To Hassy or not to Hassy, that is the question..

pgomena · Aug 11, 2009

If you live in a larger city, rent a Hasselblad from a pro photography shop. Run a couple of rolls of transparency film through it and look at them on a light box with a good loupe. You'll like what you see.

I own a Hassy and a faithful old Rollei TLR. The Rollei mostly gathers dust these days, but if I'm off on safari, it's in the kit as backup. I love the Hasselblad's lens interchangeability and the fact that I can have two (or more) film backs at my disposal, each with a different film or marked for "normal" or "plus" or "minus". The Rollei is good, the Hassy more versatile. The lenses are equally good but different. The TLR has a tessar-type Schneider, the Hassy the Planar. The Rollei has always seemed sharp but contrasty, the Hasselblad sharp but smooth and less contrasty. Each has its place. I find the Hassy is handy to use and a well-thought-out system. I'm a happy guy.

Peter Gomena

aluncrockford · Aug 11, 2009

May I suggest you get a Hasselblad 500CM ,prism and a standard lens ,the age of the lens is not important as the older models will work just as well . The Hasselblad is one of the easiest cameras to use ,it fits in your hand and you do not need a tripod if you keep the speeds up , ,you can also expand kit fairly easily and if you do decide to have a digital option then a phase one P back will fit on the back .
The next stage is to start processing and printing your own film ,but that is an entirly different story
There are a few shops that sell them second hand in the UK and I am sure they ship world wide .Apeture's owner is from Japan and I am sure he has a great deal of experience of shipping to the far east

http://apertureuk.com/used-Has.htm

Dead Link Removed

http://www.teamworkphoto.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=77_191_199

Bokeh Guy · Aug 11, 2009

Since I'm selling off my Hassey stuff, just my two cents.

I think camera buying is all trial and error. I bought a Nikon F6 and loved it until I picked up a Leica R with manual focusing. Then I traded the R in when I picked up a Leica M. I love the Ms and wouldn't trade them for anything out there.

On the MF front, I bought a Mamiya 7ii. Though folks say it's like a big Leica, it's not. I didn't like it and just sold off the last lens. I bought a Hassey 203FE because I had ditched the 7ii and another photographer I know took fantastic photos with it. Now I'm selling the whole system because it just didn't suit me. Maybe it's the mirror slap; maybe it's the lenses. I don't know, but it felt like washing my feet with my socks on. So now I'm on to Rolleiflexes.

Some would say, "Gee whiz, why don't you make up your mind?" I'd say, "I am, just takin' a bit of time." Frankly, I've enjoyed going through different systems--figuring them out and then figuring out what's for me and what's not. Fortunately, I've gotten pretty good deals on everything so all the experience really hasn't cost me anything but the original outlay.

So, I'd say pick up the Hassey and if you don't like it, it's no big deal. Sell it and get something else. You might be like me and not like a huge selection of lenses, winders, film backs, yada, yada, yada. Or you might be like some of the guys on the thread and really be able to take advantage of a modular system the way I couldn't.

And just on kinda a side note. I bought a Noctilux for my Leica on a real whim. Personally, I don't like 50s and I didn't see what the lens had to offer. Now it's the best lens in my lineup and my wife has said that I'd have to sell everything else off before I let go of the Noct. So, you never know until you try it.

Sirius Glass · Aug 11, 2009

I do not recommend that you buy a camera try it and then sell it. That is by random walk and by trial and error with emphasis on error.

First choose your format. Which you did already. MF
Second what type of photography do you do? Want to do?
Decide whether you want a TLR or SLR.
If you can find one you are interested in in as camera store, hold it and see how it feels, even if you can't rent one.

As far as the mythical mirror bounce "problem" check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkKcbyh2CrA

I posted before that I think you will be very happy with a Hasselblad. TLRs do not let you switch lenses except for the C2xx and the C3xx which are heavy, bulky and slow.

What the heck, you know you want one ... buy it!

Steve

JRJacobs · Aug 11, 2009

Sirius Glass said:
Second what type of photography do you do? Want to do?
Decide whether you want a TLR or SLR.

This is really the best advice on this thread. The reality is that a Rollei and a Hassie both make 6x6 images, both use a WLF, and both have a crank on the side. They also (assuming the "better" Rollei's) both have an 80mm Planar lens - photos from both cameras are more similar than different. The difference is in what types of shooting each design excels at.

I owned a Rolleiflex 2.8F for years and absolutely adored it. When a friend of mine decided to sell his Hassie, he lent it to me to try. I found I really enjoyed the camera, especially the option of being able to change film mid-roll with the interchangable backs. I found that carrying the Hassie with the WLF and the 80mm lens is not an appreciable weight difference to carrying the Rollei. And when I want to, I can use different lenses as well, and change the film magazines. I sold the Rollei and do not regret it at all. The Hasselblad makes just as wonderful of photos, but is more versatile and is more suited to my shooting style.

Sirius Glass · Aug 11, 2009

JRJacobs said:
The Hasselblad makes just as wonderful of photos, but is more versatile and is more suited to my shooting style.

And that is the heart of the matter => what is your style of shooting?

There is no right or wrong answer for this. Your style is your style, so buy the equipment that supports your style.

Steve

Bokeh Guy · Aug 11, 2009

Completely random trial and error? No, I didn't suggest that. But I don't know of a single photographer who picked up his favorite camera on the first bite. Or didn't try out some others just to see what was what (even Cartier Bresson did that).

I didn't know that I liked rangefinders until I picked up a tried a Leica M. Indeed, I didn't know that I'd like rangefinder shooting at all until I had the M.

I thought I'd like a Hassey SLR because so many people do, but I found out that it wasn't my cup of tea. I did find, however, that I liked the square format over the 6x7 for MF and I wouldn't have found that out except for the Hassey.

If I had stuck to the Nikon F6 because that's what I originally thought I wanted, I would have missed out on a whole host of other opportunities.

So, get the Hassey and if you don't like it you don't have to sweat it. Sell it and use the money for something else. Trading in and out of cameras and lenses is not that big a deal.

clayne · Aug 11, 2009

Sirius Glass said:
I posted before that I think you will be very happy with a Hasselblad. TLRs do not let you switch lenses except for the C2xx and the C3xx which are heavy, bulky and slow.

What the heck, you know you want one ... buy it!

Steve

I'm not going to have the weight debate because I don't think it's really that heavy, but how are the Mamiya TLRs slower than the Hasselblad?

Atleast on the C-330: advance, focus, shoot, repeat.

Sirius Glass · Aug 11, 2009

clayne said:
I'm not going to have the weight debate because I don't think it's really that heavy, but how are the Mamiya TLRs slower than the Hasselblad?

Atleast on the C-330: advance, focus, shoot, repeat.

Search my postings for the C-330. I have extensively posted my experience. In short, in spite of the fact that I was very familiar with the camera, I found the fiddle factor [time spent flipping the camera from one side to the other when making setting] way too high. The design is awkward. I found the Hasselblad handled like a large 35mm camera [when the PME prism was attached] with a really large viewfinder.

At least on the C-330: advance, focus, shoot, repeat: all good; the set up was t-o-o s-l-o-w even though I shot a large number of rolls of film.

Steve

tomkatf · Aug 11, 2009

archphoto said:
Bibowj, for what I see on that site is a range of lenses used on a Hassie: from 50mm wide angle to 250mm tele.
He loves to shoot wide open to seperate his objects from the background, something very hard to get with digital.
And then he prints his negatives quite contrasty.
It is great photography, something that can not be learned in a day or two, this takes years.

Buying a Hassie would be a good thing I think.
Get a 80mm and a 150mm with it and a lightmeter and start learning.
Be prepared to take your time with each shot and be very aware of the light you are using.
Photographing on MF is totaly diferent than with a digi, nothing is automatic and that is the beauty of it: you are in control, not the camera.

Welcome to the club !

Peter

I think Peter has it all right... Be aware of the light and the moment, use large apertures to get shallow DOF, print fairly dark and contrasty ... what I would add is that a lot of the "look" in this work is created "post production"(after shooting/processing), during the printing (or Photoshop...sorry!) phase. Nearly all of the images have VERY significant edge and corner burning, which isolates and draws your eye to the central portion of the image... a "straight print" of any of these images would have MUCH less drama and impact... Get the Hasselblad and start shooting!

Best,
Tom

clayne · Aug 11, 2009

Sirius Glass said:
Search my postings for the C-330. I have extensively posted my experience. In short, in spite of the fact that I was very familiar with the camera, I found the fiddle factor [time spent flipping the camera from one side to the other when making setting] way too high. The design is awkward. I found the Hasselblad handled like a large 35mm camera [when the PME prism was attached] with a really large viewfinder.

At least on the C-330: advance, focus, shoot, repeat: all good; the set up was t-o-o s-l-o-w even though I shot a large number of rolls of film.

Steve

How is the 'blad faster? Are you not doing the exact same steps with the SLR? I don't get what is awkward about the C-330, the aperture is right there on the lens, as is shutter speed. I believe you're just more familiar with SLRs and prisms and prefer their feel, which is fine, but this doesn't mean the C-330 is inherently slow.

Shangheye · Aug 12, 2009

To stay on topic about your later question, both cameras will be reliable if you buy them from a reputable source with a return policy. I have bought plenty from Adorama and have never been disappointed. Always just as described. Age has nothiung to do with it in my opinion.

Rgds, Kal

Sirius Glass · Aug 12, 2009

clayne said:
How is the 'blad faster? Are you not doing the exact same steps with the SLR? I don't get what is awkward about the C-330, the aperture is right there on the lens, as is shutter speed. I believe you're just more familiar with SLRs and prisms and prefer their feel, which is fine, but this doesn't mean the C-330 is inherently slow.

Some of the lens get cocked when the film is advanced. Some do not.

Flipping the camera from one side to the other to check whether or not the lens is cocked and the setting the shutter speed and aperture is inconvenient and slow.

With a Hasselblad the PME provides the EV, set the EV on the lens, then if necessary change the shutter speed and the aperture is still set. Much like a 35mm camera, no flipping the camera back and forth.

The C-330 had many improvements over its competitors when it was design, but good ergonomics were not included.

YMMV

Steve

AgentX · Aug 12, 2009

Hm, I have to look at the lens on a Hassy to see what aperture and shutter speed are set, just like I have to do with a C330. Both cameras require a wind of the crank (or knob, for some Hassies) to advance film and cock the shutter.

What happens when I press the release on a C330, though, is an instant shot and no interruption of the view through the exposure, with a minimum of noise. Not the same for a Hassy. Which is why I stuck with the TLRs...they're better dynamic shooters, for me. Not to mention I find the rack focusing on the Mamiya faster than twisting the Hassy focus ring...but that's probably habit talking.

It takes all kinds and there are certainly no absolutes.

(edit: and I want a Hassy, too! But the Mamiya is overall a better camera for me and I don't need that 'blad.)

-Mike

Sirius Glass · Aug 12, 2009

AgentX said:
Hm, I have to look at the lens on a Hassy to see what aperture and shutter speed are set, just like I have to do with a C330. Both cameras require a wind of the crank (or knob, for some Hassies) to advance film and cock the shutter.

Yes, but to do so, one must turn the C-330 on its side, with the Hasselblad the information is on the top of the lens. It is part of the fiddle factor.

AgentX said:
What happens when I press the release on a C330, though, is an instant shot and no interruption of the view through the exposure, with a minimum of noise. Not the same for a Hassy. Which is why I stuck with the TLRs...they're better dynamic shooters, for me.

That was an annoyance for me, but learned to retain the last image in my mind and that tells me what was taken. Again YMMV, this might not work for you.

AgentX said:
Not to mention I find the rack focusing on the Mamiya faster than twisting the Hassy focus ring...but that's probably habit talking.

I think that that is personal. The Mamiya C2xx and C3xx do have an advantage of close up focusing using the built in bellows, which frankly are more convenient than using extension tubes. After I shot lots of photographs of flowers and cacti, I lost interest in most close up photography unless it was something really special.

AgentX said:
It takes all kinds and there are certainly no absolutes.

I agree that there are no absolutes. I posted my comments as my opinion not as an absolute fact. There are many in APUG who are quite happy with the Mamiya TLRs.

AgentX said:
(edit: and I want a Hassy, too! But the Mamiya is overall a better camera for me and I don't need that 'blad.)

I think you meant to say:"(edit: and I want a Hassy, too! But the Mamiya is overall a better camera for me and I don't need one that 'blad.)[/quote]"

Steve

AgentX · Aug 12, 2009

Well, yeah, I was just presenting another opinion...I'm glad your hassy works best for you...

Dave in Kansas · Aug 12, 2009

I think camera selection is a very personal choice. I have a C-330 and a Hasselblad and a Bronica. They are all different, but I like them all. Sometimes I'll pick up one to use, and sometimes one of the others. I really love my C-330 and perhaps I'm faster focusing with it, I don't know, but it seems real natural. Maybe just because I've had it the longest. And TLRs look real cool too.

All good stuff.

Dave

Sirius Glass · Aug 12, 2009

A TLR, especially a C-330 with the 250mm lens does attract attention.

Steve

André E.C. · Aug 13, 2009

Great! If you wanna be the center of attention while photographing, by all means, get a C-330.

What a brick!

Cheers

André

Willie Jan · Aug 13, 2009

pictures on the internet could be different than the actual print...
Sharpening is easy with photoshop to create a complete different picture.
So you never know how the original print looks like.

But I also use a blad and take it with me anywhere on the planet.
I had several different cameras like the pentax 67 and 645, but eventually went for a blad 501cm because it's all mechanical and still will work after a nuclear war and after 20 years when electronic devices will break down...

Sirius Glass · Aug 13, 2009

André E.C. said:
What a brick!

I would use another word, but I posted my opinion of the C-330 enough times for everyone to read between the lines. :rolleyes:

Steve

JRJacobs · Aug 13, 2009

André E.C. said:
What a brick!

LOL!

bibowj · Aug 14, 2009

Ok folks...update.

After a week of through research and reading the great advice that I was given here, I made a decision and Ill explain why.

I bought the 500 CM with the black 80mm, the 150 F4 T*, WLF and a new screen...

What I did to make the decision was I went to this link: http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/6x6,portrait it shows the best flickr images under 6x6 and portrait, both of which fit me...i mostly want to do portraits and I really like 6x6. All i did was clicked on the images that jumped at me and read the key words to see what camera they were using... and over and over it was either the R-flex or a 500/501 CM, so I knew that I was on the right course.

I decided on the Hassy simply because its a system that I can grown into like everyone said here, and the selection of used gear is more abundant. I had a hard time finding a E+ R-flex for under $1000...and with a camera that old, I know i might get a bad deal..odds are just higher of getting a good condition Hassy.

I will however, buy a Rolleiflex later... before I got on my next holiday...

THanks again for your advice!

JRJacobs · Aug 14, 2009

Congrats on your Hasselblad! The 500CM is a great camera. You will love the 150mm for your portrait work, it is a wonderful lens. Look forward to seeing your first shots.

Sirius Glass · Aug 14, 2009

Congratulations! You made a wise choice that you will have no regrets about. You now have a flexible system that can grow but yet is quite useful now.

Enjoy ...

Steve

To Hassy or not to Hassy, that is the question..

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