Thinking film

[gturner]

I had a relationship with film 20 years ago, but have not ventured that way in any seriousness since.
I came across a Mamiya RB67 at a very good price and was thinking about dipping my toes back in. I know a few of you own this camera (or similar) and my questions are:

- What are the running costs... can I dip my toe in or am I going to be bleeding every time I hit the button?
- without my own darkroom, is it worth trying to fiddle with landscapes and the odd portrait?
- any other suggestions?

The kit -
90mm F2.8 ,
35mm F3.5 and
150mm F3.5 lenses,
two film backs, and polaroid back.

[Murtasma]

I haven't used tis camera before so I can't comment on some of the questions you've asked but if I were you I'd keep my eye open on craigslist for people getting rid of their darkrooms. I've gotten 2 completely free darkroom sets with enlargers before. A lot of time if they are giving it away for free it's very cheep. The most fun with film comes with making your own prints. If you don't have a darkroom I really see little reason to use film.

[zona5101]

At some point I would expect the price of med format digital backs to be obtainable without a bank loan so finding the right deal and waiting may be a good play.
Developing and printing your own might also be the way to go, I'm in a pretty small market, I don't know if there is even a lab in town that does any 120 development...

[gturner]

Originally Posted by zona5101

At some point I would expect the price of med format digital backs to be obtainable without a bank loan so finding the right deal and waiting may be a good play.
Developing and printing your own might also be the way to go, I'm in a pretty small market, I don't know if there is even a lab in town that does any 120 development...

One would hope so, but it just hasn't happened.
Maybe I should start with a 35mm and see where that takes me. At least then I just have cheap body and film to worry about. My lens collection& accessories would take care of the rest

[SwissJon]

I haven't had a film camera for nearly 20 years before I picked one up in a fleamarket, and old minolta Dynax 8000Si for almost nothing, my wide angle lens from my Sony fits it and is a full frame lens. So does my telephoto zoom and my 50.

I picked up a second hand enlarger last weekend for the cost of developing 3 B&W films. Now I've just got to find out how to use it, because I've no idea, but it should be interesting.

I like my film camera because the costs involved makes me think before I open the shutter, I take far fewer photos, and the ones I do take are much better on average, it's improving my overall photography a lot.

As far as from a Pro perspective, well, imagine walking into a photographic studio and the photographer has a range of cameras, and during the session he say "I don't normally do this but this is going so well, I'm going to switch over to film for a roll or two".. How pleased would you be, personally I'd be delighted.