Making my Hasselblad collection digital, or not?

RezaLoghme · Apr 7, 2024

I am the happy owner of a couple of V-System Hasselblads and a Leica X (113) and a Leica R5, all fully CLA'd. I am using my toys just for pleasure, it is just a (nice) hobby.

Having recently discovered the CFV backs, I wonder whether they (the "39" would be enough) might be the equivalent of an "exit watch" - if I can make my dinosaurs digital, then no RF Leica (digital or not) might ever tempt me. I am intrigued how they make a 40-60 year old camera look "modern".

I tried to search this forum but only found rather short, technical discussions about these backs. Does anyone have an opinion on this?

Mods: I have no idea where to post this - pls move if you think have put it in the wrong section.

Pieter12 · Apr 7, 2024

Your lenses might not look as sharp with a digital back, but I think it’s worth trying.

RezaLoghme · Apr 7, 2024

Yes that is what I have read - besides a general struggle to focus the Hasselblads correctly, I am aware of that matter, too.

I am really torn between upgrading the V-System with that CFV back, just using my X, or buying that screen-less digital M Leica.

Sirius Glass · Apr 11, 2024

RezaLoghme said:
Yes that is what I have read - besides a general struggle to focus the Hasselblads correctly, I am aware of that matter, too.

I am really torn between upgrading the V-System with that CFV back, just using my X, or buying that screen-less digital M Leica.

I wrestle with adding the Hasselblad 907/100 digital back to my extensive collection of Hasselblad lenses, 503 CX and 903 SWC. It would be a companion for my Nikon Z7ii.

RezaLoghme · Apr 11, 2024

Yes 907 is super cool, kudos to the developers. I even like the related camera body.

Steven Lee · May 29, 2024

I shoot film with a Hasselblad because:

The experience of not having the instant gratification and the thrill of seeing the results coming out of a developing tank.
Giant 6x6 square wait level finder which does not require rotating the camera.
The results are visually more interesting, especially with B&W. A film image is not a boring life-like accurate "scan" of the reality, but an imperfect interpretation of a scene, somewhere between a painting and a digital snapshot.

But I also shoot digital because:

The compactness of my APS-C camera is unbeatable
Advanced auto-focus for dynamic scenes
High shutter speeds of 1/8000 or even faster with an electronic shutter
High ISO performance

Mounting a digital back on a 6x6" medium format camera deprives me of film benefits and doesn't deliver any of the digital benefits, basically the worst of both worlds.... Well, except maybe the high ISO factor, but that's only available with the latest backs.

TLDR: I don't see the point.

Pieter12 · May 29, 2024

Some analog lenses give less than pleasing results with digital, so maybe you could do some testing before laying out the cash for a digital back.

BrianShaw · May 29, 2024

RezaLoghme said:
I am intrigued how they make a 40-60 year old camera look "modern".

Why? But if that's you goal then why not. Good luck. I prefer that my cameras, old or new and no matter how they look, perform well.

mshchem · May 29, 2024

RezaLoghme · May 30, 2024

BrianShaw said:
Why? But if that's you goal then why not. Good luck. I prefer that my cameras, old or new and no matter how they look, perform well.

Better: "Its the photographer, not the camera" - With that, you can kill the mood in any equipment-related discussion.

RezaLoghme · May 30, 2024

Which detector?

guangong · May 30, 2024

It all depends upon your own interests and inclinations. If you enjoy sitting at a computer and digital capture, then go for it. If your enthusiasm is photography, using film, etc. then take a pass. Given the price, if undecided, rent a digital package for a couple days and try digital. You may even decide liking both. Depending upon your interests, there could be room for both digital capture and photography.

RezaLoghme · May 30, 2024

The beauty of HB's V-system is that it can do both, it just requires a quick change of the camera's back.

RezaLoghme · May 30, 2024

Pieter12 said:
Some analog lenses give less than pleasing results with digital, so maybe you could do some testing before laying out the cash for a digital back.

Well I own the standard V-System lenses, no idea how they work with a digital back, hence I am asking.

Nokton48 · May 30, 2024

I made this photo in my studio, with the 500C/M, with the CFV16 Digital Back.

18x24 8x10 Norma 300 Symmar Norma Auto Iris by Nokton48, on Flickr

This one was made with a black C T* 80mm F2.8 Planar. Good enough for my uses, I like the digital uses, still primarily an analogue Hasselblad photographer.

RezaLoghme · May 30, 2024

The two are no mutually exclusive, its just like adding a new dimension, it is another option for a camera back, like all the other formats.

RalphLambrecht · May 30, 2024

RezaLoghme said:
I am the happy owner of a couple of V-System Hasselblads and a Leica X (113) and a Leica R5, all fully CLA'd. I am using my toys just for pleasure, it is just a (nice) hobby.

Having recently discovered the CFV backs, I wonder whether they (the "39" would be enough) might be the equivalent of an "exit watch" - if I can make my dinosaurs digital, then no RF Leica (digital or not) might ever tempt me. I am intrigued how they make a 40-60 year old camera look "modern".

I tried to search this forum but only found rather short, technical discussions about these backs. Does anyone have an opinion on this?

Mods: I have no idea where to post this - pls move if you think have put it in the wrong section.

I'm tempted myself but the price is still holding me waiting for the CFV100 to be available alone without the extra camera. From what I've seen, the image quality is great and I really miss shooting with my V system.

Sirius Glass · May 30, 2024

I was told by Samy's Camera that the 907 50 and 907 100 work the best with the CF lenses and switching back and forth between film and digital. That is why I am considering buying.

bags27 · May 30, 2024

When the 100c first came out, I spied a used 50c plus the 45p and 30 for sale at under 50% of retail. I simply did it. My wife is delighted that I'm shooting digital on international trips--no worrying about finding and protecting film. During a recent trip to France with this kit, it worked wonderfully. As I used to with Leica digital, I so admire the brilliant simplicity of this camera.

And super cool when it's a back for my 500 c/m.
But:
1. Because of the different size "sensors," no V lens shoots wide.
2. The image is still digital.

I'm not unhappy with the purchase: it was so greatly discounted that I have almost no financial liability. But I see it more as an enjoyable toy than part of a true craft. But I'm sure that as a back to LF it would have far greater virtues.

If you're interested in the 100c, remember that it still doesn't have IBIS (unlike the amazing X2D) and the electronic shutter still is vulnerable to blurr. So you're paying a great deal for a 100c when the 50c is available used.

bags27 · May 30, 2024

Sirius Glass said:
I was told by Samy's Camera that the 907 50 and 907 100 work the best with the CF lenses and switching back and forth between film and digital. That is why I am considering buying.

I think that, with the exception of the 40 IF and the Superachromats, the V lenses don't match up with the digital sensor nearly as well as the X lenses do. The photos have their charms, but if one is looking for digital sharpness, there is likely to be some disappointment.

And of course all V lenses will become ~ 45% longer. So there is really no wide V lens for the 907 sensors. Better to go in the other direction and adapt 35mm wide lenses: some of them are terrific (and the vignetting fixable in post).

Again: I bought my kit largely to avoid having to confront the challenges of film on international trips, and that has been terrific. But I've realized far less well my romantic notion of shooting a film Blad without having to pay for film or spending time in the darkroom. At every stage, there is compromise.

RezaLoghme · May 30, 2024

Yes I travel a lot and the whole x-ray thing is one reason for wanting an alternative medium.
I would be ok with the 39 or 50. Its just a hobby.

Pieter12 · May 30, 2024

guangong said:
If you enjoy sitting at a computer and digital capture, then go for it. If your enthusiasm is photography, using film, etc. then take a pass.

I would wager that the majority of film shooters end up with a digital file that they sit at a computer and fiddle with, maybe even end up making a digital print, too.

bags27 · May 30, 2024

Pieter12 said:
I would wager that the majority of film shooters end up with a digital file that they sit at a computer and fiddle with, maybe even end up making a digital print, too.

Probably an easy wager to win. Certainly, I do. But the sheer craft of film photography (even if I know that I fool myself into believing that a digitized film film looks substantially different from an original digital photograph) is what draws me especially.

I can honestly say that I get little pleasure out of my travel photos from my 907x. Not because they aren't nice. But because they are mainly point-and-shoot. The RAW may be incredible technically straight OOC, but I feel little emotional investment in them.

RezaLoghme · May 30, 2024

Lets be cool about all options. From LF wetplate on a penny-farthing and top hat to "that guy" with that beeping DSLR with a scalloped oversized lens hood - all is fun and nothing should be taken too seriously.

RezaLoghme · Jun 2, 2024

So, looking at the pre-owned market, it seems as if the 50 makes most sense, the lesser/older ones are not really much cheaper.

From what I could found, the CFV 50 sells for 4-5000 EUR, whereas a kit with a 907 body (without lens) goes for 6-7. Thoughts?

Making my Hasselblad collection digital, or not?

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