After walking the city of Chicago with my Mamiya RZ67 for several days straight earlier last year I realized I needed a lighter SLR that retained the modular design I have come to enjoy. My Christmas present to myself this year was a Hasselblad 501CM with 80mm f/2.8 CFE and 150mm f/4 CFi lenses. I almost didnt switch to the Hasselblad because there was no easy way to get my hands on one and try it out. Hopefully this post will help others interested in the system to make an informed choice.
Aside from weight, the differences between the Mamiya and Hasselblad are subtle. Both are capable of truly remarkable results, and the idea of better boils down to individual preference among very small details. Those looking for enormous gains should think twice before investing. The first difference I noticed, and the only slight criticism I have of the Hasselblad, is the acute matte screen. Its extremely bright with even illumination, but the Fresnel pattern is so fine that perfect focus doesnt pop. Areas in focus and ever so slightly out of focus appear nearly identical without the flip up focusing aid (and I have better than 20/20 vision).
The lenses. I initially thought the bayonet filter mounting design of the lenses would be a negative, but I really appreciate being able to attach filters quickly and without fear of cross threading. Filters are simple to mount even with gloves in the winter. Having the aperture and shutter speed rings on the front of the lens allows all exposure settings to be confirmed with a quick glance. The lock on the sync terminal is a nice touch as well, and never will the flash fail to fire after youve moved the camera or cord. Extremely close focus is not possible without extension tubes, but the helicoid focusing system means the camera will never try to roll out of your hand as the center of gravity abruptly shifts forward as it does with a bellows system. Those photographers interested primarily in macro may have a differing opinion.
The body. What can I say? Its a very well made box with a button. My fairly small hands welcome the reduced width and weight. I thought the 1:1 aspect ratio would be troublesome as I have never owned a 6x6 camera. Learning to compose was a non-issue. Either the composition works as a square or it gets cropped in the darkroom. What did take getting some familiarization with was the angle of view. The 80mm lens acts as a normal lens horizontally, but you're vertically getting the angle of view closer to a wide angle lens!
The smaller size and lighter weight of the Hasselblad are welcome for a person who travels, and was my main reason for making the switch. What I didnt realize until using the camera was that the positioning of all controls at the lens streamlines hand held operation significantly. The left hand holds the body and fires the shutter while the right hand never leaves the lens. That said, don't expect miracles just because of the names on the front of the body and lens barrels.
Below: An optical print from my first roll on Ilfobrom Galerie. It is part of an ongoing photo essay titled "Sorry You're Leaving," which explores the beauty of historic buildings in danger of being razed.
Aside from weight, the differences between the Mamiya and Hasselblad are subtle. Both are capable of truly remarkable results, and the idea of better boils down to individual preference among very small details. Those looking for enormous gains should think twice before investing. The first difference I noticed, and the only slight criticism I have of the Hasselblad, is the acute matte screen. Its extremely bright with even illumination, but the Fresnel pattern is so fine that perfect focus doesnt pop. Areas in focus and ever so slightly out of focus appear nearly identical without the flip up focusing aid (and I have better than 20/20 vision).
The lenses. I initially thought the bayonet filter mounting design of the lenses would be a negative, but I really appreciate being able to attach filters quickly and without fear of cross threading. Filters are simple to mount even with gloves in the winter. Having the aperture and shutter speed rings on the front of the lens allows all exposure settings to be confirmed with a quick glance. The lock on the sync terminal is a nice touch as well, and never will the flash fail to fire after youve moved the camera or cord. Extremely close focus is not possible without extension tubes, but the helicoid focusing system means the camera will never try to roll out of your hand as the center of gravity abruptly shifts forward as it does with a bellows system. Those photographers interested primarily in macro may have a differing opinion.
The body. What can I say? Its a very well made box with a button. My fairly small hands welcome the reduced width and weight. I thought the 1:1 aspect ratio would be troublesome as I have never owned a 6x6 camera. Learning to compose was a non-issue. Either the composition works as a square or it gets cropped in the darkroom. What did take getting some familiarization with was the angle of view. The 80mm lens acts as a normal lens horizontally, but you're vertically getting the angle of view closer to a wide angle lens!
The smaller size and lighter weight of the Hasselblad are welcome for a person who travels, and was my main reason for making the switch. What I didnt realize until using the camera was that the positioning of all controls at the lens streamlines hand held operation significantly. The left hand holds the body and fires the shutter while the right hand never leaves the lens. That said, don't expect miracles just because of the names on the front of the body and lens barrels.
Below: An optical print from my first roll on Ilfobrom Galerie. It is part of an ongoing photo essay titled "Sorry You're Leaving," which explores the beauty of historic buildings in danger of being razed.