Handheld Portraits at eye-level: Hasselblad or Rolleiflex + prsim

jett · Dec 1, 2012

I have a Rolleiflex. Well, I have several 🙂 but I use all of mine at the waist/chest. However, I also want a 120 camera to use at eye-level, for portraits. I want a higher vantage point at times but I still want to use the camera fluidly without tripods and stools. I really enjoy both perspectives.

The way I see it, I have 3 options. I want to stay 6x6 and I'm not interested in RF's because of close-focus limitations.

1. Get a Rollei prism: The pros of this is that I have a camera that I'm already used to (ergonomically atleast) and the con of this is that I am limited to one focal length. Well, this isn't so straightforward because I have a T and I would opt for a 3.5E2/E3 because I prefer the other Rolleiflex ergonomics more. But i would try out the prism with the T first.

2. Get a Hasselblad & prism(s). Well there are a few reasons why I'd want a Hasselblad, like to have lenses that are wider and longer, but if I were to stick with a standard lens, then is this camera any "better". I don't care about the optical differences but more of the usability at eye-level. I view the Hasselblad as more of a tripod camera.

3. Stick with 35mm, go 645, go mamiya 6. In otherwords, make a compromise.

Any thoughts?

How does the Rolleiflex + Rollei prism compare with the Hasselblad + 90 prism? In terms of brightness, focusing, ergonomics, etc. Assuming stock and maxwell screens.

ruby.monkey · Dec 1, 2012

5. Hit the gym and then get an RZ-67 Pro II with eye-level finder. Best camera ever. 😀

A TLR would probably require the addition of a pistol grip anyway, since they're hard to hold steady at face height, so the difference in Rollei ergonomics would be moot.

dabick42 · Dec 1, 2012

@ jett ----- I use a TeleRollei and standard Rollei with prism and pistol grip quite frequently.
The rig has its plus points in giving good mobility and stability, the only drawback being that one has to change hands on the pistol grip momentarily when winding on.
With practice, I've found it a good setup for general use, even for action shots.
Onlookers often mistake it for an old-fashioned cine camera, which can lead to interesting conversations.... !

Sejanus.Aelianus · Dec 1, 2012

the only drawback being that one has to change hands on the pistol grip momentarily when winding on.

When I used a prism/grip on a Rollei, I used the "flip" technique: let the camera fall sideways, so the wind is uppermost and wind with the left hand. Doesn't half strengthen your right wrist! 😀

This is why I prefer the Hasselblad for hand-held prism work. Your left hand holds the camera and you do everything with the right. I find that much more comfortable.

ray*j*gun · Dec 1, 2012

ruby.monkey said:
5. Hit the gym and then get an RZ-67 Pro II with eye-level finder. Best camera ever. 😀

Plus one for the RZ..... but god is it heavy. I have the un-metered prism for my Hassy and also find it very workable and not too heavy.

dabick42 · Dec 1, 2012

@ Sej Ael --- A strengthened right wrist would always come in useful for other pleasurable pursuits, I suppose... (!)

vitaly66 · Dec 1, 2012

What's the problem? Most Rolleiflex models offer an eye-level finder built in.

mfogiel · Dec 1, 2012

For handheld portraits Rolleiflex surely trumps Hasselblad, unless you want some strange lens on, but with the 80 and 135 for Tele Rolleiflex, you can cover the portrait basics in an excellent manner.
A good compromise for shooting portraits with a Rollei is this attachment:
http://www.baierfoto.de/tlr_engl.html
which let's you use whatever type of Hasselblad finder, with the 45degree ones being the obvious choice.
You gain straight, non inverted image, and you are at a more natural level vis a vis the subject. The Rollei prism, while also good, particularly when combined with the pistol grip, forces you to be at face level of your subject, i.e. you tend to frame too high.

Gumby · Dec 1, 2012

dabick42 said:
@ Sej Ael --- A strengthened right wrist would always come in useful for other pleasurable pursuits, I suppose... (!)

...especially poker and bridge.

jett · Dec 1, 2012

Thanks for the suggestions.

Is it "better" to use the 90 degree hasselblad prism with the adapter vs the Rollei prism? Well if I were to get the adapter, then I would probably get both prisms anyways but the main reason for me wanting an adapter is for the 90. I figured that the hasselblad prisms are brighter and maybe heavier but the Rollei's lighter and overall easier to use. Overall, I'd prefer shooting a little lower but I want to shoot with both perspectives. 2 cameras.

I guess hasselblad has the ergonomics (for prism shooting) but Rollei has everythng else. I don't shoot rapidly so I think Rollei will be fine.

I know Rollei has a sports finder but I'd prefer something more accurate.

mfogiel · Dec 1, 2012

The hasselblad 90deg prism, at least the old type that I have (HC 4), is pretty useless. I believe only the latest prisms would be acceptable (PM90), but they are quite, or very expensive, depending if you get the metered version or not. I have both the Rollei and Hasselblad PME 3 prisms, and to my eye, the brightness is comparable. If you believe the 90 deg vision suits you better, it makes more sense to get the original Rollei prism, particularly because of price, however make sure you find one in acceptable condition - they often suffer from separation.

Ronald M · Dec 1, 2012

Tele Rollies are expensive and do not close focus, perhaps 8 feet, 5 with the impossible to find close up lens.

A 45 deg Hassy prism is a thing to behold. So is the RB with 45 deg if you can stand a 12 # camera. A 45 is vey easy to use compared to 90.

Buy the Hassy or Rollie SLR.

Or a D800E nikon and get the same image quality. I tied all this.

Monz · Dec 1, 2012

A Rolleiflex (with 80mm lens) with prism is fine for hand held portraits.
A Hasselblad with prism gets a bit heavy and balance does not feel good.
Mamiya 6 is, of course, fine at eye level.

t.s.k. · Dec 1, 2012

About that Baier adapter...it changes the power of the Blad finder to +1 (actually 1.25 I believe); ergo you'll likely need a diopter. For older Blad prisms, this can be hard to find and expensive if you do. If you're already at +1, you're all set !

If you're intent on a 90* prism, I'd personally opt for the Rollei. Besides the aforementioned corrective lens, the Rollei is far lighter and more nimble.

With that said there's no comparison to a 45* PM-5 prism on a Rollei TLR. You really gain more shooting positions than any other type of finder, IMO...and you get a cold shoe to boot. The older NC-2 is also suitable but I find it's too heavy and has an uncomfortably high profile (and no cold shoe).

FrozenInTime · Dec 1, 2012

I never got on with the Hasselblad PM-90 prism, the combination feeling awkward - perhaps it would be better with a 50CW and winder grip

The PM45 is all together a much better combination and handles very well with 110/120/150 lenses.

Sarcophilus Harrisii · Dec 1, 2012

Ronald M said:
Tele Rollies are expensive and do not close focus, perhaps 8 feet, 5 with the impossible to find close up lens.

A 45 deg Hassy prism is a thing to behold. So is the RB with 45 deg if you can stand a 12 # camera. A 45 is vey easy to use compared to 90.

Buy the Hassy or Rollie SLR.

Or a D800E nikon and get the same image quality. I tied all this.

venchka · Dec 1, 2012

Oh good grief.
Pentax 6x7. Your choice of 105, 150 or 165 lenses and 2.4 or 2.8 apertures.
Next question?

Wayne

redisburning · Dec 2, 2012

+1 on Pentax 67

FWIW I bought a 2.8 Planar rolleiflex and sent it back. I was, sadly, most unimpressed. Rather than try a Hasselblad, I bought a nice Thorens and a ton of records. YMMV.

maddoc · Dec 2, 2012

Pentacon 6 ....

mooge · Dec 2, 2012

stilts or take pictures of people that are shorter than you.

conversely, you can crouch and hold the camera upside down above your head.

...that's what I do anyways.

Handheld Portraits at eye-level: Hasselblad or Rolleiflex + prsim

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slightly tilted

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Monz

Hooked on philm

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... likes film again.

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