Did Hasselbld ever cut corners like Leica did?

[Theo Sulphate]

My guess is that Hasselblad conceived of the body-cocked indicator for professional photographers who either were on assignment in the field or busy in a hectic studio. The indicator allowed them to tell with a quick glance whether the body was cocked prior to mounting or dismounting a lens. Also, with less consequence, they can be sure that a film back to be attached is synced with the body. Certainly there are other ways to tell, but to pros in a hurry this was a convenience. Just my guess. It cost them money to build it with that feature, so I assume they had a good reason.

When these cameras were first conceived, the market for them was exclusively pros - the rich amateur was too small a market. So, they chose features that would appeal to professionals.

 

[Sirius Glass]

My guess is that Hasselblad conceived of the body-cocked indicator for professional photographers who either were on assignment in the field or busy in a hectic studio. The indicator allowed them to tell with a quick glance whether the body was cocked prior to mounting or dismounting a lens. Also, with less consequence, they can be sure that a film back to be attached is synced with the body. Certainly there are other ways to tell, but to pros in a hurry this was a convenience. Just my guess. It cost them money to build it with that feature, so I assume they had a good reason.

When these cameras were first conceived, the market for them was exclusively pros - the rich amateur was too small a market. So, they chose features that would appeal to professionals.

And that is what I do. I check that both indicators are white.

 

[Huss]

Bulshit. I'm using M4-2 more than any film camera I used before.

Just because you do does not change the facts. I also have an M4-2. The flash sockets snap off if you use them as Leica changed the anchors from brass to plastic. The rf flares because Leica removed a condenser to save money. Youxin Yee actually helped w this by coating the rf window. And of course the name is stamped not engraved.
I still really like the camera - more so than any non Leica rf apart from my Xpan. But that’s how it is.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Just because you do does not change the facts. I also have an M4-2. The flash sockets snap off if you use them as Leica changed the anchors from brass to plastic. The rf flares because Leica removed a condenser to save money. Youxin Yee actually helped w this by coating the rf window. And of course the name is stamped not engraved.
I still really like the camera - more so than any non Leica rf apart from my Xpan. But that’s how it is.

I'm the person who is using M4-2 for years. It has as good RF, VF as any M. And flash sockets just as crappy as any M. This is why I'm keeping it. It is the only camera I trust. It went with me on two continents. Not perfectly, but I have prints. I just send them to one person today.
And I'm not sure if yours M4-2 is as genuine as mine. Yours have the red dot on it. It is fishy.

 

[Huss]

I'm the person who is using M4-2 for years. It has as good RF, VF as any M. And flash sockets just as crappy as any M. This is why I'm keeping it. It is the only camera I trust. It went with me on two continents. Not perfectly, but I have prints. I just send them to one person today.
And I'm not sure if yours M4-2 is as genuine as mine. Yours have the red dot on it. It is fishy.

No, the rf is not as good as earlier ones (M5, M4, M3) or latest (MP, MA, late model M7). Flash sockets are crappy, Leicas before they cheapened out are not.

I really like my M4-2. But that is the reality. Got even cheaper later with the M6 (and maybe M4-P) when Leica switched to zinc from brass for the top plates. They realized their mistake and went back to brass with the MP.