Your analogy about formality is absolutely spot on. I own both cameras as well and I feel the Rollei is better at capturing moments (I could shoot an entire wedding with it) where the Hassy is more about posed/static imagery (when I take it on weddings I also have to bring the leica). The Hassy has a special charm and feel though, a bit like a 70’ 911 or MB SL but still relevant, a classic modernity to it. The Rollei is more like a 50’s car, a slightly more Victorian feel. When I take the Rollei at a wedding it draws a lot of attention( almost too much), people ask me how old it is. The Hasselblad is less vintage, more classic, “cooler” too IMO. Loved the points you made in your video, thank you!
If I was still using cameras professionally I would go with the Hasselblad because of the interchangeable backs and lenses. However, I am well into retirement now, used both for a a few years, and sold my Hasselblad system. One reason is that having a camera with only one lens length to think about helps me see compositions I would have otherwise missed so the lens restriction is not a problem to me. The other reason is I mostly shoot B&W, often with a contrast filter. With the TLR that light blocking red or orange filter is not blocking my view of the composition and focus. So love my easy to handle, beautiful, mechanical masterpiece, 2.8F!
I love your descriptive language about formality. I have 2 Hasselblad’s, a 500C that I’ve had since 1977 and a newer 503CX. 500C is still fully functional but has taken so many important to me images of myself and my family that if anything happened to it I’d cry for a month so 503CX is now my travel buddy and 500C stays home more but is still used. I also have two Yashica 124G and an EM. I’ve never found a good Rollei that I could afford. Of the two though I like the Hasselblad more than the TLR
I see! Awesome thoughts! Agreed, the Hasselblad is a beauty. The prices of 3.5s have been dropping recently.. Might be a nice time to go on the hunt! Haha!
I just acquired a 2.8E3, and I must say that the Rolleiflex definitely feels like it has tighter tolerances than any Hasselblad I have handled. The Hassy is just too complicated, like having to mess with the darkslide and coupled aperture/shutter speed ring. In juxtaposition operation of the Rolleiflex can be picked up easily by anyone with basic knowledge of analog cameras. Not to mention the ability to handhold the Rollei at slower shutter speeds while the Hassy is handicapped by it's mirror and barn doors. If you're in SG let me know if you'd like to shoot sometime. I'd love to bring along my Rolleiflex and see how it stacks up to the 500CM!
Another very informitive and thoughtfull vintage gear video from you. Your personal experience and the depth you go into are welcome and insightful, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking into a new vintage purchase, or like for me are just fun to watch. I grew-up on the lens side of a Rolleicord in the late 1950s/1960s, and there are many B&W photos of our family. I had a Hasselblad 500c for professional use when 35mm wasn’t enough for advertising and model work, but when I stopped doing work the idea of a Rolleiflex came back into my thoughts. Barrowed a Rollei f2.8 from a friend and that was it. I’ve had a late version (6-element) Rolleiflex F 3.5 12/24 that was serviced by Harry in California for a few decades now, and it is maybe my favorite ‘one camera’ (if I had to choose) of all time (very hard to say only one, as I love my M-series too ;-). I usually took my M-series for travel but sometimes took only the Rollei, and those were special trips because I was somewhat limited to one focal length but never disappointed with the different and unique results. And, the 6x6 format which I love, and medium format quaity with the Planar 75mm are pretty amazing (that lens is one of my favorite of all time). I still get a thrill putting some of those old positive films on a light table and viewing them with a Schneider 3x 6x6 lupe. It is also of course a really fun camera in the hand to use. Compact for medium format, very quiet shutter, great finder, and a smooth advance that gives tactile pleasure. Even opening up the top hood with the single action and the side baffles going into place is just so cool, and all the camera's classic design elements are beautifully finished. One last thing I will say about the Rollei, sorry this is getting long, is that it has a dual advantage with taking photos of people. Even with its size it can be out of the way almost hidden with its downward position, and when interacting with a subject there can be a ‘professional’ or serious air about it that makes it welcome, like something important is happening. Just an amazing camera in every way.
Thanks for taking the time to write this, it was a refreshing read! I've never done a trip with only 120 before.. Sounds like an interesting adventure.. An wow I hope those pictures from your childhood made on a rolleiflex were stored well, it's be lovely to see them re-scanned and printed!
I have both camera and i love both with the exact reason you had point out. Hassy thunder slap sound is something really make me excited and rolleiflex design is something i adore too. I am fortunate to own them and thanks for making such a great video.
I really like how the hassy retains a similar form factor as the rollei with the advantages of an SLR. Also nice use of the inertia description. I think that’s why I enjoyed lugging around a TLR and shooting with it so much.
Always wanted to one a Rolleiflex having used a Hassie 500CM for years. Brought that behemoth in a European vacation and really felt the weight. It is built like a tank. Pairs well with my Leica rangefinders. But something about the Rollei that’s always attracted me and you hit the nail. My new to me Rolleiflex 2.8F will be arriving soon and cant wait to start enjoying it. Keep making great videos. I lived in SG when I was very young and always called dit home.
I have both the hasselblad 500cm (using a 60mm c) and a rolleiflex 3.5f. Both have been CLA'd. I think like you said they are both good for different situations. I used my hasselblad digitally with my cfv 50II and its pretty fun. Makes the blad much heavier though. I Have an A16 back i use mostly for 645. I find focusing with the Rolleiflex much easier and quicker. I have a screen from magicflexcamera in my rolleiflex. its so good that I dont use the focus magnifying loop often. I often wonder if a Hasselblad acute matt D screen would make all the difference WIth my 500cm. Maybe some day. Those screens have just gotten crazy expensive.
Awesome! I briefly tried the CFV 50ii but found focusing issues, and was hesitant to sink money into it needing to recalibrate everything.. Did you experience any focusing issues with the digital back? I've heard of magicflexcamera but never tried one, have been using a Maxwell. Will look into those for the future, thanks for the reminder!
I have both and would choose the Rolleiflex almost everytime. It is lighter, it is quieter and stealthier than the Hasselblad. But, if I choose to take pictures inside, I take the Hasselblad, for their options.
I have and love both cameras. But nothing beats portability and convenience. I love creating art with the Hasselblad. But I love traveling all 5 continents with my 8 rolls of 120 and my 2.8D
Great video as always! I can see @3:22 that there are some filters on the rolleiflex? Or am I imagining things? Anyway I have both but I'm contemplating selling the 500cm, the rolleiflex it's just easier to use, controlling the settings and focusing on the hasselblad is a much slower process, it feels super precise but as you said it's not something I enjoy for a day to day camera
Yes I use filters! Initially I ran with them without any, but found the coatings on these old lenses are quite fragile. They inadvertently got fingerprint marks, and after wiping, I began to notice that the coating started to wear away.. So started using filters to minimise that. And also, I’m too lazy to take on and off lens caps….
Sir : I have the complete set in the case for my Bay I 75mm 3.5 Rollei D model , the 80mm bay II will also have filters that clip into the front bayonet as my 75mm does. You can find them in a case and they are wonderful , however you will spent a little bit more for the sets if in good repair and cared for. I advise getting the original filters , to add value and function , or an Adapter from China , that fits the Bay i and Bay II ... I ordered the Bay I adapter to use modern ND filters on my Rollei. Cheers ☺
I think many photographers use both camera when travelling: the Rollei when shooting with 80mm, and the Blad for anything else. And of course, having interchangeable film backs is really convenient. Want to shoot like 2 or 3 different rolls? Sure why not. Just swap. Can't do that with the Rollei. You need to carry multiple bodies :p
I own a Rolleiflex 2.8D and Hasselblad 500 CM and use both, they are both mechanical precision machines. When I travel lighter and just want to take 80mm photos it’s the Rolleiflex. They are in my opinion the best 6x6 systems. A close third is the Mamiya C series TLR. When I want to do macro close ups I just use my RB67 Pro S. I have used 6x6 and even cropped to 645 with no noticeable loss of quality in a 13”x19” print.
I love the feel and handling of my Rollei 55mm Wide , and my older D model 1955 75mm , both are superb cameras , the 55mm F4 is a bit bigger with the DISTAGON lens in it though, so if you want a Wide TLR , there isa few ounces more over a Rolleicord or older 75mm simpler model. My W 55mm is from 1961 .
Your analogy about formality is absolutely spot on. I own both cameras as well and I feel the Rollei is better at capturing moments (I could shoot an entire wedding with it) where the Hassy is more about posed/static imagery (when I take it on weddings I also have to bring the leica). The Hassy has a special charm and feel though, a bit like a 70’ 911 or MB SL but still relevant, a classic modernity to it. The Rollei is more like a 50’s car, a slightly more Victorian feel. When I take the Rollei at a wedding it draws a lot of attention( almost too much), people ask me how old it is. The Hasselblad is less vintage, more classic, “cooler” too IMO. Loved the points you made in your video, thank you!
Thank you! You phrased it beautifully. So much to explore between these similar, yet vastly different machines!
If I was still using cameras professionally I would go with the Hasselblad because of the interchangeable backs and lenses. However, I am well into retirement now, used both for a a few years, and sold my Hasselblad system. One reason is that having a camera with only one lens length to think about helps me see compositions I would have otherwise missed so the lens restriction is not a problem to me. The other reason is I mostly shoot B&W, often with a contrast filter. With the TLR that light blocking red or orange filter is not blocking my view of the composition and focus. So love my easy to handle, beautiful, mechanical masterpiece, 2.8F!
I love your descriptive language about formality. I have 2 Hasselblad’s, a 500C that I’ve had since 1977 and a newer 503CX. 500C is still fully functional but has taken so many important to me images of myself and my family that if anything happened to it I’d cry for a month so 503CX is now my travel buddy and 500C stays home more but is still used. I also have two Yashica 124G and an EM. I’ve never found a good Rollei that I could afford. Of the two though I like the Hasselblad more than the TLR
I see! Awesome thoughts! Agreed, the Hasselblad is a beauty. The prices of 3.5s have been dropping recently.. Might be a nice time to go on the hunt! Haha!
...full marks for style, content and no-nosense presentation. You just got another subscriber.
Thank you!
Such a great video! Great information, incredible examples, and very entertaining, I just subscribed, looking forward to more from you!
I just acquired a 2.8E3, and I must say that the Rolleiflex definitely feels like it has tighter tolerances than any Hasselblad I have handled. The Hassy is just too complicated, like having to mess with the darkslide and coupled aperture/shutter speed ring. In juxtaposition operation of the Rolleiflex can be picked up easily by anyone with basic knowledge of analog cameras. Not to mention the ability to handhold the Rollei at slower shutter speeds while the Hassy is handicapped by it's mirror and barn doors.
If you're in SG let me know if you'd like to shoot sometime. I'd love to bring along my Rolleiflex and see how it stacks up to the 500CM!
Another very informitive and thoughtfull vintage gear video from you. Your personal experience and the depth you go into are welcome and insightful, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking into a new vintage purchase, or like for me are just fun to watch. I grew-up on the lens side of a Rolleicord in the late 1950s/1960s, and there are many B&W photos of our family. I had a Hasselblad 500c for professional use when 35mm wasn’t enough for advertising and model work, but when I stopped doing work the idea of a Rolleiflex came back into my thoughts. Barrowed a Rollei f2.8 from a friend and that was it. I’ve had a late version (6-element) Rolleiflex F 3.5 12/24 that was serviced by Harry in California for a few decades now, and it is maybe my favorite ‘one camera’ (if I had to choose) of all time (very hard to say only one, as I love my M-series too ;-). I usually took my M-series for travel but sometimes took only the Rollei, and those were special trips because I was somewhat limited to one focal length but never disappointed with the different and unique results. And, the 6x6 format which I love, and medium format quaity with the Planar 75mm are pretty amazing (that lens is one of my favorite of all time). I still get a thrill putting some of those old positive films on a light table and viewing them with a Schneider 3x 6x6 lupe. It is also of course a really fun camera in the hand to use. Compact for medium format, very quiet shutter, great finder, and a smooth advance that gives tactile pleasure. Even opening up the top hood with the single action and the side baffles going into place is just so cool, and all the camera's classic design elements are beautifully finished. One last thing I will say about the Rollei, sorry this is getting long, is that it has a dual advantage with taking photos of people. Even with its size it can be out of the way almost hidden with its downward position, and when interacting with a subject there can be a ‘professional’ or serious air about it that makes it welcome, like something important is happening. Just an amazing camera in every way.
Thanks for taking the time to write this, it was a refreshing read! I've never done a trip with only 120 before.. Sounds like an interesting adventure.. An wow I hope those pictures from your childhood made on a rolleiflex were stored well, it's be lovely to see them re-scanned and printed!
I have both camera and i love both with the exact reason you had point out. Hassy thunder slap sound is something really make me excited and rolleiflex design is something i adore too. I am fortunate to own them and thanks for making such a great video.
Thank you!!! Yes to own both is definitely a luxury… Beautiful picture making machines! :)
I have a lot pro-cameras, analog and digital, but my favourite was, is and will be the Hasselblad ❤
I really like how the hassy retains a similar form factor as the rollei with the advantages of an SLR. Also nice use of the inertia description. I think that’s why I enjoyed lugging around a TLR and shooting with it so much.
Always wanted to one a Rolleiflex having used a Hassie 500CM for years. Brought that behemoth in a European vacation and really felt the weight. It is built like a tank. Pairs well with my Leica rangefinders. But something about the Rollei that’s always attracted me and you hit the nail. My new to me Rolleiflex 2.8F will be arriving soon and cant wait to start enjoying it. Keep making great videos. I lived in SG when I was very young and always called dit home.
Wow! The 2.8F is beautiful, I hope you have an amazing time with it!
that was the funniest and more accurate shutter sound description i've ever heard! Great video !
Haha!
For me, both. I have a 2.8D and 501c. Both are a pleasure to have in my hands.
I have both the hasselblad 500cm (using a 60mm c) and a rolleiflex 3.5f. Both have been CLA'd. I think like you said they are both good for different situations. I used my hasselblad digitally with my cfv 50II and its pretty fun. Makes the blad much heavier though. I Have an A16 back i use mostly for 645.
I find focusing with the Rolleiflex much easier and quicker. I have a screen from magicflexcamera in my rolleiflex. its so good that I dont use the focus magnifying loop often. I often wonder if a Hasselblad acute matt D screen would make all the difference WIth my 500cm. Maybe some day. Those screens have just gotten crazy expensive.
Awesome! I briefly tried the CFV 50ii but found focusing issues, and was hesitant to sink money into it needing to recalibrate everything.. Did you experience any focusing issues with the digital back?
I've heard of magicflexcamera but never tried one, have been using a Maxwell. Will look into those for the future, thanks for the reminder!
I have both and would choose the Rolleiflex almost everytime. It is lighter, it is quieter and stealthier than the Hasselblad. But, if I choose to take pictures inside, I take the Hasselblad, for their options.
I have and love both cameras.
But nothing beats portability and convenience. I love creating art with the Hasselblad.
But I love traveling all 5 continents with my 8 rolls of 120 and my 2.8D
Great video as always! I can see @3:22 that there are some filters on the rolleiflex? Or am I imagining things?
Anyway I have both but I'm contemplating selling the 500cm, the rolleiflex it's just easier to use, controlling the settings and focusing on the hasselblad is a much slower process, it feels super precise but as you said it's not something I enjoy for a day to day camera
Yes I use filters! Initially I ran with them without any, but found the coatings on these old lenses are quite fragile.
They inadvertently got fingerprint marks, and after wiping, I began to notice that the coating started to wear away.. So started using filters to minimise that. And also, I’m too lazy to take on and off lens caps….
Sir : I have the complete set in the case for my Bay I 75mm 3.5 Rollei D model , the 80mm bay II will also have filters that clip into the front bayonet as my 75mm does. You can find them in a case and they are wonderful , however you will spent a little bit more for the sets if in good repair and cared for. I advise getting the original filters , to add value and function , or an Adapter from China , that fits the Bay i and Bay II ... I ordered the Bay I adapter to use modern ND filters on my Rollei. Cheers ☺
wow great vid. real information.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I think many photographers use both camera when travelling: the Rollei when shooting with 80mm, and the Blad for anything else. And of course, having interchangeable film backs is really convenient. Want to shoot like 2 or 3 different rolls? Sure why not. Just swap. Can't do that with the Rollei. You need to carry multiple bodies :p
I am curious about the watch you have showed! Would you write the model name of the right side watch (white)
Hey! It’s a Zennith pocket watch I picked up on my honeymoon from an antique shop.
I own both. Minty.
Hasselblad 503CX+ Carl Zeiss 50mm, 80mm & 150mm.
Just curious did you ever upgrade the focusing screen on the rolleiflex? i just find it a little dark and hard to focus using it at times
Yes I did! Initially I went with Maxwell, which is amazing, but at 1/5th the price, oleson screens are much better value! (Almost just as good!)
Hasselblad lenses are too sharp, too perfect! Great for landscapes. Rollei is for shooting people!
I own a Rolleiflex 2.8D and Hasselblad 500 CM and use both, they are both mechanical precision machines. When I travel lighter and just want to take 80mm photos it’s the Rolleiflex. They are in my opinion the best 6x6 systems. A close third is the Mamiya C series TLR. When I want to do macro close ups I just use my RB67 Pro S. I have used 6x6 and even cropped to 645 with no noticeable loss of quality in a 13”x19” print.
Great to know!
More expensive cameras probably won't help your photos, but your imagination will
Is there a reason why these two things would be mutually exclusive?
Both awesome cameras
Yes!
I love the feel and handling of my Rollei 55mm Wide , and my older D model 1955 75mm , both are superb cameras , the 55mm F4 is a bit bigger with the DISTAGON lens in it though, so if you want a Wide TLR , there isa few ounces more over a Rolleicord or older 75mm simpler model. My W 55mm is from 1961 .
Agreed! Wow the W is a rare one...