Re: [Leica] OT Help with MF decision please

[Ken Iisaka <kiisaka@pacbell.net>]

I am totally the wrong person to ask because I like square format, and I
like Mamiya 6 (my big M6)

If you will be doing weddings, a Hasselblad is a must, not because it is
a fine camera, but because is perhaps The Wedding Camera, and many
snotty clients expect their photographer to use one.  If you shoot
portraits using your Mamiya 6, your professional integrity is lost
because it looks like a big point-'n'-shoot.  You can add a touch of
class by having a 8x10 for formal portraits (with 2 assistants, of
course!)

(do you detect any cynicism here?  Nahhh.)

Seriously, though, Hasselblads are fine cameras, and availability of
every lens and accessories imaginable makes it a flexible system.  If
you want AF, your choice is limited to 645 format, and is only available
from Contax, Mamiya and Pentax.  I personally wouldn't have them because
if you want to take pictures in vertical format, you will have to
reorient the camera: something you don't have to do with a square format
camera.  So, with my prejudice, I cannot recommend any of them without
sacrificing my integrity!

I'd say add another M6 body, and ditch EOS.  Keep the Mamiya 6, and add
an extra body and lenses as a back up.  That's what I'd do.

Sorry I'm not being too helpful.  My wife is over a week overdue, and I
need to ease the tension!

Of course, my M6/Noct is loaded with Ilford Delta 3200 and is ready to
go for The Moment.

Cheers,

> I know these what-should-I-buy decisions can only be made by one
person, but
> the input of older and wiser heads can definitely help. My dilemma is
what
> MF equipment to run alongside my Leica M6 oufit which is one M6+six
lenses
> 15mm to 135 mm.
> I have left my day job, with a good pension, and want to expand
photography
> to at least pay for itself, doing weddings, social, concert and stage,
> schools, and any niches I can find (eg quilting, wedding cakes). All
of
> which I have done some of already, using my Leica outfit, Mamiya 6 and
EOS
> outfits.
> Reason for changes include the need for back up MF body, ability to do
head
> portraits in MF, wider angle ability in MF, don't like square format,
> attracted to autofocus in MF.
> Any advice really welcome. I'm prepared to ditch the EOS and Mamiya
outfits
> but not the Leica.
> So What MF gear do you use and why?
> Thanks
> Mike
>
>
>