Is this becoming a Hasselblad forum?

[xya]

@xya in your original post you said you never owned a Hasselblad system.

You are right, I said so, but indeed I owned a system very shortly in the early 1980s. I got it from a friend who was in urgent need of money and I sold it shortly after and I completely forgot about it. This is more than 40 years ago. Sorry...

 

[bags27]

I waited and waited to buy the camera of my dreams, a Mamiya 7.

Funny thing. At one point a CLA took so long that I was desperate for another MF system so bought a 500 c/m and figured I could eventually sell it well.

Now, I only want to use the Blad. Think I may sell the Mamiya. Mamiya takes sharper pictures, but the Blad in my hand feels like heaven.

Thank you, OP, for starting this Hasselblad appreciation thread!

 

[Arthurwg]

If someone, out of the kindness of their heart, would simply bring a new Hasselblad to the market at the $10 price point then many of these posts simply go away. And please make sure that the NeoHasselblad is fully compatible with everything Hasselblad has produced in the last 70 years or so. Problem solved.

Holga fits the bill.

 

[Arthurwg]

Now, I only want to use the Blad. Think I may sell the Mamiya. Mamiya takes sharper pictures, but the Blad in my hand feels like heaven.

I feel the same way. Love the Blad.

 

[eli griggs]

A second mediums format system seems to be a common resource for many Hasselblad or slr MF owners.

If you don't have a need to swap or sell the Mamiya right away, try finding out if it fits a needed nitch in your photography, before take a decision to rid yourself of it.

Building a kit, for an active shooters means acknowledgement that there are times your "ideal camera" won't do what you want,100% of the time, so back-up or alternatives cover those needs

Cheers.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Why a second MF system? You have much more synergies and escalations of scale if you stay within your first one.

 

[Luckless]

Why a second MF system? You have much more synergies and escalations of scale if you stay within your first one.

Why buy a fork when you already have spoons?


Different MF systems do different things. I don't typically reach for a fork when I have a bowl of soup in front of me, but that doesn't mean a spoon is a suitable choice for all other meals I might want to eat.

I don't reach for my RB67 for something to slip in my bag when I'm heading downtown to run some errands. It isn't suited to the task, so it stays home on the shelf and I bring my folding range finder or the Rolleicord as a 'just in case' walk about camera.

If I have a photography task that my current gear doesn't feel like it is doing well, then I go looking for tools more suited to the task.

Similar to how I can drive tacks with a framing hammer if I need to try driving tacks and have no other hammer at hand, but if I know I'm going to be doing a project that needs a lot of them, then I'm going to go out and just buy a tool suited to the job I want to do.

 

[itsdoable]

Why a second MF system? <snip>

that should be obvious… GAS

 

[RezaLoghme]

How is a Rolleicord a second MF system?

If you have one MF system (HB V or Mamiya RZ) why would you have another one. Instead, a different architecture (TLR, RF) makes more sense.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Coming back to Why Hasselblad - because it is the daddy of all MF systems, at times it had the largest product range and all. V System started in late 50s and was put to sleep in late 1990s. Show me another! ;-)))

 

[Luckless]

How is a Rolleicord a second MF system?

If you have one MF system (HB V or Mamiya RZ) why would you have another one. Instead, a different architecture (TLR, RF) makes more sense.

MF system vs 'MF system camera' is an overly pedantic point. They're all tools that one picks to meet needs or functionality desires.

As to why invest in different lines of system cameras: simply because it is difficult to take full frame 6x7 portraits on a Hasselblad, a Mamiya RB/Z is not the most elegant option to lug around for photo walks [doesn't actually stop me, but I'm fine admitting it is a dumb idea I do anyway], and neither system is actually all that ideal of a 645 rig.

Some functionality overlaps between cameras doesn't mean any one system makes all other cameras entirely irrelevant. If anyone one system did, then that's the only one anyone would logically ever wish to buy.

 

[guangong]

Coming back to Why Hasselblad - because it is the daddy of all MF systems, at times it had the largest product range and all. V System started in late 50s and was put to sleep in late 1990s. Show me another! ;-)))

And it fits so well in the hand. Despite the terrible shutter designs of the first versions (I long ago owned a 1000F until shutter died), the overall design excels all other SLR MF designs in dependability and practice. Younger Hassy users may not realize how expensive these cameras and lenses were when new, but V cameras proved to be good investment in long run.

 

[eli griggs]

One candidate for a second MF system is a Pentax 67 slr.

While the Hasselblad V with various viewfinders is very versatile, I've noted that a number of Hasselblad owners own the heavy Pentax and lenses, often using them in the field, for, ie Racing and Sailing imaging, street shots, and rugged terrain environments.

The first MF SLR system I ever saw was a Pentax 67 on the island of Eniwetok, in the hands of an experienced officer, making pics of Typhoon Alice's destruction and the effects of a still strong winds environment.

With my 500cm I could make good shots as well as the Pentax, probably better, but I'd rather have the choice of the Pentax, as it was a very tough walk-around and the heavy weight of the Pentax in a tripod would be a benefit, rather than what I'd normally consider a negative.

One more example is mass transit, bus, trams, street cars, trains, boats and planes.

I'd much rather use my TLR cameras, a Sawyers mk.IV 4x4cm or my Minolta Autocord 6x6cm on these venues than. Hasselblad simply because of the more simple appearance that generally does not peak much in trance and some folks are happy to see these in use, as their Dad, Mom, Uncle, etc had one that they used and it brings up fond memories.

Diana's, Brownies, Ansco 75, etc, more style considered "toy cameras" also have a place in Hasselblad owners kit, and practical and creative photographers, also use pinhole cameras.

It just depends on the person involved how far they are are push their creative passions or prepair for 'Business' needs.

Cheers.

 

[RezaLoghme]

One candidate for a second MF system is a Pentax 67 slr.

While the Hasselblad V with various viewfinders is very versatile, I've noted that a number of Hasselblad owners own the heavy Pentax and lenses, often using them in the field, for, ie Racing and Sailing imaging, street shots, and rugged terrain environments.

The first MF SLR system I ever saw was a Pentax 67 on the island of Eniwetok, in the hands of an experienced officer, making pics of Typhoon Alice's destruction and the effects of a still strong winds environment.

With my 500cm I could make good shots as well as the Pentax, probably better, but I'd rather have the choice of the Pentax, as it was a very tough walk-around and the heavy weight of the Pentax in a tripod would be a benefit, rather than what I'd normally consider a negative.

I have a 45° PME and a Distagon, if you put these on your V system body, it should weight enough to satisfy every Pentax lover, and you can use the camera on eye level, just like the Pentax.

 

[RezaLoghme]

MF system vs 'MF system camera' is an overly pedantic point. They're all tools that one picks to meet needs or functionality desires.

I think you understand well what I meant. "System" = V or RZ, with removable backs, lenses and viewfinders. "Camera" = fixed lens, viewfinder and back (most TLRs and RFs).

 

[RezaLoghme]

simply because it is difficult to take full frame 6x7 portraits on a Hasselblad, a Mamiya RB/Z is not the most elegant option to lug around for photo walks [doesn't actually stop me, but I'm fine admitting it is a dumb idea I do anyway], and neither system is actually all that ideal of a 645 rig.

A 6x6 V Hasselblad can do 6x4.5, 6x6, 220, 35mm panorama, polaroid, Digital. And due to its architecture, you can use a different format for each shot.

But this is going to end like many Hasselblad discussions - people pick one aspect and are oblivious to the others.

and the 6x7 format is the typical escape route for, yes, Hasselblad DENIERS, although it is a neither-here-not-there format unlike 35mm or 6x9 - I am looking at you, Texas Leica. "Oh I want to shoot in an almost-square format so I cannot use that Swedish Thunder God of MF System Cameras, I am going to fall in love with Large Plastic Knob Bellow Adjustment Stepsister".

And so on.

 

[Luckless]

I think you understand well what I meant. "System" = V or RZ, with removable backs, lenses and viewfinders. "Camera" = fixed lens, viewfinder and back (most TLRs and RFs).

No, in my brand of native English "system" is pretty common and generic: Computer system. Alarm system. Imaging system. And I didn't remotely read your initial comment as "MF System Cameras".

A 6x6 V Hasselblad can do 6x4.5, 6x6, 220, 35mm panorama, polaroid, Digital. And due to its architecture, you can use a different format for each shot.

But this is going to end like many Hasselblad discussions - people pick one aspect and are oblivious to the others.

And yet it can't do a 6x7, and is not nearly as nice to use for 645 and 35mm film as systems dedicated to those formats that can skip all the needless extra to the design to deal with larger formats...

 

[RezaLoghme]

it also cannot do 6x8 and 6x9 and large format and yet it was the #1 weapon of choice of pros and dentists.

 

[RezaLoghme]

6x7 is a Space Oddity that might have been invented by Dave Brubeck.

 

[Don_ih]

6x7 is designed to foil your attempts to store the negatives.
It's really easy to use a Hasselblad for 645. Put on the A16 back and put a mask over the gg. It's the same size as a Bronica ETR.

 

[eli griggs]

How is a Rolleicord a second MF system?

If you have one MF system (HB V or Mamiya RZ) why would you have another one. Instead, a different architecture (TLR, RF) makes more sense.

To whom?

Individuals have and do value things differently, not going by others usage when a "universally accepted" system of MF, is a natural tact; others photographers expectations making societal demands on their choices, not natural at all.

Are you an AI?

 

[eli griggs]

it also cannot do 6x8 and 6x9 and large format and yet it was the #1 weapon of choice of pros and dentists.

A 6x6 V Hasselblad can do 6x4.5, 6x6, 220, 35mm panorama, polaroid, Digital. And due to its architecture, you can use a different format for each shot.

But this is going to end like many Hasselblad discussions - people pick one aspect and are oblivious to the others.

and the 6x7 format is the typical escape route for, yes, Hasselblad DENIERS, although it is a neither-here-not-there format unlike 35mm or 6x9 - I am looking at you, Texas Leica. "Oh I want to shoot in an almost-square format so I cannot use that Swedish Thunder God of MF System Cameras, I am going to fall in love with Large Plastic Knob Bellow Adjustment Stepsister".

And so on.

You forgot Hasselblad pinhole, any format that the V series camera can load, also 6x6 paper negatives, and probably tin types, both in the 'sheet film' holder.

If you sensitized some thin Yupo paper, you could also shoot 70 mm, 120, 35 mm and more sheet material, including platinum, palladium, etc.

Imagine for a moment a microdot negative, from a tiny Japanese hole punch in some T-grain or silver saturated negatives, mounted on a cut sheet in that one shot at a time film holder!

One last for forbidden image making possibility made real is the Phase One type backs. Some of the nicer ones carrying the Hasselblad Brand.

 

[chuckroast]

How is a Rolleicord a second MF system?

If you have one MF system (HB V or Mamiya RZ) why would you have another one. Instead, a different architecture (TLR, RF) makes more sense.

The only thing a 'Blad and a Rolleicord have in common is the film format. An SLR and a TLR are fundamentally different experiences and you see rather differently with them.

At last count I had 6 different MF cameras and they all are quite different both in operation and in spirit: Fuji GA-645Zi, Fuji GA690II, Mamiya Universal Press w/G adapter, "Baby" Speed Graphic, a Yashica MAT- 124G, and, oh yeah, a Hasselblad 501 C/M. They may all use the same film, but they're not remotely like each other.

I didn't buy these all at once, and I certainly did not buy them all new. I bought them - as finances permitted - to help me engage with my photographic subjects in different ways. Along the way, I did get rid of several Mamiya TLR systems and a 645 500J because they were not significantly different than the cameras above in how they made me work.

A similar distinction can be made between, say, Nikon SLRs and rangefinder Leicas - both of which I also own. Same film, fundamentally different ways of working.

 

[bags27]

I love my Rolleicord Vbii. The Xenar f/3.5 is indistinguishably as sharp as the Rolleiflex white face and it's a lot smaller and lighter. A little more awkward to shoot, but great for grab and go or for travel. Just for giggles, I converted it to 6x4.5 for a different aspect ratio and also, if I'm traveling, nice to have 16 shots.

 

[RezaLoghme]

So let's agree that Photrio is an open and diverse forum and the many Hasselblad posts are an indicator for the on-going popularity of the brand. What's not to like?

And the fact that every Hasselblad thread is attracting non-Hasselblad owners defending their choices should be seen as a compliment.