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H bodies : "best" choice?

T

Thomas73

Member
Hi,

I am thinking about jumping into digital era! I just missed a nice deal for a like-new CFV-39 back. My dealer started to talk about the newest H4D-40 to me... Its sensor seems amazing in terms of resolution & color rendering.

Oh well, as I own a 203FE body with several FE & CFE lenses, I was not thinking about H system... so far!

So, what would be the best choice among H bodies? It is a pity that latest H bodies (H3D II, H4D) do not accept film back anymore. But, I think to keep my 203 body even though I decide to get into H system.

What are the results with the combination H digital / V lenses? Are there CFi/CFE lenses that are not to be considered for such a combination?

Thanks for your sharing your opinions.
 
I found this link with a first review of the H4D :


Do you share this judgement?


Link removed because it does not contain usefull information for users.
Forum moderator
 
A biased report from a Canon user who thinks his camera can be a reference to judge a medium format camera should not be taken seriously.

These are the guys that ruin the world of professional imaging because they can do everything just as well or even better with their Nicans.

Image quality goes down the drain simply because MF gear is too expensive for them.
A sad consequence of the digital era that not only affects photography but also caused a catastrophy in professional music recording.


Vic.
 
H Bodies.

I'm currently using two H cameras: A new H4D/40, and a new H2F with a Hasselblad pre-owned CF 39 Multi-Shot. The 2 separate kits sans lenses cost me about the same.

The H4D/40 is strictly a dedicated digital camera, the H2F accepts Hasselblad CF digital backs and H film backs (I have 3 film backs so I can shoot B&W or certain color films).

I use the H4D for a majority of faster paced event, fashion and location work. The True Focus ability to focus and recompose really works, and is even faster and more accurate than wheeling the focus points around a 35mm DSL's viewfinder. The H4D also focuses faster in low light compared to previous H cameras, partially due to the stronger focus assist light.

I use the H2F with the Multi-Shot back tethered to the computer for more critical table-top work in the studio especially subjects involving fabrics or fine details (the difference has to be seen to be believed ) ... and I also use the H2F/39 as a mobile single shot camera for the ability to switch back and forth between digital and film.

I am a former owner/shooter of a Canon 1DsMKIII with a full compliment of L glass, and after that a Nikon D3X with a full selection of nano-coated optics as well as Zeiss ZF lenses. Trust me, there is no comparing any current 35mm DSLR with even a 22 meg H2D MFD, let alone one of the modern H kits.

I once used Zeiss CFi and CFE lenses via the CF adapter ... but no longer do so.

-Marc
 
Thank you Marc. Your opinion is very useful as these 2 bodies are the ones of interest for me.

Why do not you use CFi/CFe lenses with your H bodies anymore? Do Zeiss lenses give good results with the H4D sensor because some of these lenses were designed long before the digital era? Have you ever been able to use the 30/3.5 CFi with an H digital body?
 
Thomas73 said:
Thank you Marc. Your opinion is very useful as these 2 bodies are the ones of interest for me.

Why do not you use CFi/CFe lenses with your H bodies anymore? Do Zeiss lenses give good results with the H4D sensor because some of these lenses were designed long before the digital era? Have you ever been able to use the 30/3.5 CFi with an H digital body?
Click to expand...

The Zeiss lenses are fine ... some better than others. The 40IF, 60, 100 and 180 are terrific.

Using them is slow going ... manual focus, and manual shutter cocking with the CF adapter, the need to set any non-CFE lens in the menu. No problem for some applications, too slow for others. Then there was the issue of redundancy.

Zeiss 40mm, 60mm, and 80mm are covered by the excellent HC 35-90D AF zoom, I prefer the HC 100/2.2 to the 100/3.5 CFi, and I tended to use the AF HC 210/4 over the 180/4 CFE. The last Zeiss lens I sold was the 30mm fisheye ... which was too expensive a lens for the amount of times I used it.

Once Hasselblad introduced the H4D/40 with its faster operation: True Focus/Focus Lock, etc. coupled with what I tend to shoot ... I knew that the Zeiss lenses would just began to collect dust. Better they be put in hands that would use them as intended.

-Marc
 
fotografz said:
Zeiss 40mm, 60mm, and 80mm are covered by the excellent HC 35-90D AF zoom,...

-Marc
Click to expand...

Thanks once again Marc for these additional comments.

In fact, I made the plunge into the H system : I had an excellent opportunity to buy a H1 set (with the HC 80/2.8) with accessories (filters, extension tube, battery grip...). All the set is a new old stock at a bargain price from a well known european seller (who also had a TPP set with a 50% discount!!!... gone in a few seconds! :().

Ok this is a H1 but it will be my film camera if I switch to H gears only. Moreover, as there is no significative difference with a H2F (only the firmware which can be upgraded & the battery from the body that powers the back as well on the H2F), I took it regarding the bargain price I got (basically, all the set was offered for the regular price of the HC 80/2.8...).

So, now I am still thinking about either the H4D or a CF-39 back that I could use on both the H1 & the 203FE with the appropriate adapters.

Regarding the HC 35-90, is it as good as the HC 35/3.5?
 
Thomas73 said:
Thanks once again Marc for these additional comments.

In fact, I made the plunge into the H system : I had an excellent opportunity to buy a H1 set (with the HC 80/2.8) with accessories (filters, extension tube, battery grip...). All the set is a new old stock at a bargain price from a well known european seller (who also had a TPP set with a 50% discount!!!... gone in a few seconds! :().

Ok this is a H1 but it will be my film camera if I switch to H gears only. Moreover, as there is no significative difference with a H2F (only the firmware which can be upgraded & the battery from the body that powers the back as well on the H2F), I took it regarding the bargain price I got (basically, all the set was offered for the regular price of the HC 80/2.8...).

So, now I am still thinking about either the H4D or a CF-39 back that I could use on both the H1 & the 203FE with the appropriate adapters.

Regarding the HC 35-90, is it as good as the HC 35/3.5?
Click to expand...

From what I've heard, the 35-90 is one of the best they make ... and I guess the price proves it. Who does Hasselblad think they are ... Leica? LOL!

How it compares directly (35mm to 35mm) I do not know ... but I think I remember reading somewhere that the zoom is actually better ... and that is saying something. But, please check on the 35-90 if you are going to shoot film ... it is a HCD lens and I don't think it covers the full film frame.

You know, with an H1 body and H lenses you can get most any brand of digital back. The Phase One backs with H mount are even grey to match the body.

-Marc
 
Yes Marc, you are right : I had confirmation that HCD lenses have a slight crop factor with 645 film format & H4D-60 full-frame sensor.
 
There is no comparing even my (now old) H2 and PhaseOne P20 to 35mm. I have a Canon 1DsMkII and the only reason I don't use the H2 for everything is that at the moment I have no wider angle lenses for it (i have 80/150/210). An H4/40 would be bliss indeed!
 
Hello Analog6,

Are you happy with your HC 210? Do you how it does compare with CFe 180/4 and SA CF/CFi/CFe 250/5.6 lenses?
 
Besides Bokeh which is quite different between Fuji and Zeiss lenses Super Achromats are in a class of their own.

High Resolution with extremely low colour shift make SA lenses stand out.
A pity Zeiss only made the 250 and 350 SA for Hasselblad.


Vic.
 
Thomas, I can't compare it as I haven't used those other lenses. However, I will find a shot taken with it and post it here for you to have a look at. OK, the 2 train shots in my album are with the 210 - If you would like it I can email you a full frame unsharpened one for you to check out.

I am pretty happy with it, it hasn't had a lot of use but I plan to do some of the lunar eclipse on 26 June which will be a good test for it. I'll be putting them in my variuous galleries and in the album here if they turn out OK.
 
Analog6 said:
Thomas, I can't compare it as I haven't used those other lenses. However, I will find a shot taken with it and post it here for you to have a look at. OK, the 2 train shots in my album are with the 210 - If you would like it I can email you a full frame unsharpened one for you to check out.

I am pretty happy with it, it hasn't had a lot of use but I plan to do some of the lunar eclipse on 26 June which will be a good test for it. I'll be putting them in my variuous galleries and in the album here if they turn out OK.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply. Yes I would be interested to get a full frame picture with this 210. I sent a private message with my email address.

Cheers.
 
Marc you're bang on the money. I have just sold my D3X and 1Ds III because I can not believe how the quality is so different from the 35mm to the H4. Sure I kept some L glass and my 5D II but that has been relegated to my backup.

I borrowed the H4 and 50-110 lens for a shoot. Now I just have to find the assortment of lenses I require than presto...Confidence has risen. There is NO Comparison from 35mm PRO to m/f.

Thanks to the info posted here ... You may find me lurking around more often
 
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