501cm a street photography camera

[floridarich]

Gilbert,

I am the only one with a Hasselblad at all the Florida Car shows. Antique Car show, Corvette Car show, Etc. In Fact I am the only one with a medium format camera.

Richard

 

[rcyoung]

> The wire was there for a reason. There was a Hassy viewfinder built > around the same principle...what you see "through the wire" is > roughly what you get on the film. Great for that "grab and snap" > action shot....the photo of Ruby shooting Oswald was done with one.

 

[qnu]

Insurance is about who will take the risk, and/or how much it will cost to let someone else do that for you.

The money i have saved over the years not having my equipment insured would have bought me everything that would have been covered at least once again.

Would have, because saving on insurance premiums ("fear money") and not having lost anything (major) left me with a nice amount of money to spend on other things.

Live dangerously... the reward is great.

 

[agripix]

I'm a 'watcher' more than a 'poster' in this wonderful forum, but I feel I have to add my two drachmas worth on MF street photography (setting aside the theft risks discussed). I've used my M3 and 35mm f2 with Tri-X or such, pretty much like a point and shoot, but it's not MF of course! I've used the 503CW as a 'streeter', but not because I planned to do it. Just gave it a try. It's a bit too clunky unless the mirror is put up ... .

But my favorite, by far, is my trusty old Rollei TLR. From the hip, sideways at 90 degrees to my axis, from the cafe table laid down (the camera, not me), etc etc. And quiet as a Leica, too. Bright viewer, easy focus. I've had some fun with that thing. (I remember one time when I had my Nikon SLR and 'big' zoom fitted, obviously not in use and on a cafe sidewalk table. But the TLR was ready. Most passers-by just looked at the "big" camera, saw it at rest, and never gave the TLR a second glance. Hah Hah ! 12 exposures !! Gotcha. It's fun. EBAY 'point and shoot' MF. (Don't get me wrong - my Hassy is my pride and joy, but I seem to feel best using it on a tripod, and deliberately. Cheers!

 

[rcyoung]

> TLRs are definitely GOOD in low light. I had a Yashica D TLR as a > kid, and used it often at basketball/football games .

 

[simonpg]

Hi Jurgen. I'm sure your Bronica serves you well. I always liked the glass on my SQ-A lenses. Such a shame Tamron totally wasted opportunities with that company.

I've often thought I should keep my eyes open for the rangefinder - compact, light and great images and probably cheap on the s/h market now.

But, my various mint Zeiss Ikon Super Ikontas (I even think I now have one of every model) serve me so well - one even has a Zeiss T* lens (the last one made). But I do bet the Bronica would produce even better slides.

 

[jotloob]

Simon

ZEISS SUPER IKONTA (you have a collection ? ? ) if so . . . great .
I did a couple of searches in internet for that camera . Wonderful ! !
As you already know , i mainly use , but also collect HASSELBLAD .
If you collect photographic gear , you must concentrate to one make . If you don't , you are lost after a very short time .

And i go only for the best . Better nothing , than bad , all must be fully functional , and in very good "cosmetic condition" .

Now , back to the BRONICA RF645 , just one sentence : I love it , its handyness and low weight , and the results are great .
But the mainpoint for me , to buy that camera , was , that i use the same film than in my HASSELBLAD gear , same process , same darkroom equipment , and also scanner . In other words , i did not have to change my "workflow" .

Simon , you mentioned , you would possibly come to ITALY this year . I would take the chance and meet you there . would be nice .

 

[paulhu]

I April, I am going to take my neice and nephew to visit Washington DC in the midst of cherry blossom festival. I am seiously considering taking my Hasselblad 501CM attached w/80mm CFE lens. In my backpack bag, I will also carry one more A24 film magazine and a 50mm CFI FLE lens. Believe me, the 501CM is much, much lighter than my Nikon D2H camera, and I don't have to worry about any battery.

 

[simonpg]

Jurgen, 2 things...
1. I must apologise for overlooking your kind suggestion that I make contact with you if I do get to Italy later this year. That would be wonderful

I'll let you know if I get to do it.

2. Yes, all of the Super Ikontas..... and I'll admit to each of the Ikontas (non-RF models) too - except for one 6x9 version with the later up market lens, which I'm watching out for.

But I have no intention of skiting nor any reason to do that, since they are very modest cameras (in excellent working order and all have had a good CLA and my own "polishing up" work where some were a bit cosmetically tatty).

My investment averaged US$20 each plus about US$15 each for the CLA - over the past 4 years.

Maybe some now have some "real" value since the, just like early mechanical wrist-watches, nostalgia is making some more collectible these days.

But for me they are a little treasure worthy of regular use and a welcome help to distract me from chronic severe disabling pain that I dveloped from a nasty illness a year ago - interesting how the brain can adapt. I'm lucky that I have photography.

So anyone locally who wants to borrow any of them can as I prefer to see people get joy out of the wonderful craftsmanship that went into making them.

3. I'm pleased you enjoy the Bronica RF so much - I will keep my eyes open - a great convenience to have a "compact" MF camera for travelling when a 35mm negative is just not enough - churches etc.

 

[janikphoto]

I think this topic has been fully discussed, but I'll add my thoughts as well...

I have taken medium format cameras on trips, including my hassie. It will work and I suggest it. I've also used cheap medium formats like my pentacon, kiev, holga... shoot what you want to shoot. I carried my mamiya 645 for street shooting too. You'll make it work...

 

[richard]

Erik !

In my most humble opinion, The 501 C body is really ideal for street photography ; with a standard lens + A12 back.

Ive shot on one for the past 10 years ! Its Great fun !

Although I do recommend a WLF and a spot meter

Best Regards,
Richard