TLRs seem to be good values if you're looking at medium format work.
Maybe I should think more seriously about them.
My only concern is parallax. No factor unless you're shooting close, but I very often do exactly that.
Yeah, TLRs are often pretty cheap on eBay. I think it's because they're pretty slow and pretty old...but if you're shooting with things that don't move quickly, they're a great entry-point into medium-format work. You can get a great TLR for well under $800 USD. Compare that to a Bronica or Mamiya. ...Or a Hasselblad. :s
But, if you're doing macro work, or work closer than a metre or two, parallax will be a major concern. I really don't know how to compensate for that as I don't use my TLR for close-up work.
On the other hand, just about any non-fatal mechanical problem with most TLRs can be fixed with a set of screwdrivers and some oil. Their design is extremely simple and extremely rugged. I accidentally had mine left out in -15C, rattling around in the back of a trunk for two and a half weeks, and all I had to do was set the refractor mirror back in place - and the thing is half a century old. I've also dropped it on a pyramid (that's a story), brought it to the beach (sand!) and taken it on horseback. It's a fucking tank. :smile: