Re: [APML] Medium format cameras (was:Tak. FSQ-106 for mediumformatfilm?)

["Phillip Jones" <starfest@comcast.net>]

Alan,

Takahashi makes an adapter for the Mamiya 645 to work on the FS-102 and
FS-128. I attach my Mamiya 645 1000s to my FS-128 both with and without the
Takahashi focal reducer. I also did this when I had the FS-102.

There are several Mamiya 645 bodies to choose from. The biggest advantage to
using the 1000s body is it contains a mirror lock. The only other Mamiya 645
body that has the mirror lock is the current model, the 645e. I have this
body as well. The disadvantage to the 645e is the prism is not removable,
where as it is removable on the 1000s.

The 1000s is no longer made, but KEH.com usually has a good selection. That
is where I purchased mine.

You can see photos I've taken, as well as my 645 1000s attached as both a
piggyback camera and as a prime focus camer to my FS-128 on my site:

http://www.ruckuseffect.com/astro

My biggest challenge with the Mamiya is focusing. The 2x diopter I purchased
for the 1000s helps, but I still am off a little. Gene Horr suggested I use
the Takahashi FM40 or FM60 (I just purchased the FM60), place it on the
focusing screen (after your remove the prism) and focus. I have also
heard--and I'm going to try it--that you can use the FM40 or FM60 with a
piece of ground glass, and place the glass where the film plane is. Of
course, this will work only for the first photo, or if you have a 2nd body,
which I have. Should you choose to do this, you can buy a cheap body from
KEH.com for this purpose.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

-Phil


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Alan Voetsch" <critter12952@yahoo.com>
To: "Discussion of Film Astrophotography" <astro-photo@seds.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 08, 2003 2:25 PM
Subject: [APML] Medium format cameras (was:Tak. FSQ-106 for medium
formatfilm?)


> Hey all,
>
> The discussion between Dean and Kirk has gotten me thinking about
> moving up to a medium format camera. Actually I've thought about it
> many times, but I only now have an instrument that can utilize MF. The
> Tak FS-102 will be able to handle that format and once I'm comfortable
> with it and the new G-11 with Gemini, I would consider trying a bigger
> format camera.
>
> What I would like to know is if anyone has a tutorial, or such on their
> website regarding this. Or barring that, can anyone give any pointers
> on what to look for in such a camera. The reason I ask is that I saw
> one advertised on astromart last week that had a purge system already
> installed. This camera had been used on a 102 and I assume that the
> user knew what he was doing. My assumption has always been that a
> camera body is basically just a film holder. I'll qualify that by
> saying that I would probably also use it for piggyback shots.
>
> All things being equal, is the camera manufacturer important here? Are
> there certain things to look for? To avoid? Is a Pentax 67 the wise
> choice in the long run?
>
> What I really want is to be pushed in the right direction so when I do
> have the cash for such a purchase, I hace done my homework and can jump
> on it then without screwing up. At that point, I would like to know of
> any adapters, etc... that would be necessary. Any guidance would be
> much appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Alan
>
>
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