Both provide texture I expect only in mono - nicely done. The color is pleasing. I'd be glad if I'd have taken it. 'Wish I had color with me this wkend, shooting a maple leaf - still fully green that got flash-frozen & encased in 1" of ice. 'Glad these were posted & they're really well done.
Thanks guys! These were taken about 6 years ago, and unfortunately this car and many of the buildings in Rhyolite have deteriorated greatly since then...
This is only a so-so scan. The colors on the slide itself are much nicer.
I love this. Phenomenal shot! How do you like the SQ-A? I shoot with a Hasselblad but I was thinking about perhaps picking up a Bronica to have as a spare for when I send out stuff for cleaning and such. A couple of my friends have had a few of the SQ models and seem to be very polarized in their experiences.
Kurt - I've had the same SQ-A body for over 10 years and have had zero problems with it. The big plus for me is that there's a lot of lenses/finders/backs, etc. on the market and they're a lot less than the 'blad stuff. The system's really versatile and there's nothing I haven't used it for, save sports shooting. I've always wanted a Hasselblad, but the same money I've spent would get me a fraction of the gear I have now.
I recently bought an SQ-Ai as a second body, but it had electronic issues with the shutter release. Seller refunded me, so if I get another I'll just get an SQ-A. I haven't heard that it's a common problem with the SQ-Ai, so I probably just got a lemon.
The lenses are very good also, but I believe they made some improvements (coating?) in the later PS lenses, as opposed to the earlier S lenses. I've found the S lenses to be a bit lower in contrast, but that's a good thing when shooting slide film. Awesome for portrait shots in color or B/W. I also have a Bronica RF645, and the lenses are more contrasty and I think even sharper than the SQ lenses. I've heard folks complain about light leaks with the backs, but I don't think it's any more of a problem than with Hasselblad backs. I've got 3 backs in various cosmetic condition (one's beat to crap), and never any problems with leaks.
I've heard these were workhorse cameras for portrait and wedding photographers back in the day.