Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

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Archive 2006 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

mark1958
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p.19 #1 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

Here are the web sites for the rollei dealers

http://www.ctrades.com/

http://www.hecphoto.com/

May 28, 2006 at 03:28 PM

carstenw
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p.19 #2 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

Is someone in a position to compare working with the Rolleis and the Hasselblad V-system? I know the Rollei is more advanced, but am curious anyway.

Jun 03, 2006 at 11:17 AM

stewarda
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p.19 #3 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

just adding myself to this thread to keep it active for me.

Jun 03, 2006 at 11:49 AM

Greg_E
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p.19 #4 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

I read through about the first 45 pages, and then kind of gave up... Nowhere did I see anyone mention the digital backs from Megavision. The current E series range from 6mp color and monochrome (E3) to 16MP square in color and monochrome (E4) to the 22mp (E5) and soon (found one reference on the news page) 39mp (E6) back. Just kind of surprised that there was no mention of them anywhere is this thread. Most if not all of these backs are based on the Kodak sensors. As far as the software goes, I can't offer much yet, though in a couple of weeks when I get my lowly "antique" S3 working with the new software.

The E3 is 36x24, E4 is 36x36, and the E5 and E6 are the larger Kodak chips. If it wasn't for the crop factor, the E4 would be nice in a TLR.

Jun 05, 2006 at 02:33 AM

Greg_E
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p.19 #5 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

edit Now the other post shows up

Jun 05, 2006 at 02:38 AM

Paul Barker
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p.19 #6 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

carstenw wrote:
Is someone in a position to compare working with the Rolleis and the Hasselblad V-system? I know the Rollei is more advanced, but am curious anyway.

Hi Carsten

I was brought up on V series Hasselblads. I didn't really like the old ones with C lenses, they had many faults in the old film days. Dim viewfinder, 4 piece viewfinder hood, connected shutter and aperture on the lenses, overlapping frames on the film backs, cut off in the viewfinder with longer lenses. Over the years they improved and most of these little niggles were ironed out.

When I started my own business I didn't have much money so bought into a Bronica system (the least said the better). but when funds allowed, I moved to Rollei, first a 6006 and then added a 6008 and a bunch of lenses. I worked happily with them for about 5 or 6 years. Yes they were more sophisticated than the 'blads with built in meters, motors etc and of course they relied on batteries but worked very well, I had no complaints.

When digital came along, the back I decided on was the P1 Lightphase, which wouldn't fit the Rollei so I moved back to 'blad. I didn't really miss the Rollei features, on the contrary, I really enjoyed going back to the simplicity of a purely mechanical 500 series 'blad not to mention the lighter weight. The WLF viewfinders with an Acumatte screen is super bright (side by side brighter than an H1), the lenses are great, overlapping frames no longer an issue and the floating mirror has no cut off. One niggle is still there, accidentally tripping the shutter of a lens off camera by knocking the little pin but I have done this about twice in the last 6 years.

When I upgraded to a P25 last year I did think about moving to the H1 but after testing decided I preferred the old system. If I want predictive AF, multi meter modes, auto bracket and more custom functions than you can shake a stick it... well, I have a Canon system for that.

Cheers
Paul

Jun 05, 2006 at 04:32 PM

carstenw
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p.19 #7 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

Thanks Paul, that is exactly what I was hoping to hear. I so far have only a 500C, but when I get the chance, will trade it in for a 500CM, most likely, and get rid of the C lens for a CF T*, probably 120 or 150. I am just looking to scratch my film itch with this camera, so I don't need fancy stuff, just a couple of good lenses (for film), and one or two backs.

In the wild event that an unknown relative dies and leaves me way more money than I could keep myself from spending, which CF lenses are also good with digital backs? I expect the 180 must be up there, and maybe the 120, but I don't know so much about it.

Jun 05, 2006 at 04:44 PM

Andi Dietrich
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p.19 #8 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

Carsten, Hasselblad CF lenses are all good, the Makro 120 has the badest rating by photodo but it is still a very good lens, very sharp, no ca, shows microcontrast and all this, like you would expect it to see on a Zeiss lens.
I have the 4/50, 80, 150mm lenses and had (or still have as I dont know if I will ever get paid for it) 40/60/120 lenses. I would say the 4/50FLE is the best of the lot, all those lenses can do great things.

There are different shooting styles, but for image quality I say, If not happy with this, not happy with anything

Edited by bathman on Jun 05, 2006 at 06:08 PM GMT (Reason: typo)

Jun 05, 2006 at 05:21 PM

Paul Barker
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p.19 #9 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

Carsten, if you can, go for the CW rather than a CM, they have the floating mirror so you won't get cut off with longer lenses. I have the 120 and the 180 both CF. The 120 is my favourite lens for a lot of work I do, editorial lifestyle, it's great for still life and close up, super sharp. For speed I often use Proxar close up lenses for getting close and they work very well with the 120 but not well with the 180 where you need to use ext tubes otherwise the image softens.

When I said overlapping frames were no longer an Issue, I meant because, professionally, I shoot digitally now. However, last year I did treat myself to a new film back for use with a SWC... just for fun (and to scratch my film itch). If you buy second hand backs, make sure the insert numbers (last 3) match the last 3 of the back numbers. Over time, film backs do tend to overlap or space out. From memory they would need looking at and servicing once a year with heavy professional use.

Jun 05, 2006 at 05:24 PM

carstenw
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p.19 #10 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

It sounds like I would be happy with the 80, 120 and either the 40 or the 50. As I recall, one of these two is quite inferior to the other, and does not do well with digital backs, but I don't recall which...

Jun 05, 2006 at 06:05 PM

Andi Dietrich
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p.19 #11 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

the 40 is said to be inferior to the newest 50. but there where also reviews, saying it was the best of its range ever tested. so what...

Jun 05, 2006 at 06:28 PM

EZepeda
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p.19 #12 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

I use the 80 and 150 CF all the time with the P25. If something ain't sharp it's my fault, not the lens...I do think the next lens will be the 50 CF. I just haven't had that much luck with the 40 FLE, but I probably need more ttime with it. I've talked to others that get excellent results.

Jun 06, 2006 at 12:28 AM

Andi Dietrich
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p.19 #13 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

>>>

Jun 06, 2006 at 12:29 AM

shirozina
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p.19 #14 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

I've got the 40 FLE and the 50CF ( non floating front element) - the 50 is superior on my 22mp Sinar back.

Jun 06, 2006 at 08:05 AM

carstenw
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p.19 #15 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

shirozina wrote:
I've got the 40 FLE and the 50CF ( non floating front element) - the 50 is superior on my 22mp Sinar back.

Right, this confirms what I have heard so far. It sounds like a 50/80/120 or 50/80/150 kit is a nice way to do some film, perhaps with the CW body style. Getting the stronger lenses then leaves the way open for a digital back later.

Jun 06, 2006 at 11:56 AM

ajmichael
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p.19 #16 · Re: MF digital backs. The dilemma

Bump ... :-)

Andy

Jun 16, 2006 at 03:25 PM