Hasselblad 40 with 50MB or H50 with 40MB back?

[FataMorgana]

I've been offered both, replete with 80mm lens. Same price.

But to your mind(s) which is superior? Similar number of actuations.

Mostly portraiture and on location people based photography.

Some landscape too.

Thanks

[David Watson]

Having owned a variety of H series up to the H6D-100C I always had a soft spot for the H4D-50 which, for a long time, was my main camera.  Very nice CCD sensor IMO. 

[ErikKaffehr]

I think the H4D50 has a 37x49 mm sensor while the H5D40 has a 33x44 mm sensor.

The main disadvantage of the smaller sensor is that it covers a smaller angle on wide angles.

Best regards
Erik

I've been offered both, replete with 80mm lens. Same price.

But to your mind(s) which is superior? Similar number of actuations.

Mostly portraiture and on location people based photography.

Some landscape too.

Thanks

[eronald]

I think the H4D50 has a 37x49 mm sensor while the H5D40 has a 33x44 mm sensor.

The main disadvantage of the smaller sensor is that it covers a smaller angle on wide angles.

Best regards
Erik

The advantage of the 40 in this case are the fact that it has microlenses, the 50 doesn't, so it will be faster by about 1 stop, and maybe have less moiré because of the larger virtual fill factor.

Edmund

[Joe Towner]

What do you currently shoot with?  What are you looking to gain out of the Hass?  How much strobe lighting compared to natural light?

Between the sensor size and lack of microlenses, plus that extra 10mp, I'm in favor of the H4D-50 - it's a camera I own and love.  How is the framing with the 80mm lens to your eye and what you like to shoot?  When would you add a second lens, and what lens would it be?

-Joe

[ErikKaffehr]

Hi Edmund,

Good points!

Best regards
Erik

The advantage of the 40 in this case are the fact that it has microlenses, the 50 doesn't, so it will be faster by about 1 stop, and maybe have less moiré because of the larger virtual fill factor.

Edmund

[eronald]

Erik,

 Have you tried drawing, or painting? I've found Betty Edwards "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" very effective.
 I find sketching fun in a way different from photography, because the act is itself pleasurable, allows you to enjoy the location, the minute you're done, you're done, and if one wants to experiment, one always can. Photography seems to be a constant struggle with diminishing returns.

Edmund

Hi Edmund,

Good points!

Best regards
Erik

[FataMorgana]

Yes, the H4 does seem a far superior choice, the H5 has a smear sensor and thus has a crop ratio of 1.3 according to the web.

I adore the standard lens (in 35mm terms a 50mm and I also love the 35mm semi-wide). Most of my other lenses no longer get used (coming to an eBay store near you soon).

In recent years I have become known for my off-camera flash shots (Sony Short List Professional Portraiture) and other work too, so this needs to be continued, the Leica has an Achilles Heel in that its fastest FS speed is 180th, when I would prefer 800th (for example) or so to make us of fast lenses.

The H4 all-told is the better camera for my own needs.

Thanks

[ErikKaffehr]

Hi Edmund,

I am totally uncapable of drawing or painting, seriously.

Best regards
Erik

Erik,

 Have you tried drawing, or painting? I've found Betty Edwards "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" very effective.
 I find sketching fun in a way different from photography, because the act is itself pleasurable, allows you to enjoy the location, the minute you're done, you're done, and if one wants to experiment, one always can. Photography seems to be a constant struggle with diminishing returns.

Edmund

[eronald]

Hi Edmund,

I am totally uncapable of drawing or painting, seriously.

Best regards
Erik

Get the book, and maybe the workbook, spend an hour of each evening on it for a week, and you may change your mind.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=betty+edwards
Edmund