Hassy vs. RZ: Another one of THOSE threads....

[wiltw]

There's a lot of mythology surrounding the Hasselblad... the most common question I got when out with the Mamiya was, "Is that a Hasselblad?" It occupies a certain position as a cultural icon. Not without good reason, I'd add, but it's important not to let that muddy the waters of judgement.

I would respond, to questions like that, "No, it is like a Hasselblad, but this one allows me to afford to eat every night, rather than simply paying for the gear!"

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

[...]

My conundrum is whether I will really want to sell the Hasselblad or not. Its a classic and I may never find one in this condition again. I know that the equipment doesn't make the image, the photographer does, but will I regret it later on?

Thoughts? Decision making advice?

True. And yes you will. Keep it.

 

[Lench]

Its a Mac vs PC argument really. I own an RZ and its not nearly as bad as everyone puts it out to be. If you complain about the weight after carrying it for 10 mins, hit the gym

 

[Roger Cole]

Yes, all manual.

The Hasselblad Polaback only uses a 6x6 area of the 3"x4" instant film. It's largely a waste..... which is probably why I've not used more than a single pack in it. Ever.

Looks very nice with that framing actually, a hell of a lot better than the single frame of FP I shot in my Mamiya 645. Gonna sell that back, it's a rather good waste of expensive instant film...

Hum, just as an aside I find my polaroid back useful on my Mamiya 645 Pro. Yes the image is 4.5x6 nominal and actually smaller but for evaluating tricky exposure it's fine - and that's what I use it for. For finished results, yeah, it's a large postage stamp on a post card sized piece of print paper.

 

[Roger Cole]

Its a Mac vs PC argument really. I own an RZ and its not nearly as bad as everyone puts it out to be. If you complain about the weight after carrying it for 10 mins, hit the gym

So you're saying Hasselblad is like Mac?

That fits. I frequently say, echoing something we used to say about Motorola in the radio field, "Remember, with Apple, you CAN buy better, but you CANNOT pay more!"

 

[ChristopherCoy]

So you're saying Hasselblad is like Mac?

That fits. I frequently say, echoing something we used to say about Motorola in the radio field, "Remember, with Apple, you CAN buy better, but you CANNOT pay more!"

73 Roger,

K9CCH

 

[Roger Cole]

73 Roger,

K9CCH

K9CCH de WD4IGX...

That was more land mobile stuff with the Motorola though. Anyway, back to the cameras...

 

[M Carter]

Hum, just as an aside I find my polaroid back useful on my Mamiya 645 Pro. Yes the image is 4.5x6 nominal and actually smaller but for evaluating tricky exposure it's fine - and that's what I use it for. For finished results, yeah, it's a large postage stamp on a post card sized piece of print paper.

I still have the 35mm Forscher back on a Nikon. Now that's a tiny polaroid. I used to always keep a good loupe in my Mamiya case.

The Forscher fiber-optic backs did have a feature where you shot, pulled the polaroid out a couple inches, and could shoot another bracket, pull the whole sheet and process it - is that possible with the 645?

I used to do a similar thing with 4x5 polaroid, mask half the holder, raise the rear standard, and get two cropped brackets on a sheet. 4x5 was pricey enough that I'd get my early exposure dialing-in done that way.

 

[rince]

Both are amazing cameras and both have very desirable features. I own a RZII and love the camera. I recently borrowed a 500CM from a friend of mine and I have to say it handles very well and comes in a smaller overall package. Nowadays I hardly bring my RZ with me any longer and it mostly stays in the studio, since it is a beast to lug around. I never thought that this would be so much of an issue, but I feel it is. The Hasselblad is just more compact and as the images in this thread already showed is a much more decent form factor. I think it is about the maximum size I would consider to take with me when I go out to shoot. Also love the Zeiss lenses for the Hasselblad. This alone is tempting me to make a switch. On the other hand the RZ is a wonderful camera too and has amazing image quality. Also the lenses are really well made and are not much behind the Zeiss lenses, but for a fraction of the cost. Also the negatives on the Mamiya are 6x7, whcih I find easier to compose on. But that is just me. So you are facing a tough question. In the end I would think about what you want to do with the camera. If it is an every day carry camera, I would lean towards the Hasselblad. If you plan to mainly use it on location or in the studio, there is nothing wrong with the Mamiya.

 

[Alan Klein]

I curious how you all would rate the RB lenses vs. RZ and Hasselblad?

 

[ChristopherCoy]

I curious how you all would rate the RB lenses vs. RZ and Hasselblad?

From reading the last 8 pages, I think the consensus is that they are both stellar.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I would respond, to questions like that, "No, it is like a Hasselblad, but this one allows me to afford to eat every night, rather than simply paying for the gear!"

Buying a Hasselblad would not prevent you from eating, just waiting longer between buying lenses.

 

[mweintraub]

For those who comment about hand holding the RB/RZ system. I shot these with either the 110mm 2.8 or 180mm 4.5 W-N. Nothing award winning, but not bad for this beast!

 

[Sirius Glass]

Why deal with a beast when one can use a will designed camera like a Hasselblad.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

As others have stated many times... the Hassy is smaller than a RB or RZ because it makes a smaller image and is less capable without add-on pieces. As with any camera system... weigh your needs. If you want a larger neg and/or more extension then buy the Mamiya RB/RZ. If you want lighter weight and don't need the extra capability then buy a Hassy... or Mamiya 645... or Bronica ETRS.

 

[Alan Gales]

I curious how you all would rate the RB lenses vs. RZ and Hasselblad?

I have owned both a Mamiya RZ67 and a Hasselblad 500cm but not at the same time so I never tested them against each other. They are both really sharp so it's a bit of a moot point. I liked the RZ for portraits. The big focussing screen is nice and I didn't need to crop to get a rectangular image. The Hasselblad was great for carrying around and I liked square images for a change. I sold the RZ after I bought a 4x5. I later took in the Blad as a trade but ended up selling it due to lack of use.

If the RB/RZ or Blad are not sharp enough for someone then I would recommend a Mamiya 7 or moving up to large format.

 

[Photo Engineer]

I have an RZ and an ETRSi both and find them excellent cameras. I have carried both out on hikes and used them for hand held photos. And, I might add that they both have the prism viewfinders which give bright and sharp previews of the images.

I have the tilt and swing lens for the RZ which is not an option for the 'Blad and I enjoy those 7x7 Polaroids. The only thing better is my Speed Graphic!

PE

 

[mweintraub]

Why get a a body you have to fix when you can get a MF camera in a "true format"?

Why get a Japaneses "common" car when you can get a Mercedes?

Yeah, those sound silly too.



If you're wanting 6x7 and want to lose some weight over the RB/RZ, what about the Bronica GS-1?

 

[Roger Cole]

I still have the 35mm Forscher back on a Nikon. Now that's a tiny polaroid. I used to always keep a good loupe in my Mamiya case.

The Forscher fiber-optic backs did have a feature where you shot, pulled the polaroid out a couple inches, and could shoot another bracket, pull the whole sheet and process it - is that possible with the 645?

I used to do a similar thing with 4x5 polaroid, mask half the holder, raise the rear standard, and get two cropped brackets on a sheet. 4x5 was pricey enough that I'd get my early exposure dialing-in done that way.

Unfortunately no. That would be a really cool feature!

I admit too that the little 645 sized prints have a certain jewel like appeal to them. I've scanned some and made good online photos of them.

 

[Roger Cole]

Why deal with a beast when one can use a will designed camera like a Hasselblad.

False comparison. The RZ isn't a beast because it's poorly designed. It's a beast (disclaimer - I've seen them but never used one and would agree with "beast" as far as size and bulk at least) not because it's poorly designed, but because it's a 6x7 camera with a rotating back making it effectively the size otherwise needed for a 7x7 camera. It just has to be a lot bigger.

I agree that a 6x6 or 645 system is generally far more portable. Heck my 645 Pro is often more than I want to lug around, especially if I take the full bag with three lenses, extra backs and inserts etc. It isn't too bad with one lens but with the winder - and it handles far better with the winder grip than without it - you still will never forget you have it around your neck. If you need or want a handheld 6x7 the suggestions already made here of the Pentax or a 6x7 RF are probably better choices. Some people use the RZ handheld, but because it's workable doesn't mean you'll like it.

 

[amsp]

I own both an rz67 proIID and a Hassy 501cm and I wouldn't part with either. However, if someone held a gun to my head I'd keep the Mamiya, if only because it's a more versatile camera for professional use, and I do prefer the 6x7 format over the 6x6. I'd say the Hassy is a more beautiful and charming camera and the rz67 is all business, that huge viewfinder is addictive to be sure. Bottom line, keep the Hassy and get a cheap rz67 if you can.

 

[ChristopherCoy]

Well since I got outbid by $2.50 on a 50mm F/4 today... I think I'm going to keep my Hassy. I've had enough time to sleep on it, and I just can't bring myself to sell it right now.

 

[johnha]

The bulk/weight argument only really matters if it exceeds a 'tipping point' - the point at which it becomes impractical for whatever reason. If you can fit an RB/RZ in the same bag as a Hassy, it's unlikely to make a significant difference. Given a suitable bag the difference can be marginal, an unsuitable bag can make things unbearable.

I have a Mamiya 645 Pro, Bronica SQ-B & Pentax 6x7 - I use the P6x7 more these days because I prefer the 'form factor' and format - but do need two bodies due to the fixed back. It's only a small point, but I prefer the instant return mirrors of the 645 Pro & P6x7 compared to the SQ-B - gives me more confidence when shooting moving subjects.

 

[Sirius Glass]

False comparison. The RZ isn't a beast because it's poorly designed. It's a beast (disclaimer - I've seen them but never used one and would agree with "beast" as far as size and bulk at least) not because it's poorly designed, but because it's a 6x7 camera with a rotating back making it effectively the size otherwise needed for a 7x7 camera. It just has to be a lot bigger.

I was referring to the size and weight.

 

[Roger Cole]

I was referring to the size and weight.

Well you called the RZ a beast (I don't disagree in terms of size and weight) and the Hassy "well designed" which to me indicated the RZ was a beast because it wasn't well designed. Otherwise the comparison would be a beast versus a smaller lighter camera because both are well designed.

I'd rather have the Hassy for hand held use and the RZ on a tripod but for the price of the Hasselblad and a few lenses you could have a really nice RZ system AND a nice 645 or other-than-Hasselblad 6x6 system and for someone who shoots both styles that might be a better choice.


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