a CFV digital back on it to expand its versatility even further is definitely tempting, if not cost prohibitive.
I've been very lucky in 'Photography', My cameras have let me travel and make a living, too.
I have my first Leica, M4, which is still workable.
My first Hasselblad, because of the Leica.
"Dream camera" .... hope I don't wake up,anytime soon
"Photographer not a job description - a diagnosis."
35mm -hasselblad xpan
120mm - hasselblad 500cm
Polaroid peel apart - 600SE/polaroid180
Polaroid intergral film/impossible - polaroid SLR680/sx70
i have all my dream cameras! Having no kids is great haha
Greetings
My best film cameras are Olympus OM1n this little jewel is rugged and keeps going. I've had mine sense 1976. I have a OM2n Om3. My best film camera is my beloved Minolta 9000. I got his camera from Minolta in 1985 just before I went on a assignment for Minolta. At first I didn't like it, to many electronics and batteries to boot, but I came to love it and it still works after 30 years. It's the only AF camera that has a manual film level/thumb winder. It's UV coated, weathered sealed, and mine has a split image screen. The next is a Maxxum 9, still works fine. I have a motor drive with a Nicad back for my 9000 and the Nicad back still works/holds a charge for hours of shooting.
Regards
Roger
Good Idea and a great help to try out some cameras before deciding for one. Only problem I see is that most film cameras are pretty cheap nowadays and even if not that cheap they don't loose as much value like digital cameras. If you are patient and looking for deals you can buy and sell analog gear without loosing any money. You can even earn some. Only camera I'd rent would be a 4x5 to test it out since I never shot one before.
35mm - Canon A1, Eos 3, Yashica T3D
6x6 - Rolleiflex 2.8
6x7 - Mamiya 7ii
In MF I have owned Rollei, Hasselblad, Mamiya 23, C-series and RB-67. Only the RB-67 is still with me. Well, I have a Rolleiflex 3.5A with Zeiss Opton for old time's sake, but the 75mm lens begs to have its images cropped if there is anything important near the corners. I had Polaroid 110 that yielded amazingly sharp results; I am puzzled that none of the three Polaroid backs i have for the RB-67 yield anywhere near the sharpness of that old Polaroid folding camera.
My first 'quality' 6 x 9 folding camra was a Rolfix, back in 1954; also very sharp results. A later Voightlander 6x9 was lousy.
135: I love my Ricoh GR1s – that lens! An F6 would be lovely too, but I'm happy with the F5
MF: An old Rolleiflex f/2.8 please.
LF: A bigger Ebony and more money. The 45S which I have is an amazing camera though, as I hope the image shows.
Oh... and if someone could bring back Type55, I'd be a very happy man indeed. New55 looks fascination, but the real thing was so lovely.
Great taste! ;-)
For 35mm probably a Leica M6 or M7. I had a M6TTL but sold it and I regret that. I do own a M3 but it needs rangefinder repair, but then I still want a summicron 50 lens as well. For MF I really want a Hasselblad 503CX with some good glass. I own a Mamiya RZ67 Pro II but it's not really a good walk around camera so I keep it for studio work mostly. I would also really like a Contax 645 to have a go between as well. LF would be a Linhof or Deardorf 4x5. Use to own a Shen Hao.
ones I've loved....35mm...handheld silent...M3 50 f2....M6 with 75 1.4, SLR F3HP with 105mm micro and 400 2.8 EDIF and the legendary Pentax LX with interchangeable viewfinders etc... MF last manual Hassey I still hav 503CW..40mm, .120 macro, 100mm..and 180mm...also 135 micro...use them on my 5DSR with an adpter and to me still enjoy these over my "l" canon lenses....the simplicity of my pentax 6x7...for landscape... large format 4x5...Deardorff 5x7 special with 4x5 back...field..Linhoff rangefinder anf TK 45s, 150 2.8....Rodenstock 210. 180, 120, 480 lens...nikkor 600-800 telephoto.....8x10 kodak master view nikkor 150 SW.....Fuuji 600mm A.. and Schneider xxl lenses on myULF
For 35mm, I have my dream camera: the Canon New F-1.
For medium format, my bucket list cameras are the Mamiya RZ67 and Mamiya 645.
SLR-Canon F1N (135) got it
Rangefinder-Voigtlander R4M (135) got it
TLR-Baby Rollei (127) [superslides!]
Press Camera-Crown Graphic (4x5) got it