I'm mighty fond of my Hassie, but it's just to bulky to wag along with me some times, and often I prefer to shoot 120.

I don't want to spend the money for a Mamiya 7, or even a used Mamiya 6, so what 120 (preferably 6 X 6) camera should I be looking for?

Zeiss Ikon and the Seagull 203 (copy of an Iknonta)come to mind. I'm concerned that the former might be too old and the latter might be TOO cheap and lack quality.

Do any of you out there have any suggestions?

-- Paul Arnold (osprey@bmt.net), August 05, 1999

Answers

I have a Zeiss Ikonta Super B (6x6) that is usually beside me in the car every time I head out the door. It has a 80mm f/2.8 Tessar, and is as sharp as anything I will ever need. I did own a Seagull briefly, before I gave it away in disgust. Cheapest, roughest operating, nastiest feeling mechanism I ever tried to use. I wouldn't have another one. I paid $300 for the Ikonta in 9+ shape.

-- Tony Brent (ajbrent@mich.com), August 05, 1999.

Another option, which would cost more than a Zeiss Ikon but less than a Mamiya 6 or 7, would be one of the Fuji pre-auto focus model rangefinders. The Medium Format Digest (http://www.ex.ac.uk/mfd)is a good source of info on such options.

-- Chris Patti (cmpatti@ucop.edu), August 06, 1999.

Thanks, Tony & Chris. Good suggestions, and I'll follow up.

-- Paul Arnold (osprey@bmt.net), August 06, 1999.

I have an RB67 that I use for special purposes. I don't take it backpacking! I use an old Yashica-mat EM. However, I've been looking at some of the Minolta Autocords advertised on e-Bay. They look solid, have good lenses (I'm told) and sell for well under $200! I think that is a better option than a Seagull.

-- Todd Frederick (fredrick@hotcity.com), August 07, 1999.

How about an older TLR rollieflex? These have excellent lenses and have the fit and feel you are accustomed to with your hassie. An E series with a F3.5 lens can be gotten for $300-$400 on e-bay or some of the mail order stores tha handle used equipment.

-- Gene Crumpler (nikonguy@worldnet.att.net), August 09, 1999.

For portability, it's hard to beat an older TLR. I picked up an old Rollei at a pawn shop for $50. According to a local collector, it was built in the early '60s and is in mint condition. Absolutely wonderful photo quality! The shop also had several Yashica-Mats. I am also negotiating for a complete Koni-Omega setup, with all the lenses and film backs. I think I'll get it for a hundred bucks!

-- John Coates (bronco@ncinternet.net), September 17, 1999.