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CFV-39 or H4D-31 - best choice

E

eksund

Member
Being a newbie to this MF digital, I need some expert opinion.

I am just a few days away from ordering a digital MF equipment.

First, my choice was a CFV-39, then my feelings went to the new H4D-31, with the 80/2,8 and a CF converter.
Now I am back to the CFV-39, due to its bigger sensor and the cheaper cost to get started into digital MF.

My currently equipment is a 500c/m, 40/4, 80/2,8, 135 macro with bellow and 250/4, all CF.

I am also planning to buy a 555ELD if I choose the CFV back.
Will it work with my current CF lenses?

Anybody, who can tell or have an opionon about the god and the bad things with the alternatives I am struggling with, are more than welcome to speak out.
 
V-SYSTEM and CFV BACKS

In my opinion , any CFV back is the cheapest way into digital MF
photography , when you already own a V-System camera and lenses .
For compatibility please see the following link , especially under TECHNICAL
bottom of middle column .
http://www.hasselbladusa.com/products/digital-backs/cfv-39.aspx

The listed V-System cameras do not mention the motorized 500 cameras , but they are compatible as all others .

Please keep in mind , that you do not have AF and Auto Exposure with the V-SYSTEM cameras . But you can use all the extremely good CZ lenses .
If these two features are essential for you , you should go for the H-SYSTEM .
But with the CF lens adapter , you do not have AF and Auto Exposure either .

As I do not need these two features I am very happy with my CFV-16 and my CFV-39 .
 
polypal said:
The lens adapter for Zeiss lenses offers focus confirmation with H series cameras.
Click to expand...


That is new information to me.

Could You please give me more information about the function.
Does it work with all lenses? C, CF, CFE/CFi?

Have not found it anywhere on the hasselblad websites.

Thank You.
 
eksund said:
That is new information to me.

Could You please give me more information about the function.
Does it work with all lenses? C, CF, CFE/CFi?

Have not found it anywhere on the hasselblad websites.

Thank You.
Click to expand...

For more details about focusing and exposure have a look here :

http://www.hasselblad.com/media/5912/cf lens adapter.pdf

That is the best and most extensive info about the CF-Adapter you can find on the HASSELBLAD pages .

If someone knows about better info , just let me know .
 
Finally made up my mind

I have finally made up my mind and ordered a CFV-39.

Four things tipped over to the CFV-39.
1. Larger sensor (area and pixels) compared to H4D-31.
2. Cheaper start, to enter the digital MF.
3. The fact that I got my hands on a 553ELX in good shape.
4. I don´t like the look of H4D (being old fashioned?)

Did I mede the right choice?
 
eksund said:
I have finally made up my mind and ordered a CFV-39.

Four things tipped over to the CFV-39.
1. Larger sensor (area and pixels) compared to H4D-31.
2. Cheaper start, to enter the digital MF.
3. The fact that I got my hands on a 553ELX in good shape.
4. I don´t like the look of H4D (being old fashioned?)

Did I mede the right choice?
Click to expand...

Conscious decisions a seldom bad (although some divorce lawyers disagree).

I could justify it myself based on your list, although I'd not go for a 553ELX, too heavy to drag around.

Enjoy!
 
wbulte said:
Conscious decisions a seldom bad (although some divorce lawyers disagree).

I could justify it myself based on your list, although I'd not go for a 553ELX, too heavy to drag around.

Enjoy!
Click to expand...

Well, I know that it is a bit heavy, but I prefer not to wind up the shutter manually. However I do have an ordinary 501 as well, so I can always change the housing.

I will post a picture here as soon as I get the CFV, if I only knew how to do it. Been searching the forum without luck for information.
 
Uploading images is quite easy:

Open a new thread or click reply.

Write your comment or answer.

Click the paperclip a litte off center in the toolbar.
Follow upload instructions and close window.

Click the paperclip again.
If only one image has been uploaded click that image.
If more images are uploaded click manage images.

Preview post or submit reply whatever you desire.
That is all.
 
no doubt about it

eksund said:
I have finally made up my mind and ordered a CFV-39.

Four things tipped over to the CFV-39.
1. Larger sensor (area and pixels) compared to H4D-31.
2. Cheaper start, to enter the digital MF.
3. The fact that I got my hands on a 553ELX in good shape.
4. I don´t like the look of H4D (being old fashioned?)

Did I mede the right choice?
Click to expand...
 
Finally it arrived. The very much awaited CFV-39. I bought a demoex, the same one I tested last summer.

Now I´m just waiting for the cold winter to release its grip so I can go out and do some shooting, without having my fingers frozen dead.

Well, here is the beauty!

I have since last posting, also bought me a flexbody, that I find on a swedish trading site.
Using the flexbody is much like photographing large format.
Looking thru the screen,
away with the screen,
put on the back,
close the shutter,
take out the light protection plate,
take the shot,
back in with the light protector plate,
off with the back,
on with the screen,
wind up the shutter and prepare for the next frame.
But I found all this very relaxing and enjoyable.

I wonder, is the digital sensor sturdy enough for all this on and off thing?

(This is not what I´d planned. My plan was more like having the CFV more or less permanent on the 553ELX and shot the film with my 501. It seems that this project start to have a life its own. Just growing).
 
eksund said:
I wonder, is the digital sensor sturdy enough for all this on and off thing?
Click to expand...

You could leave the back on the Flexbody and use a laptop tethered to the
back as viewfinder? I think that is what people do in the studio.

Wilko
 
that is exactly what I do. otherwise you have to attach the back to the body for every shot. this is not safe handling and collects a lot of dust specs.
 
wbulte said:
You could leave the back on the Flexbody and use a laptop tethered to the
back as viewfinder? I think that is what people do in the studio.

Wilko
Click to expand...

I know, but since I use the equipment, mostly outdoors, it´s easier to do the on and off thing, than dragging a computer around.
So, the question still stand. Is the CFV sturdy enough?
Or is it mainly a studio equipment?
 
eksund said:
I know, but since I use the equipment, mostly outdoors, it´s easier to do the on and off thing, than dragging a computer around.
So, the question still stand. Is the CFV sturdy enough?
Or is it mainly a studio equipment?
Click to expand...

It is probably sturdy enough, but I would not feel comfortable swapping the back all the time. It will gather dirt on the sensor, and mother Earth (read; gravity) is just waiting for you to drop it with all this additional handling.

Once I obtain a digiback it will stay on the body as much as can be.

Wilko
 
You have pointed out the most important points to me here!

DUST! and other debries.

I´ll look out for a cheap, lightweight portable computer to use outdoor when shooting with the flexbody. That is of course the best way to do it.

(More to come, when I have done some testing with it)
 
eksund said:
I have finally made up my mind and ordered a CFV-39.

Four things tipped over to the CFV-39.
1. Larger sensor (area and pixels) compared to H4D-31.
2. Cheaper start, to enter the digital MF.
3. The fact that I got my hands on a 553ELX in good shape.
4. I don´t like the look of H4D (being old fashioned?)

Did I mede the right choice?
Click to expand...

yes - I am extremely happy with mine on a 503 CW- one of my best decisions - which does justice to all of my V lenses
 
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