Making the jump

[Mar.ty]

Hello from a non-pro Leica M9 user, soon to try Hasselblad. Having only shot digital before I am about to branch into film, for reasons probably only film users understand, and for a while considered adding an MP (= film) to my setup.

But then I realised there is also Hasselblad

Going MF for film shooting with the option of adding DBs is very tempting. The popular MF philosophy of deliberate, contemplative shooting suits film well. Also it is probably the only way today to really improve upon the IQ of a 35mm system like the M9. Plus, a system like the V has every bit the vintage look and feel that a Leica MP would give me.

Thus I have spent the last few weeks looking at combinations like 503CW/A12/CFV39 which I am sure many here use as well. What do you say; is it unreasonable to want to use such an MF system alongside a 35mm rangefinder? Has anyone regretted it, has anyone realised the "mistake" of their ways and abandoned V for H? If MF is your main format, do you shoot 35mm alongside? Please share your experience...

 

[wbulte]

One of the main reasons to prefer H over V is much much much more automation. Like autofocus for example.

I suggest to read the postings on this forum from Marc Williams, he used to use H and V in parallel quite a lot. These days (I think) he only has one V set left.

Wilko

 

[bensonga]

Hi Mar.ty....welcome to the forum! I think you'll find there are many folks here shooting both 35mm, medium and large format, film and digital. Myself being one of them. I have a few Hasselblad V series bodies and shoot film and digital with them (CFV-16 II, in my case). I like both, for different reasons. I've never used a Hasselblad H camera, but I would think the biggest difference, as Wilko mentioned, is the automation/auto-focus lenses vs the totally manual setup of something like the 503CW etc. If you want to enjoy that deliberate, contemplative shooting style, then the V-system is well suited to it.....the only thing more deliberate would be large format film!

I don't see any reason why a person couldn't continue to enjoy shooting with something like your Leica M9 and still find a special enjoyment using a Hasselblad, whether with film or a digital back. I've got a Leica R8 and I enjoy using both....but for different reasons.

Good luck with your decision.....I'm sure you wouldn't regret getting a Hasselblad, whether V or H.

Gary

 

[polypal]

But then I realised there is also Hasselblad

...

Good that you thought just in time of the best known camera in MF.

If digital is your thing look for a kit with the CFV I or II.
It offers 16MP which does not seem much but it also opens the road to Hasselblads Phocus software for post processing.

The forum has a classified section which holds at least one kit with the CFV digital back.
The later CFV 39MP is the cream of the crop with extra pixels but most of all a larger sensor that saves most of the wide angle capacity of Distagon lenses.

Good luck with finding the set that suits you best.
Starting with a film back is not a disadvatage, it also helps to develop an acurate shooting technique.


Paul
Forum moderator.

 

[bensonga]

One other thing......you won't believe how much better those big 6x6cm negatives and transparencies look than 35mm format. It really is amazing.....and well worth shooting some film now and then just to appreciate visually the bigger format!

Gary

 

[wbulte]

One other thing......you won't believe how much better those big 6x6cm negatives and transparencies look than 35mm format. It really is amazing.....and well worth shooting some film now and then just to appreciate visually the bigger format!

Gary

Agreed, you should shoot transparancies (/chromes) at least once, just for the reason Gary mentions.

Wilko