Hasselblad 503CWD

Hi.

 

I am new to this site...I have been using the Leica M Series as my primary

shooting apparatus and have recently been introduced to the Hasselblad System

through a friend. I have a few questions about the same.

 

 

1) I am thinking of obtaining the Hasselblad 503CWD...and wonder if anyone can

share some views on this. I wonder if its due for an update recently, as this

has been in the market for almost two years now, which may coincide with the

digital cycle of many of the top digital SLR lines...

 

2) I also wonder if some can direct me to a place where I can find used versions

of this model...especially in Singapore or Melbourne, Australia. (Though I am

not from there, thats where I am going to be the next two weeks)

 

I wonder if someone could help me with some advice.

 

Thanks so much

 

Kausthub

Firmware for the CFV back has been updated several times, most recently version 4.8.5. It appears that the viewing screen and controls have been updated since I purchased mine last June. It is still just 16MB. The Hasselblad 503CW can be fitted with most digital backs, not just the Hasselblad varieties, at an hefty price however.

 

You need to examine your motives for purchasing a digital medium format camera. It is too expensive to be undertaken as a whim or as something to be seen with. On the other hand, a 501CM or 503CW body with a film back would be a relatively inexpensive way to see if Hasselblad photography is a good fit for you. Unlike small format cameras (including Leica), you can have it both ways - the digital back can be added at any time.

 

Digital medium format photography is much different than small format DSLRs. In most ways it is much more limited - speed, convenience and choice of lenses. In other ways it is vastly superior - sharpness, color depth (a full 16 bits) and dynamic range (12 stops). Regarding sharpness, each pixel is worth at least 1.5 pixels in a small format DSLR but still only half the performance of medium format film.

Thanks Edward...Its been quite helpful. I am basically looking to go into Medium Format, as my interest in photography is leading me into making more portrait kind of images. I am working to make some photographs for archival quality of some of the people I am dealing with, who are quite influential in their areas of work.

 

Yes, I know film is the best medium for this. But, I am living in India, where the guys processing the films don't know the value of photography and I don't feel comfortable to hand over the films to them...Its the main reason I am looking at Digital Medium Format.

 

Any more advice would be very helpful.

 

Thanks a ton for responding so quickly.

Do your own black and white film development and processing if you don't trust the guys in India.

The CFV back that is part of the CWD kit is indeed due for an update shortly.<br><br>The new back will have better antireflection coating on the filter in front of the sensor, a larger display, and a different arrangment of buttons.<br>The problems these backs have with keeping time should also be solved.<br><br>So when buying new, wait for the new CFV II back to appear, or try to get a discount for a kit with the old back.

Dear Q.G de Bakker

 

This is exactly what I thought...maybe i should just go ahead and get the camera with film..and wait for the update on the back.

 

I wonder if you know when this new digital back maybe due

 

Kausthub

Here is some info about CFV II. In addition to the following, the new version has a fanless design.

 

New display

The first obvious change is the size of the new bright, high contrast 2.5 inch TFT display that provides a strong image even in unfavorable lighting conditions. In addition, the button ergonomics have now been improved to produce a more secure user-interaction. This includes a sinking of the on/off button, helping to avoid inadvertent activation in a camera bag, for example. Other, though not so obvious, changes include an improved circuitry that secures date and time recording for file-naming purposes.

 

New IR-filter

But none of these improvements would be so interesting if results are not positively affected. That is where the new anti-reflex coated IR-filter comes in to practically reduce internal reflections to zero. This is particularly obvious in more difficult lighting situations that can be troublesome such as strong highlights toward the edge of the frame. Digital calibration has been enhanced to work with the new IR-filter. The Hasselblad Natural Color Solution accurately reproduces the full visible color spectrum � be it skin tones, special product colors, or difficult gradations � easily and effectively, every time and with the use of a single color profile. Our complete knowledge of the filter and sensor characteristics of each individual camera has made this possible. Simple, correct, and indispensable.

Thank you Yongfei....

 

This has been very useful. I am learning so much about this medium now.

 

Does anyone have a possible release date of CFV II.

 

Also I wonder whether the digital backs from Phase One, especially some among the P+ series is of better quality. Would someone help me out on these comparisons.

 

Kausthub

Kausthub,<br><br>I don't think Hasselblad has a definite release date for the new CVF back themselves.

Dear Q.G. de Bakker

 

Thanks..I figured this out. I would love to have some more advice... if its okay.

 

I have found a good price around US$ 2150 for the 501 CM with the 80mm/F2.8 lens... do you think this is a good deal....

 

Also what do you think of the Phase One digital Backs...Are they better than the Hasselblad ones. The one from the P+ series for example... P25+ or P30+

 

Thanks

 

Kausthub

Kausthub,<br><br>I do not know much about how different digital backs compare to each other, so i can not comment on that. But i'm sure other Photonetters will.<br><br>What lens is with the kit, C, CF, CB, CFE? It makes a difference. And very much depends on the condition of the equipment too.<br>But i think the price is a bit high. I think it should be possible to get the same kit for some $ 700 - 900 less.

I think its a CB lens

I used the original 503CWD (see <em><a href="http://diglloyd.com/diglloyd/free/Hasselblad503CWD/index.html">An Hour with the Hasselblad

503CWD</a></em> review).

I'm interested if anyone has compared results with the original CFV back, which I liked a lot.

<p>

Also it seems that Hasselblad has a savings promotion with the 40mm CFE, a stunning lens when I used it on the original.

<p>

Also, does anyone know if the IR filter can be removed? (Maybe it's bonded to the sensor). It would make a wonderful <a

href="http://diglloyd.com/diglloyd/blog.html#Infrared">infrared</a> camera.<div></div>