Hey all. I'm completely new to the forum and have been poking around for the last hour or so. It seems there are some very knowledgeable folks here...looks like i'm in the right place!
So I own a Hasselblad 500 c/m and have been itching to get it into my studio to shoot tethered with a digital back. I would be shooting to an iMac with Capture 1 pro. The most important thing for me is IQ. I shoot tabletop product and use strobes/pocket wizards. I've been looking at a couple Phase backs...p21+ and P25. I'm open to other backs, but don't want to break the bank. I feel like the CFV's are a little out of reach for me.
I'm a little concerned about the workflow of a setup like this. I've never shot digitally with an old camera like this, and I understand that it can have it's issues. Focus is one issue, but since I shoot product, I feel it would be a non issue for me. If it's not in focus, refocus and shoot again, right? I also understand that you can't shoot from the computer. Do most of you use a cable release? The reality is that if this system doesn't work well for me workflow wise I will have to move on to something more "new" like an H4D.
Any thoughts or concerns would be greatly appreciated.
Best,
nate
Welcome on board Nate!
Cutting straight to the chase I would suggest, if money permits, that you look at a new
Aptus-II 5 and if it doesn't then an Aptus 22.
A new back comes with 1 yr manufacturer warranty and all the accessories.
Both backs will offer you Live View in tethered mode that is better than most if not all other backs, so when careful, selective focus is required (often the case with table top work) then you can rely on your iMac's screen for that.
Both backs go to as low as 25 iso which is a bonus in the studio and both work well with Capture One. Also if at any point you decide to add a view camera for full movements they will play nicely with that as well and will only require a sync cable from the lens to the back.
If you decide to extend you 500 series kit and add a motor driven body such as EL, ELX, ELD or 503 with a winder you will be able to trigger them from the computer (with a control cable that goes from the back to the motor, not needed on the ELD)
Couple of notes:
1. With an iMac you will likely need a powered repeater to ensure that enough power comes out of the Firewire cable
2. For an Aptus 22 you will need Capture One PRO (the II-5 will run in DB mode which is free)
You can find your local Mamiya Leaf dealer
hereEnjoy the journey and feel free to ask as many questions as you want!
Yair