seeking advice on h2 deal~

[MRKM]

hello, first post here!

i had originally set out to get the new nikon d800 (was time for me to upgrade) and after being lied to by the dealier, first being told late march, early april, late april and now mid may, i decided to get my deposit back and right at that time came across what i think seems like a good deal on an h2 system.

i'm here to verify this belief and to ask if there's anything specific i should look out for when testing it out, as well as a few other things...

the 'deal' is $5000 cdn for the following:

-hasselblad h2 body
-cfh-39 back
-hv90x prism
-2x lithion battery grips + charger
-13mm extension tube
-80mm f/2.8 hc lens

the body is rated at just about 50k actuations and the lens at 60k.

the seller says it's in good working condition and provided me with some pictures (posted below). cosmetically, it could be a bit better, but i'm not complaining!

my biggest worry is whether at that many actuations it'll still last me a few years as this would be my main studio camera for a while to come.

i've always dreamed of shooting medium format digital, specifically hasselblad, and now that it's within the realm of reality i look forward to it but am still weary as it is a 7 year old piece.

no doubt the image quality is absolutely stunning and it's a terrific camera, but am i stupid to be buying into something so old? is it now obsolete? should i just stick to the d800 and shut up?

this would be my first digital medium format (i shoot film mf pretty often) and so i'm aware of the slower shooting speed. that's fine as i like to take my time to compose when shooting, even on 35mm digital. the 1af point also shouldn't be a problem since i aim at the area i wish to get in focus and then frame to my liking.

fyi, i shoot mainly fashion and portrait in-studio (or outdoors, under generally brightly lit conditions). in other words, i'm not really in need of high-iso's as i'm usually in a controlled light environment.

are there any potential gripes anyone sees with this camera?

this is a big purchase for me and i just want to make sure everything is in order!

thanks in advance, can't wait to be a contributing member here!

 

[Zerimar]

I would say for $5000 that the kit is a good price, even given the amount of actuations.

I would say this, as a H2 shooter myself (with a P45+ back) as well as 35mm (Canon 5d2)

Get the Hasselblad if you want the highest quality and plan to use the camera strictly at ISO 50-100 in controlled lighting conditions (studio or outdoors with strobes) as you will not find a better solution, even on the aging back.

You will sacrifice having a shutter speed over 1/800, higher ISO, as well as speed of focusing and shooting at a slower pace. You gain a look that no 35mm camera will ever have, spectacular resolution and sharpness, and the prestige that will impress countless clients (it looks bad to be on a shoot and be using a 5D2 and have the client tell you they bought their wife or kid a 5d2 to use)

Get the D800 if you ever need to shoot as ISO 200 + (if you already own a Nikon D700 or something along those lines then that should be covered provided you keep the 35mm system, which I highly suggest) or plan to cover events, weddings, and need to shoot ambient light a lot. You will have a higher frame rate, up to 1/8000 shutter speed, and ISO usable up to 3200 on it.

As for the used condition of the camera, for the price you are getting it at try to factor in another lens in addition to the 80.. the shutter count shouldn't be a problem, and the shutter is in the lens.. get another lens and then you don't have to worry about the shutter on the 80! I have a 50-110 that has 15k clicks, and sold off the lens that I got with mine that had 60k…

I would also suggest jumping on it provided you can afford to keep your Nikon system, as you in my opinion would be sacrificing too much strictly shooting the Hasselblad with the 80… Thus why I still have my Canon cameras that I use for outdoors, ambient shoots, events, higher frame rate, and better low light capabilities. The Hasselblad comes out when I am shooting in the studio or on location with my Profoto lighting equipment.

My last advise is to go with your gut, if you dream of shooting medium format digital and feel that this is your opportunity to do so then go for it, if you feel that you will regret it waiting for the D800 then only you can decide..

Hope that helps!
Rick

 

[Swissblad]

Excellent reply, Zerimar

MRKM - Last year I managed to obtain a H3D31 at a very reasonable price, and continue to be impressed at how the 5 year old back out performs my D700 by a wide margin.

Skin tones etc, just have more depth, and I no longer need to hassle with Nikon RED.

If you can afford to keep both systems, go for it - you will not regret it.