The reputation of Hasselblad has prompted many a photographer-professional and amateur alike-to invest in what is arguably the ultimate medium format system. During my 15 year carrer in professional photography, I have used/owned three market-leading medium format camera models; Bronica (S2A:-yes S2A!) Mamiya(RB67) and an old Hasselblad 500.
Of the three, I found the Hasselblad the most comfortable to use.It scores over the Bronica in terms of build quality and compared to the Mamiya it is a great deal easier to handle.
In the field of freelance work, I needed a robust camera that would deliver high quality results with the minimum of maintainence, so the Hasselblad 501 was the obvious choice. ...
Advantages: a classic, you get the best pictures Disadvantages: expensive
This is THE classic camera in the medium format. Of course the Rollei flex ? and cord is better known, but the Hasselblad 501 CM is an excellent camera.
There is so much to say about this camera that it hardly fits into this space. This brand is like the zippo for lighters. It has existed for ages and its reputation is still at the top. I reckon it is the best medium format camera in the world.
The 500 series has been out for a long time and by now all of the parts are interchangeable. There is no need for you to go for something more flash or expensive, despite this being the bottom line for Hasselblad. It does teach you a lot and you could even become professional with this camera. However you have to know what you want from the camera: portraits, landscape etc. It is a good choice, but be aware that moving images will be quite ...
Advantages: Quality Disadvantages: Price and limited technology
Hasselblad the best medium format camera in the world so they say. I used to use one on an everyday basis when I was a photographer in the RAF I admit the camera is a good solid workhorse but it has quite a few drawbacks. Firstly the price, they say quality comes at a price but for that money I would not only want top quality but latest technology. The quality of the lenses is excellent but as far as I am aware the Rollei cameras come with the same or similar lenses although obviously they are in a different mount.
The Hasselblad is a real heavyweight this has it’s good and bad points. The camera is solid it will absorb quite alot of heavy knocks(I’ve seen a number of ‘blads’ dropped and still work). The downside of this is that it really is quite a lump to carry round especially using the narrow strap supplied ...
By simply changing film magazines, the photographer can change exposed film for unexposed in seconds, or change between film types, film lengths and film formats without losing a single frame. Extra preloaded film magazines effectively increase the readiness and efficiency of the camera equipment.
