hasselblad or rolleiflex?

Question

ive been wanting a new medium format film camera for ages, havent saved up anything yet but i know i will do what it takes for me to own either a hasselblad 500c or a rolleiflex e2. i know that hasselblad have a better rep but taking into consideration that at current market price the difference between the two is £300, which should i go for taking into the fact the quality and the price, so far i am biased for the hasselblad because of the changeable backs, but which will last me longer? is the hasselblad worth it? or is the rolleiflex pros better than the cons of it being bulky?

Answer 1

To be honest this answers itself. You'll notice that a medium format TLR (like the Rollei) do not exist any more, wheras medium format SLRs (like the Hasselblads) are still quite common. Unless you've got a special need for the TLR (which is quieter, faster, smaller and lighter) then you're going to be better with the Hasselblad. If you do theatrical photography then a 135mm Rollei would be a handy tool. Also, yes, you read correctly the Rollei is smaller! It's a taller camera, but it's smaller in each other way, there is a very long back focus on SLRs.



However the problem with the Rollei TLR is as you've mentioned it's not a system camera. If you want different lenses for a Rollei, you would need a whole separate camera. So if you wanted an 75/80mm lens then you'd need a separate Rollei 2.8 or 3.5. This is why Rollei eventially conceded and developed the SL66, and the 6000 series of cameras.



So over to the Hasselblad, they're a quality product and feel wonderful to use (but actually an SL66 feels just as good). There is a great choice of Carl Zeiss lenses, though only newer T* lenses are worth the money. I'd also advise you that you get the newer CM version of the 500. You should also be aware that Hasselblads are rather complex cameras, and they do have a habit of breaking down despite their good reputation.



While Carl Zeiss T* lenses (for both SL66 and Hasselblad V-system) are exceptionally good lenses, you should consider a Bronica SQ-a (and SQ-ai). The Bronica is just as good quality as the 500C/CM, however are half the price of the Hasselblad, and the Bronica lenses are no worse than their Zeiss counterparts. Just to leave you with a thought, the SQ-a should not be discounted.



There are a number of other worthy candidates to consider, there is also the Mamiya C-series (the C33/330 are good and very cheap), and the Mamiya RB and RZ. I didn't recommend the Mamiya RB/RZ earlier because it's weight is a major problem, with a good setup weighing considerably over 10kg, but it is a highly capable studio camera.

Answer 2

I cannot comment on the Rolleiflex, but as the owner of a Hasselblad 500C/M which I bought used several years ago, I recommend it for the simple fact that one can *still* get it serviced - by the manufacturer, no less.



I like the Hassy because of its modular design: changeable backs, different prisms, etc., though if there's one drawback, it's weight: the 500C/M, with waist-level finder (WLF), 80mm lens and A12 back, weighs in at about 4.5 pounds. (Digital backs are also available for the Hassy.)

Answer 3

Accessories for the 'Blad will cost a fortune, as you have, I hope, already researched. So no new magazines or lenses for a while unless your bank manager is accomodating. Really it depends on what you are working towards - do you want a top-end 'system' with all the trimmings and are you prepared to pay for it, or do you want a good camera that will give you good images with its one lens? Have you used medium format before? You say a 'new' camera, but is that replacing an existing m/f camera, or is m/f a new venture for you?

Answer 4

Don't go with a camera with a 6 by 6 . Get a 6 by 7 or other camera that doesn't have a square negative. Pictures are rarely square, so you will be having to crop every-time with a 6 by 6 negative instead of just sometimes with a rectangular negative.

Answer 5

I'd go for the Hassy.

Answer 6

my uncle has an hassy from the '70... it still works great