Help! Hasselblad purchase decisions are driving me to insanity. Anyone live near me?

You might consider several backs.

Jeff

FWIW in my opinion you made a good decision. I enjoy having a large Hasselblad system with a complete array of lenses, and a plethora of backs, finders and various accessories. I agree with other posters that you are going to be going through a learning and familiarization period. The key to developing a good respect for Hasselblad and what it affords you is to give yourself time to become comfortable in using it, and that does take time. It will not happen overnight. A Nikon SLR and a Hasselblad are completely different animals. The only thing that remains the same are photographic fundamentals. The equipment demands a totally different technique, more disciplined, more exacting. I think the use of a Hasselblad generally makes most users better photographers over time, similar to what large format users experience. It is exquisite equipment and a joy to use in my judgement. I hope you are pleased with your new gear after you receive it and that it meets all of your expectations. I would recommend a prism as well as others have pointed out, I use a PME III with Acute Matte grid and split and like the combo a lot. I would recommend a quick focus handle for your action shots with the children.

I think we would be interested to read any opinions you may have after you've run a few rolls. That may help others in the future whom are in a similar decision making process. The system will grow on you and you will probably be hungry for the next component before long. Enjoy.

Hi Ted,

You're welcome to fondle my Hasselblad kit anytime.....though I'm a bit farther than 30 miles from Derby!

Mike

Well, if you like pinholes, you could also take a look at this one:
http://www.kellyangood.co.uk/hasselblad.html
(sorry guys, I couldn't resist)

ted_smith said:

Hey guys

Well, I thought "sod it", and I took the leap! I've just bought a 501C/M with a recently serviced 80mm CB lens, WLF, strap etc for £1400. I am yet to have it delivered! (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280789655006?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

I have taken on board all the points and acknowledge the risks with eBay, though I have to say that to date I have always chosen sellers carefully and have not yet been stung. Given my location and the seeming lack of second hand places to buy these from round here in Derby (I even bought the Ad-Mag and Derby Telegraph, just to check) eBay is my best option. I tried ffordes.co.uk and a retailer in Paris but it's the usual thing - a shop will always add a few hundred more. I realise you get warranty for a month or two or maybe 6 if you're lucky, but I've sold almost everything I own to buy this so every peeny counts.

I've also bought another standard 50mm prime for my Nikon F5 with lens hood for those more rapid pace requirements. Besides, I have about £100 of 35mm film in my fridge! I just need to get this flash issue sorted (see my other related post about a flash that works with F5 and Hassie) because I do like a bit of -1 fill in flash, just to brighten the mince pies a bit

When the beast arrives I'll let you all know I will no doubt upload pictures of me with my new posession just for vanity sake. I am so excited about owning a Hasselblad I really can't explain it. I have wanted one since I was a teenager (I'm 35 now!).

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Good for you!

A wise move!

Enjoy!!

Do not be afraid to ask us your questions!

Get ready to experience the difference between your 35mm images vs the medium format images. There is a perpflexing softness despite the sharpness that I rather enjoy.
And don't sweat the metering. Take a reading with whatever meter you have (Sunny 16/Nikon/etc.) and then compensate if the lighting changes. I've had little practice at this, but found my first attempts to be fairly easy.