Hasselblad, Bronica or Mamiya?

Hasselblad preferences

I've owned Bronica ETRS equipment for ages and have been pretty happy so far. One item worth mentioning is that only the last version, the ETRSi has mirror lockup which matters to me because I do almost all my work with a tripod.

I also own RZ equipment which gives superb results but is large and heavy and as a result is usually left behind for field trips. It needs a battery to function with RZ lenses but apparently will work with mechanical RB lenses (sorry, no personal experience with this).

Interestingly enough, I'm seriously considering selling all of it and moving to Hasselblad because this equipment is now reasonably priced in the pre-owned market and more importantly doesn't require a battery to function. On top of that, repairs can be had anywhere professional cameras are serviced whereas Bronica care will eventually wither on the vine.

All three will take good photos. As Ken Rockwell has said on his website numerous times, the camera really doesn't matter, it's the personal vision that counts.

Bear in mind that Hassey lenses remain compatible with their digital cameras. So the prices of used lenses for Hassey film gear, already relatively higher because of the CZ manufacture, will be considerably more expensive versus comparables for Bronica and Mamiya gear.

First lesson learned: When you go out to try out your new ready loaded Bronica and a pocket of film, and you only have one film back, remember to take the darkslide with you...

Do you need to remove the back on the SQa to reload it? On my S2a and most other MF cameras, you can leave the back on the camera and just remove the insert without replacing the darkslide.

Just been reading through the manual again. You are right David, the insert can be removed leaving the back on the camera.

Ah well, live and learn!

Andy, congratulations and al the best with new toy...

I opted for Mamiya RB for next reasons:

1. 6x7cm
2. Revolving back, that is no need to turn camera when changing from horizontal to vertical or vice versa, just turn back
3. Bellows, 127mm lens focussed on 45cm can be handy
4. I don't need to think to cock shuter before changing speed or aperture or advancing film like. With come cameras if you don't cock shutter before those actions camera jams...
5. Cheaper than RZ
6. That is what I could buy here for reasonable price

Only drawback for me is that you need to separately cock shutter and advance film, but no pain no gain

And for simillar reasons as you told, I pay by bank paying, I don't pay with credit card. I do have debit card, but even when need cash I take it in bank, I don't use ATM If I could I wouldn't use debit card too, but law here forced me to get one...

As a 'blad user I can only say welcome to the MF league. It's a bit like living on Wirral really, you're expected to support Liverpool, Everton, Man. U. or Tranmere Rovers, even if you aren't a football fanatic.
Each to their own, you WILL see a difference between 6x6 and 35mm. Learn and enjoy your chosen system.

Regards - Allan.

This is interesting information here. I've gone around and around on this a few times and the first time I dove in I did it with a great deal I got on a AF mamiya 645. I discovered that the camera was not for me for an odd set of unexpected reasons. I found the autofocus more of a hindrance than a benefit and switching to manual focus gave me reason to really wish for manual focus lenses. Its funny how much of a difference in the tactile aspects there is between lenses designed for manual focus operation - and I really prefer the longer throw and more viscous feel to the focus. Then there was the issue of the screen which would have had to be replaced or I'd go crazy. So I sold it and now I'm thinking of getting a similar outfit, but in manual focus.

I find that I'm mystified by the hasselblad system. I've played with a few, and perhaps this is a narrow view but almost all the various bodies and backs seem to have some kind of "issue" with them. What is the point of getting a great system which has insane prices when new, because it is affordable when used - when most have been so hard used?

The attraction to the mamiya for me is the nice set of lenses which seem faster than all the other brands - but it is a 6x45 neg and I too like 6x6.

So it got me to thinking about the other extreme. Save more money and buy at the top end. That makes me lean toward a Hasselblad (but the prices for what should be inexpensive accessories still shock me and make me feel like I may be getting not much more than a name for the money) or a Rollei.

Why are Rolleis not more often talked about and considered? After all they are in the same ballpark price wise as hassy's and the lenses seem to have all the basses covered and are likely just as good (or better?)
The body seems to be the best thought out and most modern as well.
So what is the scoop on Rollei's such as the 6008? Any reason to not daydream about the system after the lottery finally picks the right numbers?

I think the Rollei's don't get the respect they deserve because they're so automated. People are suspicious of their reliability because of all the electronics and motors and so on in the cameras. Funny that they're not suspicious the same way about Mamiya 645 gear, but then again, the Mamiya 645 looks and feels an awful lot like a big 35mm camera, so maybe the sense of reliability of 35mm stuff carries over.

Anyhoo, the 600x series are probably some of the better thought MF systems ever made over 645, with almost every bells and whistles you can get in a 35mm camera. I won't hesitate to get one if it gets into my firing line.

A question:

I am used to not leaving my cameras wound on. With the ergonomics of the Bronica, ie the camera has to be wound on to be able to view and compose, it seems the camera is likely to be left wound on much of the time. Also, with mf, I like to wind on to avoid accidental multiple exposures. Will leaving the camera wound on put undue wear on the shutter etc. over time?
(I could release the shutter by switching to multi-exposure and firing the camera with the lens cap on, but I think I may start to forget if the last frame was exposed or not if I start doing that.)

Shouldn't be a problem. Springs aren't weakened by being stretched within their normal range, even if they are left that way for a long period of time.

Andy K said:

A question:

I am used to not leaving my cameras wound on. With the ergonomics of the Bronica, ie the camera has to be wound on to be able to view and compose, it seems the camera is likely to be left wound on much of the time. Also, with mf, I like to wind on to avoid accidental multiple exposures. Will leaving the camera wound on put undue wear on the shutter etc. over time?
(I could release the shutter by switching to multi-exposure and firing the camera with the lens cap on, but I think I may start to forget if the last frame was exposed or not if I start doing that.)

Click to expand...

This is a subject of great concern in the '60s. I cannot speak about the Bronica per se, however Hasselblad has stated that there is nothing wrong with leaving the lenses cocked and the film advanced for long periods of time. Since Bronica was a competitor of Hasselblad, I would be lead to believe that this in not a problem for your latest acquisition either.

Steve