| Photography Forum: Medium Format Photography Forum: |
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Q. Hasselblad for action shots
Asked by Tom Anderson
(K=0) on 9/13/2005
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I am looking at getting into Medium format. I have been shooting 35mm for about 4 years. I shoot mostly action shots of snowboarding and skateboarding. A lot of professional photographers I respect use a Hasselblad camera for this. What do you think? If not Hasselblad what else should I consider?
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dave thursfield
(K=514) - Comment Date 9/13/2005
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Stick to 35mm what more do you need, Hassys are too slow and mechanical.
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Tom Anderson
(K=0) - Comment Date 9/13/2005
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thank you for your comment. i am aware that medium format will require more set up for shots but i want a better picture. will a hassy do that?
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Roger Williams
(K=82213) - Comment Date 9/14/2005
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Tom, image quality will be higher at its best, no doubt about that. But I'm not sure your area of interest (fast moving, difficult lighting) is going to be best for a Hasselblad. For one thing, the lens shutters often max at 500th sec... and the FP shutter Hassies don't have a very good reputation for reliability. You can use a good 800 ISO film like the wonderful Fuji Superia emulsion, but even so the shallower depth of focus may make things difficult for you. Some camera shops that cater to pros will rent you a camera over the weekend. (It's not cheap, with the insurance, etc., but much cheaper than buying a camera and then finding it doesn't do what you want.) I'm just making the move to MF myself, and budget limitations have forced me to choose an Arax, the Ukrainian, ah, "tribute" to the Hassie, actually a modified Kiev 88. But I am mostly into landscapes and cityscapes, where speed is not a concern. Oh, and panoramas. Same again. If you are interested in going the low road, contact me. I've gone into this in some detail, and there are other options you might like to consider. 6 x 4.5 is one...
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Eric Peterson
(K=4210) - Comment Date 9/15/2005
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If you're not insisting on new you might want to look at the Koni Omega Rapid M or Rapid Omega 200(same camera but the name changed when production moved from the Koni plant to a Mamiya plant). They went out of production about 25 years ago but there are still a good number around and it will not set you back too badly to get set up and try it. It's a rangefinder, press style camera with interchangeable backs and lenses and is very rugged. It's completely mechanical so cold has little effect on it's operation, but you do need to use a handheld light meter. The backs can be changed mid roll and you get a 6x7 negative. Available lenses are 58/60mm f5.6(same lens), 90mm f/3.5(standard), 135mm f/3.5(rare), and 180mm f/4.5. The optics are excellent, especially the 58/60mm. The guys with the Hasselblads may laugh behind your back, but the resulting photos will be just as good without the huge outlay of cash. If you're interested, Google Koni Omega or Rapid Omega and you should be able to get a decent amount of additional information off the internet.
Eric
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Eric Peterson
(K=4210) - Comment Date 9/15/2005
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(Didn't post for some reason last time so let's try again.)
If you're not insisting on new you might want to look at the Koni Omega Rapid M or Rapid Omega 200(same camera but the name changed when production moved from the Koni plant to a Mamiya plant). They went out of production about 25 years ago but there are still a good number around and it will not set you back too badly to get set up and try it. It's a rangefinder, press style camera with interchangeable backs and lenses and is very rugged. It's completely mechanical so cold has little effect on it's operation, but you do need to use a handheld light meter. The backs can be changed mid roll and you get a 6x7 negative. Available lenses are 58/60mm f5.6(same lens), 90mm f/3.5(standard), 135mm f/3.5(rare), and 180mm f/4.5. The optics are excellent, especially the 58/60mm. The guys with the Hasselblads may laugh behind your back, but the resulting photos will be just as good without the huge outlay of cash. If you're interested, search for Koni Omega or Rapid Omega and you should be able to get a decent amount of additional information off the internet.
Eric
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Helen Bach
(K=2331) - Comment Date 9/15/2005
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The Mamiya Press Super 23 and Universal are similar to the Omegas mentioned by Eric, and are also available at low cost. These two cameras have 50, 75, 100 and 150 lenses available (there are others, including an awesome 250 mm f/8 lens) - and they are good lenses. The 50 mm on 6 x9 is as wide (on the long side) as the Hassy SWC. The great thing about the Omega and Mamiya Press is that you can track the subject through the viewfinder during the exposure, because they are rangefinder cameras. No motordrive, though.
More modern, and more expensive, options include the Mamiya 7, another rangefinder, but with a built-in exposure meter that can be used in auto. That is a 6x7 camera with 43, 50, 65, 80, 150 and 210 mm lenses available, though the 210 doesn't couple to the rangefinder. It's smaller, lighter and faster to use than the Omega and Press.
Best,
Helen
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Louis Borsato
(K=193) - Comment Date 9/26/2005
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Tom,a Hasselblad will slow you down when you shoot these type of events.They are ok for still shots.35mm is still great for these type of sports.I have shot extreme sports and use 35mm mainly.I also use a Pentax 645n with fast telephoto lenses.This Pentax system is small and is similar to using a 35mm,but you have the bigger format.It's a little heavier in weight,but I still find it just right to use.
I have shot with Hasselblad and it was slow and cumbersome.By the time you set up, the shot is gone.It's expensive as well.12 shots on 120 and 24 shots on 220.Shooting extreme sports,you will definitely be going through film quickly.With my Pentax 645n I get 30 pics on 220,which is not bad.
So if you want to go medium format,try the 645 format systems out there or even the rangefinders as mentioned.Be prepared for the expense of the film.
Cheers,
Louis
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Taras R. Hnatyshyn
(K=3794) - Comment Date 10/5/2005
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Tom,
Sure, the larger film will allow you to make huge prints, and the shallower depth of field will allow you to isolate the subjects from the background better, but it takes a special aptitude to operate a medium format camera at the high "speeds" (I'm not talking shutter here) required for getting the shot. If you do choose to go medium format, you would want a camera with a winder, and quite a few spare film backs (and maybe an assistant to keep them loaded). You can shoot this type of action with medium format, but it is not easy. Also, the Hasselblad system is not cheap, though deals can be found on the used market for the V-series cameras, the H1 may be more suitable for this type of shooting, with its autofocus lenses. This is not a decision to be taken lightly
Taras
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J. Garcia
(K=30) - Comment Date 12/19/2005
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Tom
every major skate phothographer shoots MF for stills and 35 digital for secuences, Atiba Jefferson, Sue Thrin and Reda shoot on Hasselblads.
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Trever Hillis
(K=0) - Comment Date 12/28/2005
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Yes, a hassleblad is ideal for skating/snowboarding photography. If you are able to shoot skating and snowboarding with your 35mm very well, then medium format is the next step. If you want another option check out bronica's. They are a lot cheaper. If anyone thinks that hassy's are too slow for skating they never shot skating before. About 80% of Atiba Jefferson's (one of the top skating photographers) images are from meduim format. Just have fun!!
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Michi Reubi
(K=152) - Comment Date 4/19/2006
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I dont think hasselblad works out for snowboarding.I used it a several times and it didnt work out too well!I just used it for several shots where square format runs better.But rightnow Atiba and especially Seu also shoot alot with digital still cameras...You know the tailslide of Daewon on this "water-thing"?I surely know that was taken by a digital camera!It's not the camera which makes you a good photodog!Just go with what you got used to!Also never forget about the prices of the hassy stuff like lenses are VERY expensive.Especially if you want to go into fisheye stuff...There I can suggest you Mamiya RB67...The fishy is affordable!
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James McGinnis
(K=6045) - Comment Date 5/25/2006
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For what you will spend on the 'right' hassy set-up you could get a Canon 1Ds MkII and go digital. You'll have excellent clarity and resolution (sharpness) at 16x20 or larger and you'll be able to shoot 8 fps and it'll be a heck of alot more portable and user friendly than a MF camera.
I love MF but I can't see it being all that practical for "action" shots. Not saying it can't be done, just saying it doesn't seem practical.....film takes too long to load, slow auto advance at best..most are manual film advance, big and bulky and expensive.
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