Hey APUG,
I can't tell if this is a totally useless rant, or somewhat relatable rant. I thought I'd share some thoughts from a first time V System shooter.
Due to the cyber monday specials that KEH was running, my untreated G.A.S. practically forced me to buy a Hasselblad 500CM for reasons I do not need to explain on this forum, as I'm sure you will understand. This fall I realized that in ten years of shooting film, I had somehow avoided square format. Reading APUG a lot, I noticed that a lot of you are shooting Mamiya 6 and Hassy gear, what am I missing out on?
So I picked up a 500CM body, A12 back, and 80mm 2.8 - ALL of which were in BGN condition. This turned out to be a great choice, as their standards are impeccable. If I were listing this kit on eBay I would say excellent condition, there is just a bit of scuffing in parts, and perhaps the back feels (almost) unnoticeably loose due to a microscopic difference in the body's two back hinges. All said, this thing is amazing, and I could not believe the construction quality. I had never even held a Hasselblad, only read the manual and admired from a distance. It was everything I imagined and more. The body included an Acu-matte* - though I'm not sure if that is the best match for me, it seems agreeable. I picked up an original strap on the bay for $25.
Initial impressions were somewhat rocky. Despite the fact that firing the shutter was the most satisfying I've ever felt, once I actually got film loaded up, I found the focusing and handling a bit awkward. I was especially uncomfortable with the fact that you have to release the shutter for the blinds to close. What is the function of the camera requiring your permission to complete the sequence? I guess the only other option would be it syncs with the shutter, maybe that is unrealistic. It sort of revealed a weird habit of mine where I depress the cable release and just kind of hold it depressed as I take in the photograph as it lives in front of me. Shooting with the Hassy, I have to be conscious of how long I've depressed the shutter or cable release, kind of funny but it just goes to show that we really get comfortable with our little processes.
My other issue, on the first roll, was focusing. Through the lens, in some settings, it seemed like everything was in focus. I had trouble making a distinction between sharp and totally soft. I have since found that on a tripod, with the magnifying, this is fine, but the magnifier's position has lead me to center my portraits, leaving a lot of overhead space, but I think a lot of square portraits I've seen end up like that, maybe for the same reason. I think a prism finder is in my future, but I want to be able to hand hold this shooter, that is kind of the point.
I basically hopped from 35mm to 645, to 6x7, and so on. In that sense, my initially feeling was that of a downgrade. I could never give up my larger negatives, my primary shooter is the GW690 these days. At the same time, it feels like a long postponed discovery, the zeiss lens is remarkable. On a few of these shots, when I get everything right, its amazing what potential lies in the glass. I have to keep at it, and improve my handling of this thing. I've included a couple shots from the first few rolls, like I said, I'm shooting number 5 this week, and I've just now seen the first black and white roll which was stunning (for the one or two decent shots.)
The thing about film I love most is the mystery. Its amazing that you can get so comfortable with one camera, then try a new one where all the components are known, the setting options are the same, same era of design, and yet the results are unpredictable. You know what Ektar will give you on a sunny day, but it has a magic look to it through the lens of a foreign rig. I gotta say, I feel lucky to have the chance to play with this camera, I don't think I'll give it up.
I can't tell if this is a totally useless rant, or somewhat relatable rant. I thought I'd share some thoughts from a first time V System shooter.
Due to the cyber monday specials that KEH was running, my untreated G.A.S. practically forced me to buy a Hasselblad 500CM for reasons I do not need to explain on this forum, as I'm sure you will understand. This fall I realized that in ten years of shooting film, I had somehow avoided square format. Reading APUG a lot, I noticed that a lot of you are shooting Mamiya 6 and Hassy gear, what am I missing out on?
So I picked up a 500CM body, A12 back, and 80mm 2.8 - ALL of which were in BGN condition. This turned out to be a great choice, as their standards are impeccable. If I were listing this kit on eBay I would say excellent condition, there is just a bit of scuffing in parts, and perhaps the back feels (almost) unnoticeably loose due to a microscopic difference in the body's two back hinges. All said, this thing is amazing, and I could not believe the construction quality. I had never even held a Hasselblad, only read the manual and admired from a distance. It was everything I imagined and more. The body included an Acu-matte* - though I'm not sure if that is the best match for me, it seems agreeable. I picked up an original strap on the bay for $25.
Initial impressions were somewhat rocky. Despite the fact that firing the shutter was the most satisfying I've ever felt, once I actually got film loaded up, I found the focusing and handling a bit awkward. I was especially uncomfortable with the fact that you have to release the shutter for the blinds to close. What is the function of the camera requiring your permission to complete the sequence? I guess the only other option would be it syncs with the shutter, maybe that is unrealistic. It sort of revealed a weird habit of mine where I depress the cable release and just kind of hold it depressed as I take in the photograph as it lives in front of me. Shooting with the Hassy, I have to be conscious of how long I've depressed the shutter or cable release, kind of funny but it just goes to show that we really get comfortable with our little processes.
My other issue, on the first roll, was focusing. Through the lens, in some settings, it seemed like everything was in focus. I had trouble making a distinction between sharp and totally soft. I have since found that on a tripod, with the magnifying, this is fine, but the magnifier's position has lead me to center my portraits, leaving a lot of overhead space, but I think a lot of square portraits I've seen end up like that, maybe for the same reason. I think a prism finder is in my future, but I want to be able to hand hold this shooter, that is kind of the point.
I basically hopped from 35mm to 645, to 6x7, and so on. In that sense, my initially feeling was that of a downgrade. I could never give up my larger negatives, my primary shooter is the GW690 these days. At the same time, it feels like a long postponed discovery, the zeiss lens is remarkable. On a few of these shots, when I get everything right, its amazing what potential lies in the glass. I have to keep at it, and improve my handling of this thing. I've included a couple shots from the first few rolls, like I said, I'm shooting number 5 this week, and I've just now seen the first black and white roll which was stunning (for the one or two decent shots.)
The thing about film I love most is the mystery. Its amazing that you can get so comfortable with one camera, then try a new one where all the components are known, the setting options are the same, same era of design, and yet the results are unpredictable. You know what Ektar will give you on a sunny day, but it has a magic look to it through the lens of a foreign rig. I gotta say, I feel lucky to have the chance to play with this camera, I don't think I'll give it up.