Is there an interchangeable back camera that isn't such of a hassle?

[RalphLambrecht]

I've had a Hasselblad for around two years now. I've taken some great pictures with it. But it seems like I've also ruined more rolls with it than I've taken with all my other cameras combined! First was a delayed shutter (so the barn doors closed before the shutter opened). I returned that lens. Then was the light leak in the back that I had tested to be leak free. Turns out it was a slow leak, only noticeable after about an hour between shots. Then was the back where the dark slide interlock failed, so I shot a roll with the slide in. These are not poorly maintained gear - I tested them all before I used them and they failed unexpectedly.

Anyways I'm nearing the end of my rope with this system. The lenses are great and so is the form factor. But I don't know how much I can deal with the unreliability. I've never had any issues like this with rolls through my rolleiflex, mamiya c330 or Pentax 67. But none of them have interchangeable backs. If I sold my 'blad system and picked up one of the other medium format slr players like a bronica sq/gs-1/etra, or a mamiya rz67 how likely am I to be disappointed for the same reasons? Are the problems I'm complaining about endemic to medium format interchangeable back cameras or is it just Hasselblad?

I'm running with three 30-year-old Hasselblads for 20 years now and never had an y of the issues you described and that with one service during that time.

 

[villagephotog]

Mamiya Press …. 6x6, 6x7 or 6x9. Easy, quick to change backs. GG back or use the rangefinder. These cameras are cheap now. Optics excellent.

I really enjoy my Mamiya Universal Press (with 3 good lenses), and it is a remarkably capable and versatile system. I've had it for two years and I'm still a little amazed at how much it can do. For example, I just recently discovered how easy it is to shoot 6x8 format with it (the Universal), which is the ideal format, in my mind, for much of what I am currently shooting.

It's also very simple and seems pretty bulletproof.

But I just wanted to add for the benefit of the OP and anyone else reading this, that the simplicity of the system can be a double-edged sword. Part of why it's so simple and robust is that it doesn't have any of the interlocks that you find on the other, more modern systems discussed on this thread. There's no double-exposure prevention; nothing to stop you from shooting with the dark slide inserted; nothing to prevent you from removing the lens or the back without the dark slide inserted. I've made all of those mistakes. Even if you do it right, when you take a picture, you then have to operate 4 separate levers/buttons to take the next picture (if you don't want a double exposure).

Without thinking about it too deeply, I'd say the only 'modern' feature the Mamiya Press system has over many typical 1920s/30s camera is that the film advance in the various backs have an autostop mechanism to automatically advance the film the correct distance (i.e. there's no red window system). I'll also mention that the lens system has a maximum aperture range that's more typical of the 1950s, rather than the 1970s (the two widest angle optics are f/6.3 lenses, instead of f/4.5; the 150mm lens is an f/5.6 rather than an f/4.5 etc. etc.)

Now I find all this mostly charming and fun. I'm not shooting with 50-year old cameras for the sake of efficiency. If I mess up and lose a picture because I changed a lens without first inserting the dark slide, I'm okay with that. In other words, I'm engaged in the hobby of fiddling with cameras as much as the hobby of photography. If I was strictly trying to do good film photography efficiently, I might look for a different system. (Might not. Haven't faced that decision, but the question does occur to me. I also have a Mamiya C220, which does have a much more modern operating system to prevent accidental mistakes, and it definitely is less mentally stressful to shoot with.)

 

[Paul Ozzello]

You know, this is 1st of January, comments like these are close to offensive in nature and intent. What else are you saying? That all non-Hass owner's are too dumb to understand what they are (supposedly) missing?

For a second I thought it was April 1st.

 

[removed account4]

You know, this is 1st of January, comments like these are close to offensive in nature and intent. What else are you saying? That all non-Hass owner's are too dumb to understand what they are (supposedly) missing?

i wouldn't worry about it. hasselblad owners love their hasselblads now that they can afford to get them. and like most humans who own expensive things they are sometimes more of a status thing than anything else. i've known people who had cameras and lenses that cost as much as my car, and they'd go on and on about their gear being so superior and all that. it made them happy. not worth worrying about it because gear is just gear. personally, id rather have an old agfa surshot than a hassy anyday of the week.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

RB67, RZed67

 

[Paul Ozzello]

i wouldn't worry about it. hasselblad owners love their hasselblads now that they can afford to get them. and like most humans who own expensive things they are sometimes more of a status thing than anything else. i've known people who had cameras and lenses that cost as much as my car, and they'd go on and on about their gear being so superior and all that. it made them happy. not worth worrying about it because gear is just gear. personally, id rather have an old agfa surshot than a hassy anyday of the week.

Triggered by camera opinions and virtue signaling the use of high end equipment. Not how I had envisioned 2020.

 

[removed account4]

Triggered by camera opinions and virtue signaling the use of high end equipment. Not how I had envisioned 2020.

ME?
naaah im not triggered by anything ... virtue signaling the use of high end equipment, i don't even know what that means. personally i couldn't care less what someone uses
if it works for them, great, we live in interesting times where what used to cost 12grand is now used and a few hundred dollars.

Starting the year with a joke is always good.

LOL i'm not joking !! i was sooo close to getting the araxcmmlu ( retooled hasselbladski (1600 ) ) but i'm kind of forgetful and would jam up the body or lens, so i opted for the 60, and couldn't be happier. those arax cameras are real works of art.

 

[Slixtiesix]

From my experience with both the SL66 and the Hasselblad system I can say that I found the latter less finicky overall. On the other hand, the SL66 mags are not prone to light leaks. Overall I think, if changing mags is too much of a hassle to you (and I admit it often is), why not buy a second body or two bodies of a different camera system? The prices for Hasselblad mags in good condition have gone through the roof lately, so this would almost make sense financially.

 

[Paul Howell]

I really enjoy my Mamiya Universal Press (with 3 good lenses), and it is a remarkably capable and versatile system. I've had it for two years and I'm still a little amazed at how much it can do. For example, I just recently discovered how easy it is to shoot 6x8 format with it (the Universal), which is the ideal format, in my mind, for much of what I am currently shooting.

It's also very simple and seems pretty bulletproof.

I have likely the same set up, had it for close to 36 years, still there are times that a SLR works better than a rangefinder, such as when using longish lens like a 250 or 500 and my Kowa lens are a stop faster than Mamiya Press lens. And the Universal is heavy, it;s not a camera I backpack with. In my book one does not replace the other.

Next question for OP, how wedded are you to a SLR with interchangeable backs, for simplicity and ease of loading how about a Mamiya C330, good lens, 6X6 format, downside is that you lose a frame when you change lens as there is no darkslide, or you need to carry a changing bag.

 

[k.hendrik]

Psstt G.T.; there's a way out from those Hassle Balds'! Go for a Rolleiflex sl66se.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/77846450@N00/23957867440/in/dateposted-public/

 

[Arthurwg]

I usually place a strip of black masking take over the dark slide slot when shooting, just to be sure there are no light leaks.

 

[GG12]

The Hassy V is a very long lived and robust system. It also is an older, mechanically based design, with a lot of flexibility, combined with a very specific shooting sequence. At the time, it’s emphasis was on flexibility. Today’s cameras are much more “simple” with regard to user sequencing. Their complexity is in other directions, largely electronic.

My history has been with Rolleis, 6003 and 6008, now Hy6. They all take film backs, and the user sequencing is improved from the earlier V. Dark slides and interface locks are built in and a bit easier to work with. That’s not to say they are better, rather their issues are in other places - sticky electronics as the years go on. I just picked up a Hassy V for fun, realized it needed a CLA and some new seals, which were easy enough to get done. While impressed by the mechanical quality of the 500, I’m a bit unused to the very deliberate sequence one has to use. It’s not bad, just a bit older and different.

 

[msage]

I have been using Hasselblads for 40 years and love the cameras! There is no reason to sell yours, regular service is vital. Have the bodies and lens CLA every 3-6 years (depending on the use) and change the light seal in the back every couple years to guard against light leaks. The light seals are available on eBay and are easy to install your self. The only time I had a failure was a broken main spring in one lens. The lens sounded "different" after the spring broke and cycled through and felt like it was exposing film but was not! Because it sounded different I took the back off and looked though the body while firing the shutter. I did not see the shutter open and knew there was a problem with the lens. I didn't use the lens the rest of the day. It took less time to figure what had happened than to type this! Everyone was different experiences, I had more problems with RB 67's then my Hasselblads!

 

[Sirius Glass]

On the advice of my Hasselblad repairman, I fire each of my Hasselblad lenses 12 to 15 times at 1 second every three months, to keep each lens in operating condition. @Grim Tuesday have you ever done that? By the way, that should be done with all shutters regardless of brand.

 

[k.hendrik]

On the advice of my Hasselblad repairman, I fire each of my Hasselblad lenses 12 to 15 times at 1 second every three months, to keep each lens in By the way, that should be done with all shutters regardless of brand.

+1

 

[John Galt]

You know, this is 1st of January, comments like these are close to offensive in nature and intent. What else are you saying? That all non-Hass owner's are too dumb to understand what they are (supposedly) missing?

I don't doubt quality of Hass or their lenses, never have, and there was a time when I actually wanted one, but let's a draw a line somewhere so it can actually stick to factual evidence.

There is nothing outside of social status and some minor (and in few instances perhaps detectable) quality differences that Hass may have over the rest, few and far between mind you. Problems with V have been reported by numerous owners for long years now. Whether it was all user error (impossible) or mostly design related, makes no difference. The fact is that all other makes combined had been produced in multiple numbers versus Hasselblad and all combined have not produced more issues that Hassy alone, at least not on discussion forums

"Nothing comes close to V system" ... factually, a lot does, and arguably surpasses. although It may not be so shiny, which matters not. V system or not, photographer makes the image.

Be happy with what you have, speak to others in ways they can enjoy theirs.

 

[John Galt]

On the advice of my Hasselblad repairman, I fire each of my Hasselblad lenses 12 to 15 times at 1 second every three months, to keep each lens in operating condition. @Grim Tuesday have you ever done that? By the way, that should be done with all shutters regardless of brand.

Amen to that

 

[John Galt]

For a second I thought it was April 1st.

LOL! Good retort fatso

 

[Light Capture]

Hasselblad is only good if it's properly serviced and calibrated.
It was designed to be serviced yearly for professional use.
If it's not properly calibrated, it will achieve mostly the same resolution and results as other cameras.

I'm using Hasselblads for 20 years now. They fail rarely considering how old most of them are.

Most common issue is that focus is not correct.

Anything in the system can be affected by impact or deterioration.

On 500 series there is foam in body to damp the mirror slap and underneath the mirror.
If the foam deteriorates slap is louder and if foam pads underneath mirror are deteriorated, focus is going to be off.

Back has foam and light seal foil. Also several cords function as light seals.

Body length can be off and affect focus. Focusing screen has to be in the right place.

This is probably the only test we have for comparison that was done with number of different medium format cameras:
http://www.hevanet.com/cperez/MF_testing.html

 

[Ariston]

I have a Hasselblad because I was able to buy one for way, way too little. I like it fine, but I use my RB67 more. I enjoy both, but would be fine with neither. It is the actual shooting that appeals to me, regardless of gear.

The only time gear really makes a difference for me is when it is a different format altogether. Sometimes I really just want to go out and shoot 4x5... it is so relaxing. It reminds me of when I use to have my Heritage Softtail. I didn't care where I was going, I just enjoyed the tranquility of the ride.

 

[eli griggs]

I think that, with a correctly functioning body, lens and back, it's all down to your routine handling of all aspects of your kit, preparing for an outing, prepared and practiced with each element, marrying them to each other, multiple times and preparing to and actually pressing the shutter, after all that AND measuring/setting the exposure, any filters, lens shade, cable release, tripod mounting and adjustments,

You bought a perpetual but inert, box kit, when you got your Hasselblad and it has to be treated as such, even when lens, filter and film are already all onboard.

Practice handling your kit, listen to music or watch TV or be a passenger on a bus, or just standing on the streetevery day, and you will discover the little quirks of your system, shared or no with other's systems, and handling the box, lens, magazine, lens filter and covers, as well as when and how to meter and execute various settings, will, I believe, reward you with a "process" leading to successful images.

So, you have a couple of choices, if you take the decision to keep this kit; no to practice setting up and shooting, as a Process, or, continue to be vexed by your own unfamiliarity and casual attention to what is needed to make good, photographs with no stress from your kits operations.

IMO.

PS. I am using a Hasselblad 'wrist' strap on this 500 CM, and occasional, I am practicing lens/backs/viewfinder changes/holding it, with the side handle grip or setting up on my tripod with one or all these attachments, so I can avoid a recent unpleasant film changing of a back, being out of practice for many years. Dropping or putting your thumb through a curtain or otherwise damaging your kit by misadventure or even just appearing clumsy in from of someone/people you are/are wanting to photograph, is very bad JuJu, also IMO.

 

[Paul Ozzello]

LOL! Good retort fatso

Lol thanks.

 

[johnha]

I've used Mamiya 645 Pro and Bronica SQ-B systems from new and not had any problems (I wouldn't have been able to build them with Hasselblad). I was really interested in the Rollei 6xxx system for its 'rotatable' 645 back but being reliant on bespoke NiCd batteries put me off (I guess you can refurb them).

I mostly use Pentax 6x7s now and have two bodies instead of film backs - I prefer focal plane shutters and the instant return mirror. With film backs, the 645 Pro is much more streamlined to shoot than the Bronica with AE prism and winder (it feels like an integrated camera rather than a collection of accessories).

As mentioned above: getting familiar with your gear is really important, especially when it's new and different and with a bulk and a form factor you're not used to handling (don't drop the camera).

 

[Grim Tuesday]

Thanks everyone for all the opinions -- I'm glad this thread actually generated some interesting discussion. I think I'll stick with my Hasselblad and chalk these issues up to growing pains.

I think the issue of looking clumsy in front of your subject is actually a really interesting and important concern that some cameras are much more affected by than others. Particularly cameras with dark slides that are hard to focus and/or require a manual shutter cock. I find the rolleiflex to be the camera that, for me, I have the easiest time looking like a "pro" when using. The film is amazingly easy to load, there is no shutter cocking or dark slide and the shutter lock slider can be unlocked surreptitiously when trying to press it without letting on that you forgot to take it off... I'm wondering if there's any other camera that even comes close to rolleiflex's foolproof shooting process

 

[AndyH]

Thanks everyone for all the opinions -- I'm glad this thread actually generated some interesting discussion. I think I'll stick with my Hasselblad and chalk these issues up to growing pains.

I think the issue of looking clumsy in front of your subject is actually a really interesting and important concern that some cameras are much more affected by than others. Particularly cameras with dark slides that are hard to focus and/or require a manual shutter cock. I find the rolleiflex to be the camera that, for me, I have the easiest time looking like a "pro" when using. The film is amazingly easy to load, there is no shutter cocking or dark slide and the shutter lock slider can be unlocked surreptitiously when trying to press it without letting on that you forgot to take it off... I'm wondering if there's any other camera that even comes close to rolleiflex's foolproof shooting process

I am shooting a 50 year old Hassy 500C daily. Servicing the body and backs is simple for those of us with even moderate skills, and lens/shutter services are still
affordable.

There are also many other great medium format choices, but for my money there is no better combination of durable quality and ease of repair.
Andy