John NYC
Established
Here is one sample photo from my first (and only, so far) developed roll:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33946021@N04/3952252334/sizes/l/
Caveat Emptor: I'm a new photographer, but following are my impressions, in no particular order.
- I bought a Hasselblad 501 system recently also, and I would not want to give that up for this camera. This camera cannot do what the Hassy with a 150mm lens on it can. Even the 80mm on the Hassy is more "creamy" and has a more large format look to it to me. However, I really like having options. I will still shoot my 35mm film cameras for this reason. Everything has a slightly different look and this is a GOOD thing.
- The out-of-focus areas on the Bessa are not as pleasing to my eye when compared to either of my Hasselblad lenses or my Nikon 85mm f/1.4D, which is a dream in that regard. I like the Bessa better stopped down than wide open.
- It is an absolutely great camera for carrying around with me all the time. I live in NYC and I just can't manage to lug the Hasselblad everywhere in my messenger bag. The Bessa fits nice and snug in a 35mm SLR neoprene body bag, which is how I protect it. I was carrying around either a digital or a Nikon FM2n before with a small lens and in many ways, the Bessa is easier to tote because it folds and becomes like a crab in its own protective shell.
- I'm not sure if my technique is bad on the focus aspect (first rangefinder I've owned) or if the camera is out of alignment from the get go. In the sample picture above, I THINK I was trying to focus on the horse foliage (difficult with the rangefinder square because there were no lines to align) but instead the light leaves just in front came out most in focus. In the picture of the ties on my flickr site, I was definitely focusing on the wooden separator, which should have been easy, however, I feel like maybe the ties just the left could be slightly more in focus. It is hard to tell because this photo came out a little flat, though the color is SPOT on with what I saw in the store. If I am right about the focus on the ties (and remembering correctly the focus on the horse), this would be weird because it would be the opposite focus misalignment as in the horse picture. So, I'm thinking it might be a user error problem. I have taken with my current roll (still in camera) a picture of some bricks at medium close range at f/5.6 that should definitely decide the focus issue. More on that later in this thread when I get those developed... which might be a while as I take in a load at a time.
- When something is in focus with this camera, it appears razor sharp. Again, view the sample shot at the largest size... the front leaves.
- People come up and talk to you sometimes while you are using this camera because it looks so cool. It elevates you from photo dork to some cool arty dude instantly, even if you are taking dorky pictures of huge chia pets and tie racks.
- The folding part of using this camera is really no bother. In fact, it is a lot faster and easier to unfold this camera than to take a lens cap on and off and put it in your pocket.
- Some people mentioned they don't like the winder on another thread. I think it is solid and nice. A couple of easy twists and you are on the next frame. Get back to infinity (which quickly became a habit), close down the front, and you're moving again. The shutter release button locks solid while the camera is closed so no fear of accidentally taking a shot in your bag.
- In general, I am very happy I bought the camera (as long as I can resolve my focus issues, i.e., is it me or the camera). With this and the Hasselblad, I feel I've got medium format film covered. My next step is large format because I've obviously gone insane with this stuff and need help.
John
Edit:
- Oh, and the meter is fantastic. Works great.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33946021@N04/3952252334/sizes/l/
Caveat Emptor: I'm a new photographer, but following are my impressions, in no particular order.
- I bought a Hasselblad 501 system recently also, and I would not want to give that up for this camera. This camera cannot do what the Hassy with a 150mm lens on it can. Even the 80mm on the Hassy is more "creamy" and has a more large format look to it to me. However, I really like having options. I will still shoot my 35mm film cameras for this reason. Everything has a slightly different look and this is a GOOD thing.
- The out-of-focus areas on the Bessa are not as pleasing to my eye when compared to either of my Hasselblad lenses or my Nikon 85mm f/1.4D, which is a dream in that regard. I like the Bessa better stopped down than wide open.
- It is an absolutely great camera for carrying around with me all the time. I live in NYC and I just can't manage to lug the Hasselblad everywhere in my messenger bag. The Bessa fits nice and snug in a 35mm SLR neoprene body bag, which is how I protect it. I was carrying around either a digital or a Nikon FM2n before with a small lens and in many ways, the Bessa is easier to tote because it folds and becomes like a crab in its own protective shell.
- I'm not sure if my technique is bad on the focus aspect (first rangefinder I've owned) or if the camera is out of alignment from the get go. In the sample picture above, I THINK I was trying to focus on the horse foliage (difficult with the rangefinder square because there were no lines to align) but instead the light leaves just in front came out most in focus. In the picture of the ties on my flickr site, I was definitely focusing on the wooden separator, which should have been easy, however, I feel like maybe the ties just the left could be slightly more in focus. It is hard to tell because this photo came out a little flat, though the color is SPOT on with what I saw in the store. If I am right about the focus on the ties (and remembering correctly the focus on the horse), this would be weird because it would be the opposite focus misalignment as in the horse picture. So, I'm thinking it might be a user error problem. I have taken with my current roll (still in camera) a picture of some bricks at medium close range at f/5.6 that should definitely decide the focus issue. More on that later in this thread when I get those developed... which might be a while as I take in a load at a time.
- When something is in focus with this camera, it appears razor sharp. Again, view the sample shot at the largest size... the front leaves.
- People come up and talk to you sometimes while you are using this camera because it looks so cool. It elevates you from photo dork to some cool arty dude instantly, even if you are taking dorky pictures of huge chia pets and tie racks.
- The folding part of using this camera is really no bother. In fact, it is a lot faster and easier to unfold this camera than to take a lens cap on and off and put it in your pocket.
- Some people mentioned they don't like the winder on another thread. I think it is solid and nice. A couple of easy twists and you are on the next frame. Get back to infinity (which quickly became a habit), close down the front, and you're moving again. The shutter release button locks solid while the camera is closed so no fear of accidentally taking a shot in your bag.
- In general, I am very happy I bought the camera (as long as I can resolve my focus issues, i.e., is it me or the camera). With this and the Hasselblad, I feel I've got medium format film covered. My next step is large format because I've obviously gone insane with this stuff and need help.
John
Edit:
- Oh, and the meter is fantastic. Works great.
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