Hasselblad Magic - is it actually worth the pursuit?

DavidClapp · Mar 14, 2019

Over the last few years I have bought into a few medium format camera systems. I have a Mamiya C330f, now a C330s (a total bargain and unused), and a 645 1000s. I also bought a Mamiya RZ67 Pro II which I adore despite the weight. I use the RZ67 the most in studios and occasionally in the landscape, C330f/s when I travel which is ideal, but I wish I had a 6x6 camera similar to working method of the 1000s system - which leads me to perhaps take the plunge with a Hasselblad, 500CM or similar. Smaller, lighter and something I could carry with a digital system in one bag.

Regarding abandoning 645, I have never taken to it. I love looking downwards through waist level finders, I really don't like prism finders (add a lot of bulk) which we are all forced to use for portrait, so the camera needs a prism finder to get the most out of it.... (unlike the RZ's rotating back which I love). So I am finding myself moving away from 645 entirely to be honest. I love square compositions, I also love the RZ, but its too much in the field.

Seeing as this is not a 'on-a-whim' purchase and that I am so heavily into using film now, do I take the plunge with a Hasselblad, or explore the other 6x6 options, perhaps the Bronco SQ series or even going over to a retro S2A?

Any thoughts gratefully received.

faberryman · Mar 14, 2019

The only way to know is to try one.

BrianShaw · Mar 14, 2019

Making good photos isn’t really a function of which camera is used, but you should enjoy working with a Hasselblad. Buy bye newest and best condition you can afford... and don’t be too surprised if you need to have it overhauled. But it’s not a light piece of gear and will benefit from being used with a monopod or tripod.

michaelfoto · Mar 14, 2019

I have been going the traditional way, starting with Mamiya 1000S, over Bronica Etrs, ending with Hasselblad recently.
If i had known then, what i know now, i would have begun with the ending. (Hasselblad).
If it has to make sense, you must be prepared to go into the whole system with a couple of lenses and at least 2 backs. Otherwise a nice Rolleiflex would give you the same wonderful Zeiss experience.
Michael.

DavidClapp · Mar 14, 2019

BrianShaw said:
Making good photos isn’t really a function of which camera is used, but you should enjoy working with a Hasselblad. Buy bye newest and best condition you can afford... and don’t be too surprised if you need to have it overhauled. But it’s not a light piece of gear and will benefit from being used with a monopod or tripod.

Ok thanks for that... I have just handled one this morning and I was surprised at how much heavier it was than a 1000s with 80mm lens.

bdial · Mar 14, 2019

If smaller and lighter (especially lighter) is a primary goal you might consider a fixed-lens TLR, a Rollei if you want Zeiss optics, or one of the others. OTH, the Hasselblad gets you interchangeable lenses and film backs, but those features can add a lot of bulk and weight to your kit. Another way of looking at it, a Rolleiflex is about the same size as a Hasselblad lens/body/back, but the Hasselblad is heavier.

guangong · Mar 14, 2019

Hassy fits nicely in the hand compared with all other cameras you mentioned. Of course, this is also subjective so you will just have to try one out. How about renting or borrowing for a day.
I don’t understand why a prism finder is necessary for taking portraits. While I sometimes use a prism finder on my Hasselblad when using very long lenses in the woods, I can’t remember ever using one for portraits in over 50 yrs. I can only see using a prism finder for portraits if photographer is extremely short.

DavidClapp · Mar 14, 2019

michaelfoto said:
I have been going the traditional way, starting with Mamiya 1000S, over Bronica Etrs, ending with Hasselblad recently.
If i had known then, what i know now, i would have begun with the ending. (Hasselblad).
If it has to make sense, you must be prepared to go into the whole system with a couple of lenses and at least 2 backs. Otherwise a nice Rolleiflex would give you the same wonderful Zeiss experience.
Michael.

Thats interesting to read. After handling a 500CM with prism finder, it's not much off the RZ67, but far easier to hold and assemble on a tripod.

hsandler · Mar 14, 2019

I similarly like using a waist-level finder, so moved from a Bronica ETRSi to a Bronica SQ-A. I now have 4 lenses for it. I don't find it a particularly heavy kit except for the 110mm macro lens which is a beast (but my favourite lens). I have only held a Hasselblad once, but my impression is that the weight and size is similar to the Bronica SQ series. I have never handled the older focal plane Bronicas, but my understanding is that they are heavier.

removed account4 · Mar 14, 2019

that's a nice camera the hassy, but if it was me ? i wouldn't go for that, but instead
i would contact arax photo in the ukraine and get an arax 88cm. It is like an earlier hasselblad ( the 1600 i think )
but you can use all the beautiful eastern european / russian lenses that might not be as clinical as a zeiss lens
instead they can be sharp as nails and more open, well, they have a look that can't be matched. not to mention the camera, backs, prism, accessories, and lenses, well, they cost a fraction of what a hassy might cost.
good luck !
john
ps. i use an arax60, same lenses as the 88, but instead of being a hasslebladski its like a pentacon, mainly because I couldn't find an 88 when i had $ burning a hole in my pocket ! and i needed a massive distraction. now, while i have to many cameras under my jurisdiction the 60 and sonnars are probably my favorite cameras.

warden · Mar 14, 2019

If you want to change lenses and enjoy future customization to suit your projects (which is hard to predict) then the Hassy is a good choice I think because there are so many ways to use it. I couldn't warm up to the Hasselblad way of doing things at first and mine basically sat for several years before I committed to learning it and accessorizing to suit my needs. It's getting more use now that it "fits" me.

Deleted member 88956 · Mar 14, 2019

I would not unless this is not about budget and you either drink through that pile of cash or spend it. Bronica S2A (specifically that model, don't trust sellers telling they got the S2A) is far below Hass price point, optics are as good and while you won't upgrade your social status with it, I actually like how it looks better than a Hassy. I do not have a Hassy and while I would not reject such a donation, it is far down on my list. I guess I prefer "underdogs" through and through.

But if you think Hassy will change your photography, it will surely not.

M. Axel Wikstrom · Mar 14, 2019

Although I love my Hasselblad, I use the Rolleiflex more. The Rollei is so much lighter - easy to carry all day. Just got back from a trip to Washington DC for a week where I got around by a lot of walking and using the train for the longer stretches. Glad I had the Rollei. Sure - one lens, but my shoe leather zoom worked well enough. Got some great images.

The Hasselblad is for the studio, or if I don't have to carry it very far.

TheFlyingCamera · Mar 14, 2019

Another vote for a Rollei TLR if weight-reduction is a motivator. It's a beautiful camera that produces images with their own special magic. And there's something to be said for having a camera that has one and only one lens that keeps you from wasting time thinking about which lens you're using and makes you think more about how you're using it.

Eric Rose · Mar 14, 2019

If I want magic, I use my Rollei TLR. I have taken it on many trips and it always came back with great photos. Easy to use, light and quite. For serious gotta come back with bankable images I take the blad. The ability to use various focal lengths and various films via swapable backs makes it a winner.

Paul Howell · Mar 14, 2019

What Hasselblad offers is a very complete system, bodies, backs wide range of high quality lens, finders, screens, and for later models digital backs. Even a motor body. If you need or want the system then Hasselblad is the way to go. If you want a functional 6X6 camera with the option for a good quality lens then I would think about Kowa or Bronica. If you not wedded to 6X6 then any number of 6X4.5 or 6X7 or 6X8. I use a Kowa 66 and super, 4 lens kit, 2 finders, fill my needs.

Dennis-B · Mar 14, 2019

I've used most roll film formats, and I still like the rectangular best (6x4.5, 6x7, 6x9). However, I'm becoming more of a fan of the 6x6 more every day. I own a Hasselblad 500 C/M, a Bronica SQ-A, and a Mamiya C330s; and a number of lenses for each. For years it was difficult to think square, since vision is primarily landscape oriented. The 6x6 has opened up a lot of artistic possibilities. I can also crop with my eyes in case I want rectangular.

I don't think I'll give up my RZ67, 645 Pro TL, or my large format, but 6x6 adds one more dimension.

sterioma · Mar 14, 2019

guangong said:
I don’t understand why a prism finder is necessary for taking portraits.

Maybe the OP was referring to using a waist level finder with a 6x4.5 in portrait mode? Agree that with a square format is not strictly necessary.

removedacct1 · Mar 14, 2019

My Rolleiflex and Autocord (and for that matter, my Medalist II) all get used far more than my Hasselblad does. I find I rarely want/need a lens other than the standard length, and the Hasselblad is fussier to use out in the environment than most TLRs are. Don't get me wrong - I love the Hasselblad system and its design/functionality, but it was designed more as an in-studio camera than an on-location camera. Also (and this will not matter to many people) I don't like the five blade aperture of the Hasselblad lenses. Compared to other ten blade apertures, its bokeh is hard and geometrical - not a look I enjoy. And as you've discovered, the Hasselblad isn't any lighter than most other options.

4season · Mar 14, 2019

Hasselblad is a bit like Leica M: There are other cameras which can do certain things better, but both Leica M and Hasselblad remain perennial favorites, so you'll pay more up front, but will have an easier time finding 3rd party support. In the case of Hasselblad, this can include things like inexpensive no-name Bay 50 and 60 caps, lens hoods, rear lens caps, DIY guides for replacing the light traps in the film backs and so forth. Newer film backs include very handy slot for storing dark slide. If possible, try to get a package deal which includes strap, caps and lens shades, as OEM parts can be surprisingly costly to purchase a la carte. Even rotted leather straps have value for their metal fittings.

A basic Hassy outfit consisting of body, film back, WLF and 80mm lens is about as small as 6x6 SLRs come, but it does have a certain heft to it. Not really my favorite for hand-held use or casual snapping: I much prefer rangefinder-type cameras for those sorts of applications.

mshchem · Mar 14, 2019

DavidClapp said:
Over the last few years I have bought into a few medium format camera systems. I have a Mamiya C330f, now a C330s (a total bargain and unused), and a 645 1000s. I also bought a Mamiya RZ67 Pro II which I adore despite the weight. I use the RZ67 the most in studios and occasionally in the landscape, C330f/s when I travel which is ideal, but I wish I had a 6x6 camera similar to working method of the 1000s system - which leads me to perhaps take the plunge with a Hasselblad, 500CM or similar. Smaller, lighter and something I could carry with a digital system in one bag.

Regarding abandoning 645, I have never taken to it. I love looking downwards through waist level finders, I really don't like prism finders (add a lot of bulk) which we are all forced to use for portrait, so the camera needs a prism finder to get the most out of it.... (unlike the RZ's rotating back which I love). So I am finding myself moving away from 645 entirely to be honest. I love square compositions, I also love the RZ, but its too much in the field.

Seeing as this is not a 'on-a-whim' purchase and that I am so heavily into using film now, do I take the plunge with a Hasselblad, or explore the other 6x6 options, perhaps the Bronco SQ series or even going over to a retro S2A?

Any thoughts gratefully received.

Sounds like you and I have gone down similar paths. I have used and love my RZ67 II, I go out in the field with it using the left hand grip. I've had Bronica ETRSi outfits. I still have a SQ-AI with the motor drive grip splendid camera lenses are cheap and work well
I'm on my 2nd romance with Hasselblad, a couple of years ago I picked up a 501cm and the 503cw. Both have the Acute-Matte screens, amazing so bright. The Hasselblad 500cm 501 stuff is so elegant. Nothing is confusing. The square format is great . The lenses really are amazing. I use a old Hasselblad grip sometimes as my hands are big Bear paws ,still the camera lays in your left hand so nice, you don't need a grip.

If you want a sophisticated electronic camera with ttl-otf flash, very inexpensive and a great camera buy a SQ-AI. If you want to hold a Swedish made, thing of mechanical perfection, that occasionally needs to go to the shop to be cleaned and pampered a bit, get a Hassleblad.

Of all the medium format SLR cameras I have used, if I could only have one it would be my 501cm

Alan Gales · Mar 14, 2019

Faberryman hit the nail on the head in post #2.

I've owned a lot of medium format cameras including a 500cm, RZ67, Bronica S2a and Bronica EC. My favorite was the RZ but of course that is just me. When I owned the RZ I also owned a Pentax 645Nll for hand held shots out in the field. I was shooting people. Some do but I understand not wanting to carry an RZ around with several lenses.

I'd look at a later version Hasselblad if I were you. My 500cm had a Beattie Intenscreen installed. I also had the original screen which was pretty dark compared to the Beattie. The later acute matte screens are said to be even brighter than the Beattie that I had. A later version camera will also be newer and have the sliding mirror feature.

Going back to Faberryman's post, try one out with the 80mm lens for a month and then you will know. If it's not right for you then sell it and get most, if not all your money back.

jim10219 · Mar 14, 2019

I had a Hasselblad 500C, Mamiya RB67 and C220, and a Busch Pressman C as my medium format cameras. I sold the 500C and kept the others. It was a good camera, but ultimately the only real advantage it had over the others was size and weight. I didn't find the quality of the lenses to be any better than the Mamiyas, to be honest. I had two lenses for it (80 and 150mm) and 5 film backs. The reason I sold it was it was just too expensive to keep investing into that system. That, and I had issues with one of the lenses and the body. To be fair, they were really old and had been used heavily by a professional photographer, so they had a ton of mileage on them. But they were at the point that it made more sense to sell them for parts than to try to repair them. And even then, I got more for them than I would have for any of the other camera systems. So even in disrepair, they hold their value pretty well.

If you do decide to go with a Hasselblad, I'd suggest investing in a newer one in good condition. Repairs are expensive on those, and many have seen heavy use (as they were generally owned by professionals back in their day). But they are built well.

MattKing · Mar 14, 2019

guangong said:
I don’t understand why a prism finder is necessary for taking portraits.

Portraits can be very unflattering if you have the camera looking up towards the subject - having the camera at or near the subject's eye level helps avoid the "navel eye view of the world".
That is hard to do with a waist level finder, unless the subject is seated or you are very tall .

MattKing · Mar 14, 2019

I used to sell Hasselblads, along with Mamiya and other options. For me, being very left handed, the ergonomics work much better within the three Mamiya systems I use - C330, 645 Pro and RB67. I was never as comfortable with the Hasselblads I handled.
I make this point not to recommend against Hasselblads, but to emphasize that how a camera handles is very personal.

Hasselblad Magic - is it actually worth the pursuit?

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