Hasselblad Magic - is it actually worth the pursuit?

[Deleted member 88956]

I own a 501c and there's no magic, but I find it light, small enough and very easy to load. The lenses are sharp and the backs save a lot of time. I don't like the waist level finder, but the PM45 prism with the built in diopter was perfect for me.

I owned a Pentax 67II at the same time. The camera was great, and the images were neck and neck, but it was to large, and to heavy for what I do. (tripod only)

That's a leveled and sensible assessment of what Hassy is for you. I could state almost same things about RB67, except it isn't all that "light and small enough", but it comes with features Hassy does not have - larger negative, superior built in close focusing - all part of it being larger, heavier and not as socially accepted as a Hassy. Still a killer machine without any magic anyone would be hoping for. Just checked get it now prices for a 501c/m and for a basic kit I'm looking at more than half the RB67 system. Again, not a fair comparison due to weight/size differences and the aura of course.

 

[pressureworld]

I always think about picking up a RB67, but I'm completely clueless about the distance scale regarding focusing.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

I always think about picking up a RB67, but I'm completely clueless about the distance scale regarding focusing.

Focusing is done on the groundglass - either waist level finder or heavy prism made out of Russian T-54 tank armor.

The side distance scale tells you the distance to the subject with various lenses.

Note that what appears to be a distance scale on the front of some lenses is really a movable depth of field scale (see photo).

Also, some lenses have a secondary floating element focus ring, which is set after doing your primary focus (see photo).

I love all these things about the RB67!

 

[pressureworld]

Thank you for the explanation. I will have to learn more about it. It seems to be one of the best deals going right now.

 

[campy51]

Focusing is done on the groundglass - either waist level finder or heavy prism made out of Russian T-54 tank armor.

The side distance scale tells you the distance to the subject with various lenses.

Note that what appears to be a distance scale on the front of some lenses is really a movable depth of field scale (see photo).

Also, some lenses have a secondary floating element focus ring, which is set after doing your primary focus (see photo).

I love all these things about the RB67!

View attachment 220801

Something in between the Hassy and the RB would be the Rollei SL66, but cost as much as a Hassy and more than the RB.