Bronnie vs Hassy - B&W only - What do I lose?

[jmooney]

QUOTE=Nokton48;540729]Something that hasn't been mentioned here. Any, and I mean ANY camera that has electronic functions, rather than mechanical functions will need servicing of the electronics eventually. It is a fact of life that capacitors, which are used in timing circuits in cameras, fail. This is component level electronic repair. Repair centers are used to repairing by replacing sub-assemblies, rather than diagnosing and replacing individual electronic parts. When the supply of repair parts dries up, without concise electronic schematics, individual component diagnosis and replacement becomes next to impossible, and the average camera technician does not have the training to do this anyway. For the long haul, it is wiser to choose a mechanical camera. I am not suggesting brands here, as most medium-format camera brands have had all mechanical models.
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Phototone



I want to second this sentiment. I know, that even though I paid more for my "blad system (I have just about 50% of all the available accesories), I -KNOW- that I will always be able to get it repaired. Maybe not by Hasselblad USA, but by -just about- any competant reapir shops. Right now, everybody has plenty of spare parts. And, there are plenty of broken cameras around to be canibalized. That is what David Odess did for me, when my (new to me) 150mm Sonnar (from Adorama Ebay) had a broken rear mount. Turning the focus ring would fire the shutter He cannibalized one from a "parts" lens, so now, mine is as good as new.

Point is, more 'blads (and parts) are around, than any other system. This may or may not be important to you. It is to me, for the long haul.

-Dan[/QUOTE]



I've thought of this myself and I'm aware of the repair concerns for the electronic cams. I made my living as an electronics bench tech for a while so I'm painfully aware of the vagaries of component level repair.

My thinking on this as far as the Bronica is concerned is that with the prices as low as they are and what a competent bench tech is worth per hour most components are basically disposable and replaceable via KEH or eBay. This is partly based on the fact that I live off of KEH's BGN rated stuff. For others the numbers may not work the same.

Jim

 

[jmooney]

Please keep the thoughts coming if you have any on this subject. I still haven't made a decision yet but I'm leaning toward the Bronica. My sticking points are the Zeiss lenses and not to sound petty or snobbish, because I'm not that way, but the Hassy pride of ownership thingy is still a factor too.

I have no doubts the Bronny will serve me well. In fact as I sit here I'm looking at a 16X20 of my wife and I on our wedding day that was shot on an ETRSI and it's wonderful, but a Hassy would be cool.....

Jim

 

[JBrunner]

The premise of choosing one over the other is ridiculous. Get both.

 

[jmooney]

The premise of choosing one over the other is ridiculous. Get both.

Oh were it only that easy...

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

The main attractions of the Hassy would be the lenses, ubiquity of used backs and accessories, and ability to rent lenses in major cities.

The main attractions of the Bronica SQ system would be price, handling (with the lever wind handle and a prism, it feels a lot like a 35mm SLR, and focus is quick), and if you want to go beyond the three lens kit you describe, additional lenses are much more affordable.

If I wanted just that three lens kit (presuming your budget is not unlimited), with the considerations you're making, I'd probably go with a Hassy. It's that fourth lens, though, that's going to be the pricy one if you want to expand. On the other hand, with the price of Bronica systems these days, you could get your three-lens Hassy, and get a Bronica with an exotic lens, if you decide you need an ultrawide or a long tele, and the lens and body will probably be less than the comparable Zeiss lens for Hassy.

 

[jmooney]

Well I decided to go with the Bronica. I really struggled over this as I've heard so many glowing reports about the Hassy but the truth is that I'd only have been able to afford the C Chrome lenses and not take advantage of the newer designs plus the kit would be much smaller due to the cost of the lenses. The Bronnies have been in use for years and folks make wonderful images with them so hopefully I can too. As I write this an SQA and a 65mmPS are winging their way to me. I have the dough set aside for more lenses but I want to make sure I'm comfortable with the camera 100% before I commit all the way. Thanks for all the guidance, I really appreciate it.

Jim

 

[KEK]

Jim i went threw the same decisions as you about 5 years ago and ended up with the SQA and love it.

I live in the chicago area so repairs shouldn't be a problem (haven't had to find out yet) but i was a little concerned about parts being available after production was stopped. I bought an extra body last year that i will use for parts if need be. There very inexpensive and might be some good insurance for you at a latter date.

Kevin

 

[jmooney]

Thanks Kevin. I was planning on doing that down the road. I'm in the Philadelphia area so I should be able to find a repair shop if needs be but depending on what happens the bodies and some accessories are really inexpensive so I could probably replace it just as easily.

I'm looking forward to trying it out!

 

[walter23]

I've heard hasselblad repairs, when (if?) needed, are extremely expensive.

 

[DrPablo]

Not necessarily. David Odess has good prices and is just a wonderful person to work with.

 

[pgomena]

"Hasselblad" is Swedish for "$250 repair."

Peter Gomena

 

[Allan Swindles]

If you can afford it, go Hass. You will never regret it.

 

[Nokton48]

"Hasselblad" is Swedish for "$250 repair."

Maybe, but I tend to look at it like maintaining an old automobile. I want to continue driving the car without major problems, so I maintain it. Or in my case, I have it maintained, because I don't want to do it myself. On the other hand, I suppose, I could simply dispose of it, and get another car. But, I don't wanna.

 

[DrPablo]

The jamming problem with Hassies happens rarely, and it's extremely easy to fix, by the way. I screwed something up with my extension tubes on the day I bought my 500 c/m, and David Odess walked me through it for free over the phone. All it takes is a coin and an eyeglass screwdriver. He has the fix posted on his webpage.