Is a Hasselblad 500C/M really that much better than a Bronica S2A?

[caila77]

Maybe not 35-45 years ago, but today? Yes, and the long-term prospects of it remaining in good condition and being serviceable are much better, but the S2A could last your lifetime too. Never let logic get in the way of a camera decision, unless it's something you are using to make a living.

great answer

100% agree

 

[Malcolm M]

Never used a ‘blad, and don’t get the S2a out as much as I should. Downsides of the Bronnie- the focussing screen is mushy (and as all lenses share a common helicoid, calibrated for standard lenses only, even scale focussing can be problematic) lenses and accessories are hard to come by (it took about 10 years to find a 50mm Nikkor in a condition I was prepared to pay for) and I’ve heard quieter 12 bores. Upside- the results on film with Nikkor lenses are spectacular.

 

[kuzano]

This.

I may have to let go of a camera that I planned I'd keep forever. I'm exploring my options to use part of the proceeds to get an MF camera, either 6x7/6x9 or a 6x6.

Used to have a Hasselblad 500C/M (sadly sold that too already) but now looking at the Bronica S2A.

Both have lenses 40mm, 50mm, 75/80mm, 6x6 and 6x4.5 backs. (Are there any 220 film backs for the S2A?)


Is the Hasselblad system really that much better than the Bronica system, optically? Ruggedness?

Not a chance!!!

My two S2a's, three lenses and a prism were stolen out of my car in front of my house overnight. I should have known better than to keep them handy.

I finally had to sell my Hasselblad to get rid of it. Once Fujifilm put EBC coatings on their big Texas Leica medium format lenses, I never shot the Hasseblad again.

My "go to" medium formats have been GW690 and GSW690.

The Bronicas outshot the blad.