RB67 vs 500 CM reliability

[Certain Exposures]

A question for those of you that used both professionally (or those of you amateurs like me that have used both more than your wallet would appreciate):

Which system is less reliable?

 

[MattKing]

This is entirely dependent on usage and regular maintenance history. Both systems were workhorses that required regular maintenance when used in high volume environments. They were often used slightly differently - the Hasselblads perhaps more for wedding and location work, and the RB67s perhaps more for the studio, but that varied from photographer to photographer.
The wedding photographers I used to work with always grumbled about how often they needed to have their cameras serviced, but I think that may have been at least partially due to their usage.
In any event, one cannot extrapolate anything meaningful from past experiences when it comes to decades old cameras that all have different individual histories.

 

[Certain Exposures]

Do you recall TLR users complaining as much as interchangeable back camera users? Although I was hoping to work it out I am leaning towards selling the RB67 kit, accepting the loss like a big boy, and putting the 500 CM on probation.

The wedding photographers I used to work with always grumbled about how often they needed to have their cameras serviced, but I think that may have been at least partially due to their usage.

My Yashica TLR has been a gem. I swapped its screens and recalibrated it with zero issues, the negatives are sharp, and mechanical issues have been rare despite the fact that I have used it 3x as much. I trust it far more than the SLRs. I just prefer the option for eye level focus.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

A question for those of you that used both professionally (or those of you amateurs like me that have used both more than your wallet would appreciate):

Which system is less reliable?

I don't know of anybody who has used both, but I know that if used regularly, the Hesselblad is extremely reliable.If left in the closet for decades, it's sure to die.

 

[MattKing]

Do you recall TLR users complaining as much as interchangeable back camera users? Although I was hoping to work it out I am leaning towards selling the RB67 kit, accepting the loss like a big boy, and putting the 500 CM on probation.

I uses a TLR - a Mamiya C330, as a matter of fact.
But I wasn't a high volume user. I wasn't shooting 3 - 5 weddings a spring/summer/fall weekend.

All of these cameras are quite old, and may have been heavily used by sloppy pros.
That being said, the folks I know who are still using them much less heavily than those heavy users are usually happy with them.
If it hadn't been for space constraints, I would most likely be still using my RB67s - which performed reliably for me for years, with minimal maintenance.

 

[mshchem]

All about condition and maintenance. No different than a car. (except Chrysler products )

 

[Arthurwg]

For one thing, the RB67 is a much more complicated camera than the Hasselblad, with many more interlocks and complex ways to achieve results. I use both. The Hasselblad is much more reliable.

 

[IpseLux]

I’m a RB67 user. But I’m of the opinion, which I’ve heard from others I trust, that the Hassleblad is the finest camera in the world. I believe even NASA has used it. Ansel Adams too.
If you are picking one or the other, I’d imagine the H would be the most prudent choice, or rather the sure bet.
But I’ll say this, there is no comparison in image quality with bigger film. Landscapes, portraits, big enlargements, big film always wins.
Hope you get the H!

 

[Dan Daniel]

My Yashica TLR has been a gem. I swapped its screens and recalibrated it with zero issues, the negatives are sharp, and mechanical issues have been rare despite the fact that I have used it 3x as much. I trust it far more than the SLRs. I just prefer the option for eye level focus.

It is possible to mount a prism on a YashicaMat. A 45 degree hasselblad NC-2 can be scabbed in place. Almost eye level.

 

[Hassasin]

Well, Hasselblad MUST be serviced regularly, very regularly, if your goal is to have it run reliably RB … not even close.

Also, the two do not compare in almost any category, size, weight, handling.

 

[campy51]

You need to break it down to body, lens or back. When there's a problem which is usually the problem?

 

[epatsellis]

I use both and have for the last 40 years or so. As noted above, with maintenance both systems are reliable, however the RB tends to tolerate lack of maintenance better.

 

[M. Axel Wikstrom]

Both require maintenance, but I prefer the hasselblad because it’s lighter and more compact. I had an RB67 and rarely used it because for my use it was too bulky and heavy - would rather use the 4x5 and get better results (and have movements).

A 500CM with an 80 and waist level finder is much more manageable. I’m taking it on a cross-country motorcycle trip next week. Will also pack a 120 lens and a second film holder for color - all doable. RB67 not so much.

If you only need a normal focal length and use only one film stock a TLR is the way to go. I recently took a Rolleiflex 3.5 Automat (Tessar) to Amsterdam and London and came back with some beautiful images. More compact and lighter than the above.

 

[MarkS]

They are both rugged cameras meant for hard professional use. Both will require maintenance from time to time. All of them are used and old now... the question is how old? and used how?
You can't be in this game without at least considering maintenance.
Most camera collectors/photographers are deathly afraid of having repairs done; I don't really understand that.
Since the two cameras are each better at certain types of photography, buy the one that suits your needs.
Relieve your anxiety by having it serviced immediately, and move on to taking pictures with it.