Hasselblad or Mamiya67

[keithwms]

Daniel, these cameras are completely different in how they are used. They cannot be directly compared. You simply have to try them for yourself and see what is best suited to your photography.

Technically, I think we'll [almost] all agree that there is truly nothing negative to say about either. One might say that the Mamiya's lenses aren't fast enough, or the hassie is bulkier... whatever! They are different tools for different purposes.

 

[k_jupiter]

Daniel,

You've already made the decision. Buy the freaking blad and be done with it.

If you had your crap in one place, you would buy a good used rb67 sd or proS and go shooting. Your concepts on which lens system is better is based on what's cool, not on any opto data. I shoot a photo with my rb67, you shoot one with a blad, you tell me who can tell the difference.

I suspect you are a "Hey look at what I bought" kinda guy. So make yourself happy and get the blad. It's your money.

tim ob in san jose

 

[epatsellis]

Daniel,
I can understand, truly. I've been shooting with RBs for decades, I finally had an opportunity to buy a hassy system (I've wanted one for at least 15 years) and did, and after several months of the "new toy" factor wearing off, I sold nearly all of it off, keeping a body and one lens (an EL with a 150 C). I don't miss the outfit in the least.

 

[André E.C.]

Daniel,

You've already made the decision. Buy the freaking blad and be done with it.

If you had your crap in one place, you would buy a good used rb67 sd or proS and go shooting. Your concepts on which lens system is better is based on what's cool, not on any opto data. I shoot a photo with my rb67, you shoot one with a blad, you tell me who can tell the difference.

I suspect you are a "Hey look at what I bought" kinda guy. So make yourself happy and get the blad. It's your money.

tim ob in san jose

I think this is way of an harsh statement, Tim.

So, in your perspective, one only buy an Hasselblad system to say "Hey, look at what I bought"?:confused:

I don't think so, it's a fact that optically the RB/RZ system is great, but it's equally a fact, one RZ/RB system weight a bloody ton, we go together out for a shooting trip handheld, and in the end of the day, let's see who is having body pain.

The RZ/RB are mainly studio/tripod cameras, the Hasselblad, even if I consider them also as tripod machines, they are still usable handheld without risking seriously your back or shoulders.



Cheers



André

 

[Muihlinn]

I've used an RB for a while, several friends owns/use the RZ... studio and field.

Once upon a time, in the early times of R* system you could argue about CZ lenses on the hassies being beyond mamiya's, nowadays it's almost impossible to discern discern one or another looking prints apart sheer luck picking your choice.

I'm with André about handholding the camera, the R* aren't practical for such kind of use, but neither the 'blad, althought it's easier. If you're going to use it handheld look for another camera.

If you're going to get the most out each neg as professional, then the tripod is a must and handholdability falls back, same with weight, your assistant will care of such stuff if you're going to shoot on location, and for that matter, it's rare to carry the MF camera up and down as if you were a PJ catching the frenzy press rythm.

Get whatever fills *all* your needs, and if every stuff does, whatever you like.

 

[GraemeMitchell]

Have you held both and tried them? The ergonomics should be the most important factor which includes the clarity of the screen and ease of focusing. You should be able to hire them from a dealer and try both for a week at a time.

Ravi

Ravi said what I was thinking, but I'd add that it's a little less specific then only ergonomics and just feeling out what system work right for your style.

Personally, I've always found myself return to Hassy V system, b/c of dependability, size, simplicity, and the camera has always worked for the shot. Always.

 

[arealitystudios]

This is one of those questions thats going to generate answers from loyal followers on both sides of the fence; and neither side is wrong. Both are fantastic cameras that have rightfully earned good reputations. However, both are also VERY different cameras.

As stated above, your best bet would be to go to a pro shop and hold them both and see which ones feels right for you. About three years ago I was faced with a similar decision and I ultimately went with a Hasselblad because hand holding the Mamiya R*67 just seemed like a nightmare in the making. Plus, I've always been partial to 6x6 as I love composing images into a square frame.

I must admit, I'm really curious why you are so determined to buy brand new? Seriously, the cost of used medium format equipment is amazingly low and professional level cameras like the ones we are discussing last forever. You can buy a used one and even with the cost of a good CLA you'd have a ton of extra money to buy extra backs, a heavy duty tri-pod, or most importantly.....LOTS OF FILM!

just my 2 cents.

 

[JRJacobs]

I have both systems (Hasselblad V and Mamiya RZ67).

Despite what many others are saying here, both are good systems with good lenses, and both are equally reliable. Negative size and portability are the main differences that should determine your decision. The Mamiya has a larger negative, the Hassie has the smaller square. The Hassy is much easier to carry around, but the RZ is handholdable (just heavier). Both need a tripod unless you are using high speed film.

 

[resummerfield]

I have both systems (Hasselblad V and Mamiya RZ67).

Despite what many others are saying here, both are good systems with good lenses, and both are equally reliable. Negative size and portability are the main differences that should determine your decision. The Mamiya has a larger negative, the Hassie has the smaller square. The Hassy is much easier to carry around, but the RZ is handholdable (just heavier). Both need a tripod unless you are using high speed film.

Exactly. I have the Hasselblad V and the Pentax 67, and have used the RB67 for several jobs. Each system is excellent, but each system excels at a particular purpose. Evaluate your job, and then use the proper tool for that job.

 

[k_jupiter]

Yes, I was harsh. But if you want the better value system, the slightly used Mamiya is the better bet. You will notice I didn't say a NEW Mamiya. What a waste of money. For what you will spend on a new Hassy, 80mm lens and A12 back included, a whole system appears in a bunch of pretty silver Mamiya boxes... a body or two, a set of C or K lens from 50 to 180mm, extension tubes, couple of viewfinders, a couple of grips, and of course four or five film backs in different sizes.

Some of my best friends shoot Hasselblad (*L*) and I still talk to them.

And yes, I hand hold my rb67. Not usually with anything longer than a 90 but with a 50 or 65, it's very easy with a neck strap to get very rock solid photos.

From the color of the thread though, it looks like Daniel will be getting his Hasselblad. That's fine, it is his money, it just doesn't make any sense.

tim in san jose