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martinsmith99
Joined: 31 Aug 2008 Posts: 6950 Location: S Glos, UK
Expire: 2013-11-18
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:56 am Post subject: What Medium Format Camera to Get |
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martinsmith99 wrote:
I'm looking at getting a medium format camera now that I'm using film more than digital. I quite like the Rollieflex Automats and they're within budget, (but this is just because I think they look cool).
What MF cameras do you have experience in and which did you like? _________________ Casual attendance these days |
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kansalliskala
Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 5038 Location: Southern Finland countryside
Expire: 2016-12-30
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:13 am Post subject: |
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kansalliskala wrote:
Yashica TLR:s are much cheaper and even better looking I think. TLR is quite big to carry around but I like very much using it.
Then there are the really rare japanes ones like Elbowflex, Oplenflex, Welmylflex .. really - didn't just pull these off my head.
http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Category:Japanese_6x6_TLR _________________ MF: Kodak DCS SLR/c; Samsung NX10; OM-10; Canon T50
Zuiko 28/3.5, Distagon 35/2.8; Yashica ML 50/2;
Zuiko 50/1.4; S-M-C 120/2.8; Zuiko 135/3.5; 200/5;
Tamron AD1 135/2.8, Soligor 180/3.5; Tamron AD1 300/5.6
Tamron zooms: 01A, Z-210
Yashicaflex C; Київ 4 + Юпитер 8, 11; Polaroid 100; Olympus XA; Yashica T3
Museum stuff: Certo-Phot; Tele-Edixon 135; Polaris 90-190; Asahi Bellows; Ixus IIs
Projects: Agfa Isolette III (no shutter), Canon AE-1D (no sensor),
Nikon D80 (dead), The "Peace Camera"
AF: Canon, Tokina, Sigma Video: JVC GZ-MG275E |
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Excalibur
Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 5017 Location: UK
Expire: 2014-04-21
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:02 am Post subject: |
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Excalibur wrote:
The Bronica Etrs with AE2 prism and speed grip can be like a large 35mm DSLR or SLR, if you prefer that method of taking shots and the lenses are very good.
T90 on left, Etrs middle, OM20 right
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn172/chakrata/img504.jpg _________________ Canon A1, AV1, T70 & T90, EOS 300 and EOS300v, Chinon CE and CP-7M. Contax 139, Fuji STX-2, Konica Autoreflex TC, FS-1, FT-1, Minolta X-700, X-300, XD-11, SRT101b, Nikon EM, FM, F4, F90X, Olympus OM2, Pentax S3, Spotmatic, Pentax ME super, Praktica TL 5B, & BC1, , Ricoh KR10super, Yashica T5D, Bronica Etrs, Mamiya RB67 pro AND drum roll:- a Sony Nex 3
.........past gear Tele Rolleiflex and Rollei SL66.
Many lenses from good to excellent. |
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Sevo
Joined: 22 Aug 2008 Posts: 1189 Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Expire: 2012-12-03
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:59 am Post subject: |
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Sevo wrote:
The Rolleiflex Automat is the first pre war Rolleiflex that is not positively clumsy - the "automat" in it is the film counter (the film transport coupling to the shutter cocking was already introduced with the new standard model). A more modern Rolleicord (III and up) or Rolleiflex T would not be much more expensive, but much more usable.
That said, pretty much all medium format cameras have a better price/value ratio than Rolleiflexes, as these are a Leica like cult. Mamiya and Hasselblad are cheap by the numbers in which they exist and now get turned out by pro studios in favour of digital, Pentax, Contax and Zenzas are even more deprecated as they were abandoned by their manufacturers. _________________ Sevo |
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Attila
Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 57865 Location: Hungary
Expire: 2025-11-18
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:24 am Post subject: |
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Attila wrote:
I have experience with Yashica TLR, Rolleiflex TLR, Bessa, Konica , Zeiss folders , Pentacon Six, Pentax 645
From above lists I prefer
1) Pentax 645 + Pentacon six lenses (I don't have exp with Pentax lenses)
2) Bessa RF Heliar, Bessa I Color-Skopar, Konica Pearl.
I not prefer others.
For me a Pentax 645 + Flektogon 4/50 most perfect tool.
Folders are unbeatable on travel due small size and superb image quality.
Look samples here if interest.
http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/filmcamera/ _________________ -------------------------------
Items on sale on Ebay
Sony NEX-7 Carl Zeiss Planar 85mm f1.4, Minolta MD 35mm f1.8, Konica 135mm f2.5, Minolta MD 50mm f1.2, Minolta MD 250mm f5.6, Carl Zeiss Sonnar 180mm f2.8
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Nesster
Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 5883 Location: NJ, USA
Expire: 2014-02-20
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 2:25 pm Post subject: |
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Nesster wrote:
The Yashica Mat 124G & Ricoh Diacord are my two TLR's - I've fondled some Rolleis, and they are very seductive, the old ones. Some day. I can't pick a favorite between the two - which ever I'm shooting with at the moment, perhaps! They have slightly different takes on the world - the Diacord is more of the sharp/contrasty school, while the Mat is more romantic - though I don't think any less sharp.
I also am a recent P645 owner, it is a fine camera though for me a bit heavy and bulky. The Mamiyas seem to be more widely available however, for the bits and pieces etc. I think either series gives excellent modern results.
Folders, there's my love: portable, light, fun to use. Some give just about modern quality images, others are strictly vintage. Apart from the Voigtlanders, the Zeiss ones seem to be excellent, though at the fancy end expensive... the low priced models do fine. Franka, Certo are a couple of other names to look for. _________________ -Jussi
Camera photos
Print Photographica
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PaulC
Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Posts: 2318
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 4:05 pm Post subject: |
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PaulC wrote:
If you go for something like a Pentax 645, Pentacon Six or Kiev equivlent you do have a big range of top quality (and not really expensive) lenses available from the Pentacon line-up. From 30mm Arsat extreme wide angle (about 20mm equivalent on a full frame DSLR), through the 50mm Flektogon, 80mm Biometar standard, 120 Biometar, 180 and 300 Sonnar up to the 500mm Orestegor. All the Zeiss lenses in this range are absolutely superb and you can get any of them for less than $300. Good Biometars probably for as little as $150 each.
Get a Rolleiflex TLR and you are stuck with a fixed Tessar lens, which is a good lens but not as good as the Biometar equivalent. _________________ View or buy my photos at:
http://shutterstock.com/g/paulcowan |
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Attila
Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 57865 Location: Hungary
Expire: 2025-11-18
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 4:47 pm Post subject: |
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Attila wrote:
PaulC wrote: |
If you go for something like a Pentax 645, Pentacon Six or Kiev equivlent you do have a big range of top quality (and not really expensive) lenses available from the Pentacon line-up. From 30mm Arsat extreme wide angle (about 20mm equivalent on a full frame DSLR), through the 50mm Flektogon, 80mm Biometar standard, 120 Biometar, 180 and 300 Sonnar up to the 500mm Orestegor. All the Zeiss lenses in this range are absolutely superb and you can get any of them for less than $300. Good Biometars probably for as little as $150 each.
Get a Rolleiflex TLR and you are stuck with a fixed Tessar lens, which is a good lens but not as good as the Biometar equivalent. |
+1 _________________ -------------------------------
Items on sale on Ebay
Sony NEX-7 Carl Zeiss Planar 85mm f1.4, Minolta MD 35mm f1.8, Konica 135mm f2.5, Minolta MD 50mm f1.2, Minolta MD 250mm f5.6, Carl Zeiss Sonnar 180mm f2.8
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cooltouch
Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 5:32 pm Post subject: |
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cooltouch wrote:
You state that a Rolleiflex Automat is within your budget. Given the amount by which prices for clean Automats have increased lately, you could probably come close to a clean Mamiya or Bronica outfit for the same amount. Something to consider.
I have direct experience with various Rolleiflexes -- Automats, 2.8 and 3.5 Cs and Ds -- Yashica Mat 124G, Zeiss Super Ikonta B, and Bronica EC-TL.
All of the above cameras took great photos. But the camera that delivered the most bang for the buck was the Yashica Mat 124G. That Yashinon lens delivered superb images -- easily equal to the images I obtained with my Rolleiflex and Super Ikonta Zeiss lenses.
You'll note that all the above cameras are also square format. I don't happen to mind square format -- in fact, I rather like it -- nonetheless, it's an easy format to use since you can crop in your head, or use the frame lines in the Yashica, and you don't have to rotate the camera.
I gradually sold off all my medium format gear, and now I regret it. I plan to re-enter the format with the purchase of a Yashica Mat 124. Eventually, as funds allow, I'll most likely buy a Bronica SQA or perhaps a Mamiya RB outfit. _________________ Michael
My Gear List: http://michaelmcbroom.com/photo/gear.html
My Gallery: http://michaelmcbroom.com/gallery3/index.php/
My Flickr Page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/11308754@N08/albums
My Music: https://soundcloud.com/michaelmcbroom/albums
My Blog: http://michaelmcbroom.com/blogistan/ |
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kansalliskala
Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 5038 Location: Southern Finland countryside
Expire: 2016-12-30
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Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 6:12 pm Post subject: |
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kansalliskala wrote:
If you just want to try and not do more commitments:
Click here to see on Ebay.de
I agree; you can't really go wrong with one of those (provided the lens isn't seized up), dead simple and the seller says it's all good. _________________ MF: Kodak DCS SLR/c; Samsung NX10; OM-10; Canon T50
Zuiko 28/3.5, Distagon 35/2.8; Yashica ML 50/2;
Zuiko 50/1.4; S-M-C 120/2.8; Zuiko 135/3.5; 200/5;
Tamron AD1 135/2.8, Soligor 180/3.5; Tamron AD1 300/5.6
Tamron zooms: 01A, Z-210
Yashicaflex C; Київ 4 + Юпитер 8, 11; Polaroid 100; Olympus XA; Yashica T3
Museum stuff: Certo-Phot; Tele-Edixon 135; Polaris 90-190; Asahi Bellows; Ixus IIs
Projects: Agfa Isolette III (no shutter), Canon AE-1D (no sensor),
Nikon D80 (dead), The "Peace Camera"
AF: Canon, Tokina, Sigma Video: JVC GZ-MG275E |
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kansalliskala
Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 5038 Location: Southern Finland countryside
Expire: 2016-12-30
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Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 10:40 am Post subject: |
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kansalliskala wrote:
What happened here -- the last senetence is not my text .. it is a response?? _________________ MF: Kodak DCS SLR/c; Samsung NX10; OM-10; Canon T50
Zuiko 28/3.5, Distagon 35/2.8; Yashica ML 50/2;
Zuiko 50/1.4; S-M-C 120/2.8; Zuiko 135/3.5; 200/5;
Tamron AD1 135/2.8, Soligor 180/3.5; Tamron AD1 300/5.6
Tamron zooms: 01A, Z-210
Yashicaflex C; Київ 4 + Юпитер 8, 11; Polaroid 100; Olympus XA; Yashica T3
Museum stuff: Certo-Phot; Tele-Edixon 135; Polaris 90-190; Asahi Bellows; Ixus IIs
Projects: Agfa Isolette III (no shutter), Canon AE-1D (no sensor),
Nikon D80 (dead), The "Peace Camera"
AF: Canon, Tokina, Sigma Video: JVC GZ-MG275E |
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Attila
Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 57865 Location: Hungary
Expire: 2025-11-18
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Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 11:26 am Post subject: |
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Attila wrote:
One of the mods mistakenly edited it instead of replied. I can't imagine other case how did happen. _________________ -------------------------------
Items on sale on Ebay
Sony NEX-7 Carl Zeiss Planar 85mm f1.4, Minolta MD 35mm f1.8, Konica 135mm f2.5, Minolta MD 50mm f1.2, Minolta MD 250mm f5.6, Carl Zeiss Sonnar 180mm f2.8
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kansalliskala
Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 5038 Location: Southern Finland countryside
Expire: 2016-12-30
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Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:08 pm Post subject: |
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kansalliskala wrote:
Why mods have to be able to edit texts. Remove and move is ok but why edit? _________________ MF: Kodak DCS SLR/c; Samsung NX10; OM-10; Canon T50
Zuiko 28/3.5, Distagon 35/2.8; Yashica ML 50/2;
Zuiko 50/1.4; S-M-C 120/2.8; Zuiko 135/3.5; 200/5;
Tamron AD1 135/2.8, Soligor 180/3.5; Tamron AD1 300/5.6
Tamron zooms: 01A, Z-210
Yashicaflex C; Київ 4 + Юпитер 8, 11; Polaroid 100; Olympus XA; Yashica T3
Museum stuff: Certo-Phot; Tele-Edixon 135; Polaris 90-190; Asahi Bellows; Ixus IIs
Projects: Agfa Isolette III (no shutter), Canon AE-1D (no sensor),
Nikon D80 (dead), The "Peace Camera"
AF: Canon, Tokina, Sigma Video: JVC GZ-MG275E |
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Attila
Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 57865 Location: Hungary
Expire: 2025-11-18
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Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:17 pm Post subject: |
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Attila wrote:
Because they are moderator. _________________ -------------------------------
Items on sale on Ebay
Sony NEX-7 Carl Zeiss Planar 85mm f1.4, Minolta MD 35mm f1.8, Konica 135mm f2.5, Minolta MD 50mm f1.2, Minolta MD 250mm f5.6, Carl Zeiss Sonnar 180mm f2.8
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peterqd
Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 7448 Location: near High Wycombe, UK
Expire: 2014-01-04
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Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 8:45 pm Post subject: |
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peterqd wrote:
It wasn't me this time! _________________ Peter - Moderator |
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IANUS
Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Posts: 276 Location: Germany
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Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 10:43 pm Post subject: |
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IANUS wrote:
I used to have a Pentacon six camera with a Flektogon 50, Biometar 80 and Biometar 120. My camera was serviced before I used it and so I didn't experience the bad habbits of it which you can read in the internet. The lenses are also nothing to complain about but the size and weight of the lot was to much for me. I sold everything and aquired a Rolleicord Va which I find more useful. The screen is a bit dim so nothing for low light but otherwise it is a really nice camera. |
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martinsmith99
Joined: 31 Aug 2008 Posts: 6950 Location: S Glos, UK
Expire: 2013-11-18
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Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:28 am Post subject: |
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martinsmith99 wrote:
Thanks for all the comments. I may start with a cheap folder and see how I get on. I too actually like the square format.
peterqd wrote: |
It wasn't me this time! |
I've lost count of the times I've nearly done that! Fortunately I noticed in time. _________________ Casual attendance these days |
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PaulC
Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Posts: 2318
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Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 6:17 am Post subject: |
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PaulC wrote:
A folder? Well, you won't lose much if it doesn't work but be aware that the lens might need dismantling and cleaning and it's pot luck whether it will produce good results or not. I reckon about a fifth of the nice looking folders on sale are in good working order but with a bit of cleaning that goes up to 50%. Slow shutter speeds not working and lenses with layers of condensed nicotine seem to be significant problems.
Don't be tempted by anything with an aperture less than f4.5 and don't be put off by triplets. A Moskva 5 from Grizzlybear might be a good start, if she says it works it should do, unless you plan to trawl through the charity shops. _________________ View or buy my photos at:
http://shutterstock.com/g/paulcowan |
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Attila
Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 57865 Location: Hungary
Expire: 2025-11-18
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Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 7:30 am Post subject: |
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Attila wrote:
First impression is important, try to take well respected folders , if possible from photographers who did use before. Folders either can be wonderful and disappointment. _________________ -------------------------------
Items on sale on Ebay
Sony NEX-7 Carl Zeiss Planar 85mm f1.4, Minolta MD 35mm f1.8, Konica 135mm f2.5, Minolta MD 50mm f1.2, Minolta MD 250mm f5.6, Carl Zeiss Sonnar 180mm f2.8
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PaulC
Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Posts: 2318
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Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 9:22 am Post subject: |
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PaulC wrote:
Attila wrote: |
First impression is important, try to take well respected folders , if possible from photographers who did use before. Folders either can be wonderful and disappointment. |
That's why it is important to get lots of them
Seriously, though, if you are interested in something like a Moskva 5, make sure you get the internal mask for 6x6 photos with it. Many Moskvas still have it, most other brands don't seem to. Perhaps Russian photographers were more concerned about saving film by using the 6x6 option. _________________ View or buy my photos at:
http://shutterstock.com/g/paulcowan |
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Farside
Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 6557 Location: Ireland
Expire: 2013-12-27
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Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 6:41 pm Post subject: |
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Farside wrote:
peterqd wrote: |
It wasn't me this time! |
Err... umm...
I could swear I didn't do the edit button on that. _________________ Dave - Moderator
Camera Fiend and Biograph Operator
If I wanted soot and whitewash I'd be a chimney sweep and house painter.
The Lenses of Farside (click)
BUY FRESH FOMAPAN TO HELP KEEP THE FACTORY ALIVE ---
Foma Campaign topic -
http://forum.mflenses.com/foma-campaign-t55443.html
FOMAPAN on forum -
http://www.mflenses.com/fs.php?sw=Fomapan
Webshop Norway
http://www.fomafoto.com/
Webshop Czech
https://fomaobchod.cz/inshop/scripts/shop.aspx?action=DoChangeLanguage&LangID=4 |
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qqbingbing
Joined: 19 Jan 2010 Posts: 24 Location: London
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Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 9:59 am Post subject: |
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qqbingbing wrote:
If you want a TLR to start off, 124G is a good choice. Then may go on to rolleiflex. |
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