For those requiring high quality images without the expense or complexity of large format and portability rivaling 35mm, medium format offers an excellent compromise. With negatives a mininimum of 2.7 times the size of a 35mm negative, medium format images exhibit greater shadow detail and less appartent grain than equivilent size prints from 35mm, while still offering equipment that can be taken on location. Given this, it's no wonder that medium format has become the choice of many professionals due to its exceptional versatility in both the studio and the field.
Medium format has also been a top choice among amateurs looking to take their photography to the next level. Unlike large format, where you pay $300 for a bargain camera and lens plus $2 per sheet of film, medium format film and processing can often be found for similar prices to a roll of 35mm and good cameras, such as an early Rolleiflex with coated 75mm f3.5 Tessar, can be purchased for $200 or so. Thus it provides an economical choice to higher quality images without breaking the bank. Additionally, working in medium format can be far more challenging than 35mm - out of focus images are far more obvious, the cameras tend to be far more manual in control, and increased detail in the negatives will teach you more about film and how to use it to bring out subtle details. As a result, stepping into medium format can teach you a great deal about photography, and improve your images even if you decide later to stick with 35mm.
And now to the important part - the cameras! Current listings are limited to what I currently own (or owned at some point), but more will be added soon. For cameras and systems not yet listed, please submit camera information!
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