I'm giving serious thought to jumping into MF, and would appreciate your thoughts and opinions about the Contax 645 system versus others. Yes, I understand it is no longer manufactured, but I also don't know how important this is as this camera, from what I've read sounds extremely well-made.
I have found a number of used Contax cameras to be available. I am confident good used lenses for the camera will come up from time to time. Along with the 80 that usually comes with the camera, I am particularly intersted in one very good wide angle, the 35 sounds excellent; I am also a macro shooter, and if I could find one, the 120 sounds incredible for both macro and portraiture. And, of course, I'd like to add a digital back for it eventually.
So, my questions:
1 Is the Contax 645 a camera that I should be worried about related to long term support or "fixability?"
2 Do you feel there is a compelling reason to NOT buy a used Contax 645
3 If you have experience with the zeiss 120, have you used it successfully for portraiture?
4 If you have or have had experience with a digital back on the Contax 645, which one would you recommend as a good all-around choice?
5 I will likely develop BW film myself, but I will likely send the negatives out for scanning. Can you recommend a vendor who provides quality negative scanning?
Thank you in advance for any wisdom you're willing to share.
I have found a number of used Contax cameras to be available. I am confident good used lenses for the camera will come up from time to time. Along with the 80 that usually comes with the camera, I am particularly intersted in one very good wide angle, the 35 sounds excellent; I am also a macro shooter, and if I could find one, the 120 sounds incredible for both macro and portraiture. And, of course, I'd like to add a digital back for it eventually.
So, my questions:
1 Is the Contax 645 a camera that I should be worried about related to long term support or "fixability?"
2 Do you feel there is a compelling reason to NOT buy a used Contax 645
3 If you have experience with the zeiss 120, have you used it successfully for portraiture?
4 If you have or have had experience with a digital back on the Contax 645, which one would you recommend as a good all-around choice?
5 I will likely develop BW film myself, but I will likely send the negatives out for scanning. Can you recommend a vendor who provides quality negative scanning?
Thank you in advance for any wisdom you're willing to share.