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Any body got any good or bad on a Mamiya RZ67 pro II or a Hasselblad V maybe a 500CM or something? Have convinced myself its a good idea to buy one! Cant decide between them was gonna go for an RZ but dithering now!
Cheers Benmc...
Both are excellent (I haven't used the RZ model, but have tried the RB). Perhaps it depends what you wish to do with the camera. If its mainly for studio use, then I'd lean towards the Mamiya - if only for the bigger image size. On location though, the size and weight burden of the 6x7 model might be a bit too much compared with the handier Hasselblad.
There are plenty of people who cheerfully use Mamiya 6x7 cameras for landscape work though, so its really down to personal preference on that score.
Perhaps the only other factor is overall system cost. The Mamiya lenses would probably work out cheaper than the Zeiss ones overall. Even s/h, for 'blad glass, excluding the standard 80mm, you're still looking at around a grand (or more) per lens.
You can't compare the two really. If, like most people, you like to end up with a horizontal or vertical format result you'll crop the 6x6 to a 6x4.5 format which is then far smaller than the 6x7 format. But the 67 is a heavy camera to carry around! I delivered permanent harm to my shoulder carrying an outfit around for several years. Over the years I've had both and if I was buying again, I'd buy 67 if it was for studio and 6x4.5 for location. I wouldn't carry a 67 around for landscapes again. I humped an RB67 outfit up Helvellyn with a Benbo Mk1! Never again!
Ive been playing with a hasselblad H1 for a few days and Iv come to the conclusion that its the only mediumformat camera I would buy, all settings and adjustments are like on a digital camera, the H1 is so simple to use but the quality of the pictures is just WOW..
to go from a digital camera to a fully manual non electronic mediumformat is very difficult for most people, but the H1 has all the same functions as a digital camera, and a display to show all settings.
the price is the only problem 
about 4000qid in Iceland
Quote: Over the years I've had both and if I was buying again, I'd buy 67 if it was for studio and 6x4.5 for location.
Interesting Pete. Have to say I prefer the square format to 6x4.5 for several reasons. No need to up-end the camera for vertical shots, hence no prism is necessary, though can be used if desired (just personal taste to decide that one). The square format gives, in theory, more scope for cropping in various ways.
That said, I totally agree about the hassle of lugging a 6x7 outfit around. If that format is what floats Ben's boat perhaps the Mamiya 7 II or even a baby Linhof should be on the list as well.
I have an RZ67 PROII and I love it to bits. It's a big heavy beast especially with the prism and a long lens but the quality is astonishing. The rotating back system on the RZ is a godsend too - it means you can use the waistlevel finder without having to rotate the whole camera.
I have mine in a LowePro Trekker backpack and it does make it a lot easier to lug the thing around with me. I can bung a tripod on the back and off I go. The 6x7 format gives you quite a bit of flexability if you scan the slides, you can crop quite hard but still have a fair amount of image left to play with too.
I tried 6x6 but I could never get the hang of the square format - I just can't think square for some reason.
I used to have a Bronica ETR-Si which was a brilliant camera, it's just that 6x4.5 wasn't big enough so I ended up with the 6x7 (followed by a 5x4" which is even more bulky and awkward to use)
Well it would be for a bit of everything im at uni so i would be using it studio and location. It would be nice to be able to carry it but i used an RB and loved it so maybe i should just torture my shoulder i played tuba for 10 years so it should be used to it!!! I could pick up a Pro II and lens and back for jusy shy of 600 or a blad 500xm for 400 hate making decisions!! Would you say Mamiyas are as well built as Hasselblads, wouldnt miond taking it travelling!
Ben Mc...
I'd say there isn't a lot between a 'blad and the RZ67 - they are both professional workhorse cameras. The 'blad is lighter but I think the lenses are more expensive so it's a case of try both and see which one you like best
I just asked my teacher wich is a pro photographer wich was better, the Hasselblad or the Mamiya.. when I mentioned mamiya she burst out laughing.. she said it was like comparing the kodak easyshare and the 1Ds II, the Hasselblad beeing the 1Ds II 
the lenses for the Hasselblad are the best you can get, the Haselblad is made to be used and abused, the mamiya is a lot mor fragile and is made for those that take really good care of their toys and never take it out to play
Well, Mamiya were closely affiliated with Nikon at one time (as was Canon).
I wouldn't say that Mamiyas were fragile (especially the RB67).
Also, why do many pros use Mamiyas if they're *****?
Your teacher needs to get out a bit more - I think she's been breathing the developer fumes a bit too much.
The RZ is built like a tank - likewise the RB and the 'blad
Teacher must be thinking of mamiya 645 compared to new digital hasselblads ?
I've not used either mamiya or hasselblad cameras, but its pretty obvious they are not like for like - I think you'd choose whichever suits your work. RB/RZ 67 have the 6x7 format and revolving back, and the built in bellows extension. Naturally they are popular for studio close up work, still life, product shots et., as well as portraits, especially group portraits. Some people do prefer them for landscapes and flower photos in the field, but you have the haulage problem. They have a very good rep as workhorse cameras.
Hasselblads must be more portable, but possibly less versatile in the studio. They have a name for superior lenses, but in practice I don't think it is a big factor.
If you need a lighter camera or you like working square, or close ups aren't your thing, hasselblads are better, as are bronicas and rolleis.
Though I do remember one portraitist who used a mamiya 645 for preference, because she wanted to work informally, hand held, and it was easier.
I'm not sure how it works with brand new cameras - in an autofocus digital world, where I think hasselblad use different lenses now anyway, the rules may have changed.
I used a hasselblad 503cm for along time before going digital and loved working with 6x6 square.. I then used DSLR's and got used to the speed of operation. but have always hated the frame/crop.. however with the simplicity of use i think they will always have a place.. so easy to use.
I have just launched back into MF with an H1, primarily for studio work, however I am finding it quite a struggle to use after the DSLR's. I think its a very different type of photography.. much more of a process. yes the H1 is much more user friendly then the V series. but it still needs much more thought to get the shots you want.. it does focus very fast and the fact you can override the AF simply by still holding the shutter and just twisting the barrel is fantastic, the metering seems bang on.. but the controls are a little more weedy than the canon's and not quite at your fingertips.. it just takes a little time to get used to. the lCD readout is a little delicate and confusing in the viewfinder, the fonts used are alittle too artistic and not as functional as I'm used too..
I think however with some perserverence it will become much easier to use.. it feels very robust and sits in the hand very well.. just a bit fiddly on the controls. the glass is awesome. really really solid feel to it. the bokeh you get when you shoot wide open is just awesome ..it just is evocative..swirls away beautifully it makes the inital fiddling and frustrations worthwhile!
be aware also hasselblad are most likely going to discontinue the v series... which is a shame.
however as a result very good prices can be found. and the range of accessories is limitless..
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