500 c/m vs. RB

Jim Rice · Apr 27, 2013

I understand that at current prices I should just try both, but setting up my darkroom has gone WAY over budget. I further understand that the Zeiss lenses have that little bit of magic stirred in (I have and use a Contax RTS.) I am also aware that the 'blad has operational 'issues' and that the RB is bigger and heavier So.......

If you were starting from scratch, which system would you buy into?

HTF III · Apr 27, 2013

What operational issues? I'd say if you're already over budget and want a good 2 1/4 cheap, buy a Hasselblad EL/ELM

Jeff L · Apr 27, 2013

For what's it worth - I have an RZ and think its a truly great camera and system. I don't use it, or hardly use it because life has changed, and I travel for work. If I had a 500 and the 2 or 3 common lenses I would use it far more. Just my opinion.

Jim Rice · Apr 28, 2013

Lens changing and the occasional locking up. Also having to keep the release pressed during long exposures. I also think that I would not care for an EL in the field.

Jim Rice · Apr 28, 2013

My thoughts for the 500 c/m are 50, 80 and 150. For the RB are 50. 90 and something long.

Jim Rice · Apr 28, 2013

What I REALLY want is a Rolleiflex 2.8 F but, alas, I will never be able to afford it.

HTF III · Apr 28, 2013

A CM can be carried around your neck like a 35, but gets you away from the grain problem pretty well. An RB is closer to a 4x5, but twice the weight of a Crown Graphic. Those things can be real boat anchors. CM's get you away from "should I rotate the back on this shot?" That back rotating question crops up every time you want to take a picture. Phooey on that. But by the time you crop a square C negative, an RB gives you full frame. A sharper, less grainy photo. But a CM can be carried around you neck, or did I say that?

Jim Rice · Apr 28, 2013

What does a 500 c/m weigh (with an 80?) I know the RB, with a 90 is about six pounds.

Jim Rice · Apr 28, 2013

Also, what are your thoughts about relative 'mirror slap?'

HTF III · Apr 28, 2013

I think a Rapid Omega ends the mirror slap situation AND gives you the RB negative.

Jim Rice · Apr 28, 2013

Actually, I used to own a Koni-Omegaflex (the TLR sibling.) I always thought the Hexanons pretty well rocked.

HTF III · Apr 28, 2013

A Rapid Omega is a FINE camera. Good as any camera needs to be.

Jim Rice · Apr 28, 2013

It is my understanding, though, that the 135 (my second favorite) is difficult to obtain.

HTF III · Apr 28, 2013

It is. So one alternative is to just enlarge the negative with the 90. Still gets you the image area of a cropped CM negative to get the same thing.

Jim Rice · Apr 28, 2013

I have often pondered that solution. If I thought I could get the 58 (with finder) and 135 I would probably be a goner, though give me a month or two before offering me one, please.

HTF III · Apr 28, 2013

Well I've owned them all. And when I got burned out on owning cameras and wanting my house back from all that junk, I got rid of all over it and just keep the Hasselblad. Now the house is cluttered with reel to reel tape recorders, and tape recorder repair equipment.

Jim Rice · Apr 28, 2013

I am just a smidge away from making (RA-4) prints.

Alan Gales · Apr 28, 2013

Jim Rice said:
What does a 500 c/m weigh (with an 80?) I know the RB, with a 90 is about six pounds.

I weighed my 500cm on my postage scale for you. It weighs 3 pounds 5 ounces including body, waist level finder, and A12 120 film back.

Jim Rice · Apr 28, 2013

I assume with calibration tapes.

Alan Gales · Apr 28, 2013

Alan Gales said:
I weighed my 500cm on my postage scale for you. It weighs 3 pounds 5 ounces including body, waist level finder, and A12 120 film back.

Oh, I forgot that weight also included an 80mm Planar lens.

Jim Rice · Apr 28, 2013

With the 80?

Jim Rice · Apr 28, 2013

That's pretty light.

Alan Gales · Apr 28, 2013

Jim Rice said:
That's pretty light.[/QUOTE

It sure beats the Mamiya RZ67 that I used to own. I had a 3 lens kit (50mm ULD, 110mm and 180mm). Together it all weighed a ton.

Jim Rice · Apr 28, 2013

Do you find yourself shying from long exposures hand-held?

HTF III · Apr 28, 2013

Jim Rice said:
I assume with calibration tapes.

I have an MRL 200nwb/m tape. It gets me by.

500 c/m vs. RB

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency