Taking Hasselblad 500C or 2000FC for a long trip

[K2adie]

Hey,
I'm planning take a long trip during this summer, I'm planning to take one small nikon film body like Fm2 and a hasselblad.

I'm taking Fm2 because it requires no batteries also it is light. What else I can ask for? I find my self using Fm2 more than FE2, FA or F3T i have

But my main problem is to decide between 500c and 2000FC, Fc requires batteries But I can grab a extra one when I'm out. It shouldn't consume that much of battery power, I think. I havent used it that much, maybe a roll or two.

Since 2000 has a titanium shutter, I'm not sure about it is durability. I will be backpacking, sleeping in a tent, take an inter-rail train and travel through EU.

I read it somewhere, there is a newer 2000 body with a function like whenever you remove the film back it hides the shutter. My body does that too, I guess that info. was wrong.

I only own old CT lenses, not newer lenses for 2000 series.

So tell me what you think, the main difference between the bodies is (at least for me) 2000 got an Acute screen (which was free ) and 500C doesnt.

tell me what you think, give me your past experiences and such.

thanks

 

[Slixtiesix]

As I recall the 2000FC is capable to do some 1000 exposures with one battery, so that should not be a problem especially if you take a spare one. As for the shutter, I think It can be a problem if you change magazines very often. I know from experience that these shutters are very fragile and they are easily damaged if you work in a hassle. However, if you only own CT lenses I don´t see a reason why not to take the 500C instead, except for the higher maximum shutter speed of the 2000FC. I would take the camera that is in overall better shape.

 

[CropDusterMan]

It's not like you're backpacking around the DPRK...take an extra battery or two, you'll be fine.
Sounds like a fun trip...

 

[guangong]

As an owner of both a c/m and an fc/m，since you only have c lenses （although they can be used on the fc）i would gp with the cm，I bought my fcm when first on the market snd the batteries seem to last and last，I bought it to use non Hassy lenses，Its easier to buy a c in good working order now than to buy an fc，so keep the fc for the home frony，I bought my c only recently because Hassy lenses are now affordable，enjoy your trip！

 

[itsdoable]

I have a C, CX, and FC/M, and have had a C.

The 2000 batteries last forever - for most people, the battery will die of old age before you deplete it. Its been a decade since I changed the battery in my FC/M.

The difference between the FC and FC/M is the rear shutter auto retraction when the back is removed, and this feature was upgradable on the FC's (which is probably done on yours).

The FC titanium shutter curtains are durable, but they do not tolerate having the corner of the filmback dropped into the shutter (which is a lot easier to do that most people think!). If you think this will be an issue with your travel plans, then take the C.

If you have C lenses, I would take the 500C. Although the FC can take the C lenses, there are issues with timing when things get old.

If you have CF lenses (don't know what CT lenses are, but I'm assuming that a typo), the the 2000FC would be my preference, as I find the brighter screen allows me to take more/better pictures. I was unhappy with the old 500C screen, I replaced it with a much brighter one (which required a calibration).

The negatives with the FC is
- danger of dropping the film back in the shutter when you are working fast in the field and need to change backs.
- much louder shutter.

Negatives of taking the 500C is
- dark screen
- 1/500 max shutter speed

 

[Alan Gales]

I don't understand all the fear of batteries by people. I shot a Contax 139 35mm camera for many years. It took two button cell batteries. I carried two extra batteries with me and never ever had a problem with the camera being dead. If I was going on a trip I would buy 4 brand new batteries, put two in the camera and carry two as spares in my camera bag.

Enjoy your trip! It sounds like a lot of fun.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Last May I was in Paris and need a light meter battery for my PME. After going to several photo stores, I found one that had the batteries. I paid a lot to two batteries in the original bubble package and it turned out that both batteries were bad.

 

[K2adie]

something similar happened to me as well. I had my F3 or FE2 not sure. Well, batteries were dead so I bought new ones. After couple shots they died as well. I had so much film but no batteries to shoot. just a sad story

 

[Theo Sulphate]

...
If you have CF lenses (don't know what CT lenses are, but I'm assuming that a typo) ...

CT lenses are C lenses with the Zeiss T* coating designation.