I'm done with 35mm... need a few MF alternatives!

[jasonjoo]

Hey folks,

I've recently been using both a Canon EOS 3 with a 17-40L, 135L, and very rarely the 70-200 f4 IS. I'm not sure why, but I just cannot get a decent scan from my 35mm negatives, no matter what I try. My 120 roll film scans are coming out BEAUTIFULLY. But I digress...

I'm on the fence right now, but I'm 75% sure that I will sell off my 35mm gear. This should free up roughly $2000. I wouldn't mind saving some of this, but then again, I wouldn't mind investing in a solid MF setup either. I have 2 Rolleiflex 3.5E TLR's (one is currently unusable, but a CLA should put it in tip-top shape) and really do love the TLR form factor, but I really find myself wanting to have an interchangeable back and interchangeable lens system. I don't mind letting one of these go (probably the one that needs a CLA), so this may few up a few hundred more dollars.

Anyways, I'm currently looking at the Hasselblad system. Perhaps a 501C with a few lenses and a few backs but I have also heard great things about the Pentax 6x7 II system. I am open to the Mamiya 7 series as well, but while the rangefinder seems great, I think I would prefer to have a SLR type camera.

Any suggestions? My budget is around $2000, give or take $200 (or even more on the minus side). I do not want to spend any more than this.

Thank you for your help (and sorry for my brief rant in the beginning )

Jason

Edit: Sorry, a choice of lenses with either setup would be helpful as well. I shoot mainly landscapes and portraits (I know this is quite diverse, but the longer lenses for portraits could double as a landscape lens!).

[david b]

The Hasselblad 501c kit with 80mm lens should go for about $1100.
A 50mm CF lens is about $700 and a 150mm CF is about $500

That's a great travel kit. Buy another back when you can for about $200.

[jasonjoo]

Thanks David. I'm adding some different combinations into my basket at KEH.

What's the difference between the backs? I'm looking at the A12 back with dark slide, but I see this:

A12 BLACK 6X6 (30213) WITH DARK SLIDE HOLDER INSERT # DOESN'T MATCH BACK

Does this mean the back won't work with a certain body?

[david b]

Get an A12 with matching insert.

An A12 back has a serial number on the shell and a matching number on the insert. This means they were made together.

Also, go to http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/ to learn how to tell how old the gear is.

[cotdt]

MF SLRs are HUGE!

[jasonjoo]

I understand what the backs are for, but what's an insert? And thanks for the link David!

cotdt, I really should ask and see if I can hold my friends Hassy for a bit. I don't remember it being too big, but definitely bigger than a 35mm SLR. However, I'm getting tired of these small negatives Thanks for the warning however. The Pentax 6x7II doesn't seem TOO monstrous. Is it?

Jason

[Kent10D]

Personally I'm a big fan of the Pentax 67 system. Used bodies and lenses are quite cheap these days, and the quality is excellent. And the 6x7 format is a little more in tune with the way I shoot than 6x6. The main drawback is the weight (these suckers are HEAVY!). Mirror slap can be an issue if you're shooting handheld, but that goes for a Hassy too. A sturdy tripod and mirror lock-up are the way to go (don't get the very earliest model -- the Pentax 6x7 -- because it doesn't have mirror lock-up). There are no interchangeable backs though, so if you want that convenience then a Hassy might be a better choice.

[jasonjoo]

Hmm yeah, the interchangeable backs would be very helpful. How hard is this mirror slap? I know I won't be hand holding and taking images at 1/8s like with my Rollei, but is the mirror slap that bad? What's a "useable" shutter speed to overcome this mirror slap?

The lenses are much cheaper with the Pentax system, but I think I'm weighing towards the Hasselblad 501C...

Jason

[Kent10D]

Originally Posted by jasonjoo

Hmm yeah, the interchangeable backs would be very helpful. How hard is this mirror slap? I know I won't be hand holding and taking images at 1/8s like with my Rollei, but is the mirror slap that bad? What's a "useable" shutter speed to overcome this mirror slap?

I think the general recommendation for minimum hand-held shutter speed -- for both the Pentax and the Hasselblad -- is about 1/125 with a standard lens. You'd have to go faster with longer lenses. But of course there are always those "human tripods" who consistently manage to get sharp images at slower speeds.

I know of one pro who uses a Pentax 67 handheld who actually activates the MLU just before taking the shot. Tricky technique.

[cotdt]

Originally Posted by jasonjoo

The Pentax 6x7II doesn't seem TOO monstrous. Is it?