How many Leica owners also have a Hasselblad ?

[pico]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Honcho, I'd think someone would have created a pp action to add the V-notches to the image.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[honcho]

It's that crop that puts me off, I have a Phase One P20 which is good because it is square sensor, but poor because of the iso limits, (Portra 400 is more forgiving) I tend to shoot a lot of verticals ( if the "sensor" is not square) which the "ordinary" digital sensors make a challenge on the V.

Will you share "strong opinions" or does the loan have strings attached?

 No strings attached to the loan, I don't work that way.

 

My first digital back was an Imacon V96c on a 501, which was a disaster.  That experience put me off any back that relies on cables, including the P1 P45+  Before I used this CFV-50c, I would have agreed with your comments on the rectangular sensor.  What I have found is, whilst the CFV-50c might not be ideal for portrait and wedding photographers, for my purposes as a landscape photographer, the crop factor of the rectangle is not as big a drawback as I previously thought it might be.  there is an option to set a 1:1 crop, with considerable effects on resolution and angle of view.

 

I'll post my thoughts about the back on my website soon but there's no denying that 3FR files processed in Phocus are compelling.

Edited August 9, 2016 by honcho

[chris_livsey]

 No strings attached to the loan, I don't work that way.

 

I'll post my thoughts about the back on my website soon but there's no denying that 3FR files processed in Phocus are compelling.

 

Good to know.

The latest Phocus does produce good colour out of the box, it is consistent across the products as well despite the sensors being different. The most recent version has made it more likely to be the one stop program, depending on needs of course, the masks in C1 and their colour wheels are amazing but require a level of operator skill I fall short of.

What is also compelling is the attractive price for that back, there may be more shaving available as rumours of a markII with the new touch screen are about.

[honcho]

Good to know.

The latest Phocus does produce good colour out of the box, it is consistent across the products as well despite the sensors being different. The most recent version has made it more likely to be the one stop program, depending on needs of course, the masks in C1 and their colour wheels are amazing but require a level of operator skill I fall short of.

What is also compelling is the attractive price for that back, there may be more shaving available as rumours of a markII with the new touch screen are about.

I've found Phocus to be easy to get around and very intuitive, it certainly brings out the best of the 3FR files compared to ACR and Iridient, I have yet to try processing in C1 Pro.. The whole experience so far with the CFV-50c is positive for my intended purpose. Not too impressed with battery, though, it seems to die within a couple of hours. That said, I had a conversation about this with a landscapist friend in Ireland who says he can get through a full day's shooting on two batteries. It may be that my demo battery is knackered, but generics are cheap enough.

 

The price is very attractive at the moment, possibly because of the rumoured upgrade as you say and I am weighing this against the X1D (which may not be as versatile for my use in some ways). Most of the reasons I hold for not going down the CFV-50c route are somewhat forgotten when actually using it and seeing the output, which is quite telling.

[EoinC]

I'm looking forward to your website write-up, Steve. I've been impressed with what I've seen of the CFV-50C, but haven't had a chance to use one. The price reduction makes it quite attractive, and I love my V-series.

 

Damn, that means sneaking a SWC and a CFV-50C into the house - I need to stop reading this thread, as it's endangering my future wellbeing.

[gbealnz]

Fortunately I can't afford anything like this, but I did wonder about the digital backs available for (in my case) the SWC.

 

I'm sure I read a few "reports" which indicated less than favourable results with a digital back on the (specifically) SWC?

 

Best option is to allow Eoin to be the ginuea pig. Or get Neil on the case.

Gary

[honcho]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Stanage Edge, yesterday.

 

Hasselbald 503CW

Zeiss 50mm Cfi distagon

Lee polariser

CFV-50c back, 100iso

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[Keith (M)]

Honcho, I'd think someone would have created a pp action to add the V-notches to the image.

Like these?  (Perfect Effects B&W Suite frame option)

[chris_livsey]

II have yet to try processing in C1 Pro.. 

 

Hasselblad files will not open in C1, even the Pro version. The pro version has a long list of compatible cameras, Leica, Nikon Canon Fuji etc but as company policy does not include any medium format competitors. The way Phocus and C1 handle the colour from the RAW is fundamentally different, each have their adherents. C1 is free for users of their backs but without payment is restricted to those files. Those with long memories will recall a version was included with the M8.

 

I understand the X1D waiting list is onwards of 12 months now, looks like Hasselblad hit the spot.

 

 

On the SWC, depending on the digital back, lens casts are a problem, sorted with a lens cast correction frame, some very early SWC's have a ridge on the rear that prevents digital backs mounting but that can be milled away, if you are brave. Then of course there is the crop which rather spoils the fun.

I'm not a big Ming Thein fan but this covers the options:

 

https://blog.mingthein.com/2013/07/29/fd-shooting-with-the-legends-the-hasselblad-903-swc/

[pico]

To you Hasselblad enthusiasts - I still have my original 500c three lens kit, plus several backs, and an earlier SWC. Is there somewhere that explains What fits What, including digital backs. Thank you in advance.

[honcho]

It's  been a very interesting few days using the CFV-50c, unfortunately Hasselblad want it back!

 

Hasselblad 503cw

50mm cfi distagon

CFV-50c at 100 iso

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[Rolo]

This week I was the leading eBay bidder on a CFV-50 back, not the 50C, and in the closing minutes I realised it was a scam and after talking to eBay, I cancelled my bid. eBay subsequently terminated the seller's account.

 

I've previously owned a CFV-16 which produced beautiful files, but I couldn't bear the crop factor. Not just because of the affect on lenses, but largely because of the difficulty in shooting further back and the greater difficulty in focusing. Hitting critical focus on the eyes became hit and miss. For wedding work it was too much of a risk and I abandoned it.

 

The CFV-39 and the CFV-50 are much wider than the CFV-16, but the CFV-50C has not got the maximum width. I might be peculiar in that I judge my lenses by their ability to produce a wide square image and the SWC is king in that. I have a Super-Elmar-S 24mm (19mm equivalent) and the SWC produces a wider angle on the square. The digital backs on the SWC produces an equivalent Hass 50mm. So not ultra wide, or near.

 

The SWC is my favourite camera. I have the VC viewfinder and the GG back, which I've only used about 4 times. It's not essential to me, but the cost of owning it is small. The beautiful VC viewfinder is a different matter and its value approaches the cost of an SWC.

 

I'm truly hoping that Hasselblad will introduce a large square sensor at Photokina, but mustn't hold my breath.

 

Highly recommended camera.

 

Gary

[chris_livsey]

CFV-50c: will all H6D features be integrated into future CFV backs?

In the next revision of the CFV back the relevant and compatible features will be added.

 

http://hasselbladbron.com/products/product-faqs/hasselblad/faqs-hasselbladcamera.html

[honcho]

 

 

 .....Hitting critical focus on the eyes became hit and miss. For wedding work it was too much of a risk and I abandoned it.....

 

 

 

......I'm truly hoping that Hasselblad will introduce a large square sensor at Photokina, but mustn't hold my breath.

 

 

 

A 1:1 large sensor at the right price would no doubt have a ready market, but part of the dilemma would be to price it to sit comfortably with the H6D and X1D without affecting sales of either.

 

My time with the CFV-50c has been interesting, very different from my previous experiences with digital backs on V series cameras and it isn't over yet,  Hasselblad are sending another CFV-50c for me to use for a longer test period and I will be going into this second test opportunity knowing exactly what to expect without the novelty factor as a distraction.

 

The arguments against investing in the CFV-50c are convincing on the face of it.  The crop factor is an obvious and, for some, a deal-breaking disadvantage and the sensor is not a 'medium format' sensor, despite the marketing hype.   Worse still, shooting people in portrait format is one of the worst user experiences in the history of photography and the lack of exif and on board lens correction is a real pain. 

 

There are plenty more practical reasons that can be added to the list too, such as weight, bulk, lack of weather sealing, slow manual operation and obsolete mechanical hardware.  It all adds up to paint a picture of anachronistic obsolescence and pointless pride of ownership and I didn't even mention the focusing.  Until, that is, you actually get your hands on one and make some images with it.  That's when many of those 'convincing arguments' can begin to disintegrate.

 

Wedding photography with a CFV-50c?  No!  Been there before and binned that idea long ago.  Landscape & travel photography witha CFV-50c? Absolutely!

 

The SWC is a nice enough camera (back when it counted, my choice between them was for  Mamiya 7(ii) with, superior imo, 43mm Sekor), but as the vexed question of angle of view could be a deal-breaker for some landscapists, sometimes a change to a slightly sideways look at the overall picture is as good as a rest.  

 

From my point of view,  and I mean mine only,  the CFV-50c could easily be rather more useful to me than the X1D for wide format photography.

 

Think Cambo WRS-1200 and you'll get my drift.

                                                                             

Edited August 18, 2016 by honcho

[Rolo]

The SWC is a nice enough camera (back when it counted, my choice between them was for  Mamiya 7(ii) with, superior imo, 43mm Sekor), but as the vexed question of angle of view could be a deal-breaker for some landscapists, sometimes a change to a slightly sideways look at the overall picture is as good as a rest.  

 

The wider angle of view of the 38mm Biogon vs the Mamiya 43mm was a deal breaker for me. 72.7 deg vs 65.2 :-). Sadly for my purposes, the Biogon is wider, on the short side, than Leica's 24mm S lens.

 

However, when I sold both of the Mamiya 7s I've owned, I was influenced by the digital option, the interchangeable film backs and the opportunity (rarely used by me) of through the lens viewing.

 

Really hope you enjoy the 50C. I do expect a further development to be announced at Photokina. Hasselblad have stated that the CFV back is their biggest seller and there's definitely an ongoing market for a bigger sensor, or a back that can be switched to the vertical. The latter is much needed, imo.

[honcho]

?........

Really hope you enjoy the 50C. I do expect a further development to be announced at Photokina. Hasselblad have stated that the CFV back is their biggest seller and there's definitely an ongoing market for a bigger sensor, or a back that can be switched to the vertical. The latter is much needed, imo.

Some years ago I was almost convinced that Leaf had come up with the solution to portrait format until I tried one. I've never understood why Hasselblad have continued to cripple their CFV backs like this. With the underslung battery, a revolving sensor would be the neatest method but even a simple option to detach and reattach the back in portrait format would be helpful! Photokina may well reveal something, we'll have to wait and see.

 

What is probably most wanted, though, is a large 1:1 sensor with minimal or no crop factor!

[Rolo]

Here's 2 images of the same subject, at the same location, but 12 months apart.  So can't be an absolute comparison.

 

First is taken on film with a Hasselblad 203FE fitted with 110mm FE F 2.0 lens.  This lens has less DoF than a Noctilux.

 

Second image is with the same 110mm lens, but on a Leica S, using the V Adapter.

 

I can post similar comparisons at a different location taken with the Hasselblad on film and similar taken on an M9, if there's any interest in this.

 

Gary

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[Rolo]

Here's the Leica S version with the same Hasselblad 110mm lens on a Leica V Adapter.

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited August 19, 2016 by Rolo

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[chrism]

Always a pleasure to look at your photos, Rolo. I would certainly be interested in seeing your comparisons.

[chris_livsey]

Most pertinent Rolo, my last foray on the 500 'blad film wise was shooting the 80/2.8 wide open with a view to purchasing a 110mm f2 which for me means a 200 series body as well, such a shame the H cf adapter does not help here!!

That combination actually would cost me less than the H 100m f2.2 which is the other contender, either that or the Contax 645 80mm/f2 combo, there is a set for £2K in the UK at the moment.

 

Your shots as ever are of the highest standard and appreciated, I hadn't factored the Leica S into the equation (my H has a P45+ currently) that 110mm does render beautifully but is a touch long for my taste, I find the 100m f3.5 is OK after a few rolls, repeat after me - I must rationalise my kit, I must .......