OT - Anyone Here Also Shooting With Hasselblad?

[mikej]

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Hi, all - I'm thinking of giving medium format a try (but keeping my MP, of course). I've tried my Dad's old MF Pentax 67, a true tank of a camera, and don't like the weight/balance/left hand grip. Does anyone here shoot with a film Hasselblad (500/501/503 series) besides their Leica? What do you like/dislike?

Cheers,

Mike

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[jlancasterd]

Hi, all - I'm thinking of giving medium format a try (but keeping my MP, of course). I've tried my Dad's old MF Pentax 67, a true tank of a camera, and don't like the weight/balance/left hand grip. Does anyone here shoot with a film Hasselblad (500/501/503 series) besides their Leica? What do you like/dislike?

Cheers,

Mike

Hi Mike

 

I did give Hasselblad a try back in the 1980s but couldn't get used to the square format - I always seemed to end up with way too much foreground (or sky). I eventually went for a Bronica 6x4.5 system instead and found it much more sympathetic to my view of the world. It was also very easy to handle, especially after I fitted a rapid wind grip. I used XP2 roll film and was very happy with the results.

 

Earlier I had a Mamiya RB67 for a couple of years. That really *is* a tank of a camera - you need a strong wrist to use one single-handed whilst hanging onto the side of a train with the other.... Apart from a couple of rolls of Ektachrome for a special project I only ever used Tri-X with that camera and got lovely negatives.

 

If you do go for a 'Blad I'd suggest a prism finder is essential - even if you use a hand-held meter. The reversed image in the waist-level finder is very disconcerting when you are not used to it.

[stunsworth]

I also have a Mamiya RB67 - big, heavy and noisy with excellent results. I also have a Rolleiflex - 2.8F Planar - and this is also excellent, but a lot smaller and lighter :-)

[ron110n]

Not quite the Hassy, but other than film on my M6 and M7, I shoot the 6x6 Rolleiflex 2.8 FX. The reason why I opted the rangefinder TLR MF vs. the SLR MF is because I often shoot utilizing available light. 1/15 sec. hand-held is very important to me and I find pulling the strap down hanging on my neck as I look through the overhead VF works like a monopod on evening snaps. Overall, it shoots like an M with no need of a Tripod or flash because of the absenece of the slapping mirror. "The sweetest shutter I ever had".

 

Con: 1. One fixed normal lens, 80mm Planar. 2. Everybody look at you when you pull it out.

 

-Ron

[brunom]

Mike

 

I do, and have found that you get a different response from people when using a Hasselblad, especially if using the waist level finder [ bowing down - sort of respecting them ? ] . I've also found the square format great for compositional purposes - just because the format is square doesn't mean you have to print square. It also leads to a more considered and thought provoking way of shooting.

 

Bruno

[mwilliamsphotography]

Yes, I've always had a Hasselblad for as long as I can remember.

 

After going digital for weddings (along with everyone else moving away from MF), I've migrated back to using them... with film no less : -0

 

A SWC camera, two 503CWs, and two 203FEs, just about all the lenses. A CFV digital back (square sensor), and a Hasselblad CF22 (645 sized sensor), multiple film backs.

 

A Hasselblad and Leica M are my favorite kit.

 

It's Hip To Be Square.

 

 

Hasselblad 503CW, Zeiss 50/4, Portra 400NC

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[nikau]

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I've always had a Hasselblad (or more than one at times) since the 1970s and just love the square format - Marc Andrew Williams' photo an eloquent example of why! Although I love the 203-205 cameras with their focal plane shutter, TTL metering and faster lenses, I'm content with my 501CM and meter prism which is very accurate and gives the choice of spot or averaged reading (and can be left at home if not needed). It is a simple and dependable camera - sort of like a big M4! Incidentally, I have four Hasselblad lenses and the one I use the most, by far, is the 150mm.

A while ago, I discovered the Bronica RF645, which isn't much bigger than a Lecia and use it with great pleasure. Leica, Hasselblad, Bronica ... they all still have a place in my personal and professional work and I use whichever is best for the particular task.

[earleygallery]

I also have a Bronica 645 ETRS. You must use a prism finder with this camera however otherwise it is very difficult to take portrait format shots with the waist level finder! The excellent AE prism and speed grip make it as convenient to use as a 35mm SLR.

 

I chose the 645 as I was using it for weddings and pack shots, it meant an extra 3 frames per roll of film (if I'd opted for 6X6 most if not all images would be cropped to landscape/portrait format anyway). The Bronny has served me well and the extra frames (as well as the fact that package print d&p was the same price for 15 on as 12 on) made it a more profitable camera to use.

 

I also have a couple of TLRs a Rolleicord Va and a Seagull! Personally I like composing to the square format with these cameras. It does make you look at subjects differently. I've also found the TLR more recently to be an excellent street camera. People don't register that you are taking a photo as you're not looking in their direction. They don't always realise its a camera!

 

There is another benefit in using 6X6 with a waist level finder for portraits/weddings, in that you can set the camera on a tripod and maintain direct eye contact with your subjects rather than squinting through a viewfinder.

 

Certainly look at the Hasselblad but beware that most will have led hard lives. The Bronny ETR or SQ are also well worth considering (prices are very low for bodies/finders/lenses) and of course a nice Rolleiflex or Rolleicord Va/b if you can manage with the one lens.

[erl]

Hi, all - I'm thinking of giving medium format a try (but keeping my MP, of course). I've tried my Dad's old MF Pentax 67, a true tank of a camera, and don't like the weight/balance/left hand grip. Does anyone here shoot with a film Hasselblad (500/501/503 series) besides their Leica? What do you like/dislike?

Cheers,

Mike

Mike, I am going to play devil's advocate here. I speak as a looong time Blad user, currently 4 bodies, 7 lenses, 5 mags, etc.

 

What is your motivation for 'giving MF a try'? Is it for the 'gear' or is it for a 'need' to create your pictures? If you can answer those questions to yourself you are well on the way to a good decision.

 

When it comes to 'like/dislike' of any camera, take note that they can be reversed according to what you are trying to achieve. For me, a Hasselblad is ergonomically part of me because I have configured mine to suit my shooting needs. I use 220 magazines mainly, with a 45 deg. prism finder on the 203FE (aperture priority) and a winder. This approaches 35mm convenience with obviously larger film area and the benefits that provides. It IS heavier than my (now) main camera kit of Leica M's, but balances very comfortably. It is a more deliberate system to use which does produce more studied style of images usually, but not necessarily. I like the square format, in fact, for my personal work, I prefer it for a number of reasons. First, it allows a different form of image shape naturally, or if cropping to a rectangle is desirable, no movement of the camera is required as cropping is a 'mental' process at the time of shooting. I have lost many pics while rotating a 35mm camera fron V to H.

 

Remember, going up a format also needs to include upgraded enlarger and/or scanner facilities. All of which is great, but does attract a cost. Factor that in.

 

Something that can't be measured is the joy of using the gear of choice whether it be Leica, Hasselblad, or whatever. Your accountant gets this part wrong every time. I have used Hasselblad to earn a livng for more than 40 years. It is only in the last 5 or so that Leica has taken over for me. With the aquisition of the M8, I fear my Blad outfit will be purely for my own indulgence from here on in.

 

Go enjoy your choice.

 

Cheers,

Erl

[mikej]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies, everyone. Great shot, Marc - on my screen I had to scroll for a while before I got to the couple - a nice surprise.

 

@Erl - I like the gear, but mostly I want to get more detail into my shots. I seem to be doing a fair amount of landscapes right now and I like the possibility of capturing more detail. These are not spontaneous shots, such as street photography, so I can live with the slower setup/process.

 

I'm also looking at a Mamiya 7 II because I do like the rangefinder way of focusing. My eyes aren't great, so focusing from waist-level is an unanswered question. I actually tried a rental unit (501cx) from a store in DC today just to get some hands-on time and I may rent the Hasselblad for a weekend before taking the plunge.

 

Cheers,

Mike

[erl]

Mike,

 

Renting is a good idea to start with. The Blad is good for landscapes. Viewing has many options with interchangeable screens, hoods etc. All adabptable to your style. It is not such an ordeal to carry MF gear if you are determined on your objective.

 

A couple of years ago, I was subjected to major surgery that saw me cut from 'naval to knackers'. Six weeks later I was carrying a full Blad kit and climbing the tallest sand dunes in my region. The climb took 4 hours. For reasons of weather, I had to repeat it in the afternoon to get the shot I wanted. All against my surgeons advice, but he was impressed that my guts withstood the test.

 

I have attached an image that epitomizes my style with the Blad. I like to use selective focus on landscapes, much as I do with people when shooting 'street', to emphasize to subject. I think this shot was using the 150mm Sonnar, probably close to wide open @ f4. It also demonstrates my love of the square format.

 

 

Cheers,

Erl

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[Guest lykoudos]

Mike,

 

Renting is a good idea to start with. The Blad is good for landscapes. Viewing has many options with interchangeable screens, hoods etc. All adabptable to your style. It is not such an ordeal to carry MF gear if you are determined on your objective.

 

A couple of years ago, I was subjected to major surgery that saw me cut from 'naval to knackers'. Six weeks later I was carrying a full Blad kit and climbing the tallest sand dunes in my region. The climb took 4 hours. For reasons of weather, I had to repeat it in the afternoon to get the shot I wanted. All against my surgeons advice, but he was impressed that my guts withstood the test.

 

I have attached an image that epitomizes my style with the Blad. I like to use selective focus on landscapes, much as I do with people when shooting 'street', to emphasize to subject. I think this shot was using the 150mm Sonnar, probably close to wide open @ f4. It also demonstrates my love of the square format.

 

 

Cheers,

Erl

Hello Erl,

 

Wonderful one and me impressing admission of this path. Such ways have mysterious, magic for me always somewhat. One never point, which expects one at the end. Thank you for this view.

 

Kind regards and a good new year.

 

Wolfgang (Leica MP)

[erl]

Wolfgang,

 

I am glad you like it. I am lucky because I walk this track every day with Merlin, my German Sheperd Dog. Even though I walk it regularly, it still evokes the mystery you have seen.

 

Cheers,

Erl

[ron110n]

Eye poping Earl.

Don't you think we should have an MF photo forum here. =)

 

Thanks for sharing!

-Ron

[erl]

Thanks Ron. Re a MF Forum here, I think would not be accepted. This is the Leica Forum. Even this thread is stretching it, except we are "Leica People" briefly sharing another common interest.

 

Cheers,

Erl

[mwilliamsphotography]

God I love that Erl. Ya just gotta love these cameras and how they help you accomplish your vision.

 

And they are such bargains now if you hunt a bit. I just landed a second new 203FE body for $1,500. from a dealer clearing his shelves. Wahooooo!

 

The Leica M and Hasselblad V cameras are like a dream team.

[erl]

Marc, I am impressed that you like my pic. I am a great admirer of your work. Probably because we have trodden the same path(s) workwise. I know (some of) the trials you face in your work because I have been there, done that etc. I appreciate how hard it is, sometimes, just to get an ordinary picture for a domestic client. I suppose I am considered semi-retired now. But I am not stopping.

 

That 203FE for $1500 is a bargain. When I think of what I paid for mine. I must admit that after 12 years of heavy work and my first one failed, Hasselblad gave me a brand new one, FREE. Not a bad warranty eh! That's the one I still have. Just might take it out on the track again tomorrow.

 

It's not so bad having my M8 in Solms when I get to play with a Blad 203FE. Just might stick the Schneider Variogon (140-280mm) on it for an airing.

 

Cheers,

Erl

[mikej]

Beautiful shot, Erl. It looks like it was taken at a sheperd's eye level! The detail is fantastic and encouraging. Thanks for sharing.

Mike

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Hallo,

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[Rolo]

I've used a V Series Hasselblad since the late 80's.

 

I've also owned Rollei TLR's since 1974 and have never had a sharper lens than the Rolleiflex 2.8f that I've owned since 1984, a truly wonderful camera.

 

The attached was shot with a 'blad with a 150mm lens.

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[Guest smep_reloaded]

I use Hasselblad since 1992.

 

500c/m and 553elx + CFE40/4.0 T* + CB60/3.5 T* + CF80/2.8 T* + CF150/4.0 T*

 

Most of the time for (Celebrity-) Portrait but also when I travel.

 

Best travel kit is a 500c/m + 80/2.8 and Leica M

 

[ATTACH]19794[/ATTACH]

Leni R.´s 100th Birthday, 22.08.2002 (553elx + CFE 40/4.0)

 

 

[ATTACH]19798[/ATTACH]

Baracoa, Cuba 2006 (500c/m + CF 80/2.8)

 

http://view.stern.de/fc/serie/15289/