leicaglow

<p>While the TLRs and RF's are great choices, they don't (and won't) meet your requirement for a system. Mamiya RBs and RZs are inexpensive, for sure, and the quality of image is fine, but they are bulky and cumbersome compared to other options.<br> If you look at sheer volume of system components, lenses, and accessories, I can't imagine why you wouldn't go with the Hasselblad 500 series. Consistently high quality, rugged, and a joy to shoot with.</p>

<p>As a consumer, it is funny how you build perceptions around certain products, whether you own them or not (I was able to briefly acquire an older back for my Hasselblad, before realizing it was just too costly and had a more burdensome workflow than just shooting images with a Nikon DSLR. <br> At any rate, my perception of the Hasselblad line is that the image was more true to life in terms of color and contrast control, much the same way I perceive Nikon DSLRs to be compared to Canon, which seems punchier. Not that either is bad, but it depends on what you're after. </p>

<p>I would like to see some images shot with it as well. I wonder if it compares to the outstanding Nikkor 1000mm at a fraction of the cost.</p>

<p>I always shot with second tier cameras like the FM and FE. But now that better cameras like the F4s, F5, F100, and F6 are more affordable, I was thinking of getting one to use with fast lenses, wide open, on bright, outdoor days.</p> <p>My original question was: did Nikon ever make a mechanical camera with 1/8000th of a second mechanical shutter, like a newer FM? After taking my old FM out for a spin the other day, I forgot how much I enjoyed the feel of shooting with a spring loaded shutter mechanism (I have other cameras, like the Leica and old Zeiss', but they don't really have the same mechanical feel as a SLR).</p> <p>Upon listing some of the cameras in my first sentence, maybe my question should be: which of these top shelf Nikons had the best shutter mechanism, with 1/8000 second, and most mechanical/least electronic, if any? Thanks for your help. I could look it up, but reading about them doesn't compare to pros, like you, that have actually handled them.</p>