Hasselblad Flexbody - replacement for large format?

It seems that the older I get the heaverier my camera gear gets. I

am thinking of selling my large format gear and some of my

Hasselblad equipment and purchase a Flexbody. Does anyone have a

opinion on the Flexbody. How about the swings and tilts? Is there

enough for Senic photos as well as close up work?

Robert, if weight is your main concern, be sure that the Hasselblad Flexbody is really going to save much weight. By the time you add the sturdy body to some backs and lenses, you may have almost as much weight as a wood field 4x5" with lenses.

I think you'll be disappointed. <P>What large format gear are you currently

using? Have you thought about switchingto one of the high quality lightweight

cameras likethe Canham DLC or the Toho? Have you considered the Arca-

Swiss 69FC?<P>What about tripods are lugging around a wooden or all

aluminum legset/ have you considered switchingto a Gitzo 1329 carbob

fiber.leg set?<P>How about film and holders/? Are you using heavy and

space wasting Lisco /Elite/Fidelity double sided type of holders? Have you

tried either the Fuji Quickload or Kodak Readyload holders?<P>What kind of

darkcloth are you using? have you tried the BTZS focusing hood?<P>What

about filters? Are you using glass filters mounted in brass rings? have you

looked atthe Lee or Hitech filter system?<P>UI think you'll find implementing

virtually all of these options will cost you less than the hassleblad blexbody

and will be much easier to use.

the Flexbody is a wonderful addition if you have Hasselblad lenses, film-magazines, and other accessories. for most general applications, the tilt/shift is adequate and much easier to work with due to the specialized fresnel viewing screens and no need for a dark-cloth. owning a PME meter solves the metering problem for macro applications using extension tubes.

 

two things. if you are invested in large format, explore a lighter large format alternative. secondly, almost all negative opinions regarding the Flexbody are from those that have not owned, or used one for a considerable duration. on paper, it seems to carry little value, is problematic, and labor intensive. owners, users, those that can work within the cameras limitations, allow it to bring a new dimension to their 6x6 photography.

The FlexBody is wonderfully versatile as it supports existing Hasselblad leaf shutter lenses, finders and film backs. It is limited in that it has restricted shift capability which varies with the lens in use. It is an excellent tool for controlling the plane of focus; for correcting perspective as in architecture, you will have to work within its limits. You may find these limits are not problematic.

 

I would try to rent one for a few days to put it through its paces. Only then will you know if it is suitable for the type of work you like to do.

I had one and it is okay to work with, but as stated, is limited in T/S

ability which differs from lens to lens. The exact sequence necessary to

successfully capture each frame is maddening in my opinion. There were

times that I was glad there were no sledge-hammers handy, or I may have

used it on the Flex Body. It does not suffer fools lightly, which is why I

dumped mine.

Marc:

 

I am glad that one of the (other) responders has actually used a Flexbody!

 

I have Nikon, Hasselblad 555ELD, 501CM, Flexbody and four lenses and Sinar p and 9 lenses.

 

The Flexbody on 66 never has enough shift for architecture, (but you can try using some tilt as well) no swing, but very usefull tilt for plane of sharpest foocus (Scheimplug) table top or packet shot work.

 

With a 24 x 36mm digital back I expect to use my Flexbody more, as 20mm of shift is a great deal on a 24mm wide image.

 

What a shame they did not make a shiftable A16, or gave the Flexbody enought shift to get the corners of 6x4.5cm (or 24x26mm) near to the edge of the image circle.

Robert, I use both a Flexbody and a Linhof Master Technika 2000. I bought

the Flex a few years ago for largely the same reasons you are thinking of. I

needed a smaller view camera kit for those occasions where the 4x5

backpack was not appropriate or not possible. I should say that my Linhof kit

is trimmed down as much as I can make it. I use Readyloads, and stay away

from fast heavy lenses. I do, however, carry 4 to 6 lenses, depending upon

the location and the length of trip.

 

That said, the Flexbody is significantly lighter and easier to transport than the

Linhof. The major caveat, as has been mentioned before, is that you cannot

carry many of the Hasselblad lenses. Their size & weight add up QUICKLY. I

carry a 60mm, 120mm, and 250mm. I chose them based upon image circle,

focal length, and size. In practice, the Flex is easier to knock around with. I

carry mine in a large Domke shoulder bag (as opposed to a full backpack). I

also use one size smaller tripod with the Flex (a Gitzo 1325 instead of a

1349). Setting up & breaking down is fast. Actual field use, however, is not as

straightforward and intuitive as using a 4x5 camera. Because the Hassie

lenses do not have separate cocking and open/closing mechanisms, you

have to go through a few added steps to open/close & cock the shutter. It's

not that big a deal, but you have to have your wits about you when shooting.

 

I would also suggest carefully perusing the Hasselblad web site on lens

coverage with this camera. The lenses were not designed to cover more than

a standard 6x6 frame, and many of them don't. Maximum shift on any of them

is 15mm. 5-10mm is more of an average. Many photographers cannot live

with these kinds of limitations. For my photography, it is acceptable.

 

A previous thread can be found on teh Flexbody at: http://www.photo.net/

bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=001TQw

 

---Kent Phelan

I tote my Flexbody, three lenses (50,100,120), several film magazines, film, and sometimes my 203FE (110/f2) in a Lowepro Omni Pro bag. it allows me to carry on and push it underneath the seat. I flew down to Mexico this summer, and you would have thought the inspectors would have been very interested in the Flexbody. it certainly looks threatening, but they were much more interested in the Pro Shade, filters, and fifty rolls of TMax!

I rate the Flexbody very highly and use it regularly as a location and landscape outfit. Yes it has real restrictions in terms of shifts and image size, however teamed with a 903 SWC, a 60mm, and a 120mm I find it a light and effective outfit that serves my needs admirably. I also have a Linhof Master Technika 4x5 outfit and a Mamiya 7II outfit, but the Flexbody for my purposes at least offers the best balance of quality and convenience.

 

Regards, Gary