Hassy pricing

[George Papantoniou]

I'm thinking about buying a Hassy SWC/M (black T* lens). How much would you price this camera ? What are the main differences with later models (SWC 903, 905) ?

 

[waynecrider]

I would suggest you do what I do and check Ebay completed sales then KEH prices. KEH sales will come with a return policy. Beyond that there are alot of other stores that may have something in stock, but it's a google search. Hopefully someone here will offer you one; Cheap!

 

[david b]

Plan on spending about $2500 for a 903 with the latest viewfinder. I've been looking for one as well.

 

[naturephoto1]

George,

As an option, you may wish to consider the Mamiya 7/7II with the 43mm Mamiya lens as an option to the Hassy SWC/900 series. Reports have been that the 43mm Mamiya lens may well outperform the Biogon 38mm lens. My 43mm lens is exceedingly sharp.

Rich

 

[George Papantoniou]

George,

As an option, you may wish to consider the Mamiya 7/7II with the 43mm Mamiya lens as an option to the Hassy SWC/900 series. Reports have been that the 43mm Mamiya lens may well outperform the Biogon 38mm lens. My 43mm lens is exceedingly sharp.

Rich

Hi Rich. The equivalent of the 38mm in 6x7 would be 41.8mm, not 43mm. The difference is small, but it's there.
Furthermore, with the Mamiya 7 I would not have the interchangeable magazine that helps me work with daylight and tungsten film at the same time. You see, I work in architectural spaces and sometimes I use mixed lighting, sometimes my own flashes.

I also like the square format.

I like the Mamiya, I would certainly buy one if my budget allowed me to, but I'd use it for fun, not for work. For the moment, I stick to my Rolleiflex (for fun).

 

[naturephoto1]

Hi Rich. The equivalent of the 38mm in 6x7 would be 41.8mm, not 43mm. The difference is small, but it's there.
Furthermore, with the Mamiya 7 I would not have the interchangeable magazine that helps me work with daylight and tungsten film at the same time. You see, I work in architectural spaces and sometimes I use mixed lighting, sometimes my own flashes.

I also like the square format.

I like the Mamiya, I would certainly buy one if my budget allowed me to, but I'd use it for fun, not for work. For the moment, I stick to my Rolleiflex (for fun).

George,

I certainly can appreciate the difference in the square versus the rectangular format. I was also aware of the small amount of difference between the focal length of the lenses. As to the use of the backs, though it may be quite expensive, it would be possible to have a 7II and a 7 as a backup that would take the place of an additional back.

Rich

 

[George Papantoniou]

Well, Rich, I'm sure that if I worked in the US of A I would be able to opt for a solution like that... but now, with the rates that we are obliged to charge our clients, I'll have to find the cheapest solution... (not that the SWC sells for nothing...) I even think that since I can use the 4x5 with a 65 or 75mm lens instead, the economy in film by using a 6x6 camera is not enough to justify a multi-thousand $ investment (for I won't shoot so many ultra-WA pictures per year). So, the SWC that I'll find has to be cheap :-(

 

[Dan Fromm]

George, if you need 38 mm on 6x6 there's not much in the way of a substitute for the Biogon. But you might consider getting a 35/4.5 Apo Grandagon and shooting it on 6x9 with your 4x5 camera if it will focus the lens or on a 2x3 Century Graphic. The last time I priced used 35 Apo Grandys $US 1k would get one.

 

[Claire Senft]

I believe that the primary differences between the models of the Hasselblad using the Biogon would center primarily on the shutter in the lens, the lens coating, and interior, non coating, methods of flare reduction.

All in all if the price differential is not too severe and the camera condition the same I would opt for a model with a Copal as opposed to a Compur shutter.

I am looking forward to seeing the wonderful combination of Hasselblad & Borsalino on these pages.

Please exercise some restraint so that you not develop the insidoius Ole Syndrome. Once developed this will be uncurable.

 

[George Papantoniou]

It's comforting to know there is someone that cares, even on the other side of the big water - ditch. Don't worry, I won't overdo it. The SWC is a lifelong dream, but only as a money-maker. I don't enjoy making ultra-WA pictures (yet). So, I won't be showing my face with the camera (if and when I get it) here.

As for Ole, please be careful when you're referring to my future brother-in law

 

[Magnus W]

Hasselblad and Borsalino, I have to confess that I am also a proud H&B addict. As a wide-angel sort of dude I am also a longing for super wide Hassy. They seem to go at about 1500 Euro on the 'bay. 2000$ at KEH, for the SWC/M. About 25% higher if you want the 903 or 905 with Prontor shutter. Personally I like the look of the old C lenses, the design of the CF is too clumsy. The CFE/CFi is ok, but too much for my wallet. My favourite would be a late SWC/M, T*, black barrel, chrome body.

One can always dream ...

happy hunting -- MW

 

[mikebarger]

Look at the feedback auctions of the guy selling this wide angle Hassy.

auction number 7625617644.

I've had good luck on Ebay, but the feedback auctions on this one look alittle suspect.

Maybe the auctions are in Chinese and don't translate well?

Mike

 

[Magnus W]

More than a little suspect I'd say.
I definetly would stay away from that one.

-- MW