Comments on: RSO – Hasselblad H4D

By: Sunil Joshi

Sunil Joshi — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 05:09:32 +0000

In one of the responses, someone mentioned that clients would not pay for medium format files… I wonder how my clients would feel if I showed up with a Canon Rebel to a studio shoot. If you are in the business of selling images, the image you project with your gear (and conduct!) is also equally important. Now, as a photographer, I know that isn’t the case as I have enjoyed shooting with plastic toy cameras such as Holgas… but, then again, as good a salesman I may be – I am convinced I could not sell the idea of producing a commercial image for them on a Holga. I used a Canon 1Ds Mark III since it first made its appearance and recently dumped it in favor of a H4D-31. As for build quality, it is 3rd rate in comparison to the Canon flagship model. However, an aluminum body covered with stainless steel is MORE than adequate for ANY photography. How often have I been asked to pound a nail in a board with my camera? Never. Even my Hasselblad 503CW with the 100mm f/3.5 is LESS substantial than the H4D in build quality… has it ever failed me in the 6 years I’ve used and abused it? No. Some of these V series Hasselblads have been in constant service since the 1950s. Ask yourself how long you will wind up keeping your digital camera. Almost ANY camera today will serve its useful life and then some. Weatherproofing is an altogether different conversation.

By: Jonathan Ryan

Jonathan Ryan — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:20:26 +0000

“(Although a friend of mine said he saw a tourist with an H4D in Venice.)”

Um, depending when he was there that might, err, have been me……

I spent a week in Venice last new year with a Canon G9 and an H3D-II. The interesting thing was just how little notice people took of me.

Few snaps – http://peoplebyryan.com/weddings/some-holiday-snaps

By: Arend

Arend — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:23:45 +0000

Hi Bert,

With great interest I read your blog. Why? Well I shoot with a Hasselblad H1 with a Kodak proback 654H. The image quality (altough 16 MP) is really stunning. At the same time I use a Canon 1ds II (also 16 MP). I prefer the Hasselblad, but in comparison with the Canon I have two major problems with it. The absolute slow Autofocus (and difficult to anchor the focuspoint) and the complete useless iso’s above 200. Yes, you can not shoot fast due to the writing to the card, but I think it has it “tradition” in Medium format. So, upgrade to the H4D, or not?
Reading your blog, I think I’m going to rent the camera for a weekend to check out the usability in my situations (Studio as well as on location, in- and outside). I understood there’s a good trade-in program for my old Hasselblad at Calumet, but for me it is a huge investment for me. I can’t afford to make a mistake, so better safe then sorry.

PS I think you are so funny and keep up the good work.

By: Robin S

Robin S — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:48:43 +0000

Hi Bert

I really love your videos! I can’t wait until you start making more.

When you do a blog post for a product do you think you could post a photo of the product? Thanks again.

By: lee

lee — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:12:25 +0000

“The H4D is certainly “haute cuisine” when it comes to image quality, too bad you have to consume it with a plastic fork on a cardboard plate.”

Excellent analogy.

By: Devon Photographer

Devon Photographer — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:17:54 +0000

I love the jump shot Great timing dude

By: Havuz

Havuz — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:01:56 +0000

what fantastic pictures. lol:)

By: Faren

Faren — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 06:15:32 +0000

Bert, have you ever tried the Sony Alpha A900 before?

By: Markc

Markc — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:11:25 +0000

Hi, I am the owner of the blog of photography http://photographymc.blogspot.com/ I have added in the favorite, I would like an exchange links with you.

By: Alpaca Shawls

Alpaca Shawls — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 22:07:12 +0000

Very good article and fun photos. I have to say the girl model is gorgeous!