Thinking about a Hasselblad

Sirius Glass · Sep 12, 2008

greybeard said:
Claire: There is life without a Hassleblad. Actually a fairly pleasing life. You need to keep your mitts off of things that are unsuitable for you such as Sharon Stone and German automobiles etc.

I had always wondered if Hasselblads were as great as they were made out to be, and then I finally got my hands on one. Can I assume that the same would be true of Sharon Stone?

Thanks to the digital revolution, I can afford a Hassy. If you search for my earlier posts, you will see that I owned a Mamiya C-330 and and did not really enjoy it. I will refrain from bashing the C-330 again.

I shoot about 50 rolls of 35mm color and 15 rolls of 35 mm black and white with my two Nikons. Now that I have a Hassy with four lenses and a 2x extender, I additionally shoot 10 to 15 rolls of black and white and 10 to 15 rolls of color 120.

Carrying the Hassy in a back pack with all the lenses is now part of my fitness program.

Back to Sharon Stone => Sharon while once young and beautiful had bcome a member of SAG. My Hassy have stayed young and beautiful. While I might not pass an opportunity with Sharon, I prefer my time with lower mileage versions.

Steve

BradS · Sep 12, 2008

I liked her in "Total Recall".

noumin · Sep 12, 2008

Hi Brad

Does every serious film shooter eventually need a hassleblad?
No, of course not, neither will it make you a better photographer.
Daydreaming about a camera you think you don't need ? Clear symptoms af GAS, and
when this disease has cought on you, then, I'm sad to say, all hope is lost and
you will end up spending money you don't have for a camera you don't need, so ...
enjoy it !

Cheers
Joerg

Q.G. · Sep 12, 2008

Need... Need... Such a difficult thing to decide.

So consider this: many, many people go from camera system to camera system.
And i don't mean switching between formats, but going from one MF system to another MF system. You can read lots about that right here, on APUG, too.

People using Hasselblads however tend not to (or no more).
No need.

hka · Sep 12, 2008

I own almost 40 years a Hasselblad and still dreaming of it.
And it was always the same 500 C/M untill some months ago.
I sold it, with pain, and buyed another model the TCC 205.
This new one is an amazing piece of equipment.
I'am still (more) happy...

Kent10D · Sep 12, 2008

Q.G. said:
People using Hasselblads however tend not to (or no more).
No need.

No more money ...

Phillip P. Dimor · Sep 12, 2008

Kent10D said:
No more money ...

Seriously.. hit the nail on the head. Also, my girlfriend has said no more cameras unless I sell the hasselblad. Fair enough. I don't want to ever sell it.

Q.G. · Sep 12, 2008

Kent10D said:
No more money ...

Nope. That's not it.
No need.

Hasselblad cameras (and the rest that goes with them) aren't as expensive as people like to think they are.
Nowadays you almost get them for free.

People having family members issue decrees demanding "no more cameras" have lost more money buying and reselling gear than they would have needed to buy a nice Hasselblad kit, even when those did cost some money.

And that's another thing with Hasselblad gear too: it is in such a high demand that prices do not drop. Get one now (used - but in perfectly good condition), don't like it (would that be possible???), and get your money back in full, one year on.

So "no more money" is really more a thing of people not having tried Hasselblads yet.

Kent10D · Sep 12, 2008

Q.G. said:
So "no more money" is really more a thing of people not having tried Hasselblads yet.

Except that I have two of the things. And a few backs. And a few lenses.
Which probably explains why I have no more money ...

No, it's true. They're cheaper than they've ever been, but they're still considerably more expensive than comparable MF gear. The resale value is nice though. Still, I don't think anyone should entertain fantasies that they're going to get a full Hasselblad kit that's in top condition "cheap."

panastasia · Sep 12, 2008

Q.G. said:
Nope.
And that's another thing with Hasselblad gear too: it is in such a high demand that prices do not drop. Get one now (used - but in perfectly good condition), don't like it (would that be possible???), and get your money back in full, one year on.

So "no more money" is really more a thing of people not having tried Hasselblads yet.

The people who buy Harley Davidson motorcycles talk the same way: "buy one now, they hold there value so well, you can sell it in two years and get your money back" - dream on. When you ask why they bought a Harley they say it's the sound they make, but it's really the name on the gas tank - it's a club. They enjoy waving to each other as members of their elite group (if you're riding on a Harley).

I almost bought one just like I almost bought a Hasselblad. I'm gad I saved the money for other things, and I can well afford both. Just my thoughts on the subject.

P.S. I don't wear cloths with the logo in plain view and I don't photograph my cameras.

Fintan · Sep 12, 2008

BradS said:
I don't have any excess cash, I don't shoot medium format, I don't need a Hasselblad...or, is that just so much blasphemy?

Does every serious film shooter eventually need a hassleblad?

What's a guy to do?

Nobody needs a Hasselblad. I tried one, it felt nice in my hands, seemed intuitive. I liked the modular nature of the system. The negatives seemed great. Thats nearly 10 years ago. I bought a few lenses over the years. I'll never sell it.

Try it and see if you like it. Buy it if you do like it and can manage the cost of it. Of all the MF systems out there, they hold their values the best.

Q.G. · Sep 12, 2008

panastasia said:
The people who buy Harley Davidson motorcycles talk the same way: "buy one now, they hold there value so well,

Well, that's not quite the same way.
I mentioned something in that vein, yes. But only in an attempt to speak the speak of people habitually switching between systems, because they have a knack of not buying the right one. Something they can understand and relate to.

The thing is:

panastasia said:
you can sell it in two years and get your money back" - dream on. [...]

Indeed: dream on. Because (the thing i mentioned earlier) people who buy a Hasselblad tend to keep them.

And no, it's not because of the sound they make, nor the name on the gas tank.
And i have yet to meet the first "member" who thinks that owning a Hasselblad makes them part of an elite club. People who buy tools, and good ones too, usually do so because they take pride in what they need them for, not the tools themselves.
Which leads us to:

panastasia said:
P.S. I don't wear cloths with the logo in plain view and I don't photograph my cameras.

Does anyone?

The fact that this is on your mind at all might be taken to suggest that you do indeed do select equipment so you can be proud of it, instead of because of what you want to achieve using them...

But joking apart: of course noone needs a Hasselblad.
Yet also, noone needs not to own a Hasselblad.
Comments along the lines of "i'm glad i didn't get one" only make sense if these bits of equipment are not fit for their purpose. They however are. Which makes such comments rather nonsensical (in the literal sense of the word).

bensonga · Sep 12, 2008

panastasia said:
P.S.......and I don't photograph my cameras.

Guilty as charged. The darn thing is just so beautifully made......I couldn't help it.

But I'm not a Hasselblad snob (and I know a few of those).....I like my Pentax 67 too. And truthfully, I think it takes pictures that are just as good as the Hasselblad/Zeiss images.

Shmoo · Sep 12, 2008

BradS said:
Thanks for all the comments and advice. I think I'll rent one and see how that goes....

Smart man. If you're not sure about a camera, see if you can rent one and test it out. You can save a lot of money if you don't particularly care for the camera and the negs. BUT...

WARNING: after you try a Hasselblad, you'll "NEED" one.

lol

pgomena · Sep 12, 2008

I wanted to own a Hasselblad for years, ever since I used one in the studio where I worked. Great system, great optics. I regarded it as a tool, not a fetish object.

My personal Rolleiflex TLR was great but not versatile enough, and I couldn't afford a 'Blad. I made do with what I had.

I bought a friend's lightly-used Hasselblad kit about 5 years ago and couldn't be happier with the choice.

The system makes it easier to realize my vision because it's versatile. The quality of the optics and optical system (viewfinder, AcuteMatte screen) give me a "high fidelity" experience that makes capturing images in the field much more enjoyable. The negs are great, markedly different in contrast and "feel" than those from the Rollei.

Are my pictures better? Only because I can capture things I couldn't with the Rollei. The system is a better tool for my needs.

My 4x5 system used to be my primary tool. As I've gotten older, my eyes are not as good, and the gear is a bit much to lug around. I have less free time to take it on safari. My Hasselblad system has largely replaced it. My Rollei and 35mm stuff gather dust in the closet until my kids are old enough to use them. I'd sell my 35mm before I sold my Rollei.

Definitely rent one. A no-pain way to check out the system.

Peter Gomena

Willie Jan · Sep 12, 2008

I used a 645 pentax which I believed was the holy grail.
But because pentax stopped the 645 analog line, i moved towards a hasselblad 501cm because not much could go wrong with it so I would be able to use it until my 90th....

I did make some tests between the pentax glass and the zeiss. I could'nt believe that it did differ that much in quality and look.
Because lot's of digitalists throw their hassy way for a few bucks, if you can buy one for a good price, I would absolutely do that. The price you pay now, will not drop within a few years. maybe the prices go up again, just like what is happening with large format gear.

panastasia · Sep 12, 2008

Q.G. said:
Comments along the lines of "i'm glad i didn't get one" only make sense if these bits of equipment are not fit for their purpose. They however are. Which makes such comments rather nonsensical (in the literal sense of the word).

I was giving my personal view knowing that it's not the having more 'things' that makes a person happy - I know that I don't need a Hasselblad even though I would like to have one - I have many things that I don't need but didn't know that when I acquired them. I now have much equipment "fit for their purpose" and I'm glad I don't have more, or need more, and I'm surely not sorry I didn't get a Hassie (or a Harley). I like being unattached (to novel things), I hope that makes sense.

I think Brads should get a Hasselblad now that he's interested in MF. He sounds like a very consevative person. Go for it Brad.

Allan Swindles · Sep 12, 2008

Nobody NEEDS a Hasselblad. There are plenty of other cameras available which will produce a decent image. You only need a Hasselblad if you want to be certain of owning a SYSTEM camera of unsurpassed quality.

frank · Sep 12, 2008

Everyone needs a Hasselblad.

bensonga · Sep 12, 2008

Allan Swindles said:
You only need a Hasselblad if you want to be certain of owning a SYSTEM camera of unsurpassed quality.

A SYSTEM camera....the Hasselblad is definitely that (unlike my Mamiya TLR or Pentax 67). By that, I mean a camera that can go either way...film or digital (I know, digital is heresy on this site). I swear, if my Pentax 67 had an interchangeable, rotating back (like the Mamiya RB/RZ 67)....I might never have bought the Hasselblad....or maybe just the 501CM.....but not the 503CWD-II.

Brad...you may think you'll never go medium format digital, but the Hasselblad V-system gives you the option, should you ever decide to live in both worlds. And believe me, the 16 megapixel Hasselblad CFV digital back with the 9 micron "fat pixels" produces some amazing images (and it will fit perfectly on a 501CM). People who know about this stuff are constantly amazed at the images this digital back can deliver.....but of course, FILM ROCKS!

I just wish someone, anyone, would come up with a way to fit a digital back on my Pentax 67. Akkk....I didn't really say that HERE, did I?

Gary Benson
Eagle River, Alaska

Sirius Glass · Sep 13, 2008

Phillip P. Dimor said:
Seriously.. hit the nail on the head. Also, my girlfriend has said no more cameras unless I sell the hasselblad. Fair enough. I don't want to ever sell it.

DUMP THE GIRLFRIEND! The camera is more reliable and will be with you longer!

Steve

André E.C. · Sep 17, 2008

Allan Swindles said:
Nobody NEEDS a Hasselblad. There are plenty of other cameras available which will produce a decent image. You only need a Hasselblad if you want to be certain of owning a SYSTEM camera of unsurpassed quality.

Ditto!

try one and see how you feel with it, feels good? Get one!

Cheers

André

Changeling1 · Sep 17, 2008

Hassy's are notoriously user-UNfriendly. The 6x6 format is wasteful of negative real-estate when printed on standard format papers. 6x7 is considered the "ideal format". You would be wise to rent or borrow a Blad and run a few rolls through it to make sure you will enjoy using it, and printing the negs..

André E.C. · Sep 17, 2008

Changeling1 said:
Hassy's are notoriously user-UNfriendly. The 6x6 format is wasteful of negative real-estate when printed on standard format papers. 6x7 is considered the "ideal format". You would be wise to rent or borrow a Blad and run a few rolls through it to make sure you will enjoy using it, and printing the negs..

Well, I strongly disagree, Hasselblads have a modus operandi, respect that and you will be rewarded, Hasselblads are as simple to operate as possible, it's straight photography, pure joy with no bells and whistles (at least in the fully mechanical models).

Waste of negative real-estate? Ok, I disagree once again, if you prefer 6x7, very well, but don't say a 6x6 is a waste, it's great if your thing, not your cup of tea? Fair enough, but don't say it's a waste, I might laugh at you.

As for the last lines of your post, wise words!

Cheers

André

daleeman · Sep 17, 2008

Just had to throw my 2 cents worth in here on this Hassei thing. I’m now the young age of 53 and I now own the camera I should have owned at 17 when I was fearless, curious and overly adventurous. My second attempt at buying a 500cm stuck. The first one was a less than honest seller on eBay. He had a 50mm lens on his that was just the worst piece of glass I have ever seen. Looked like it spent weeks submerged after hurricane Katrina. Worse yet he hid behind his lack of English language skills to claim it was perfect. The powers to be at the credit card company sided with me and he was forced to take It back… funny the same add appeared on eBay the next week. Buyer beware!

So I picked up a 500cm, w/back and an CF 80 2.8 lens for $ 600, and really enjoy it. Just took the second swallow of the purple cool-aide and picked up a 150 FC lens for $ 335.00, very clean, with caps and pouch. So a reasonable amount of investment has come to under a $ 1000. Nicely priced clean eq. Still could not have come up with that new at 17 years old, but I am grateful to do it now.

Now what I want is more time to use it. I am truly an addict with buying equipment, but at this stage of my life I really want time more than anything. Often after the sun is down I take my Hassei out just for sound therapy. Soon I hope I’ll start taking night photos too with it so I might get to hear that “clop” more often since my daylight hours keeps me locked up in a building for work. This camera is slated to go with me to Yosemite and Humboldt State Park in November and the clock is not ticking fast enough.

Thinking about a Hasselblad

noumin

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