older manual SLR's?

MattKing · Jul 8, 2014

Most of the more recent versions of the manual focus 6x4.5 Mamiyas (645 Super, 645 Pro, 645 Pro-Tl) offer removeable film backs. The 645E does not.

All use the same lenses and film inserts as the older models.

ntenny · Jul 8, 2014

MattKing said:
Most of the more recent versions of the manual focus 6x4.5 Mamiyas (645 Super, 645 Pro, 645 Pro-Tl) offer removeable film backs. The 645E does not.

All use the same lenses and film inserts as the older models.

There are some leaf-shutter lenses for the M645 family, by the way; they seem to go reasonably cheap. I've never had much interest as I don't use flash all that much, but the option is out there.

The swappable film backs seem like the sort of thing that you need if you need it, and not if you don't. For those who don't need it, the fixed-back bodies are *much* cheaper than the swappable ones.

-NT

sodarum · Jul 8, 2014

Thanks everyone for additional comments and suggestions;

right now I'm about 80% inclined on getting a Hasselblad 500 series; looking at the current offers on e-bay, It seems I can get a basic set (back, body, lens) for around (or even under) 1000$. I'll throw in a bellows too, and there are plenty of offers on that also.

The other 20% right now goes to a rather cheap, apparently brand new, unopened Rollei 6001 body that I found on e-bay. I also found a brand new 80mm lens and back....The total price would be about 1200$ or so, but the customs (i live in Europe) would make that option more expensive. This would probably be my only chance to have a brand new MF Rollei, since as the time goes by the chances of finding unopened items will become smaller and smaller.

But I think I'll go for the used Hassy rather.

johnha · Jul 8, 2014

sodarum said:
Thanks everyone for additional comments and suggestions;

right now I'm about 80% inclined on getting a Hasselblad 500 series; looking at the current offers on e-bay, It seems I can get a basic set (back, body, lens) for around (or even under) 1000$. I'll throw in a bellows too, and there are plenty of offers on that also.

The other 20% right now goes to a rather cheap, apparently brand new, unopened Rollei 6001 body that I found on e-bay. I also found a brand new 80mm lens and back....The total price would be about 1200$ or so, but the customs (i live in Europe) would make that option more expensive. This would probably be my only chance to have a brand new MF Rollei, since as the time goes by the chances of finding unopened items will become smaller and smaller.

But I think I'll go for the used Hassy rather.

In the '90s I looked at a 6xxx Rollei (can't remember exactly which one), it looked a great camera but was reliant on a bespoke Nicad battery that put me off, even then. If my choice was that or a 50x series 'blad, it would be the 'blad every time.

sodarum · Jul 8, 2014

speaking of batteries, I just remembered that I didn't take into consideration the cost of a battery for that 6001 (the body doesn't come with one), plus additional shipping and customs cost...I'd end up at 2000$. I don't want to go that high.

Hasselblad it is then.

By the way, I'll use this thread to ask another question that I've been wondering about these days:

Looking at the gear used by most famous fashion photographers, new and old, it seems like everyone is using a Hasselblad, except Annie Leibovitz who uses a RB67, some of the older names used Rollei TLR's though...but where are all the newer Rollei's? Any bigger names that used 6000 series Rollei? Was Rollei 6000 series more popular in other types of photography?

Sirius Glass · Jul 8, 2014

Hasselblad V Series except for the motor drive models are mechanical and do not need batteries except for light meters.

john_s · Jul 10, 2014

sodarum said:
speaking of batteries, I just remembered that I didn't take into consideration the cost of a battery for that 6001 (the body doesn't come with one), plus additional shipping and customs cost...I'd end up at 2000$. I don't want to go that high.

Hasselblad it is then.

By the way, I'll use this thread to ask another question that I've been wondering about these days:

Looking at the gear used by most famous fashion photographers, new and old, it seems like everyone is using a Hasselblad, except Annie Leibovitz who uses a RB67, some of the older names used Rollei TLR's though...but where are all the newer Rollei's? Any bigger names that used 6000 series Rollei? Was Rollei 6000 series more popular in other types of photography?

I've gained an impression that the later Rollei SLRs were not the most reliable cameras. And not easy to get repaired either. I'm not speaking from experience (although I do have two earlier Rolleis that have unrepairable electronics).

sodarum · Jul 10, 2014

My choice has been narrowed down to a bunch of 500C/M's floating around e-bay, and as a more expensive alternative (though not much), I found a "like new" (at least that's what it's described) 503CX set (with 2 backs) for 1480 $. I'm tempted to stretch my pocket a bit more for it, because a good clean 500C/M can cost just as much, and it's at least 10 years older.

What are your thoughts?

Chan Tran · Jul 10, 2014

Sirius Glass said:
Hasselblad V Series except for the motor drive models are mechanical and do not need batteries except for light meters.

The 2000FC as well as the 2xx series have electronic shutter although several models are manual exposure only.

Sirius Glass · Jul 10, 2014

The 2xx series is not the series.

I have the 503 CX. I have found that the lack of the gliding/floating mirrors is not a big deal. Long lenses like the 250mm are missing a thin slice of the image edge missing and I have found that it does not cause me a problem.

sodarum · Jul 14, 2014

Here's some update on my search for the right SLR camera.

I have found a couple of 503CX's in pretty good shape for reasonable price (around $1500), and I was almost ready to get one, when I got an offer for a 555 ELD (with lens and all) in pretty good shape for a very good price. The owner says that he is in a hurry to sell so that's why it's so cheap.

At first I thought, too bad, it uses batteries, but then I found out it uses regular AA batteries, which got me really interested in this camera.

So what are your thoughts? 503CX for a higher price, or 555 ELD for a lower price. To tell you the truth, I like manual cameras more, but that's mainly because of aesthetics and battery issues.

Anyone has anything to say about 503 vs. 555?

sodarum · Jul 14, 2014

For some reason my messages aren't appearing when I post...this is a test

sodarum · Jul 14, 2014

Oh, here I am again...

Anyway,

Here is an update. I still haven't decided what to get, and right now I'm trying to decide between a couple of 503CX's (for $1500) and a pretty cheap 555ELD for about $1100. The 555ELD is in pretty good shape (the body), except that it has an old back from the 70's, but it works fine. At first I was reluctant to even consider 555, but then I realized that it uses AA batteries, which is pretty nice.

I still can't decide.

Oh and there is apparently a brand new (yes, it really looks brand new) unused 500ELM body from 1978 on ebay. It's actually probably in better cosmetic shape than either of these options. I'm tempted, but then I'd have to find a lens and a back for it. I get the feeling that lenses are more expensive when they are sold separately. The only drawback is that it doesn't use AA batteries like 555. But there is an adapter option that uses more common types of batteries.

Those Hassy motorized cameras are LOUD compared to Rollei motors. At least judging by youtube videos.

JW PHOTO · Jul 14, 2014

sodarum said:
Oh, here I am again...

Anyway,

Those Hassy motorized cameras are LOUD compared to Rollei motors. At least judging by youtube videos.

I believe they can be made to trip the shutter and then advance the film elsewhere. Sneak a shot on the sidewalk and dodge around the corner to let the film advance. The 500elms and even 550elx bodies are dirt cheap and a good way to get started if you ask me. I have my original 500C kit from many years ago and two 500ELM's and one 550ELX. I love my little 500C for travel/carry since it's very compact with the 80mm, but that 550ELX is really one sweet machine too and it cost me very little. JW

Sirius Glass · Jul 14, 2014

sodarum said:
Oh, here I am again...

Anyway,

Here is an update. I still haven't decided what to get, and right now I'm trying to decide between a couple of 503CX's (for $1500) and a pretty cheap 555ELD for about $1100. The 555ELD is in pretty good shape (the body), except that it has an old back from the 70's, but it works fine. At first I was reluctant to even consider 555, but then I realized that it uses AA batteries, which is pretty nice.

I still can't decide.

Oh and there is apparently a brand new (yes, it really looks brand new) unused 500ELM body from 1978 on ebay. It's actually probably in better cosmetic shape than either of these options. I'm tempted, but then I'd have to find a lens and a back for it. I get the feeling that lenses are more expensive when they are sold separately. The only drawback is that it doesn't use AA batteries like 555. But there is an adapter option that uses more common types of batteries.

Those Hassy motorized cameras are LOUD compared to Rollei motors. At least judging by youtube videos.

A 503 CX weighs less than a 555 ELD.

Slixtiesix · Jul 15, 2014

I have bought a 555ELD last year and I´m pretty happy with the purchase. It was a good deal and looked virtually new. The 555 is the most advanced of all the 500-series cameras, with an even improved mirror mechanism and motor drive. They really go for much less money than a 501cm or 503cw, although they have all the benefits of these and then some. Must be only the weight and bulk that keeps people from buying...
1100$ sounds a bit high, I have seen many of these in the 800-1000$ range, but all depends on the shape.
The ELM might also be a good choice as long as it is significantly cheaper, but the 555ELD has many benefits that should be put in consideration:
acute matte D screen vs old screen, new style vs old style viewfinder. gliding mirror, more durable motor and mirror mechanism (not that the old ones were not durable!), and if you ever need it: digital back capability, TTL flashmeter, infrared remote control.

If you want to travel much and light however, I would rather opt for the 500CX or 500CM!

sodarum · Jul 15, 2014

Hi,

and what about using a digital back with regular mechanical hasselblads, like 503? Is it possible at all?

Slixtiesix · Jul 15, 2014

Yes, it is possible with all 500 Cameras from the 500C on. Either you use a Hasselblad CFV back, which will be activated by the little pin that moves from the backside of the camera into the magazine, or you use a sync cord that is plugged into the sync port of the lens with DBs from other manufacturers. But both solutions can cause trouble some times.

Sirius Glass · Jul 15, 2014

sodarum said:
Hi,

and what about using a digital back with regular mechanical hasselblads, like 503? Is it possible at all?

Yes it is possible.

Would I do it? No, not as long as film is available. Beside the fact that the digital backs are expensive, bulky , ...

sodarum · Jul 15, 2014

Ok, it's done!

This is what I bought:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasselblad-...de-/321460237917?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160

It's the best 500 series Hasselblad (in terms of condition) I could find on e-bay (under 2000 that is).
When it arrives in mail safe and sound I'll start breathing again.

Thanks everybody for your contributions

Sirius Glass · Jul 15, 2014

Enjoy! You made a great choice.

sodarum · Jul 15, 2014

Thanks.

It's from 1990.

A couple of days ago I remembered that I have a bello-o-shade bellows hood for CF lenses which I bought many years ago but seldom used. Back then I used it with 35mm lenses. I never planned back then to get a Hasselblad, but I guess that's called destiny

p.s. a little bit of buyer's guilt for spending more than 1500 with a single click lol, but I know I won't regret it.

david schaller · Jul 24, 2014

sodarum said:
Ok, it's done!

This is what I bought:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasselblad-...de-/321460237917?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160

It's the best 500 series Hasselblad (in terms of condition) I could find on e-bay (under 2000 that is).
When it arrives in mail safe and sound I'll start breathing again.

Thanks everybody for your contributions

You're going to be happy! Enjoy.

pbromaghin · Jul 24, 2014

Wow. Congratulations. You have years of enjoyment ahead of you.

pitirre522 · Jul 24, 2014

I see people mention the Mamitya RB67, if you are going on the heavy side, look at the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II. That is the best camera you can get. It is still a bit pricey, but it's worth it. Right now the prices on ebay are starting on the $700.00. They even have the digital backs for it, but the prices are prohibited.

older manual SLR's?

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