Pentax or hasselblad?

[WRSchmalfuss]

For shoots on tripod HASSELBLAD, for hand shoots PENTAX 645!

 

[Richard Mendales]

If you've been shooting 35 previously, the Pentax will feel more natural at first. Both systems have good optics, at least in my experience, although IMHO the Hasselblad wide angles are superior (but cost a lot more!). I've come to appreciate the square negative for its cropping possibilities, and because you only have to hold the camera one way, whether for vertical or horizontal framing. One of the biggest Hassie advantages, though, is having interchangeable backs--you can reload very quickly, mix different kinds of film, and even change format from 6x6 to 6x4.5 if you want to.

 

[narsuitus]

If I had to make the decision, I would pick the Hasselblad for studio work and the Pentax for field work.

 

[Peter Williams]

I'd suggest playing around (renting) both until you know which one you prefer/need for your style of work.

I'll second this advice. I bought a Hassleblad a couple of years ago and I didn't care for it at all. My big mistake was selling the Rolleiflex to get it. If you have the opportunity to use it first, I certainly would. Lots of folks love them, but there are a few of us out there who don't. On a separate note, I would be very wary of buying any used camera that I know for certain isn't in top working condition. Without knowing exactly what will need to be done in advance, the necessary repairs could very well spoil a good deal up front.

 

[bgilwee]

It took twenty years of commerical work for my hasselblad to need repairs......my vote is hasselblad in the studio, I use M7 for the street and love it.

 

[jamie]

I second Peter Williams' advice. If you can't try out the camera before you buy it you definitely need to factor in the possibility that something needs to be repaired.

 

[yurihuta]

I originally got into medium format with Bronica SQAi's and still have a mini system (one body, four lenses). I keep it for when I need high flash sync speeds.

I have recently ventured into the Pentax 645 (and a little Pentax 67) world and I really enjoy it. I originally got a 645, but have recently moved over to the 645N for the wonderful metering system (dual, six segment as well as true spot and average). Just a lot of fun to use, bright viewfinder, still serviced by Pentax and lots of used gear out there. I also am able to use 67 lenses on the 645 system with their adapter. So my 67 35mm fisheye works nicely on my 645N bodies.