DIGITAL OR MEDIUM FORMAT FILM

The 645 you mean? Plenty on eBay - I sold my kit last september for £180 and I've seen others sell for around the same price for the basic kit (camera, lens, film holder). If you'd rather have the additional peace of mind that buying from a dealer gives, then Ffordes.com have 2 kits rated at Ex++ for £299 each right now - a bit more expensive but at least it'll be warrantied.

If you mean the Rolleis then yeah, hundreds of them - take your pick!

I've had excellent results from some cheap (and not-so-cheap) folders. The main thing to watch for is a bent front standard - if the lens isn't perfectly parallel to the film plane then the whole thing can be effectively written off. Unfortunately there are a lot out there that are bent, but not so much that it's obvious; making them a minefield unless you get one that's been tested with film.

My Super Ikonta IV (admittedly one of the more advanced folders out there) had a wonderful Zeiss Tessar that was easily the equal of other MF cameras I've used. Much more pocket friendly than an MF SLR too...

I, quite frankly, don't understand any dilemma here and don't understand the thread I think.
are you asking whether to get rid of your digital camera to go for a MF film one or not?
because I see nothing wrong with getting the 645/67 pentax systems, alongside a digital camera and all..
I have plenty of all.. 35mm, a pentax 6x7, and my k20 ...
so.. what's really the problem?:arrow:

wel guys i just managed to get one a bronica etrsi and bits for 200, will arrive tomorrow morning.

no more dilemma.

Let us know how you find it. I've been sorely tempted by one myself as Ilford HP5 is also available in 120 (and I can process that at home).

The Bronica is a good choice to mix with Pentax as the focusing and aperture rings work the same way round. This will avoid any operational confusion.

what u mean by that then.

how easy is it to develop & print at home then ??? i have been wanting to try it but too scared to as it could be an expensive mistake

Bronica, Nikon and Pentax cameras all have lenses that operate the same way. Every other make they turn the opposite way.

It's only a minor point, but incredibly important when trying to work fast and especially when working under pressure.

Not all lenses focus in the same way - some turn the other way to others. I have a couple of old Tokina K mount lenses where you turn the lens in the opposite direction to Pentax ones to focus closer.

Dead easy. You need a developing tank, along with developer, stop bath and fixer chemicals. You will also need three containers for the mixed chemicals, measuring cylinders to get the proportions of chemicals to water right, a thermometer, a film squeegee and a pair of film clips to hang it up to dry. You will also need a clock with a second hand to time it all, and possibly a darkroom or changing bag to put the film into the tank (unless you manage to get hold of one of the 120 format Agfa Rondinax tanks which can be loaded in daylight).

That sounds like a lot, but once you have it all to hand and you've read the instructions it's very simple. A proper camera shop should be able to talk you through it. My first roll turned out perfect just from following the instructions to the letter.

I don't bother printing the old way, although I have done it in the past. Instead I scan the negatives then upload or print them.

Ahhhhhhhh.

thank you both, think i have more than my fair share of blonde moments....

i have had a look for rodinax 60 tank but no luck, will have to get a darkroom tent then, will i not need an enlarger if i want 8x10 prints

Got me thinking. Think I'll stick a B&W film through my olde 124G. Presume C41 process film is still available, XP2 and the like. Be grateful for any recommendations.

XP2 is still available, I'm not sure whether it comes in 120 format though? Ilford have an excellent website which lists everything they make.

Just checked XP2 Super is available in 120. There is also Fuji Neopan 400CN and Kodak BW400CN.