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

[Dylan Hope]

I've gotta say, the RZ67 (Original) is actually a very nice camera to use for portraiture. I've only missed the focus once out of about 9 rolls, but that was at f/2.8 at about a meter (Or less) with focus+recompse, and have managed to hand-hold the thing well enough to get away with 1/30th shutter speed in a different image. That photo probably isn't pin sharp, but should blow up to an 8x10 without much problem. If only it were a lighter camera for extended shooting. Maybe the Hasselblad is lighter? All I know is that if I were in your position, I'd go with *my* heart and pick up a Rollei but that's because I have romanticized them.

 

[FrozenInTime]

I've gotta say, the RZ67 (Original) is actually a very nice camera to use for portraiture ... If only it were a lighter camera for extended shooting. Maybe the Hasselblad is lighter?

Just a little bit lighter 😉

The RZ67 is 2.4kg with WLF and standard lens; the Hasselblad 1.5kg
The prisms are 940g and 440g respectively.

 

[Johnmcd]

What about the Bronica SQA with metered prism and hand grip. The 150mm lens is a beauty.

 

[john_s]

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.
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If you want close portraits, the Rolleiflex SL66 is worth considering. The versions with metering are a bit expensive, but the previous all-mechanical ones aren't too bad. The prism is 45 degrees, nice angle for portraits.