Resale value comparisons: Mamiya vs. Hasselblad

[DanielStone]

Interesting... I've been considering purchasing another RZ67 II kit since the prices have, IMO, "bottomed out"... I sold my 3-lens, 1 body(pro II), many accessory kit last year, and have been fortunate enough to fill that "void" it left with a nice 2-body, 3 lens Hasselblad kit. I've been extremely happy with the resulting film exposed through the Hassy lenses thus far.

What has cause the Hasselblad items to retain much more "value" price-wise than their comparative Mamiya counterparts?

I mean, I can get (4), yes 4, APO lenses(210, 250, 350, 500mm) Mamiya RZ67 lenses for under the cost of (1) mid/high-priced 250mm CF superachromat on eb** currently. Not much more for another (2) Pro II bodies, 4-5 film backs, 1-2 new-style prism finders, and motor winders for each body. And 4-5 more RZ lenses, such as the 50ULD, 65L-A, 110MM 2.8, and 180mm.

What gives? I'm doing my best to not become more of a "gearhead", but if I can have a more versatile kit that will allow me more "reach" when in the field for the same(or less) money, but I hate to flip-flop back and forth...

I shoot mostly chrome these days, so the "APO" would definitely help retain as much color fidelity as possible, especially since I've been drum scanning most of these to go up to 16x16/20 print sizes...

And despite all the "research" I've read through saying that Hasselblad lenses are sharper and give better results than Mamiya lenses, my eyes are seeing a definite even playing field from chromes/negs made with my prior RZ67, and my current Hasselblad lenses...



-Dan

[jcoldslabs]

I can only guess that the Hasselblad name has more buzz and recognition than Mamiya. I have a full Mamiya 7 set-up with four lenses and two bodies and love the cameras dearly, but with my recent move to 8x10 I am not using it much. I looked into selling it but the kit has lost so much value that it is worth more to me to keep the system and use it occasionally than let it go for so little. I was aware of this possibility when I bought it, however. Even fifteen years ago Hasselblads held their value better than other MF cameras.

Marketing and prestige have led people to associate Hasselblads with quality and luxury while the Mamiya name is barely known beyond serious photographic circles. It doesn't seem much different than people buying expensive Louis Vuitton purses emblazoned with the "LV" logo when they could spend half as much and get something made much better. (I don't mean to suggest that Hasselblads are all flash and no substance, although I've only used one once and was somewhat underwhelmed.)

Of course, the proper answer to your questions is: I really don't know. ;-]

Jonathan

[wildbill]

Ever heard anyone say "is that a mamiya?"

[bushpig]

Hasselblad is the Leica of medium format.

As the above posters said, it's just the name.

It's not that it's not a good system. But it's popular. The above posters summed it up perfectly.

[Marc B.]

There are many-a-mechanic, performing excellent automobile repairs,
using affordable 'Craftsmen' tools, instead of expensive 'Snap On' tools.
I'm not promoting or dissing either brand. They're just tools.

When getting repairs to your car, do you ask the name brand of hand tools the mechanic will be using?
Probably not. You will ask of their [mechanics] experience, reputation, and warranty, etc...
How well you, (or your mechanic) uses the tools is what makes the difference.

Cameras are just a tool.

I'm not able to look at a picture and tell what brand of camera was used to take the image.
I might have a close guess as to lens focal length used. I might correctly guess when a Holga was used.
The rest of the MF cameras have very good to excellent lenses. Medium Format demands quality glass.

The question is; how good of a photographer are you? Do you have...'The Eye?'

I currently have and shoot primarily, Olympus 35mm, Mamiya MF, and Cambo LF cameras.
Would I instead, like to have, say...a Leica, a Hasselblad, and a Sinar? Maybe?

However, within my budget, and with my skills, ['My Eye'], I can shoot just as good, (or lousy)
a picture with what I already have, and I have extra money for more lenses, better lights, film & processing,
larger prints, better picture frames, etc...

Now days when I'm out shooting my MF/LF cameras, no one asks me the name brand of what I'm shooting.
They more commonly ask, WTF is that?

Marc

[film_man]

The 250CF SA (note the SA, superachromat, not the plain old CF) is one of the rarest and most expensive lenses, at least in the UK. A normal 250CF I'm the UK goes for what a RZ67 kit goes, maybe with an extra lens at most.

[Two23]

I think the fact that Hasselblads now have digital backs for them is part of the explanation for price.



Kent in SD

[BrianShaw]

Ever heard anyone say "is that a mamiya?"

Believe it or not... I heard that once when my camera bag went through an airport xray machine. When I told the TSA guy that it was a Hasselblad, then he pulled it aside and said, "Well, do you mind if I inspect it in more detail?" He was familiar with Mamiya MF cameras but not Hassy. He and his partner had a great time fondling my equipment.

[keithwms]

Resale?! Camera gear?

I would advise you to hold on to what you've got and shoot the holy crap out of it. Use it heavily and without regard for the next owner. Leave it fully spent, appreciated, and used as if there were no tomorrow. The resale value of my gear will be precisely $0 by the time I'm done with it At that stage I plan to make a lovely zen garden featuring my RBs and other goodies.

[Jeff Kubach]

I never worry about resale value. I keep my cameras till they die or I do!

Jeff