Dream Camera thread

[limr31]

Hasselblad 500C

They're not expensive at all. You can generally get a decent one with a couple of film backs and a lens for under a grand.

"Expensive" is a relative term. I know I can get a decent set-up for somewhere north of $500 but less than a grand, but that would still require months of saving. And yes, I am saving for one, but it's going to take a little while.

Are you saving for the 500C or C/M?

Not sure - I'm still trying to figure out exactly what the differences are and if those differences actually matter to me. So far it seems that the biggest difference is interchangeable viewing screens on the C/M and no screen cut-off when using long focal length lenses for portraiture (which I never do, so this might be one of the differences that mean absolutely nothing to me.)

(Edit: Preliminary research has me leaning towards the C/M.)

 

[minicoop1985]

I've had a number of C/M iterations, from the 2000FC/M to the 500 C/M and the 500 EL/M. I love the acute matte screens. So bright.

 

[zmwPhoto]

For wildlife D500, for everything else D810.

 

[minicoop1985]

Well, I just ordered mine. Will update once it comes in.

 

[Frank F.]

A 4x5 qinch digital back with huge pixels would be my dream....

 

[minicoop1985]

A 4x5 qinch digital back with huge pixels would be my dream....

Now THAT'S something I would DEFINITELY buy. Instantly.

 

[Dave Colangelo]

Not sure - I'm still trying to figure out exactly what the differences are and if those differences actually matter to me. So far it seems that the biggest difference is interchangeable viewing screens on the C/M and no screen cut-off when using long focal length lenses for portraiture (which I never do, so this might be one of the differences that mean absolutely nothing to me.)

(Edit: Preliminary research has me leaning towards the C/M.)

Not that I'm biased but the C/M is the way to go

The changeable screens is way more important than I thought it would be. First off it gives nice access to dust blow the mirror if you need to, and more importantly you can use all kinds of screens (the matte is as good as they say) or go for a nice grid screen to help with composure. Chances are a C/M may also simply be a newer camera and just have less miles on it over all.

The one thing I would do, having just gone through this and been blind sided by it, is either pay more from a reputable shop who can stand behind the condition or prepare to pay for a full CLA and repair of what ever needs to be fixed (the cost in the end may be about the same). I used David Odess (a truly great Hassie resource) and he did a fabulous job but I assure you it was not cheap (but then again cheap is all relative). I got a great deal on the camera but in the end the rear curtain was not opening all the way and there was a slight issue with the film advance control cam (the thing the crank connects to). The part prices added up and so did the cost for a full CLA and repair. The camera however is good to go for a long long time now and working basically like new. I would also budget in for some accessories, at least one spare film back, some filters, a lens hood (and lens if you just get a body), You may even want a view finder or two depending on your shooting style, a strap, and at least one old Hasselblad add to frame and hang up in your room.

The 250mm does have some vignetting even on my C/M. I believe you need to go up to one with the gliding mirror to avoid that. I finally brought the 250mm out into the field recently and found it nice even for landscape.

Happy Hunting!

My dream camera, that I dont currently own... A really nice Rollie 2.8 or a Nikon D810....


Regards
Dave

 

[minicoop1985]

I'm inclined to agree with Dave here about the screens.

I got my lens today. That means I now own (and have now shot with) my dream camera.

 

[petrochemist118 143]

A 4x5 inch digital back with huge pixels would be my dream....

Something around 12MP would be epic.
But I'd have to upgrade my LF lenses to get much use of it.

Somehow I doubt it could meet all my photography desires - not going to be portable enough for hikes, or quick enough for motorsports...

 

[Frank F.]

Pedro the Chemist?

100 Megapixel would still be HUGE pixels.

Someone build a prototype 4x5 qinch but it is not convincing and the price is ambitious at 120.000 US$

 

[Frank F.]

LargeSense Large Format Digital Backs and Cameras

The have an 8x10 and a 4x5 on offer...

I think to digest that you should take a lory full of salt...

 

[Solarflare]

I'm super curious how expensive that one will be. But unless it would be insanely cheap, I have other things to attend to first. Either way yes the whole idea is awesome.

 

[petrochemist118 143]

100 Megapixel would still be HUGE pixels.

Perhaps but I've wouldn't find any extra MP very useful, while I could always find a use for more low light response.

 

[Frank F.]

I'm super curious how expensive that one will be. But unless it would be insanely cheap, I have other things to attend to first. Either way yes the whole idea is awesome.

100.000 Dollars. Not "insanely cheap"...

 

[minicoop1985]

Just wait 6 years like I did. It'll be moderately affordable. lol