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.
For me it was a good move, but certainly not “magic”.But was it "Magic" ??
A-500 sweet! I always wanted the Nikon F2 100 foot 800 exposure back. Processing would be funIf you want to go really light this is the way to do it. I am a long time view camera user so I am used to the discipline of shooting only a few frames. This one will fit in your coat pocket! The single exposure back and holders.
001 by Nokton48, on Flickr
And if you must have maximum firepower. this is the way to do it. 500 exposures without stopping. The A500 back.
Yes I frequently shoot 70mm, but usually with A70s.
See what I mean? Hasselblad is versatile, nobody EVEN close. If that is important to you.
My new Hasselblad A500 magazine by Nokton48, on Flickr
I don't think it's magic, but it's been worth the pursuit.
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.
Only a jackass walks around with all three Rollei versions around their neck at one time. Just like lenses for a Hasselblad, you have one on the camera, and the others in the bag. And Rollei TLRs aren't really heavier than a Hasselblad lens. So your Hassy, plus back, plus three lenses, is just as heavy and just as bulky in the bag as a trio of Rollei TLRs.
I'but have you tried the 1000s with a waist level finder? They are a little bit expensive but man, the experience is totally different. Almost never used mine before it, and after it, I use it more often.
Regards
Marcelo
The Zeiss lenses for the Hasselblad are one reason to buy into the System.They are superior beyond critique.99% of it comes down to how much the camera becomes an extension of how you work & see. If it gets in the way of that, then it's not the right camera, no matter how much people quote spec sheets at each other.
The other thing is that the Zeiss lenses have a pretty distinctive optical signature - whether you like that or not is something you have to decide.
... even when folks critique them!The Zeiss lenses for the Hasselblad are one reason to buy into the System.They are superior beyond critique.
The Zeiss lenses for the Hasselblad are one reason to buy into the System.They are superior beyond critique.
I've used one, with an 80 and multiple backs. It is a nice experience. They are heavier, and, unlike RB67, they shoot, like butter. ...
Probably most honest reply from any Hasselblad owner I have read or heard.For me it was a good move, but certainly not “magic”.
according to the manual; it needs a maintenance check every 6 months with 'normal' use, which is defined as several hundred rolls of film per month. I had mine looked over once in 30 years and everything is still working fine3. I'm convinced low usage does them more damage than heavy usage.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.
YOU BRING THE MAGIC..ITS JUST A BOX WITH A LENSFor me it was a good move, but certainly not “magic”.
Yet lots of Blad owner's (and who aspire to it) claim the exact MAGIC of it, like everything else was in a different picture taking league (not). Same applies to Leica against the rest of it.YOU BRING THE MAGIC..ITS JUST A BOX WITH A LENS
If there is any magic in camera gear, I’d agree with this statement.... with one modification: or Rolleicord.The magic truly lies in a Rolleiflex.
Hassy c series is nice, sharp and all... but no image carresses the eyes as a Rollei image.
YOU BRING THE MAGIC..ITS JUST A BOX WITH A LENS
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