I've been shooting with a 500c and have a 150mm C chrome lens, a couple of film backs, extension tubes, hoods, and various accessories. Love the look of the Zeiss lens for pictures of the family and kids. I've been using this small kit for about 8 years, mainly using it for special occasions - about 5-10 rolls per year. I have a lab develop and scan, or I scan it myself on a flatbed. I've also been using a 5D classic since 2006 - it's the main workhorse - I shot about 10-15k images per year with it. Love it for the full frame view and unlimited shooting. Recently, I've decided to upgrade the 500c to a 503cxi, winder CW, 80mm and 150mm CF. This is costing about $1200 to make the upgrade However, I'm not sure if it makes sense anymore. The 5D produces fine images. The things I like about the Hasselblad are the look of the Zeiss lenses, the more 3D effect of the larger format, the wider dynamic range of film. Since I got the 503cxi, I've scanned a couple of rolls myself and played a lot in post-processing and noticed the strength of film in contrasty lighting. I'm wondering whether it makes sense to upgrade now. With Kodak selling its film business, are the days of the V series numbered? Wonder how long film users will be able to survive. I'm still in my return period for the new gear, so I'm trying to decide whether or not to keep it. A digital back is an option, but the CFV is still around $4K and in high demand on the used market. An Ixpress is possible for less than $2K and I've been toying with that idea. I'm leaning toward keeping the "new" stuff and shooting film for the next year or two while it's still around and then moving to a digital back. Any thoughts? If film becomes scarce or twice as expensive, there won't be enough digital backs to satisfy all film users moving to digital and think the price of these 2nd hand backs would increase.
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Purchasing more V series gear
- Thread starter schan1w
- Start date
Walter Ulreich
New Member
Hallo,
I am in a similar situation and have Canon 5D II with several primes and Hasselblad 503 CXi with several lenses and goodies. Bought a used, but mint condition CFV 16 II quite recently and I am happy. At some weeks I use much more the Hasselblad as the Canon.
With kind regards,
Walter
I am in a similar situation and have Canon 5D II with several primes and Hasselblad 503 CXi with several lenses and goodies. Bought a used, but mint condition CFV 16 II quite recently and I am happy. At some weeks I use much more the Hasselblad as the Canon.
With kind regards,
Walter
redrockcoulee
New Member
If Kodak sells their film business it would also means that someone else buys it which should mean the new owners would intend to still product film as do currently Ilford, Fuji and Foma. I have not posted on this forum before but have been reading it for perhaps two years. My favourite camera is the 500 C/M but I have digital slr plus large format too.
If you are concerned about having that much money tied up in the V series when you have a digital camera why not return the new one and just add a lens or two to your existing kit. Neither 50 or 80 CF lenses are expensive
Myself I own a 500 C/M and the 60 and 150 lens and my wife has a SWC. But I also have borrowed on long term the 100 and 250 so am well set. Film should be around for a long time and it is hard to beat the square format. But then I shoot mostly black and white and do all my own darkroom stuff. If I was only shooting colour and cropping to conventional aspect ratios I would more than likely stay with a good digital camera. Neither decision is wrong, mostly depends on how much you like shooting the camera and what the final output will be. I would not base it on the chance that film will disapear but on whether or not I got pleasure from both the process and the results. As as far as the cost of used backs go, guess there is still a demand for them. Most likely not for me in the near future as have not only the darkroom but a Nikon CS8000 that I got extremely cheap. Good luck in your decision
Ivan
If you are concerned about having that much money tied up in the V series when you have a digital camera why not return the new one and just add a lens or two to your existing kit. Neither 50 or 80 CF lenses are expensive
Myself I own a 500 C/M and the 60 and 150 lens and my wife has a SWC. But I also have borrowed on long term the 100 and 250 so am well set. Film should be around for a long time and it is hard to beat the square format. But then I shoot mostly black and white and do all my own darkroom stuff. If I was only shooting colour and cropping to conventional aspect ratios I would more than likely stay with a good digital camera. Neither decision is wrong, mostly depends on how much you like shooting the camera and what the final output will be. I would not base it on the chance that film will disapear but on whether or not I got pleasure from both the process and the results. As as far as the cost of used backs go, guess there is still a demand for them. Most likely not for me in the near future as have not only the darkroom but a Nikon CS8000 that I got extremely cheap. Good luck in your decision
Ivan
I understand film is making a comeback due to various reasons. Much has to do with the tonality and having a greater understanding and appreciation of the film experience. I never purchased a digital camera and I still do not look back. I just purchased a 503cw with a manufacturing date of 1998 which completes my body selection...no hesitation here.
Best regards...
Best regards...
Hass451
Member
I'm in the same situation as many of the above commenters: stay with 120 scanned Ektar or move to digital. I'm interested in maximum quality of images but must confess that I enjoy the pleasure of working with the Hasselblad superb system. Years ago my Hasselblad system was stolen--twice--and I've recently been able to recreate it after almost 30 years hiatus from Hasselblad. Planning to shoot some comparison shots between the Hasselblad with scanned Ektar and the Nikon D800. I will be printing on 24-inch roll stock so want to have the capability of doing the occasional 24 x 60. Any thoughts or encouragement will be greatly appreciated.