Fantastic choice, you won't regret it. You should definitely join the MF3D Yahoo group. Also, if you want, contact me off-list with your postal address and I'll ship you some mounts.
Fantastic choice, you won't regret it. You should definitely join the MF3D Yahoo group. Also, if you want, contact me off-list with your postal address and I'll ship you some mounts.You sold me. My son asked me what camera I'd like for my birthday so I said a Sputnik.
Make your first MF camera your last: Hasselblad.
beep... beep...You sold me. My son asked me what camera I'd like for my birthday so I said a Sputnik.
Or Bronica or Mamiya or Pentax.Make your first MF camera your last: Hasselblad.
Or Bronica or Mamiya or Pentax.
When I was printing profesionaly in the 1990s in Denver the vast majority of medium format film was 67, in fact 6x6 was quite rare and 645 almost unheard of. I think Hasselblad's (whilst obviously fine cameras) are now mainly status symbols. If you're going MF, why go for a smaller neg?
What is suitable for one photographer might not be suitable for another. I like RB67's and Fuji 6x9.
As a user of four Hasselblads I can say that.
We don't need photographic jingoism.
I notice Hassellblad owners often talk about the availability of service and spare parts. Does that mean that they break down a lot? I've had the same Pentax 67 for over 20 years, it has had about 2,000 120/220 films through it, it's been dropped, rained on, fallen off the roof of a moving car, you name it, and it has never missed a beat, its never even been in for any kind of service. I did have the shutter tested once and all speeds were well within spec. There are tons of accesories and lenses in the second hand market. It's as if Hassellblad owners have to justify their high purchase price by spreading this view that unless you own one you are just an amateur. Like I said in my earlier post, I never saw much 6x6 film come through the pro lab I worked at. BTW, the C330 hasn't been used by pros for about 40 years but the RB/RZ 67 was a veritable workhorse.It has absolutely less than nothing to do with status symbols. It has to do with availability of service, parts, accessories, lenses and backs. I had used several TLRs, including Mamiya C330 and I did not like the handling and ergonomics. I had considered getting the Rollei SL66 until I researched getting service, camera bodies and lenses compared to Hasselblads.
++1Make your first MF camera your last: Hasselblad.
I notice Hassellblad owners often talk about the availability of service and spare parts. Does that mean that they break down a lot? I've had the same Pentax 67 for over 20 years, it has had about 2,000 120/220 films through it, it's been dropped, rained on, fallen off the roof of a moving car, you name it, and it has never missed a beat, its never even been in for any kind of service. I did have the shutter tested once and all speeds were well within spec. There are tons of accesories and lenses in the second hand market. It's as if Hassellblad owners have to justify their high purchase price by spreading this view that unless you own one you are just an amateur. Like I said in my earlier post, I never saw much 6x6 film come through the pro lab I worked at. BTW, the C330 hasn't been used by pros for about 40 years but the RB/RZ 67 was a veritable workhorse.
... Ask a question about the Canadian Rockies, and someone wants to tell you how great California is.
... tell me which model I can expect to buy with a lens and a prism finder for less than $500(US), and will it be smaller and lighter than the Bronica, Mamya and Pentax 645 or 6x6 models?
Some of my requirements, as stated in my opening post:
... NOT looking for a TLRAnd I also mentioned that I do not need a "deep system" because I will not be buying additional lenses and accessories. What I did not mention, but probably should have, is that the camera will be carried around outside and used hand-held.
definitely not looking for anything larger than 6x6
moderate cost ... working camera and "normal" lens for around $400-450, US (less would be better)
smaller and lighter prefered over bigger and heavier
through-the-lens viewfinder
Rangefinders (and TLRs) suffer from the following limitations; SLR cameras do not:If you won't be getting additional lenses, why the need to see through the lens?
For a single lens camera, I'd rather have a rangefinder than an slr.
Just don't buy a Hasselblad with focal plane shutter if you expect long-term support.
Rangefinders (and TLRs) suffer from the following limitations; SLR cameras do not:
Parallax errors at closer focusing distances.
Inability to easily observe the effect of a graduated ND filter, a polarizing filter, or a screw-on close up lens.
Can't visually check depth of field at stopped down aperture.
Personal preferences. You have yours, I have mine.
What difference do the mounts make?
I have Clearfile neg holders that hold 3 strips by 4 frames. Open each end so ideal for storing stereo pairs. What's the best way to store mounted slides?
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