laurence_horricks

Dobry vecer z Prague zase,

Thank you Tim,M.Kary,Brad,Andrew for all your input, it was very helpfull

After a great deal of spirited discussion, I finally convinced a local dealer here to allow me [with an escort] to take a 501cm and 50mm lense for a test drive...I must say I have not been so excited about something mechanical since my first Triumph TR6 ,I just hope it would be more reliable!

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My question now is, new vs previous versions when it comes to bodies and lenses...I cant seem to get much info here[in czech or english] re older versions of this camera and lenses,

If I must buy new I will, however if there is little advantage to this I will take the savings.

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The lenses I am interested in are the 50mm and 40mm, I assume they exsist in older versions.

One thing not in my favor in Central and Eastern Europe is a very limited used Hasselblad inventory and a subsequent high price for any used premium photo gear. Perhaps it means a trip to N.Y. or London.

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Any advice on difference in performance or quality between new and previous versions of the above mentioned would be greatly appreciated.

and if someone knows of a good dealer of new and used Hasselblad gear in Europe that can compete with NY prices.

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Thanks again...

Laurence

Dobry Den Everybody...From Prague...

FOr a "Luddite" like me this web site is sweet.

After years of "Documentary Portraiture", I have alas grown weary of the rectangular format and have have discovered a wonderful new vision in "the square". Now its time to choose a tool.

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My Requirements:

1]Square Format

2]Ultra Sharp Lenses with "in your face" minimum focusing stats [1 meter is not good enough/.5m would be fine]

3]Do NOT require any form of metering or,prism viewfinding.

4]Do NOT require motor driven body

5]The longest lens would be a 50mm with surely something in the 40mm range or wider.

Basically a sturdy box with interchangable backs and brilliant wide lenses.

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Questions:

Does this mean Hasselblad makes the best sense?

WHat other choices are out there for 6x6

If Hasselblad is the choice, what are the problems with combining older bodies with new lenses. Or vice versa.

Although my Leica M bodies and lenses have strong resale value,I would like to take a bit of the sting out of the change over.

Finally. are their any MAJOR quirks about Blads I should know about.

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Thank you in advance for your help, and goodnight from Prague.

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Laurence Horricks