Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: minicoop1985 on October 28, 2016, 07:34:06 am
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OK, here's the deal. I bought a Hasselblad H2. I found a GREAT deal on an H3D... Now I have the ability to do one of two things. I can ditch the H2 for the H3D AND buy a lens right away, or I can buy a Phase One back for the H2, but I'd have to wait on the lens until February or so. This is hard. What would you guys do?
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I would buy dinghy engine spare plugs instead, you never know.
Cheers,
Bernard
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I would buy dinghy engine spare plugs instead, you never know.
Cheers,
Bernard
Are you expecting another tsunami quite soon?
Rob
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Skip the H3. I get buying an H1/H2 for the prices they can be had for, but I had both of those, and I'd wait until I could afford a H body with True Focus. I can actually shoot wider than 5.6 now and get things sharp (currently shooting H5X)
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Well, I've made up my mind. The H3D is no longer serviced by Hasselblad. So what I plan to do is buy a Phase P40+, which they still do service. And I'll be buying it from somewhere that offers a warranty, so if it fails, it's covered.
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Get a film back and a lens - start shooting now rather than waiting. First rule of medium format, anything you buy you should be able to make a picture with.
Let dealers know what you're looking for, and keep socking away cash.
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The H3D is no longer serviced by Hasselblad.
That is not quite true. Here is the exact wording:
H2D-22, H2D-39, H3D-22, H3D-39
- Service is available for analogue repair of the H body.
- Service is limited to IR Filter and Linkboard replacements.
- HBI will provide limited technical support
There is still complete service for the H3D-31.
The body is still serviced.
Some repairs, but not all, are still possible on the 22 and 39 mpix backs.
What do you call a "great" deal on the H3D and what model is it?
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It's the H3D 39 for $2200. I think the P40+ is a better route for me at the moment. I can finance it, so I think I'll take that avenue as it would get me a warranty as well.
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AGH. I'm back to debating it again. Ugh, this r hard.
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Ah, after some quick calculations, I've officially made up my mind. I'm going with the H3D now that I know that the bodies are serviced, and I'm keeping the H2 as a backup/film camera. May eventually get a back for it too, like a Phase P25 or something cheap.
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I have an H1 that was virtually rebuild by hasselblad a year ago. New focus system parts, new lens contacts, and a bunch of other worn out items that I can't recall at the moment. It wasn't cheap. In fact it cost me at least as much as I paid for the body, but it's like new again. For my use true focus isn't that necessary, so I've loved using the H with phase backs. They definitely do service the bodies at least.
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Well, Tony, that's good to know. It's the back I'm somewhat concerned about, but I feel more confident buying now.
Anyone know how well the H3D 39 back does with changing white balance settings? Like does it produce a nasty green cast no matter what you do, like my Leaf Aptus 22 did?
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Not trying to dissuade you, everyone has different preferences... but I chose the open H system with a P45 over the H3D back then because of unpleasing tones in my eyes. I just felt I had to overcompensate everything for green. Then again, you see plenty of people who did great work with them. Everyone has a different preference. However, the later Hasselblad sensors seemed better in that regard from my experience. Then again... I must confess, I was not using Phocus either. I was using Lightroom for the files. Lightroom was not as great back then as it is today...and Phocus most likely produces much better color handling. My P45 through lightroom still doesn't give the best results either. Capture One is what I have to use.
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Well, I'm sure it will be pleasing compared to my 5D mark II. I'm in a close decision between the P40+ and the H3D, but I'm leaning HARD toward the H3D. It is, however, nice to know that the P40+ is still an option, should the H3D be sold out from under me.
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I'm on my second Hasselblad body and back (first had an H3DII-39, now an H5D50), and I've been very happy with the decision. The lens line-up and color are great (I use Phocus). As are True Focus, 1/800 syncing, large viewfinder, ergonomics, tethering into Phocus, etc. I think the depth of the files will amaze you, especially coming from the 5D Mark II (which I also have).
As for your decision, I'm pretty sure the H3D-39 has a larger sensor than the P40+. It's also a terrific sensor, even if it's not the latest generation. Remember, at the time it was one of the top sensors in the world, and it's performing now just as well as it did then. My H3DII-39 had the same sensor, and I loved it. I think the pluses of the P40+, if you need them, are a higher base ISO and a higher top ISO.
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Alright, I've made my final decision. It's one of two things, depending on if one has disappeared or not. The first is an H2 with a Phase P30+ back, and the other is an H3D-39. If the first is gone, then the second will absolutely do.
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I have had H1 with Phase Back, H2 with same Phase back, H3DII-31 and H3D-39. Going from H2 and Phase back to H3 with integrated back was a huge leap forward. Having two manufacturers and two batteries in the same camera was a pain. Next will be an H4D or H5D with True Focus.
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Really? I thought it might be a bit of an issue. I just didn't see the H3D-39 as being the massive leap forward that apparently it is.
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Skip the H3. I get buying an H1/H2 for the prices they can be had for, but I had both of those, and I'd wait until I could afford a H body with True Focus. I can actually shoot wider than 5.6 now and get things sharp (currently shooting H5X)
Did you buy the H5X new? Are you using a Phase One back?
A combination H5X + P65+ is on my list if it's compatible. Currently so overworked I can't even get my camera research done (and I also have to buy a new camera for film as I'm completely getting out of the DSLR space - their video codecs are the horror anyway)
I haven't seen a used H5X - not even on eBay (where Adorama offers two new bodies at quite a price)
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Alright, I've made my final decision. It's one of two things, depending on if one has disappeared or not. The first is an H2 with a Phase P30+ back, and the other is an H3D-39. If the first is gone, then the second will absolutely do.
Consider also the P45+ which has a larger sensor and is coming down in price right now.
Where do you buy your cameras? Ebay, craigslist, photographer friends...?)
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I wish I could afford the P45+, otherwise it would be a choice. I buy my cameras from eBay, KEH, Amazon, and Adorama generally.
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I have had H1 with Phase Back, H2 with same Phase back, H3DII-31 and H3D-39. Going from H2 and Phase back to H3 with integrated back was a huge leap forward. Having two manufacturers and two batteries in the same camera was a pain. Next will be an H4D or H5D with True Focus.
Of course the other side of this argument (that a P1 back is better on an H than a Hassy back) is supported by the overwhelming domination of H2+P1 in the rental, production, and digital tech markets during the era that the H3D was current. It was the most popular combination until around the DF+ days.
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Well, I made the final decision. I bought an H3D-39. I ordered it overnight shipping. Because I'm impatient. lol
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Of course the other side of this argument (that a P1 back is better on an H than a Hassy back) is supported by the overwhelming domination of H2+P1 in the rental, production, and digital tech markets during the era that the H3D was current. It was the most popular combination until around the DF+ days.
the only issue I have with running an H1 with a P1, is that I cant update the firmware on the H1 without a hassy digital back (or sending it off and paying someone else to do it)
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There is another option for those running an H1 with a Phase back. H2 bodies are dirt cheap these days. Probably cheaper than the upgrade.
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IT'S HERE
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5461/30828450956_322463ea4f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NYcSqu)IMG_0277 (https://flic.kr/p/NYcSqu) by Michael Long (https://www.flickr.com/photos/101669194@N07/), on Flickr
I made up my mind yesterday and bought the H3D-39. I can't wait to play with it. It's the one that was sitting at KEH for a month or so at least.
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the only issue I have with running an H1 with a P1, is that I cant update the firmware on the H1 without a hassy digital back (or sending it off and paying someone else to do it)
I don't know where you are located but as a Phase back and Hassy body/lens dealer we do H body firmware updates as a free service to any of our clients in NYC and LA and Denver (or anywhere for the cost of shipping).
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I can't believe the condition this thing is in. 25k shots, PRISTINE, came with rechargeable battery and everything but the box, $2200.
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Lens is coming on Friday. Should have some results from it by Sunday. :D
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I don't know where you are located but as a Phase back and Hassy body/lens dealer we do H body firmware updates as a free service to any of our clients in NYC and LA and Denver (or anywhere for the cost of shipping).
Hi Doug
I'm in Toronto