Hasselblad Grips?

[brian steinberger]

I'm becoming interested in purchasing a Hasselblad kit, but have one major problem. I used to have a Bronica SQ-A and loved the speed grip that I had for it. It made the camera a pleasure to use hand held and also was a right hand grip. All the grips that I've seen available for the Hasselblad's are left hand grips. I would not like that at all. Is there any grip that either Hasselblad or someone else made that is similar to the Bronica speed grip and would work with any of the 500 series bodies?

 

[Q.G.]

As far as i know, there is no such thing.

The thing nearest to it would be the right hand grip motorized Winder CW, that fits the 503 CXi (note the "i") and 503 CW.

 

[pgomena]

If a (manual) Hasselblad had a right-hand grip, how would you advance the film and cock the shutter? The crank is on the right side of the camera.

Peter Gomena

 

[Q.G.]

If a (manual) Hasselblad had a right-hand grip, how would you advance the film and cock the shutter?

The same way that Bronica manages to do so?

 

[archphoto]

And then the next question: could you adopt a Bronica grip to a Hasselblad ?

Anyone ever tried it ?

Peter

 

[Q.G.]

I haven't. Never seen such a thing either.

It would need the measurements of the Bronica grip to fit those of the Hasselblad body, else you would not only need to change the coupling, but also change the bracket itself.

You would also need to make something, change the old winding knob perhaps, to fit the grip's winding gripper, and still keep the lock-unlock mechanism of the Hasselblad wind knob.

So thinking about it, it would of course be possible, but perhaps too much trouble.

 

[archphoto]

I was thinking about that sequece too.....
I had the Bronica ETR and I liked it, but a Hassie with the same features ?

Peter

 

[John Jarosz]

Keep in mind that if you don't use a grip, you must hold the camera in your left hand. If you try to hold it in your right hand you will soon find out it's impossible to use it that way. The grip merely gives you a different way of using your left hand. For example, you cannot wind the camera with your left hand while holding it in your right.

Even the SWC needs to be held in your left hand.

John

 

[archphoto]

John, than you don't know the Bronica ETR handgrip: you wind the camera like a 35mm with your right hand and focus with your left hand.
This what the adaptation would make so dificult.

Peter

 

[epatsellis]

well then, the obvious solution for using a right handed grip is an EL, then you needn't worry about winding at all

 

[brian steinberger]

well then, the obvious solution for using a right handed grip is an EL, then you needn't worry about winding at all

EL???

 

[archphoto]

The motordriven Haselblad.

 

[brian steinberger]

The motordriven Haselblad.

Ah.. ok. Thanks everyone for the help. That's a real shame that there is no right hand grip for the hasselblad. I know using a tripod is the best option but I've always loved the spontaneity of shooting hand held. Maybe I'll look at purchasing an SQ again.

 

[arigram]

I sometimes use these:
They fold, they can hold a flash and they can be screwed in any direction and distance from the camera. They also have a screw pass through so you can still attach a tripod/monopod underneath. And of course they match the Hasselblad aesthetics.
They are not perfectly stable or ergonomic but they do their job, even though it can be a bit difficult to hold the camera from the grip and wind.
The only thing is that I don't really know who makes them. I got one from my father, another from a local bike store but I only can remember that they are either "no name" or from a more or less known manufacturer of general camera accessories.

 

[brian steinberger]

Interesting arigram. Definitely worth a look. Thanks!

 

[Bertil]

Brian, no problem at all shooting hand held with HB. The grip is in your left hand! (As already pointed out in an earlier post).
Remember, Victor H designed his camera for the "Hasselblad grip": take the camera in your left hand, focus with your right hand and release the shutter with your left pointing finger, rewind with your right hand, and so on. With this grip you work almost as fast as with the EL camera or the winder - or perhaps faster!
With 35 mm cameras you always, as far as I know, release the shutter with the right pointing finger. Happened some years ago to see, one more time!, Antonioni's Blowup (1966), David Bailey (playing the photographer in Swinging London) releasing the shutter with his right pointing finger, said to my self: they haven't instructed him in how to use a HB, he behaves like 35 mm photographer!
Give it a try- it's the perfect grip (after some training!)
//Bertil

 

[hassyfan]

If a (manual) Hasselblad had a right-hand grip, how would you advance the film and cock the shutter? The crank is on the right side of the camera.

Peter Gomena

The Winder CW for the 503 series bodies is attached after the film winding knob is removed and takes the exposure and advances the film with the press of a button. It also has a infra red wireless remote release and a continuous speed.

Dead Link Removed

For details.

Ron

 

[mgb74]

There was also a pistol grip, but I believe that was also shaped for the left hand.

 

[stealthman_1]

I have the winder CW on a 503cw and quite like it, the IR remote comes on a leather lanyard that I wear as a fashion accessory...It's actually quite handy, but of limited range in bright sunlight.
The cons are with the leather hand strap you loose the ability of a neck strap...and the price...figure $500 used.