Hassleblad 50x systems?

[Robert]

Lets see if I understand this:

The body is basically a box with a view finder. Not much else. The finder is actually not part of the body.

It needs a film back.

The lens comes with a shutter just like a LF lens.

So a working system would include a lens,body,finder and back? It seems that the prices on these have dropped a fair bit. Or am I missing something? I've been thinking off and on about a bronica 6x6 camera [forget the model] but the Hassleblads don't look much more expensive. The downside seems that the lenses are mostly expensive. OTOH I can live with just an 80mm.

 

[Nige]

a 150mm is also obtainable... it's when you go wide it gets expensive! Factor in the costs of a couple of backs too.

 

[Eric Rose]

The lenses are more expensive because they are worth it. As with a lot of things in life you get what you pay for. You can't beat German glass. I've had a Bronica with Nikkor glass and it was decent, but no where close to either my Rollei or Blad.

If you are doing any serious B&W work you will want 3 backs. One each for - + and normal development. If all you are doing is color then you could probably get away with 2.

The lenses I use all the time are 50mm, 80mm, and 150mm. I also have a 2x for added length if I need it. A closeup tube is very useful for flowers etc. I use mine with the 150 all the time.

If your buying older Blad lenses they are optically fantastic. Just don't put a UV filter on them and make sure you use an EFFECTIVE lenshade to reduce flare.

These are my experiences, your mileage may vary.

Eric

 

[Robert]

There is no reason I can't add more backs later? I was thinking of looking at a 2x after the basic camera. Intially just getting enough to make the camera work.

 

[Nige]

yes, add backs and lenses as you go!

 

[frank]

I would suggest the 60mm, 100mm, and 180mm lens combination based on user reports of lens quality, though this is probably just splitting hairs.

Frank

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I have a Bronica S2A system like Eric R used to have, and as he says, the glass is decent (and in some cases outstanding, I would add), and it's possible to build a very versatile system for not too much money. I'm the kind of person who likes to have a wide range of lenses and accessories, so this solution fits my way of working and my budget.

On the other hand there's no denying that the Zeiss glass is special. I have a Zeiss 135/3.5 Planar for my 4x5" system that is just transcendentally sharp and smooth. It would also be very easy to adapt to the Bronica, which was designed so that people using press cameras could easily adapt their lenses.

You might consider getting both--a Hassy with a great lens or two that you can afford, and a Bronica with all the other lenses you might want that for Hassy would require a second, third, and fourth mortgage.

 

[Robert]

I was thinking of one of those russian cameras for the lenses that get used less. The lens are supposed to be okay. The body should be okay with limited use. They even have limited ability to share parts with the hassleblad. Viewfinders supposedly can be swapped.

 

[Eric Rose]

The Kiev lenses as far as I know do not have shutters in them. Their backs suck big time, but the prisms are suppose to be ok, although loose. Don't waste your money on a Kiev metered prism.

 

[Robert]

Supposedly some one is reworking the Kievs so they take hassleblad backs. Would seem interesting. The camera ends up being little more then an adapter to fit the Soviet lenses on to the hassleblad backs.

 

[Annemarieke]

You make those cameras sound like a real "HASSLE". Gentlemen, the correct spelling is "Hasselblad" (which is a Swedish name, named after founder Victor Hasselblad). See also http://www.hasselblad.com

 

[gr82bart]

Ever since I got my 503CW last year, I can't put the thing down. Hasselblad and B&H tag teamed to twist my arm into submission. Hassey with it promo - buy a 503CW, and A12 back, get the CW Winder for free and then B&H with an incredibly low priced 80mm CFE demo for sale. How can a weak man like me resist. And it was yellow to boot. Alright maybe not a plus for many of you, but still...

As for the lenses, they are worth every penny. Since then, I have bought a 50mm CFi, 120mm Makro-Planar CFi and 180mm CFi. The pics come out crisper than fried chicken. Truely awesome. I can't say enough about the camera system and its lenses especially.

Now, since I'm just a hobbyist and spending large amounts of money is not an option, just medium large amounts, I'll tell you a secret...I bought all three of the last lenses on e-Bay and KEH and saved myself a fortune. The key is patience. You have to wait for your lens to come up and you should wait for 'star' sellers on e-Bay. Ask lots of questions too and don't bid until you are sure the lens and seller are legit. Most lenses go for 50% of the original price. The other key is the CFi versus CFE designation. I have a 503 so the newer CFE lenses, which are more, have an added feature which is worthless for me, so I look for the CFi models. The CFE models have the electronic contacts for the 200 series Hasseys.

I took all three of lenses to local shop that I trust to have them looked over and they were all in 'Like New' condition with their optics being unblemished.

Buy a Hassey, you'll enjoy it for the next half century at least. Future archeologist will dig up my yellow one before they DNA my bones.

Art.

 

[DavidCummings]

Go with the Hasselblad. They never break (unless you screw up) and wow there's a lot in those negatives. I have 6 lenses but I did 2 weeks in Egypt with just a 60 and 150 and to me they're the perfect walk-around combo. nothing too extreme and my are they sharp. You'll always wonder if you should have gotten the H if you get anything else.

 

[veriwide]

Go with the Hassy! I bought an older 500c, back, and 80mm lens two years ago and it is amazing. I too know the pain of looking at hassy lens prices, so here is what I did. I have a 2x converter, which gives me a 160mm lens wit only one stop of light loss. I have a set of 3 close up filters, and a 55mm tube for doing macro. I did add a second back to my kit. When I do win the lottery, I'll look at getting the 250mm, and the 40mm. It seems when ever I get close to saving the money for another lens, a Linhof, or a Veriwide walks by, and I can't resist. I just need to learn to keep it in my pants, my wallet that is.

 

[david b]

Ebay is the place to get gear. Be patient and know the current market price of what you want. Here are a couple of my experiences:
This is not a lie: About one year ago I won an auction for a 503CW kit (A12 back and CFE 80 lens) for $1000 including overnight shipping. It was made in 2000 and was in new condition. Did I luck out? Yes. Was I afraid of a scam? Hell Yes!!!
Then about 3 months ago, I won this auction: 501c with 80mm, A12, 50mm CF FLE, real 2xe converter, and A24. All from 1995. All came with boxes and were as new. No joke. The price? How about $1525 with shipping.

Be patient and look. And for god's sake, ask questions.