dave lackey
Veteran
Very interesting read about the two icons of medium format cameras.
🙂 🙂 🙂
http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HS/HSHmeetsR.aspx
🙂 🙂 🙂
http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HS/HSHmeetsR.aspx
Hasselblad vs Rollei Shootout 1954
- Thread starter dave lackey
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sreed2006
Well-known
Very cool. Thank you for the link, Dave.
ellisson
Well-known
Thanks Dave. Also Interesting that the "gentlemen's agreement" between Heidecke and Hasselblad - no TLRs by Hasselblad and no SLRs by Rollei - lasted about 11 years when Rollei introduced their SLX and SL66 models in 1966. More followed. But no TLRs from Hasselblad.
Arbitrarium
Well-known
Those trousers!
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
Thank you, Dave.
I read a story about Victor Hasselblad going through U.S. customs, and the customs agent asked about Victor and the camera having the same name. His english not being very good, Victor replied, "You see, I am the camera." And I seem to recall seeing a book with that title.
Edit: I figured out where I saw it. It's on my bookshelf. But the title on the front cover is simply, "Hasselblad." The quotation, "I am the camera" along with the story about it, is on the first page, before the "Hasselblad" title page.
I read a story about Victor Hasselblad going through U.S. customs, and the customs agent asked about Victor and the camera having the same name. His english not being very good, Victor replied, "You see, I am the camera." And I seem to recall seeing a book with that title.
Edit: I figured out where I saw it. It's on my bookshelf. But the title on the front cover is simply, "Hasselblad." The quotation, "I am the camera" along with the story about it, is on the first page, before the "Hasselblad" title page.
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SaveKodak
Well-known
There was a time when I wondered why anyone would bother with a Rolleiflex when you could get a Hasselblad... Now after shooting with a Rollei for years I have seen the light. I do wish I still had a Hassy for certain landscape applications, but nobody is getting me to give up my Rolleiflex. So fast to focus, and that lens rendering is just right.
Range-rover
Veteran
Thanks for sharing this, great story!
oltimer
Well-known
I clearly remember the Rollei SL66 coming available in Canada in 1967. I've been in the Hassy equipment since 1969, but I did know "pros" who kept them even up and into retirement. The SL66 is a very well built camera, but I cannot remember when it was discontinued, and if CLA service was available later?
Godfrey
somewhat colored
IIRC, the Rolleiflex SL66SE was produced all the way up to 1992, albeit in very limited numbers. I'm not sure from whom service is available although I'm sure that someone is still servicing them, limited by parts availability of course.
G
SaveKodak
Well-known
I was referring to the TLR. Rollei made a number of great medium format SLRs all the way up to the Hy6. Sadly they're very rare in the USA. Not sure how it is elsewhere.
f16sunshine
Moderator
Mens Fashion sure has come along since that time.... yikes! 😱
ellisson
Well-known
I still shoot with the SL66-E even though I'm often tempted to switch to the lighter, ergonomically friendlier Hasselblad SLR gear. But the macro capability and tilt function (and all the lenses I've accumulated) keep me hooked on the SL66. Service is available in the U.S. by Koh's in NY and by shops in CA and Colorado, and the place of manufacture in Frankfurt, Germany.
oltimer
Well-known
Ellisson, I seen this camera you have going through the functions in the hands of a friend, who was a lifetime user. Nothing could compare to it what it could do except in a 4x5 with all the movements. Glad your enjoying this great time piece.
ellisson
Well-known
Thanks, Oltimer. It is quite a piece of work and I must have bonded to it while learning its quirks and how to get the most out of it. Like the Rollei TLRs, but much less common, it does get attention when out shooting. A lot of fun.
charjohncarter
Veteran
Fun to read this, thanks.
oltimer
Well-known
Dave
I went back to your original posting, and finally read about the 2 very long time friends with their equipment. In 1966 when the Rollie SL66 came out here in Canada, it was much more expensive than Hasselblad, and of course normal thinking is; how can this product survive with wages being low, and people closely watching the "buck" more so than today. Remember there was no credit cards; just save your money 1st, than buy, or go to the bank for a loan? As far as pricing even today; you can buy a mint CM and a 80mm for around $1200 or so; but I would bet that the tilt/shift piece for the Rollie will cost you more just for that one very well made piece today?
I went back to your original posting, and finally read about the 2 very long time friends with their equipment. In 1966 when the Rollie SL66 came out here in Canada, it was much more expensive than Hasselblad, and of course normal thinking is; how can this product survive with wages being low, and people closely watching the "buck" more so than today. Remember there was no credit cards; just save your money 1st, than buy, or go to the bank for a loan? As far as pricing even today; you can buy a mint CM and a 80mm for around $1200 or so; but I would bet that the tilt/shift piece for the Rollie will cost you more just for that one very well made piece today?
ellisson
Well-known
The SL66 prices have gone through the ups and downs like many other cameras, and lately an "excellent" sample will run in the $1000-1500 range. The camera never sold as well as the Hasselblad - expensive, bigger, heavier, more moving parts and sometimes finicky film backs that take a while to understand. They are more complicated compared to the TLRs and Hasselblads. The trade off - 8 degree tilt up or down for some perspective and DOF control and a bellows focusing mechanism that allows very close focus for macro work is just not worth it for many or most MF users.
These cameras knob-focus like the TLRs and have good lenses, but thats where the similarity ends! I bought my SL66E about 12 years ago, sent it back to Germany for a new focusing rail, which was cracked during shipping (so I was told), but have had no problems since. I have often considered replacing it with a simpler to use Hasselblad CM or similar set - just never have done it. I like the tilt function, knob focusing, and macro capability. I know the camera and what it can do. If I had bought a Hasselblad set, I'd probably feel the same way!! Inertia!
sara
Well-known
raid
Dad Photographer
Seeing so many wedding photographers use Hasselblad cameras made me turn to getting a Rolleiflex TLR. Then, I saw the SWC, and it is a unique camera.
My choice now: Rolleiflex TLR + Hasselblad SWC.
The puzzle has been solved!
My choice now: Rolleiflex TLR + Hasselblad SWC.
The puzzle has been solved!
oltimer
Well-known
Raid, I admire your use of equipment, and it is clear that you have a plan on their use, and where. For me; I do a lot of shooting with a fellow SWC owner, and often switch backs depending on what were doing. Do I like the SWC; of course I do, but I can take out my 40mm and "almost" do the same, with only 2 degree separating them. In fact, I would say my 40mm is my main lens in my outdoor stuff, so I can understand fully your love for the 38 mm.
