mike_brown8

<p>How is the quality of the V750 scans when compared to larger (drum) scanners? I understand that no film holder is provided...<br>

Also what about 5x7 sheets? Is there a film holder for those? </p>

<p>Good Question. I feel this may work better with 4x5. Loading these large 8x10 sheets in the dark without damaging the film can be a challenge. But its interesting nevertheless. Especially if its saving chemicals. </p>

<p>Gary, sorry for your experience, but I think you answered a question that wasn't asked. <br /> The OP isn't there yet and has a long way to go. The first step is the most difficult in the process.<br /> In order to have some appeal for gallery owners, I would say that its necessary to participate at different art shows (even group shows). You need to show achievements, awards and maybe a recommendation for a reputable teacher, critic or artist. Most dealers and collectors require some solid "proof" to feel more confidant. Emails, cover (or no cover) letters, are secondary.</p>

<p>The 645D should be compared to the Leica S2, which may be its closest competitor. Both are Digital MF aimed at outdoor, portrait and fashion photography. Both are supposed to be easy to operate, weather and dust proof. Both come with fixed sensors, without the possibility to change backs. What separates them however, is the glass. Leitz made a wise decision to release top of the line lenses for their camera (albeit at astronomical price) to maximize its potential and Pentax still has a way to go with their lenses.<br>

I would be very interested to read a good head to head comparison between the two, much more then with the Canon 5DII alike.</p>

<p>The 645D should be compared to the Leica S2, which may be its closest competitor. Both are Digital MF aimed at outdoor, portrait and fashion photography. Both are supposed to be easy to operate, weather and dust proof. Both come with fixed 40M pixel sensors, without the possibility to change backs. What separates them however, is the glass. Leitz made a wise decision to release top of the line lenses for their camera (albeit at astronomical price) to maximize its potential and Pentax still has a way to go with their lenses.<br /> I would be very interested to read a good head to head comparison between the two, much more then with the Canon 5DII alike.</p>

<p>To the OP: You seem to know exactly what you want, yet keep asking questions which you answer yourself...<br>

You say that the Mamiya RB67 is way too heavy (it is) and then you seem settled on a Hasselblad. On the other hand, since you do not have legacy lenses and accessories for that system, why go this way? What about a good digital SLR which will provide you with ease of operation, getting rid of film and high resolution images?</p>

<p>To the OP: You seem to know exactly what you want, yet keep asking questions which you answer yourself...<br>

You say that the Mamiya RB67 is way too heavy (it is) and then you seem settled on a Hasselblad. On the other hand, since you do not have legacy lenses and accessories for that system, why go this way? What about a good digital SLR which will provide you with ease of operation, getting rid of film and high resolution images?</p>

<p>Everyone seems to make plans on using lens, adapters, including some from other manufacturers. A high image quality is taken for granted. I however, am yet to see any independent review and most importantly unmanipulated images directly from the camera. I would like to see side by side large images from the 645D and other MF cameras, like the S2. If the quality isn't there, I wouldn't bother with adapters. </p>

<p>I would suggest a simple approach - ask them what their budget is. It will give you a first indication of what their expectations are and if it will allow you equipment purchases or rentals. </p>

<p>1) What's lot of money? (I don't understand)...<br /> 2) Should you buy those cameras? Only if you want them. I myself would never buy anything only because it cheap but I don't need/ want it. Do you want them?<br>

3) The enlarger is a different question all together. You don't necessary have to enlarge and print traditionally. The negatives can be also scanned and printed digitally. </p>

<p> </p>

<p>Why not try C-41 at home? It isn't that hard. </p>

<p>It depends on which Phase DB you use. They have backs with different sized sensors, most which are actually smaller then the Hasselblad 6x4.5 film sized area. <br /> If I understand correctly, your question is about focal lengths. In general, a 80mm lens is the normal length lens for the 6x6 format. For a similar angle on view with a Phase DB, you may need roughly 60mm. As you understand, the problem gets worse with wide angle lenses. The 40mm lens on your 503 body, will be not so wide with a Phase DB. For the new digital bodies they have shorter lenses, but I don't know the solution for the 503.</p>

<p>Nico, as another poster wrote above, the photo exhibition is your advertisement. At the show you must exhibit the photos in the best way, framed and large.<br />About a month ago, I was at a fair outside NY, with more then 500 artists presenting their art and photography was big... Most had images framed luxuriously and enlarged to almost insane sizes. That's what attracted customers. On the side though, they had piles of smaller versions, dry mounted at more affordable prices. <br />I took time to speak with some of them. They make a living selling their work at art fairs throughout the US. Up and down, from Maine to Tx... The business was built over many years (some like 20 years...), gaining recognition and reputation. They can tell in advance which shows favor their style and what photo size will be sold at each fair. Some participate at about 20 such events each year! It must be very exhausting and I couldn't live like that, but that's me. The lesson is that you shouldn't judge anything by one or two events. Simply learn, gain experience and change what needs to be changed, including adjusting prices up and down, if needed. Persistence is the key factor.</p>

<p>Nico, I see your point, but from what I can tell you are inexperienced in business.<br /> 1) If the exhibit was a flop or not depends only on your expectations. What did you expect? Maybe you should fine tune that part.<br /> 2) Did you prepare your homework? For example, who presented photos on these locations before? How did it sell? Where these well known artists, or unknown? In what season did they show their work? What is the economic situation in the village? Ids there a tradition of acquiring art? <br /> 3) Did you care to advertise the event and your participation and have a higher turnaround? How many people did you inform before? <br /> 3) Every exhibit is a stepping stone for the next. Are more people aquatinted with your work then before? People are more likely to buy from a known artist, even pay big money. I am not sure that lowering the prices would work. I found that many that will pay thousands for a famous artist, yet not a penny for an unknown, regardless of the quality of their work.</p>

<p>Martin,<br /> The only person who can answer your last question is only you. The thrill you got from the Hasselblad, is a subjective impression and someone else may see things differently. Some people start liking or disliking the results from a camera because of unrelated issues. I read complains from Fuji GX680 users that made me smile. One guy complained that had a defect lens and the problem wasn't solved by the dealer. Therefore the results from the camera weren't great! He didn't consider replacing the lens and that with every system there may be a faulty part. For HIM the Fuji isn't a good camera. Period. Another complained that a film back was tearing the film and it happend when he had an important assignment, thus the Fuji isn't a good camera even all other backs functioned flawlessly. <br /> Maybe you can order the camera from a reputable dealer with a good return policy and see by yourself. One word of caution - you say that LF is too much for you now. It may be the same with Fuji GX680. <br /> A different alternative is digital. Why not try a digital back with your hasselbald? Maybe that will excite you once again.</p>

<p>Warren, what's the problem with Mamiya 7 and headshots? It has parallax correction, doesn't it?<br>

I did not compare all lenses in a scientific mode, but my very subjective impression is that Mamiya 7 lenses are among the sharpest. The reason may be the relative simplicity of rangefinder lenses design vs. SLRs which are more complex. This simplicity allows designers to get better results. </p>

<p>Warren, what's the problem with Mamiya 7 and headshots? It has parallax correction, doesn't it?<br>

I did not compare all lenses in a scientific mode, but my very subjective impression is that Mamiya 7 lenses are among the sharpest. The reason may be the relative simplicity of rangefinder lenses design vs. SLRs which are more complex. This simplicity allows designers to get better results. </p>

<p>1) No other MF camera provides so many advantages for closeup, macro and architectural work.<br /> 2) It is big indeed, but it allows faster shooting then LF cameras.<br /> 3) Film - more available choices then cut film.<br /> 4) More places will develop 120 film then 4x5. <br /> 5) Size - its not a camera for hand held action. Always on a tripod, because frankly you don't want to ruin the potentially great results with shaky hand held action. <br /> 6) Price wise - its a steal.<br /> 7) Its also relatively slow when compared to other MF. For those pros who's time is the most important asset, speed if paramount. If the speed isn't important to you, its a wonderful solution.</p>

<p>Mamiya RB67 can be had with a 6x6 back and may fit into your budget.</p>

<p>1) Before we get too excited about Mamiya's new offer - its a low res back, based on old sensor technology. Maybe they had an agreement to purchase a certain amount of sensors (that didn't sell) and created a solution. Hasselblad and Phase One don't offer anything lower then 30mp in their lineup. So yes, it may be lower cost, but you basically get a 5- 7 year old technology. In the digital filed that's a long time. <br /> 2) Even Pentax promised camera will be 30mp, but some speculate that it will be on a smaller sized sensor (30x40mm). At the same time, by the next year, Canon may offer a FF 30mp camera for the first time. <br /> 3) Personally, I doubt Leica's statement about the unexpected demand for S2. They probably have other reasons for the delay.</p>

<p>Speaking of Nick's prints - they are awesome! I saw them in a gallery and was very much impressed with his work. He had several large prints that also looked great for their size. The book is also great. </p>

<p>Bruce, as a person who sees beyond the superficial, maybe you just caught them in a bad moment. Maybe it has nothing to do with your persona or appearance. Perhaps they had many visitors before, asking how much their digital backs cost and when answered, people reacted inappropriately, like bursting in historical laughter. Maybe some visitors told them that ordinary Canons produce better images. I heard that argument many times before. Maybe they were just tired of that crowd. How about that? </p>

<p>Bruce, as you well know, the news are elsewhere. If you were interested in micro 4/3 formats or DSLRs with HR video I guess it could find a thing or two. Also Post Processing S/W packages or applications for pushing pics and video from your iPhone should have been in abundance. But when LF companies count the screws in their stock, (not speaking of cameras), who can exhibit there? The world shifted elsewhere...</p>

<p> "He switched from using his Nikon D2X to a Hasselblad so he could get the exact framing that he had in mind."<br>

Yeah... such talk impressed me greatly in my early days in photography. It is absolutely inane and pointless. Hasselblad (and square frames) have nothing to do with that nice shot. Maybe he took the shot "in spite using a Hasselbald"... </p>

<p> "He switched from using his Nikon D2X to a Hasselblad so he could get the exact framing that he had in mind."<br>

Yeah... such talk impressed me greatly in my early days in photography. It is absolutely inane and pointless. Hasselblad (and square frames) have nothing to do with that nice shot. Maybe he took the shot "in spite using a Hasselbald"... </p>