Considering buying a Hasselblad, am I mad...

[satans worm]

So Ive worked my way from a 110 camera, Minolta X300, Minolta 7000, canon eos3 and currently eos 6d

My next step was going to be to buy a new high pixel mirrorless canon but the r5 specs seem to be for a video person not landscape photographer kind of person, and I’ve kinda run out of patience with waiting

I thought of the large pixel count Sony , considered jumping into the 50mp medium format Fuji, but after watching lots of Nick Carver and Ben Horne YouTube videos, I have gained an itch for a Hasselblad 500 ( well aware they never shoot with one but the whole rabbit hole thing happened...)

So looking to supplement , not disregard, my digital camera with such a beast

Anyone done this or has experience with one?

I have no idea if don’t meet your hero’s is a thing in the camera world, but I might find out, as soon as I find a decent priced one that is

[singlecoil]

Would you be looking to invest in lenses of sufficient quality to make the difference noticeable? It would make the overall investment a LOT.

Why not try a Canon 5DSR first, available second hand for £1,200 ish, 50 MP and very much a still camera. Put some L glass with it and you can take some really nice, highly detailed pictures.

[Phunk]

It’s better to ask what Is it about your 6D you don’t like and what kind of photography do you do?

[Bacardi]

Definitely mad… Shot with them for decades now, film and digital backs and still have 3 bodies and a shelf of lenses. I personally love them, but it’s back to basics, purist process. This guy might be food for thought, who I think is mates with Nick Carver, bought one and shoots film.. not necessarily the film I would have chosen… and contrary to what he says, you can still get nearly on the spot feedback with Polaroid/impossible project and Fujiroid, which can lead to other creative unique processes like image transfers and emulsion lifts. 3 weeks for film dev seems a long time, but you could always shoot in B&W and develop your own…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqzXzLY326U

[StevieBee]

I'd always considered Hasselblad to be a touch like snake oil. Their quality being amplified by the 'expectation' of quality.

I was working with a very experienced and competent pro some years back who had just got a new one - £25k's worth. The thing kept closing down after every shot so he reverted to his D3 Nikon half way through the shoot. The campaign for which the shoot was for was published and do this day neither he or I can determine which shots were shot on the Nikon and which we on the 'Blad'.

So on the one hand, this proved my long held theory that you can perhaps tell the photographer that took a shot but nobody can tell what gear he used.

However.....

I have recently got myself a Drone - a Mavic Pro 2 to which is stuck a Hasselblad camera. Now, I'm not so dim to think this is a 'true' Hasselblad but some research does suggest it was designed by them. And I have to say that the quality of images it captures is remarkable (photos and video) to the point that have used the Drone as a normal camera on a few occasions.

And the pro I mentioned has recently said he's looking again at getting one having long since returned the other (which turned out to be a fault with the firmware).

[RobDickinson]

Phunk said:

It’s better to ask what Is it about your 6D you don’t like and what kind of photography do you do?

For landscapes there is a noticeable difference between my a7r mk2 and my canon 6d files (or even my 5d4 files).

Sharper, more detail (given lots more pixels and no AA filter), cleaner files and much more dynamic range. its not even close.

[Derek Smith]

I used 6x6 TLR film cameras for years, ending up with a Yashicamat 24. They had a great feel, gave highly detailed images, but their best feature was you tried to ensure that every shot counted. I got more usable and, more to the point, satisfying results from a 24 roll of film than proportionately from digital cameras because, I think, the 128mb memory cards. There is the feeling that one shot might come out just right.

I reckon, after some years as a keen amateur photographer, that if you want to improve your images, start, and probably finish nowadays with the quality of camera available, with yourself.

If you just want to feel good taking pictures, you can't do better than a 6x6 TLR.

[satans worm]

So in answer to some of the questions, I currently have 2 ‘L’ lenses , the 16-35 and the 70-200 2.8
I wanted to get the 3rd trinity lense but that’s when mirrorless hit the market and the canon rumours. on a landscape style camera made me hesitate.

I think the pull for the blad is the physical side of it, the movement of the lens and wind on of the film, really appeals, I also like the slow you down approach, I’m always a bit uneasy over point and shooting with my camera as it feels like the camera did the work and I pushed a button, too much like my office job

For sure I will miss the instant gratification of seeing what you took, especially being able to see at the scene if you cocked it up, that bit will bite hard when a bunch of dud exposures are returned!

But the challenge of finding a square composition for landscape I think will be fun and is the kind of thing I enjoy as strictly a hobbyist In this

I’m not 100 pct sure yet, I’m worried it will be a fad so will take my time and ensure the itch remains before pulling the trigger, it’s good to hear from others who may o& done it, or considering the same

As for price, I think 1.5/1.75 k USD should get a decent 500cm with a 2.8 80mm lens, I’d look to buy a 50 mm lens as well for around 750usd

[tr7v8]

Years ago started looking at doing some wedding photography. Looked at the 6 x 6 options & preferred the Bronica over the blad. Came close to buying one but circumstances changed.
Certainly then used a TLR 6 x 6 & the quality despite being a cheap camera was outstanding.

[seanyfez]

I think you need to look at the reasons behind your photography before making this decision because it will be these that dictate whether moving to a Hasselblad is a sensible option.

Just for background I have been using 500 series Hasselblads for the past 25 years (currently using a 500cm and a 553ELX).
But, I also use a Nikon D800 and Sony A7 for work, as well as owning numerous other 35mm and 4x5 cameras for play (we don’t have kds!!).

I had always wanted a Hasselblad after studying photography at school as I felt it would ‘lift my game’, of course it couldn’t without years of use behind it and then things began to ‘click’.

The 500 series will make you work for the results, it’s a very manual camera, but in my view it’s worth the effort - i get far more satisfaction in seeing good results from my Hasselblad’s than I do from the digital kit.

I have used the ‘blads for portrait, landscape, still life, macro and motorsport (admittedly VSCC hill climb and paddock) - I find that if the subject matter deviates from these then I reach for another camera.

Obviously lenses are a critical part of the decision - my kit comprises 50mm, 80mm, 150mm and 250mm along with some tubes. Get them as new as you can - although my 50 and 250 are ancient the results are still very good (thanks Zeiss!).

I use a 6x4.5 back for motorsport/paddock work and 6x6 backs for everything else. Yes, I would love a 50m megapixel back, but the D800 covers this base for me.

If you intend to keep a digital camera then a Hasselblad will add an extra dimension to your photography - a bit like having a F355 in the garage for high days and holidays. If it’s going to be your only/main camera think carefully about what you are trying to achieve - I gave up driving a Ferrari every day after a week!

[satans worm]

seanyfez said:

I think you need to look at the reasons behind your photography before making this decision because it will be these that dictate whether moving to a Hasselblad is a sensible option.

Just for background I have been using 500 series Hasselblads for the past 25 years (currently using a 500cm and a 553ELX).
But, I also use a Nikon D800 and Sony A7 for work, as well as owning numerous other 35mm and 4x5 cameras for play (we don’t have kds!!).

I had always wanted a Hasselblad after studying photography at school as I felt it would ‘lift my game’, of course it couldn’t without years of use behind it and then things began to ‘click’.

The 500 series will make you work for the results, it’s a very manual camera, but in my view it’s worth the effort - i get far more satisfaction in seeing good results from my Hasselblad’s than I do from the digital kit.

I have used the ‘blads for portrait, landscape, still life, macro and motorsport (admittedly VSCC hill climb and paddock) - I find that if the subject matter deviates from these then I reach for another camera.

Obviously lenses are a critical part of the decision - my kit comprises 50mm, 80mm, 150mm and 250mm along with some tubes. Get them as new as you can - although my 50 and 250 are ancient the results are still very good (thanks Zeiss!).

I use a 6x4.5 back for motorsport/paddock work and 6x6 backs for everything else. Yes, I would love a 50m megapixel back, but the D800 covers this base for me.

If you intend to keep a digital camera then a Hasselblad will add an extra dimension to your photography - a bit like having a F355 in the garage for high days and holidays. If it’s going to be your only/main camera think carefully about what you are trying to achieve - I gave up driving a Ferrari every day after a week!

I intend to keep my digital gear, I see the blad as complimentary to, rather than a instead of situation

For me the pleasure is in the taking of the photograph, getting the composition, adjusting the camera settings, thinking about what I want from it, when I look at the technological marvel of the R5 , where you can take a 38megapixel still from videoing 4K, I think it’s about as far removed from what I’m looking for.
The skill of taking the picture feels like has all but disappeared, composition aside, the you just click the button.
I fancy the back to basics , spending more time in front of the camera rather than light room etc,
It’s not a criticism to anyone who likes playing lightroom Etc, just my personal enjoyment lies at the camera

I also see that the Mamiya 645 is a nifty camera at considerably less cost, although slightly smaller negative, so that’s a possibility too, It even has a Panasonic back for 35mm.
It also seems that the Mamiya 7ii is a top film camera, although it’s a rangefinder so maybe not what I’m looking for

[seanyfez]

On that basis I’m sure you won’t regret the Hasselblad.

Worse case scenario is that you don’t get on with it (give it a year at least) and you’ll be able to sell it for what you paid for it (that’s what I tell the wife every time a buy a camera!).

[C n C]

satans worm said:

For me the pleasure is in the taking of the photograph, getting the composition, adjusting the camera settings, thinking about what I want from it,

The skill of taking the picture feels like has all but disappeared, composition aside, the you just click the button.
I fancy the back to basics , spending more time in front of the camera rather than light room etc,

Have you looked at/considered a large format camera (5x4)?

You certainly get to adjust all the settings, including addition of various movements to play with varied sharp focus planes and perspective control.

There's also the quality advantage of much larger negatives/slides, and for the sort of budget you are talking, you could get some very high quality lenses to go with it.

As has already been said, film processing isn't a problem - there are several processors that have good reviews, and several will develop and then scan an image which you can access online before the film itself is posted back to you.

ETA: Other advantage is the back rotates so you can easily change from 5x4 to 4x5, and depending on which one you get, they will also often support use of a roll film back.

Downside is that you pretty much have to use them with a decent tripod, and if you're trekking up a mountain, they can be pretty heavy/bulky.

Edited by C n C on Sunday 19th July 17:40

[Bacardi]

satans worm said:

I also see that the Mamiya 645 is a nifty camera at considerably less cost, although slightly smaller negative, so that’s a possibility too, It even has a Panasonic back for 35mm.

I haven’t any experience with Mamiya 645, but have used the larger RB and RZ 6x7 which have a similar aspect ratio, 2x3 or 3x4ish. If you want to consider 645, I would add Contax into the mix. But you might want to consider the handling of these cameras who, IIRC, have optional waist level finders, which of course are useless if you want to frame something portrait, which is why they come with prisms so you end up using it like a large 35mm SLR.

The beauty of 6x6 is you can shoot square, or crop out a 6x4.5 portrait or landscape while keeping the camera upright and you look down on the shutter an aperture focus rings rather than tilting your head 90º. The Mamiya 6x7s have rotating backs, but are much bigger cameras. You can put a prism on the ‘blads, I have one on a 503CW with a motor drive handle on, but I prefer the smaller form factor of the basic camera with WLF.

Some have mentioned other cameras to consider, I have used Mamiya 6x6 TLR cameras with interchangeable lens at art school, which were a pain. I have a Yashicamat TLR, but fixed lens and, as happened to me, you can snap away and not be aware the shutter is broken and get no pictures at all. When I was at art school I used my dad’s Bronica S2a with a Nikkor 80mm, really nice build quality but with focal plane shutter. Hasselblads also had the 2000/200 cameras with focal plane shutters, and I have always hankered after the 110mm f2 lens. The H series of Hasselblads have nothing to do with the classic made in Sweden V series. The lenses are Fujinon AF as opposed to manual Ziess. Hasselblad is now owned by Chinese DJI.

When I started working for myself I couldn’t afford a ‘blad so did go for the cheap option of Bronica SQ but it was tinny and clanky and moved on to Rolleiflex 6006 and 6008, but moved back to Hasselblad with the advent of digital backs.

If you to take a punt on one and just want to shoot film, buy the latest model you can afford, the older 500c was awful, so get 503cw and CF lenses onwards. Make sure the 3 digits on the film insert match the last 3 digits of the back, as they should match. I doubt you will loose much if you don’t get on with it, but at least you will have scratched that itch .

[satans worm]

So itch scratched, almost.
Just bought a 503cx with the 80mm 2.8 cf lens , looks really clean and most important the lens seems free of fog, mood etc)

I got it on eBay from japan( who seem to have the cleanest examples) so will take a few weeks to arrive.
Meanwhile I need to get a shutter release and a spot meter ( probably the Pentax ala Ansel Adams style) and of course some film!!!

I’ll post the first roll ,warts and all, on here !

[Avantime]

Thanks!! This thread has reminded me that I need to go out with my Bronica EQ - it's been a bit of an ornament since I last used it 3 years ago.

Last time I used it alongside my Canon 5DSR, effectively using the Canon as an exposure meter. I shall go out with it before school goes back!

[Tony1963]

I don't like all this "the camera did all the work" that is sometimes posted.

Good photographers see things differently, and then know what they want from the image. A camera can only give some sort of image, not a work of art.
I do agree that using film often slows us down (I can't afford to just rattle the film through!) but these days with my 5D3 I make a conscious effort to slow down before I even start. I try to think about what it is that caught my attention, what I want the image to look like.

And if I could convince the chancellor, I'd have a 'Blad with even just the one lens, and be happy.

[satans worm]

So all a bit late but been a bit busy recently so didnt get the chance to post my initial images

Well, in truth , my initial 2 rolls of film came out blank i managed to load the film round the wrong way! (writing goes in upside down on a Hasselblad it seems!)

Still, wont make that mistake again (a bit annoyed as both rolls where at the Empire State at sun set! will have to make the trip again!

So, the first viewable photo was...

20150002 by justin bowdidge, on Flickr

over all very pleased, highlights a little blown but was relived it was in focus, and not too far out metering wise (plus, i loaded the film correctly, yay!)

Several rolls later these are the better ones, note i have spend 10 -15 seconds in light room on each one, mainly removing the border and straightening the horizon !)

14280010 by justin bowdidge, on Flickr

---_0429 by justin bowdidge, on Flickr

---_0423 by justin bowdidge, on Flickr

---_0412 by justin bowdidge, on Flickr

71920005 by justin bowdidge, on Flickr

71920007 by justin bowdidge, on Flickr

71930001 by justin bowdidge, on Flickr

71930006 by justin bowdidge, on Flickr

71930011 by justin bowdidge, on Flickr

71940003 by justin bowdidge, on Flickr

71940012 by justin bowdidge, on Flickr

71950004 by justin bowdidge, on Flickr

71960010 by justin bowdidge, on Flickr

I know its a few there, but have been experimenting in different light settings etc to try and get it right

Totally love the Hasselblad experience, the noises it makes, the whole analogue experience of it, dont get me wrong, its only good for certain types of photography , i did a helicopter over Manhattan and took the Canon 6D with me, plus the amount of times i lost a shot due to needing to load a roll of film!

But its brought me more in love with photography, i feel more like i earned the photo than before, even if that doesnt make sense.

it certainly slows you down and makes you think!.

Edited by satans worm on Wednesday 28th October 01:22

Edited by satans worm on Wednesday 28th October 01:23

[C n C]

Some good shots there - I particularly like the first two.

What film(s) have you been using?

Also are you scanning these yourself (if so what scanner) or are you getting the film processors to provide scans?

[satans worm]

C n C said:

Some good shots there - I particularly like the first two.

What film(s) have you been using?

Also are you scanning these yourself (if so what scanner) or are you getting the film processors to provide scans?

Used Portra400 mainly, Ilford for the B and W stuff. id say Portra has a great 2 stop or so tolerance of getting it wrong

At the moment im getting the negatives scaned by the processor at 25MP, they can do up to 80MP but unless i really like one of the pictures and print i t large, 20 is fine

Id like ot do myself to save a lot of cash, but when i looked into it it seems quite a hassle unless you have a USD2k machine to stick it in, so for now, ill stick with the processor doing the work

I need to utalize lightroom and maybe photoshop to clean them up and make the pop, but i really hate that part, most my pictures have a small amount of lightroom work then leave it at that, but i do wonder how much better with a little more effort they would be, if it would be worth learning that particular craft....i feel a new thread coming on regarding AI , lightroom and other ways to post process