ShooterRod

I was alway envious of the Hasselblad folks....saw their ultra sharp photos and enlargements..envious!
I bought a Kowa 66...way less expensive, but reviews said the optics were excellent.
Thought it would be a burden to carry around, but surprisingly, that size camera is so close to the SLR 35s that
I never felt burdened. Took some nice photos...because it seemed like a special camera to me, I seemed to be
a better photographer with it. The logical progression would be a Hasselblad instead of the large Canon DSLR I
have now....but I've been unable to pull the $$ trigger. I think the same thing has happened to the folks on this
site...I never see words about medium format challenges/problems/triumphs. Is it because of cost..hard to
believe because many of you have released a list of your lenses in present ownership...and you have lots of $$$ involved..
Is it because of the idea that that format is just too large to handle? Is it because of the lack of innumerable
control features that the DSLRs have? Is it because this site devoted to 35mm? Someone needs to post some
nice medium format photos....maybe even comparisons of the same scenes...I for one would love to see
if there is still a difference...and how much the difference is...Thanks...

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

I shot with a MF TLR years ago. Whilst the IQ was unbelievable however using it for moving subjects was a pain with the reversed image in the viewfinder. It wasn't long before I sold it and went back to 35mm SLRs.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

ShooterRod - This might seem to be a nice Used outfit currently offered by B&H Photo: Hasselblad 501CM Medium Format SLR Camera Kit (Chrome) with Folding Waist Level Viewfinder, A12 (120) Film Back and 80mm f/2.8 CB Lens $1,799.95. Condition: 8+. Everything but rolls of film.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I still shoot with a pair of Pentax 645's. Still my favorite landscape camera when I feel like shooting film.
Yesterday I was actually using my 4X5 view camera as I came across a package of Polaroid 55 film, expired in 1998, but it was fun to play with for awhile. Actually got a couple frames to produce images.
I have a Hasselblad 501 with 4 lenses, 3 backs, two viewfinders for sale for only $2000 if you decide to get serious about Medium Format film shooting.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

I have owned a Yashika Mat 124G, a Mamiya C330, and still own a Hasselblad 500C. I keep the 500C loaded, but rarely take it off the shelf.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

PM me if you get the 501. I still have a few odds and ends from the 80s using a 500cm. Flash sync cord & bayonet filter adapter for a Cokin system.... These cameras topped out at 1/500 shutter duration but also flash synced at all settings. A huge advantage back then with balancing flash with ambient outdoor lighting.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

This site is not dedicated to any one particular format. There are people here using 4x5 (and larger) sheet film, 120 roll film, 35mm film, smartphones, full frame (24x36mm) dSLR and DSLM, APS-C dSLR and DSLM, Micro 4/3 mirrorless, 1", and other bridge camera sensor formats.

I own a Bronica ETRSi with several backs, a 75mm, a 150mm, and other accessories, but I haven't used it since the late 1990s. I also have a couple of Nikons, a Canon, and a Minolta in the closet.

Digital cameras are simply too good. I quit using film in 2005, after helping to transition the lab I worked in from using film/optical processes to using digital processes. By then, I knew what I needed to get what I wanted from digital gear.

While medium format DIGITAL gear is available, it is priced in the stratosphere. It is primarily the province of professional photo illustrators serving advertisers, and a few well-heeled landscape photographers. No one truly needs it unless they regularly print larger than 40x30 inches for applications that will be viewed at awkwardly close range.

Film is still viable for those who want to use it. However, for my needs, I use (and require) a fully digital workflow. I do hybrid work (stills, plus video, plus audio narration, plus graphics, plus text, plus music, all on Intranets, DVDs, and Internet web sites), so I use a Lumix GH4. It records stills and videos equally well with one body. I can help my twins make a film short, or do a training video with print manual and PDF or eLearning module. The versatility is amazing.

I'm sure you'll find some folks here with Yashicas, Mamiyas, Rolleis, Bronicas, 'blads, and even a Kowa Six or some weird Russian roll film camera. There's been enough demand for film manufacturers to keep making many of the old standards, although transparency films have a limited market representation. B&H and Adorama and Freestyle are still selling a nice range of emulsions. The used camera market has plenty of used bargains, so finding an old favorite is pretty easy.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Lots of great bargains in medium format film cameras. I still regularly shoot my 6x7 Mamiya RB 67 ProS, and you can now but a complete outfit (body, finder back and lens) for what a back used to cost 10-15 years ago.

Darkroom317 Loc: Mishawaka, IN

Yes several. Mamiya RB67, Two Rolleicords, Mamiya C330 and a Lubitel 166B

ShooterRod

Sorry I wasn't clear enough...I used reference to my Canon DSLR to let you
know I was talking about digital Hasselblad, not the film camera.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Fuji's medium format the GFX50 is a great alternative.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

The newer Hasselblads, Fuji, and Pentax medium formats have a lot of the new features of digital cameras found on them. The cameras are more for the big time professionals and well heeled amauturs. Still, I hope some day to add a digital back to my film Hassy. Or sell it off for one of the new medium format cameras (it will take more money to get one than what the trade in would bring in).

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Not clear enough is an understatement - digital Hasselblads are not even close to 2 1/4!!

dreamon

I owned a Mamiyaflex C3 with a 65mm and a 135mm lens for a time. Loved it, but I couldn't get past the reversed image in the waist-level finder. If I had started shooting with that camera, I just might have kept on, but my first serious camera was a 35mm...

bedouin Loc: Big Bend area, Texas

I have a Pentax 645Z with 5 old FA lenses. I use it strictly for landscapes and on a tripod. It is just too heavy to handhold and produce it's best images.I also have a ff and crop 35mm type DSLRs. The Mf produces better detail, but on my computer screen it is difficult to see this.