I want A Hasselblad. Talk Me Out Of It!

[Arthurwg]

Using the normal 645 back on its side in vertical orientation requires a 90-degree prism finder.

 

[campy51]

Buy the 500c/m for $1800-$2300 and buy a Bronica SQ-A for $500 and see which one is easier to use hand held and compare pictures.

 

[Pieter12]

Buy the 500c/m for $1800-$2300 and buy a Bronica SQ-A for $500 and see which one is easier to use hand held and compare pictures.

Sure, if the funds and comparable cameras are available. But that says nothing about the reliability or serviceability of the cameras. One camera my feel better in your hands, but if it breaks down it's not making pictures.

There may be service available for the Bronica, but what is the turn-around time? How many techs within a reasonable distance? These are mechanical cameras that require regular service and that must be factored in. There seem to be a greater number of technicians working on Hasselblads from my observations.

 

[MattKing]

FWIW, I never had problems with choosing either a portrait or landscape orientation while composing using my Mamiya C330 with a grid screen.
It is similar when using 35mm - you need to be able to visualize the 4:5 aspect ratio while shooting, if your expected output is an 8x10 print.
It is a skill one acquires through experience.

 

[mshchem]

Square. Lovely!

 

[Arthurwg]

Hip To Be Square!

 

[skahde]

There may be service available for the Bronica, but what is the turn-around time? How many techs within a reasonable distance? These are mechanical cameras that require regular service and that must be factored in. There seem to be a greater number of technicians working on Hasselblads from my observations.

Get a second body for the Bronica and you are still at a fraction of the money for a Hasselblad and instantly back in business if one body fails and working replacements cost about equal the money you would pay for the repair of a blad. The price-difference between them is just that big while the difference in quality is not. For my GS I bought another body just because it was cheap and in my vicinity.

 

[Pieter12]

Get a second body for the Bronica and you are still at a fraction of the money for a Hasselblad and instantly back in business if one body fails and working replacements cost about equal the money you would pay for the repair of a blad. The price-difference between them is just that big while the difference in quality is not. For my GS I bought another body just because it was cheap and in my vicinity.

You might just end up with two non-functioning Bronica bodies and nowhere to repair them anytime soon. I've been there with the Rolleiflex Hy6 and 6008. Except there are probably more Bronicas out there.

 

[BrianShaw]

Good grief, I wish Andy would just buy a camera to put a close to this dilemma!

 

[chuckroast]

Good grief, I wish Andy would just buy a camera to put a close to this dilemma!

'Probably has and is just smirking at us now ...

 

[mshchem]

Really should get a 14 x 14 back for his giant camera. Square X-ray!

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

HAHA not smirking. Gathering funds...

 

[BrianShaw]

HAHA not smirking. Gathering funds...

How much do you have so far, a Bronica’s worth or part of a Hasselblad’s worth?

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

A few more substitute teaching jobs and Bob's yur uncle.

 

[mshchem]

I had enough Bronica stuff when I sold it all I was able to afford two Hasselblads. SQAi and the ETRSi systems served me very well. But the Blads are pretty freaking cool.

 

[chuckroast]

I had enough Bronica stuff when I sold it all I was able to afford two Hasselblads. SQAi and the ETRSi systems served me very well. But the Blads are pretty freaking cool.

I can't afford to not own a Hasselblad... i have too many lenses