Taking the digital medium format step

[x-ray]

No portrait orientation but how many cameras can you flip the film. 4x5 and LF, RB and RZ. I use a 90 prism and have no issues flipping the camera. I did it for 50 years.

 

[Jamie123]

No portrait orientation but how many cameras can you flip the film. 4x5 and LF, RB and RZ. I use a 90 prism and have no issues flipping the camera. I did it for 50 years.

Granted, but most SLRs are made for using a 90° prism whereas the standard for the Hasselblad is a wlf. I personally like to use the Hasselblad with a wlf or a 45° prism if needed. As I'm quite tall both of these solutions let me get to a lower point of view. The 90° is fine although I feel you then also need to use the CW winder to make it ergonomic. But of course it just comes down to personal preference.

I don't think the back needs to rotate like the Leaf backs but I think a dual mount solution like with the Phase Ones would've been nice on the Hasselblad.

 

[shadowfox]

How about the new Pentax 645 digital?
I've never seen any pictures from that one.

 

[x-ray]

I understand it has the same chip as my back but captures in 14 bit rather than 16. Also read some reviews of the Pentax lenses and most are nothing to write home about. I would want to test one first before buying.

 

[Jeremy Johns]

As x-ray pointed out, there's a lot more to image quality than resolution. Most of the people who are saying the D800 will replace digital mf have never shot digital mf. Looking at samples on the web doesn't really help much as you can't see what the image would look like if it had been shot on a digital mf back.

As for tilt-lenses, adapters and such, there is a lot more to movements than front tilt/swing.

That being said, I think with digital mf backs it's actually better to combine shots in software (such as helicon focus) instead of using tilt/swing in the camera as this can have a negative effect on resolution. I often assist a still life guy and we use a Sinar F2 with P45+ in the studio. We never use tilt, we just take multiple shots at different focus points and combine them later.

X-Ray & jamie, thank you very much for the pointers, especially the last one re the p2 and focus stacking.

I use helicon focus a lot with the 5d2 and I do wonder why phase or similar haven't bought it to add to their software.

As I'm used to focus stacking, one of the options i've been considering is an RZpro2. The in-built bellows seems to answer my close up questions. The only down side is that Mamiya isn't brilliantly represented in the UK but then I guess the RZ's aren't particularly flakey!

However after you comments about the V system, that is now most defiantly back on the map!

J

 

[Jamie123]

X-Ray & jamie, thank you very much for the pointers, especially the last one re the p2 and focus stacking.

I use helicon focus a lot with the 5d2 and I do wonder why phase or similar haven't bought it to add to their software.

As I'm used to focus stacking, one of the options i've been considering is an RZpro2. The in-built bellows seems to answer my close up questions. The only down side is that Mamiya isn't brilliantly represented in the UK but then I guess the RZ's aren't particularly flakey!

However after you comments about the V system, that is now most defiantly back on the map!

J

If you're doing studio work I strongly suggest going with a view camera. You can have your back in V mount and get the appropriate adapter plate for the view camera so you can use the back on both a view camera and a Hasselblad. With a view camera you have an almost unlimited amount of lenses to select from.
The Sinar P cameras are dirt cheap these days on the used market so that's definitely a good option. If you have a bit more (i.e a lot more) cash to spare a 6x9 view camera such as a Linhof M 679cs is certainly very nice with a digital back.

 

[Jeremy Johns]

Thanks Jamie,

I'm torn but think that a view camera might be my ultimate choice. All my work is studio work and 90% is jewellery / silversmith. The key will really be with system works best on this level. I kind of want the RZ to do the job but deep down I know that the sensible route will be the view camera.

At least I've got some time to try things out. I won't be jumping until later this year so fully intend to get demo's galore and make the decision from there.

Annoyingly I missed a P2 on ebay this week as I was delayed getting to the studio - it went for £480! Really kicked myself on that one.

J

 

[Bill Clark]

Recently, Greg Rademacher & his wife Sally taught a seminar on classical portrait photography at our TCPPA meeting. He has quite a following, especially those upper tiered clients who desire his art.

I was surprised as he brought his Hasselblad 500 series camera, digital back and a few lenses for the class. He mentioned the digital back he bought was around 50k. From what I've seen, not many can justify this expense as a small photographic business. Perhaps a large corp. business could afford equipment like this but I find very few independent photographers can.

Thought I would mention this as working at earning a living as a full time photographer has many challenges now.

Here is Greg Rademachers web site:

http://www.rademacherportraits.com/

 

[x-ray]

Recently, Greg Rademacher & his wife Sally taught a seminar on classical portrait photography at our TCPPA meeting. He has quite a following, especially those upper tiered clients who desire his art.

I was surprised as he brought his Hasselblad 500 series camera, digital back and a few lenses for the class. He mentioned the digital back he bought was around 50k. From what I've seen, not many can justify this expense as a small photographic business. Perhaps a large corp. business could afford equipment like this but I find very few independent photographers can.

Thought I would mention this as working at earning a living as a full time photographer has many challenges now.

Here is Greg Rademachers web site:

http://www.rademacherportraits.com/

Looked at your site and really beautiful work.

I don't do any protrait other than coprporate otherwise it's all commercial advertising and catalog work. I was a member of the TPPA, SEPPA and PPofA for many years and got my PPofA Masters in 1985 and TN certified in 1982. The organization moved too far from the commercial and I dropped out in the late 80's.

You're right about it being a challenge now. It makes me glad every day I'm close to retiring.

I don't think the RZ is a good choice unless you have tilts and movements. A view camera is the solution. Like I said I use a Linhof Technikardan 23 and CFV39 back with a wide array of fine lenses from a 35mm Sinaron Digital Apo to some pretty long glass. I find the much overlooked Schneider G Clarons to be stellar performers for product. They're as sharp as anything I've ever seen. I also use a Nikkor Micro 120mm (view lens) for products and find it exceptional.

 

[filmfan]

Here is Greg Rademachers web site:

http://www.rademacherportraits.com/

Hilarious!

 

[Bill Clark]

Hi x-ray!

Looks like we're in the same boat age wise.

I'm actually pretty retired now and will work some this year. I took my web site down and work strictly from referrals. I do have a blog but no photos as the clients I do get to make photographs need their privacy. The lady who works with me is 64 and she would like to work a while longer. We both love what we do but, for us, we find, at our age, the jobs are less frequent now. That's fine with me. I can spend more time on forums like this one.

Have a nice weekend.

 

[x-ray]

Bill I don't think fewer jobs has anything to do with age. It's the new world of cheap DSLRs and not caring about quality.

I do less work too but still doing well. I don't mind slowing down either as it allows more time for documentary and my X-ray art.

 

[Bill Clark]

Age, it depends.

I still enjoy weddings and I believe that, it most cases, I'm older than the B&G parents. Doesn't sit well with them to possibly have grandpa as their wedding photographer.

Still do a fair amount of business portraits and age usually helps.

Just my take.