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Newbie : 503CW vs 503CWD

S

snaggs

New Member
Hi,

I had a Rolleiflex for a while, but ended up selling it when somebody offered me $$ for it that I couldn't refuse.

I really miss the square image ratio, and have been thinking about getting a MF camera to fill this gap. I want to buy new, most of the 2nd hand blad stuff in Perth are beaters.

Personally, I find the H series blads to be very plastic and ugly. The V series however is beautiful!

Now, the CWD can be had for a very good price at the moment (body and lens are almost fre). It seems like it would cost alot more to buy a back later. So even though I'd be happy with film, should I get the CWD instead of the CW?

1. Does the 1.5 crop present much of a problem in real use?
2. Is there a Hasselblad system FAQ? I find all the different lens acronyms confusing. Will all Hasselblad lenses work on the CWD?
3. It seems to me there are very few options for photographers who like simple camera's with manual focus. Is there any reason the V-Series won't stay to fill this void?
4. People talk about the H series having better integration. Is there anything complicated about shooting a CWD? Wouldn't you just set the ISO on the back, then set speed/aperture and shoot?

Daniel.
 
IMO, the 503CWD with the 40mm is a great deal. There are also a lot of "V" series CZ lenses and other accessories on the used market for reasonable prices. If the 1.5 crop is not "wide" enough, you have the option of swapping the CFV for a film back. I don't know how much longer Hasselblad will be selling new 503CW's.

"Is there anything complicated about shooting a CWD? Wouldn't you just set the ISO on the back, then set speed/aperture and shoot?" That's about it..after focusing*g*...and with the digital back, there is nearly instant feed-back and unlimited "free" images.

Steve
 
The cropfactor is there no way around it or it would be stitching images to get wider shots.

The CFV gives you an excellent option to digital imaging with pure MF quality.
To start with a CWD and the 40 mm IF lens is a dream for many MF photographers.
For a little extra money you can have a film back that gives you great wide angle possibilities as well.


Keep in mind you need a PC/laptop that allows for a high grade graphic card.
Better know what is expected in that department before you take the plunge into digital.

Find yourself a good dealer who not only sells the gear but one who also has the expertise to help you when questions or problems arise.

Of course any questions are quite welcome at the forum.
 
I don't know how much longer Hasselblad will be selling new 503CW's.
Click to expand...

Is there any reason to think they wouldn't continue? Or are we truly in run-out mode on this.

Keep in mind you need a PC/laptop that allows for a high grade graphic card.
Better know what is expected in that department before you take the plunge into digital.
Click to expand...

I shot Canon digital for a while, before buying a F6 with lenses and going back to film. I have all the computer gear etc already.

Does the meter in the 503CW know the ISO that the back has been set to etc?

Daniel.
 
Does the meter in the 503CW know the ISO that the back has been set to etc?
*************
There is no meter in the 503CW. If you want TTL metering, you need to add a metering prism such as the PME-45. There is no direct electrical connection between the CFV and the 503CW except for the optional winder and lens/flash via external cables.

Steve
 
Daniel,

MF digital and especially the latest software called Phocus demands a very powerfull graphic card.
Mac computers only a few years old will not accept that kind of hardware.
Do not think MF digital can be compared to anything Canon, not in quality nor in processing.

The 503CW(D) camera is a purely mechanical camera, no battery just man power to transport the film .
Of course if used with a digital back that back needs to be powered by a battery.
If you want metering any prism from the PME series will do.
The PME 45 is the last metering prism that also does spotmetering.
No longer available new but quite easily found at auction sites like evilbay.


As it is the 503CW camera is still being produced by Hasselblad.
Even if that production comes to an end Hasselblad will support that camera for at least another 8 years.
That is a legal requirement.
Besides that Hasselblad is with Leica the company that actively supports products up to 20 years after they were sold.
Hasselblad cameras from the first generation that are moving towards their 60th anniversary are still being serviced by specialists and used by enthousists from Australia to Canada.

Besides new lenses etc. there is a large amount of used equipment for sale at very friendly prices.
That makes Hasselblad the strongest brand in MF.

Paul
 
vandevantersh said:
Does the meter in the 503CW know the ISO that the back has been set to etc?
*************
There is no meter in the 503CW. If you want TTL metering, you need to add a metering prism such as the PME-45. There is no direct electrical connection between the CFV and the 503CW except for the optional winder and lens/flash via external cables.

Steve
Click to expand...

Heh, no meter. You just made me feel young. I've never had a camera without a meter, except for my 4x5 view camera, but that's a different proposition.

Daniel
 
The 502CW is a classic masterpiece. Nothing is automated except for having TTL flash ability when using the correct flash system. There is no meter. As mentioned, TTL metering can be added via a prism finder. These meters must be set for ISO and for maximum aperture of any given lens in use. So, the setting must be changed with each lens change if the max aperture is different. When you meter, all settings must then be transfered to the lens aperture and shutter speed rings. If using a CFV digital back you have to set the ISO on the back using the LCD menu, and then that ISO must be set on the meter prism. If you change the CFV ISO setting, you must do it again on the meter prism.

The H camera is modern masterpiece of highly integrated and automated functionality, it is "form follows function", and is ergonomically designed for speed of operation. Once mastered, one need not remove one's eye from the finder to control various functions like aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation, or flash compensation ... or even to change ISO. In addition to the line of AF H/C lenses, you can also use manual focus Zeiss C type lenses (C, CF, CFi, CFE) via the CF Adapter while using the AF function to confirm focus in the viewfinder. Unlike other adapted lens systems, they retain full automated aperture ... meaning you do not have to stop down meter and shoot.
 
fotografz said:
In addition to the line of AF H/C lenses, you can also use manual focus Zeiss C type lenses (C, CF, CFi, CFE) via the CF Adapter while using the AF function to confirm focus in the viewfinder. Unlike other adapted lens systems, they retain full automated aperture ... meaning you do not have to stop down meter and shoot.
Click to expand...

Only the CFE lenses can be used without stop down metering right?...
 
macmx said:
Only the CFE lenses can be used without stop down metering right?...
Click to expand...

That is NOT correct.

All auto stop-down functions are retained with ALL C type lenses when using the CF Adapter, not just the CFE type.

CFE lenses are automatically recognized by the H camera for metering purposes.

But because they do not have electronic data bus connections, when a C, CF or CFi lens is mounted you MUST program that specific lens into the H camera's grip LCD so the meter knows what maximum f stop to calculate from. This "lens menu" comes up automatically when a non-CFE lens is mounted to the CF Adapter and takes mere seconds to accomplish.

It even provides for selecting 1.4X and 2X extenders. Every Zeiss focal length is in this H Camera firmware program.
 
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