Hello everybody HELLOOOO

[uaiomex]

This is my first post here. I decided to register because this thread is like an oasis of information in a vast desert of ignorance. Of course, I'm talking about digital medium format issues.

Despite this forum is about Hasselblad specifically, we learn a lot about DMF in general. I haven't seen a dmf back in person yet. DMF backs are wayyyy too expensive for pros working in developing countries like mine. So far I know, only a very few top notch fashion and advertising photogs in Mexico city use them.

These days I shoot about everything with a Canon 5D. Not bad. Getting film Hasselblad quality (+/-) with the convenience of a dslr is great. My Hasselblad ownership always has been a love/hate one because different issues and malfunctions I had with this system through the years. Despite this, I found a tripoded 500CM in a portrait studio the best invention ever. The way it sits there, the controls are at human scale, the viewing through the finder and the kind of rapport I accomplished with my subjects, it's just not possible with a dslr, well, at least not for me.

I've been many times at the verge of selling my Hass system believing there was no hope for it in the digital era. If I could afford a 22+mp back now, I would not be set yet. For me a back that has to be removed to switch orientation is a No No. I drop 2 A12 backs when removing them in a 15 year period of time. I don't like the H system at all. The only advantage use I can see for this system is substantial fast paced fashion photography. But I don't do that. when I shoot fashion I do it more like in the Avedon sort of pace.

The advent of the CFV has turned things a bit. Suddenly there is hope for the V system (or so it seems). I've learned at these forums and also at LL forums the CFV is selling well and that dealers claim DB sales for the V system are great. If all this is true, why would the V system disappear? - Is Hasselblad coming with an answer to the Hy6? - It seems to me highly unlikely.

The Hy6 could be the holy grail (for very rich amateurs and very busy photographers in big cities in rich countries). So, where do I stand? Where do we stand? -We could keep shooting everything with 5D's and 1Ds series (and succesors) for the next decade or two. In my case, I will be loosing a lot of the joy of photography. I've dreamed many times of Canon coming to save us with a wlf double 35mm in size and 3:4 ratio rotating sensor
for under 10 grand. It won't happen, I know. But what if.... some DB maker comes with a 22+ 42.5X42.5 sensor for 9k (usd)?

Crop factor would not be that much. A Zeiss 40mm will still remain wide. No more remove/reattach risky actions. A 42.5 square groundglass would be easy for focusing. It could have 9 or 10 micron photosites for 22X mp's, which are optimal these days. If cropped to rectangular still would be substantially bigger than 35mm to justify going "mittel format". It could be the answer for thousands of V system "estates" around the world. It could perfectly fit the thousands of 645 cameras there are. A 645 reflex with a WLF could be use 6X6 style!

I guess that nowadays sensor manufacturers should have reached the level of expertise to offer a 42.5 square sensor at a price for DB makers to sell them under 10K.

Please, gimme some feedback and thanks all for this forum.

Eduardo

 

[simonpg]

Welcome Eduado.

Personally I have no fears of a V series demise. One key factor has not changed under this digital imaging environment - larger image capture formats - film or digital - offer significant image quality advantages. Those obvious advantages will bring needed benefits to some and not to others just as was the case in the film only capture era.

What has changed is the real dollar cost difference - high end 35mm SLRs and MF cameras used to cost a fraction of what digital equivalents cost today - the economics and business case for professional especially are now more important to get right than even before simply due to the real dollar quantum involved.

Industry statistics over the past year have shown MF film capture is nowhere near dead and seems to have a firm place along-side digital capture - again for obvious reasons of capital outlay cost and image attributes.

I have seen landscape images taken on Canon's best DSLR by photographers that claim these cameras are the equal of film MF cameras - they just are not. Whilst very good they just are not that good.

So for me and as far forward as I can see, my Hasselblad 6x6 outfit is safe - film will remain available even if through reduced channels or more limited specialist manufacturers. My investment in Zeiss lenses is protected by the H series lens adapter. My investment in V series bodies is protected by their ability to accept a range of digital backs (some more convenient than others) - here manufacturers seem mindful of the enormous legacy customer base Hasselblad V series has.

However, there is little doubt that the quality of MF digital imaging is now well proven. I was reminded of that yesterday when I visited the photography industry imaging expo here. Hasselblad had 6 enormous super size posters on display and the image quality was fantastic - even standing about 8 inches from the prints I hardly saw any bit-mapping, they were detail rich and being close to them made me feel as if I was in the scene myself.

The plethora of MF and LF cameras on display was impressive - they even collectively took up as much space as the combined and huge Canon and Nikon stands.

Today entry into the world of Hasselblad 6x6 is more affordable than ever before and the films available are some of the very best ever made - make hay while the sun shines!

 

[uaiomex]

Thanks Simon.

Indeed,I learned there is a general content that the V system is fully functional in the digital era and will stay that way for years to come.
Who knows how many years, but since the investment is already done, purchasing the Dback is the only expense yet to be done. I think that I may be one year away from buying my first Dback. The CFV price is about right,too bad the crop factor is massive. Luckily in a year or so, prices of used 16bit self contained Dbacks with 48X36mm sensors will be under 10K. Let's hope. so, for the mean time, I won't be selling my gear.
It is nice to have auto-everything in a camera, but in the studio nothing beats a fully manual camera.
Best
Eduardo