Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: KhaledA on September 10, 2013, 01:47:31 am
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I'm at that point where I'm starting to think about upgrading to MF digital (although probably only a year or two from now, but it doesn't hurt to be informed). Currently I'm shooting Canon system, with a 5DIII, and Hasselblad V with several Zeiss glass.
I am a still life photographer, mainly shooting food and products in the studio, with the occasional model added to the mix.
Now, I'm not really sure which MF digital I should get, but it seems that Leica S2 is a bit too expensive (body alone costs over $30k and lenses are about $10k each here in Israel), and lacks any tilt shift options. Pentax isn't even available here, which leaves me with either Mamiya/Leaf or Hasselblad, which are most common here. I never shot with the Mamiya, but I did rent a Hasselblad H3DII-39 several times, and it was just a pleasure to shoot with, and I liked Phocus a lot.
What I'm really looking for is tilt shift options, and hopefully a waist level finder, which from what I can see, only Hasselblad gives me.
I'm aiming to buy used, and hopefully later on upgrade to a better model if need be, but this has to at least last me 2-3 years.
I shoot mostly tethered, and 90% of the time I use manual focus, so something like true focus isn't a deal breaker to me, although it would be nice to have. I aim for about 40ish MPs. Knowing that, does the newer models offer noticeable improvement in image quality? I'm looking to either buy the H3DII 39 or the H4D 40, is it worth the extra cash for the H4D?
How well does the new Fuji glass stack to the older Zeiss glass? for the time being, I'm looking at buying the CF adapter, and use my Zeiss glass with it. How well will it sync with the body and back? Any known bugs (I've tried the CFV with my current camera, and it was hell trying to make it all work)? and most importantly, can I use the Zeiss glass with the HTS 1.5 tilt shift adapter?
Other recommendations are welcome as well, since I don't really know much about MFD.
And, most importantly, anyone know which sites I can stalk for good deals (bearing in mind I live in Israel), other than eBay and Capture Integration?
Thanks,
Khaled
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Hi,
I presently use a P45+ back on a Hasselblad 555ELD.
My plan is to buy a Hartblei HCam in the future and use it with my existing Hasselblad lenses using a Mirex T&S adapter.
http://echophoto.dnsalias.net/ekr/index.php/photoarticles/76-my-medium-format-digital-journey
http://echophoto.dnsalias.net/ekr/index.php/photoarticles/77-two-months-of-mfd-looking-back
Samples (with raw files):
http://echophoto.dnsalias.net/ekr/Articles/MFDJourney/RawImages/Samples/
http://echophoto.dnsalias.net/ekr/Articles/MFDJourney/RawImages/Samples2/
New samples from a trip to the Dolomites is coming in a few days or weeks...
Regarding Fuji glass it is probably better than Zeiss glass. The MTF data is definitively better, but I think the Zeiss glass is good enough. Zeiss made some really excellent designs lately, like 40/4 FLE IF, 100/3.5 and possibly some more. Those lenses are probably world class.
Best regards
Erik
I'm at that point where I'm starting to think about upgrading to MF digital (although probably only a year or two from now, but it doesn't hurt to be informed). Currently I'm shooting Canon system, with a 5DIII, and Hasselblad V with several Zeiss glass.
I am a still life photographer, mainly shooting food and products in the studio, with the occasional model added to the mix.
Now, I'm not really sure which MF digital I should get, but it seems that Leica S2 is a bit too expensive (body alone costs over $30k and lenses are about $10k each here in Israel), and lacks any tilt shift options. Pentax isn't even available here, which leaves me with either Mamiya/Leaf or Hasselblad, which are most common here. I never shot with the Mamiya, but I did rent a Hasselblad H3DII-39 several times, and it was just a pleasure to shoot with, and I liked Phocus a lot.
What I'm really looking for is tilt shift options, and hopefully a waist level finder, which from what I can see, only Hasselblad gives me.
I'm aiming to buy used, and hopefully later on upgrade to a better model if need be, but this has to at least last me 2-3 years.
I shoot mostly tethered, and 90% of the time I use manual focus, so something like true focus isn't a deal breaker to me, although it would be nice to have. I aim for about 40ish MPs. Knowing that, does the newer models offer noticeable improvement in image quality? I'm looking to either buy the H3DII 39 or the H4D 40, is it worth the extra cash for the H4D?
How well does the new Fuji glass stack to the older Zeiss glass? for the time being, I'm looking at buying the CF adapter, and use my Zeiss glass with it. How well will it sync with the body and back? Any known bugs (I've tried the CFV with my current camera, and it was hell trying to make it all work)? and most importantly, can I use the Zeiss glass with the HTS 1.5 tilt shift adapter?
Other recommendations are welcome as well, since I don't really know much about MFD.
And, most importantly, anyone know which sites I can stalk for good deals (bearing in mind I live in Israel), other than eBay and Capture Integration?
Thanks,
Khaled
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I'm a 5DMk3 shooter who recently transitioned to shooting with MFDB. I'm using a P65+ with the Phase system.
For me, the main concern was to make sure that image quality is definitely better than the 35mm system I was coming from. The P65+ achieves that for me, I wasn't so sure about a P40 in that respect. To make sense it has to not just be better but significantly better - these MF cameras are far less user friendly (and indeed functional) than the state of the art from Canon/Nikon m(live view, high ISO, wide apertures, user interface).
I can say that, a couple of weeks in, so far I'm very happy with the decision to invest in MF digital. But I didn't take the 5DMk3 on a recent trip and I must say I'll pack it in future - I missed a fair few shots through not having the Canon on hand.
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Hi,
The Phase One backs aren't supported in Israel, only the Mamiya/Leaf and the Hasselblad.
I would really like to know the differences between the H3D, H3DII and H4D bodies, or if there is another company that offers tilt shift options as well as a waist level finder.
Thanks.
Khaled
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Hi Khaled,
If you go for a Mamiya /Phase 645 and you what tilt, shift capabilities for your still life work I have the perfect piece of camera gear for you.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221277392803?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
Cheers
Simon
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If you do food and product photo, the HTS system will save you lots of time. Hasselblad designed it with this kind of use in mind and you'll benefit from automatic lens corrections, etc... The only other solutions with tilt and shift involve technical cameras or adapting older analog cameras with movements, and are considerably less convenient for this kind of use (they may be more convenient for other kind of uses, like architecture for example).
If you do food and product photo in MF without movements, you will find out that the more limited depth of field of MF versus 24x36 is a real problem.
The question on whether old lenses can be adapted to the HTS is not important, because the HC 80mm which comes standard with H cameras works so well with the HTS for product photo that you would be a fool not to use it.
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If you do food and product photo, the HTS system will save you lots of time. Hasselblad designed it with this kind of use in mind and you'll benefit from automatic lens corrections, etc... The only other solutions with tilt and shift involve technical cameras or adapting older analog cameras with movements, and are considerably less convenient for this kind of use (they may be more convenient for other kind of uses, like architecture for example).
If you do food and product photo in MF without movements, you will find out that the more limited depth of field of MF versus 24x36 is a real problem.
The question on whether old lenses can be adapted to the HTS is not important, because the HC 80mm which comes standard with H cameras works so well with the HTS for product photo that you would be a fool not to use it.
Thanks for the input.
The HTS is the reason I'm considering Hasselblad as opposed to other brands.
That is quite interesting about the HC 80mm, I will be buying the kit used, so it might not include that lens, but if it's that good, I will buy it. How well does that lens work with smaller subjects such as jewelry and such (small rings in particular)? does it have enough magnification?
Any input on which body would suit my needs best? used H3D 39 or H3DII 39 is all I can afford since I'm going to get the HTS and a lens with it as well, but if it's that much better I can save a bit more for the H4D 40.
@Simon: Thanks, that looks rather interesting, I'll keep it in mind.
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That is quite interesting about the HC 80mm, I will be buying the kit used, so it might not include that lens, but if it's that good, I will buy it. How well does that lens work with smaller subjects such as jewelry and such (small rings in particular)? does it have enough magnification?
No, but you can use extension tubes with the 80mm. Also, keep in mind that the HTS increases focal length by 1.5, making the 80mm a 120mm.
Any input on which body would suit my needs best? used H3D 39 or H3DII 39 is all I can afford since I'm going to get the HTS and a lens with it as well, but if it's that much better I can save a bit more for the H4D 40.
There should not be much difference in quality between the H3D and H4D, but consider that the H3D-39 cannot be repaired any more. There was an announcement to that effect, search the forum.
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There should not be much difference in quality between the H3D and H4D, but consider that the H3D-39 cannot be repaired any more. There was an announcement to that effect, search the forum.
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=80964.msg653364#msg653364
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Thanks for the help.
That's a bit disappointing about the H3D not being repaired anymore. Hopefully though that would lead to their prices plummeting on the used market (hopefully!), if not, then I guess it's either H3DII or H4D for me.
Any sites I can stalk for good deals besides eBay and Capture Integration?
Thanks,
Khaled
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Hi,
A gentleman called MR. Rib is selling a H2D with an Aptus back for a reasonable price, 6500USD i think, here on LuLa. I was considering it before buying the P45+, which I also bought from Mr. Rib.
Best regards
Erik
Thanks for the help.
That's a bit disappointing about the H3D not being repaired anymore. Hopefully though that would lead to their prices plummeting on the used market (hopefully!), if not, then I guess it's either H3DII or H4D for me.
Any sites I can stalk for good deals besides eBay and Capture Integration?
Thanks,
Khaled
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That's a bit disappointing about the H3D not being repaired anymore.
Only the H3D-22 and H3D-39. The H3D-31 can still be repaired.
This being said, the 22 and 31 mpix backs are probably not sufficient to make a big difference with smaller formats for the kind of uses you are thinking about. And I hate to write that, but if you shoot mainly small objects like jewelry, a D800 may be a better choice for your business.
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Only the H3D-22 and H3D-39. The H3D-31 can still be repaired.
This being said, the 22 and 31 mpix backs are probably not sufficient to make a big difference with smaller formats for the kind of uses you are thinking about. And I hate to write that, but if you shoot mainly small objects like jewelry, a D800 may be a better choice for your business.
Yeah, I'm looking more into the 40-50 MP range.
Jewelry is only a small part of what I shoot. My shots range from simple food photography, to something as big as a car. (this is the sort of shots I usually make shot 1 (http://th01.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2013/220/f/d/shweppes_apple_by_manualfocusphoto-d6h627s.jpg) shot 2 (http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2013/248/d/e/festina_by_manualfocusphoto-d6l3cmw.jpg) )
Any particular reason why the Nikon is better for jewelry though? I did shoot with it for a few weeks (well, the D800E, along with Zeiss 100 makro), thinking of jumping to Nikon at the time, but I simply didn't like it (too soft past f/5.6), and bought the Canon 5DIII (for the cleaner high ISO), with upgrading to Hasselblad sometime in the future.
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Leica S2 is a bit too expensive (body alone costs over $30k and lenses are about $10k each here in Israel), and lacks any tilt shift options.
And, most importantly, anyone know which sites I can stalk for good deals (bearing in mind I live in Israel), other than eBay and Capture Integration?
Thanks,
Khaled
Ok, this combination of statements is kind of weird, you say that the Leica S(2) is really expensive in Israel (assuming new), but then you also talk about eBay as a viable option, where you can get a used S2 for $8000 or the new S for under $20k. Even with international shipping, it's certainly going to be significantly cheaper.
You also mention that there are no T/S options, when the S actually has a decent 120mm f/5.6 TS and also a Hasselblad adapter that will let you use the HTS system, as well as any other H lens with full AF, aperture and leaf shutter. There are also adapters for Hasselblad V, Phase/Mamiya 645, Pentax 67 and Contax.
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Any particular reason why the Nikon is better for jewelry though?
Any smaller sensor is easier to use with tiny objects, because larger sensors make it more difficult to get a usable depth of field in macro. I cited the D800, because it has many pixels and has a 24x36 sensor.
For the size of objects you presented (soda bottle and watch box), medium format cameras are in wide use.
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Ok, this combination of statements is kind of weird, you say that the Leica S(2) is really expensive in Israel (assuming new), but then you also talk about eBay as a viable option, where you can get a used S2 for $8000 or the new S for under $20k. Even with international shipping, it's certainly going to be significantly cheaper.
I suspect that Israel has stiff import taxes on this kind of equipment.
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I suspect that Israel has stiff import taxes on this kind of equipment.
I can see import tax being applied for new products, but used? I'm not really savvy with this subject since I've never had to pay import tax for anything. For the prices talked about here, one might as well fly to the US and buy it there, the trip will pay for itself.
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Hi, If you are looking into a big improvement in resolution compared a top DSLR like the Nikon D800/E you need to look into a 60-80mp back. The 40mp backs have the same or just a notch more res. BUT, where the MFDBs absolutely rule is in color depth, color accuracy and consistency, no mater the pixel count. Also the tethered workflow with software like Phase's Capture One Pro is just superb with digital backs. A digital back is also very versatile in that you can mount it to a wide variety of camera systems. I use my digital back on a Arca Swiss Rm3Di for landscape and on a Hasselblad H1 for studio and people work. Also if you travel you can take the digital back with you and just rent a camera body and lenses as you need them.
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I can see import tax being applied for new products, but used? I'm not really savvy with this subject since I've never had to pay import tax for anything. For the prices talked about here, one might as well fly to the US and buy it there, the trip will pay for itself.
I don't know about Israel, but in the European Community, import taxes and VAT are levied on new and used products and even if you import them yourself while traveling. It is obviously possible to try to hide stuff in one's luggage but:
-this is illegal and you'll be prosecuted if you get caught
-it is probably not a clever idea to run a business with illegally obtained goods.
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I don't know about Israel, but in the European Community, import taxes and VAT are levied on new and used products and even if you import them yourself while traveling. It is obviously possible to try to hide stuff in one's luggage but:
-this is illegal and you'll be prosecuted if you get caught
-it is probably not a clever idea to run a business with illegally obtained goods.
Wow, I've never heard so much bullshit rules in one go before, like since grade school... if something's out of it's original box, it's not a product anymore, period. You don't even have to hide the stuff or anything, just put into your camera bag and say "it's my camera", does anyone honestly track what you left and came back with?
I'm glad Russia isn't part of the EU.
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Thanks for the input.
The HTS is the reason I'm considering Hasselblad as opposed to other brands.
That is quite interesting about the HC 80mm, I will be buying the kit used, so it might not include that lens, but if it's that good, I will buy it. How well does that lens work with smaller subjects such as jewelry and such (small rings in particular)? does it have enough magnification?
Any input on which body would suit my needs best? used H3D 39 or H3DII 39 is all I can afford since I'm going to get the HTS and a lens with it as well, but if it's that much better I can save a bit more for the H4D 40.
@Simon: Thanks, that looks rather interesting, I'll keep it in mind.
You can also still consider other brands as the Hasselblad HTS 1.5 is not proprietary - it will work with Phase One, Leaf, and Sinar digital back brands with H1/H2/H4X cameras minus any automatic Hasselblad software corrections and retained exif data on shift/tilt movements.
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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Wow, I've never heard so much bullshit rules in one go before, like since grade school... if something's out of it's original box, it's not a product anymore, period. You don't even have to hide the stuff or anything, just put into your camera bag and say "it's my camera", does anyone honestly track what you left and came back with?
I don't think this is the forum to discuss the legalities of importing products into different countries, but if it would be sufficient to strip a "product" of its original boxes to dodge import taxes in your country, don't you think that you would find that most "products" would be sold without their original boxes in shops?
You do not seem to have travelled a lot. Customs can require that you prove that you paid applicable duties in all countries of the world.
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Do you consider the combination of Fuji GX680 III and Hasselbland 40mpix DB?? The Fuji lenses are very good and Cheaper!!
Marios Karampalis
www.filephotography.com
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I don't think this is the forum to discuss the legalities of importing products into different countries, but if it would be sufficient to strip a "product" of its original boxes to dodge import taxes in your country, don't you think that you would find that most "products" would be sold without their original boxes in shops?
You do not seem to have travelled a lot. Customs can require that you prove that you paid applicable duties in all countries of the world.
Actually I travel constantly, I've been to/from the US, Russia, China, Israel, Germany, Iraq, etc. I remember last time me and my partner were in Israel, we took two big baggage cases stuffed with things we bought there that would have been 4x cheaper than local prices, no one batted an eye. Same with China only it was four 21kg baggage cases because they let us without charging extra; and there was everything, alcohol, jewlery, clothing, luxery accessories, the works.
Maybe there are official rules or something, but no one ever checks, ever. I agree that this isn't the place to discuss politics or morals, but quite frankly what I'm saying is that this is a viable option. And I say this from 7 years of flying all over the world.
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Maybe there are official rules or something, but no one ever checks, ever.
Tourists are rarely checked, yes.
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Yes, I was talking about the S2 prices in Israel. There is customs on imported goods here, even used, however, for some reason, they especially check items made in Germany (like the Leica), and thus are more suspect to customs if sent by mail.
As for going to Europe or the US, and buy there, that's actually a quite good idea, I have an uncle who lives in California, so it should only cost me ticket price (and no hotel) to go visit him, and buy some gear there.
As for the Leica S2, I did not know about it having adapters for various lenses (I'm still new to MF digital), so it will still retain AF with H lenses then? would it also give me the short sync speed I'd get from the leaf shutter?
I've called Hasselblad representative today, and I should be able to test drive an H4D-40, and a friend of mine who's also my mentor shoots with Mamiya with Aptus back, and agreed to lend it to me for a week for testing. We'll see which system I end up liking more, and which I will save up for.
One stupid question, and kind of off topic, but is buying from the sale section of this site safe? I mean, I know buying online is always a gamble, but still, how do I know which sellers are legit? is there some sort of feedback system?
Thanks everyone for the help, it's much appreciated.
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Hi,
You don't know. On the other hand, you can get recommendations from others who have bought from the same sellers.
Best regards
Erik
Yes, I was talking about the S2 prices in Israel. There is customs on imported goods here, even used, however, for some reason, they especially check items made in Germany (like the Leica), and thus are more suspect to customs if sent by mail.
As for going to Europe or the US, and buy there, that's actually a quite good idea, I have an uncle who lives in California, so it should only cost me ticket price (and no hotel) to go visit him, and buy some gear there.
As for the Leica S2, I did not know about it having adapters for various lenses (I'm still new to MF digital), so it will still retain AF with H lenses then? would it also give me the short sync speed I'd get from the leaf shutter?
I've called Hasselblad representative today, and I should be able to test drive an H4D-40, and a friend of mine who's also my mentor shoots with Mamiya with Aptus back, and agreed to lend it to me for a week for testing. We'll see which system I end up liking more, and which I will save up for.
One stupid question, and kind of off topic, but is buying from the sale section of this site safe? I mean, I know buying online is always a gamble, but still, how do I know which sellers are legit? is there some sort of feedback system?
Thanks everyone for the help, it's much appreciated.
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If what you're looking for is manual focus tilf shift 50mp at a reasonable price, then I would recommend you this:
Fuji GX 680 III - the easiest way into tilt/shift - the camera is large but not as large as LF.
You can get a full set of body lenses and accessories for $2K - of couse it comes with waist finder.
You need the Kapture Group adapter as well or the Korean modification.
I used to shoot with this rig which is very nice but at the end I prefered the fully automatic smaller 645.
Leaf Aptus II 10 - you can get for $12K used.
Leaf Aptus II 8 for as low as $7000.
Both are miles ahead of 5D3 which I own.
I would stay away from Hasselblad, as the company's behaviour is questionable and they do a lot of steps in the stop support direction with no regard for their customers. I've heard some horror stories about lemon backs.
The Hasselblad rep in Israel didn't exactly win me over with his attitude either.
Can you tell me where you rented H3DII-39 and for how much?
If you live in Israel like me, I don't see how you can look past the perfect support you can get from Leaf.
I can just walk into their home office and get whatever I need immediately.
Hasselblad and Phase can never offer anything like that in Israel.
To your other questions - the new Fuji lenses are sharper than the old Zeiss and very slightly sharper than Mamiya/Schneider.
If you use manual focus then H3D/H4D is not much difference except newer generation color rendition on the back - if they changed much between versions I don't know.
The only tax that Israel has on photographic equipment is 18% VAT.
All VAT is refunded to businesses, so if your business is registered, then you get all the VAT back.
There is no problem to import any camera or back - I've done it many times.
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Hi Khaled
I use an H4D40 with an HTS all the time. I also use an H3d31, a 5D2 and a D800.
Happy to answer ay questions you might have.
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As for the Leica S2, I did not know about it having adapters for various lenses (I'm still new to MF digital), so it will still retain AF with H lenses then? would it also give me the short sync speed I'd get from the leaf shutter?
Yes, the Hasselblad adapter has AF, aperture and 1/800th leaf shutter functions. The Contax adapter also supports AF and aperture. Both of these adapters actually save metadata for the attached lens, so if Lightroom has the profile for the lens in question, it will automatically apply corrections.
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@sbernthal: Not sure, I've had quite pleasant experience with ABS so far (this is where I rented the Hassy a few years back, it was about $1000 for lens, back and body), it's Jugend Bros. that weren't that pleasant to deal with (when I rented Profoto gear from them).
@Kolor-Pikker: Ah, cool then. So, given both systems, any reason to go with the Leica compared to the Hassy?
@Nick: Thanks. Comparing the H3D and H4D, is there any serious improvements made to the sensor? my main shooting is still life, although sometimes I do work with models.
If I have anymore questions, I'll hit you a PM if you don't mind.
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Jugend are very bad too.
However, you can be a client of Capture Integration and do your repairs directly vs. Leaf and only pay CI online for it.
I'd rather give my money to them than to Jugend.
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Wait, isn't CI an American company? I'm confused now.
I was planning to import a used camera from them anyhow, not buy new.
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What's the problem?
They're connected to the internet and so am I.
Shipping takes 5 days.
Back repairs are done here anyway for Leaf so no need to ship backs.
Israel market is too small so all the dealers are unprofessional.
They can't give recommendations because they sell 1-2 backs a year so they don't know much.
Try asking for your money back on anything, and be ready to hear a hearty laugh and make their day.
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I bought a used back from a dealer in Israel once.
It came with zero accessories - I'm talking chargers, cables covers - nada. I had to go to Leaf and they were nice enough to provide me with everything for free. The dealer gave me completely incorrect instructions on how to use the back. Leaf were nice enough to give me the correct ones.
Then I wanted to trade that back for a new one two months later - they told me they would count it as 40% of what I paid for it. That is when I want to pay for a new expensive back and I didn't pay that much for the used one. Not a smart decision on their side, seemed to me.
Then two months later the back dies. I asked them to waive some of their commission on the $2500 fix - they said they were sorry, it was completely impossible to discount even 1$. That is on a back they sold me less than six month before - of course with no warranty. US dealers always sell used backs with accessories and warranty.
My next back came from Digital Transitions - all the accessories, warranty, proper explanations. As we say in Israel - never again (buy from an Israeli dealer.)
You can say what you want about Americans - but they know how to run a business.
Also, the american dealers are fully internet enabled - you can conduct all the discussions and payment online. Israeli dealers still insist on phone and f2f.
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Hey, you're preaching to quire here.
I wasn't planning on buying from Israel anyway, either buy from eBay or from Capture Integration. Dealers from all over the world, except third world countries, they all have better customer service than Israeli dealers. In fact, the only Israeli dealer of camera equipment I like is "Camera", and that's because the people at the Haifa branch are really knowledgeable and nice people. But their prices for the Leica S2 are through the roof.
One question, since you seem to have better experience than me at this, do I still have to pay the VAT even if I import used items? since I was taxed pretty heavily on a lens I bought from Japan.
As for Leaf, I wasn't aware their headquarters was in Israel until I actually did a research just few minutes ago, impressive. Does that mean the Israeli market gets cheaper prices on new backs compared to the US or something?
PS: Who do I contact if I'm interested in a Leaf back? on the Mamiya Leaf site they only list Jugend as a dealer.
Thanks,
Khaled
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Preaching to the choir.
Many European dealers are difficult too, I would stick with Americans.
VAT is calculated based on the value determined by customs, regardless of whether the item is new or not. How they calculate that value is something worth knowing but only if you don't have a tax registered business. You can email me.
Leaf prices in Israel are the same, only service turnaround can be much faster.
Jugend is the only local dealer, but as I said, nobody's stopping you from ordering at CI.
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Thanks,
Sent you a PM, since we're a bit derailing the thread as is.
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@Kolor-Pikker: Ah, cool then. So, given both systems, any reason to go with the Leica compared to the Hassy?
This is purely preferential, as the differences may or may not matter to you. Leica is 3:2 aspect ratio, Hass is 3:4 ratio. Leica is small, light and weather-sealed, making it useful outside and off the tripod should you need it. Leica has a focal plane shutter, so it's maximum speed is 1/4000th in daylight, whereas H cameras have no shutter and are thus limited to 1/800th leaf shutter. This is quite stretching it now, but the Leica is also better at high ISO, and goes a stop higher than the Hass.
Either way, the best camera is the one you decide for yourself, by trying them out.
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I bought a MF setup here via Jugend.
The 'blad representative from whatever the company was called was totally clueless. Waste of time.
I got a 3 year free rental during repair included in the price of the package, aside from the usual warranty on the camera the lenses and the Leaf back. We are very high stress shooters, 2000 frames a day, blew through a mirror box and shutter within a year. Never had a problem getting that free rental. The Hasselblad people back then (year and a half ago) had a single replacement camera/back for the entire country. Jugend has a bunch and if they run out they will drop ship from Leaf direct. When our Leaf back burned out the repair was done here by Leaf in Kfar Saba for free and I got it back within a couple of weeks during which I had the free rental. When I was having problems with my firewire card Leaf shipped me next day a firewire card of their own to see if it would fix the problems.
I wouldn't think for a second about buying abroad, MF gear is like a high end sports car, i.e. you will be fixing it. Without a serious support network you're going to be paying some serious money and spending some serious time without your camera sending it abroad and spending serious headaches getting back through customs who are a nightmare. Getting free rentals is a serious expense other places in the world, involves expensive add on packages at Phase for example, you can negotiate it here for nothing, nada.
I honestly think the Hasselblad is the better camera (H4D upwards) but unless their dealer, representative and support network here is a world better than a year ago, I'd not go near them.
Honestly, call Benny Baruch at Jugend (037969003), tell him Beni from Jerusalem who shoots manuscripts sent you, listen to what they have to say, go and meet with them. With this kind of expense and for that kind of money, you really need to at least speak them and see if it might work for you, what do you have to lose?
Another thing and putting my flame suit on for this. If you're looking at the 40 megapixel range then you really owe it to yourself to try the D800e. Just try it. We're shooting the D800e alongside a Leaf 40 megapixel back and well, as I said, just try it and make your own mind up.
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I can agree that ABS are unacceptable on all levels and that H4D is the best camera.
However, there's absolutely no problem with a US dealer.
Remember you are working for an organization and playing with other people's money.
When it's your own money you will mind very much if the dealer gouges you unfairly.
Jugend don't have any high end backs on hand - they get them from Leaf when needed.
I've bought three backs in the past six years, one from Jugend and two from abroad.
The only one that gave me major problems and serious expenditure is the one Jugend sold me.
Maybe if I was an institution like your employer, and not just a private photographer, they would pay better mind to treating me right, but they sure didn't.
In any case I've had no problems whatsoever getting service from Leaf regardless of where I got the back.
The malfunctions you are describing are body not back - a totally different thing - Mamiya bodies and lenses are handled by Shimoni and sent to Japan for major repairs.
You can get spare bodies for $2-3K and still your expenditure is way less than what Jugend charges.
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@Nick: Thanks. Comparing the H3D and H4D, is there any serious improvements made to the sensor? my main shooting is still life, although sometimes I do work with models.
If I have anymore questions, I'll hit you a PM if you don't mind.
Depends which sensor you mean. The 39 MP Kodak chip in the H3D39 is a good performer (same chip as P45) especially in studio.
The 40 MP chip (I don't think anyone other than Hasselblad and Pentax use it) has better colour response (especially in reds) and much better High ISO performance. For a studio shooter I wouldn't expect you would see a huge difference between the two.
By the way I bought my H4D40 from Steve Hendrix at Capture Integration. I highly recommend them, excellent service and they stand behind what they sell.
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Yes, the Hasselblad adapter has AF, aperture and 1/800th leaf shutter functions. The Contax adapter also supports AF and aperture. Both of these adapters actually save metadata for the attached lens, so if Lightroom has the profile for the lens in question, it will automatically apply corrections.
I don't know about the Contax lenses but Leica developed profiles for the Hasselblad H lenses and provided them to Adobe for Lightroom.
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I don't know about the Contax lenses but Leica developed profiles for the Hasselblad H lenses and provided them to Adobe for Lightroom.
From the Leica S page: S-adapter-C (http://s.leica-camera.com/en/News/NEW-LEICA-S-ADAPTER-C-ENABLES-THE-USE-OF-CONTAX-645-LENSES)
"EXIF lens data and correction profiles for Contax 645 lenses are also enabled for the conversion of RAW image files in Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Photoshop."
For the record, you can buy all the Contax lenses together for less then one S lens, at least until people catch on.
It's all Zeiss glass.
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Thanks everyone for the recommendations!
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I can agree that ABS are unacceptable on all levels and that H4D is the best camera.
However, there's absolutely no problem with a US dealer.
Remember you are working for an organization and playing with other people's money.
When it's your own money you will mind very much if the dealer gouges you unfairly.
Jugend don't have any high end backs on hand - they get them from Leaf when needed.
I've bought three backs in the past six years, one from Jugend and two from abroad.
The only one that gave me major problems and serious expenditure is the one Jugend sold me.
Maybe if I was an institution like your employer, and not just a private photographer, they would pay better mind to treating me right, but they sure didn't.
In any case I've had no problems whatsoever getting service from Leaf regardless of where I got the back.
The malfunctions you are describing are body not back - a totally different thing - Mamiya bodies and lenses are handled by Shimoni and sent to Japan for major repairs.
You can get spare bodies for $2-3K and still your expenditure is way less than what Jugend charges.
See your point.
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I don't know about Israel, but in the European Community, import taxes and VAT are levied on new and used products and even if you import them yourself while traveling. It is obviously possible to try to hide stuff in one's luggage but:
-this is illegal and you'll be prosecuted if you get caught
-it is probably not a clever idea to run a business with illegally obtained goods.
Wow, I've never heard so much bullshit rules in one go before, like since grade school... if something's out of it's original box, it's not a product anymore, period. You don't even have to hide the stuff or anything, just put into your camera bag and say "it's my camera", does anyone honestly track what you left and came back with?
I'm glad Russia isn't part of the EU.
Sorry, but I have to confirm what Jérôme is saying about getting caught, many French people travel along with the original invoice for that purpose, just to make sure they can prove the goods did pay French taxes. At border they do not look for boxes, they are not stupid, they know when a camera is new or old..... and if they are not sure, they just ask some kind of expert they have available....
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Sorry, but I have to confirm what Jérôme is saying about getting caught, many French people travel along with the original invoice for that purpose, just to make sure they can prove the goods did pay French taxes. At border they do not look for boxes, they are not stupid, they know when a camera is new or old..... and if they are not sure, they just ask some kind of expert they have available....
Absolutely. Same goes for Germany. I have had to prove twice to German customs that I am a US resident in order to avoid being charged taxes/duties and a fine.