Old hasselblad C lenses or new bronica PS??
 

I'm trying to finalize my decision on which 6x6 (bronica sq-ai or
hassy 500cm) system to buy and there seems to be a lot of positive
views on the hasselblad system and its quality lenses.

However, if I were to buy the hassey I would be forced (due to budget)
to buy the OLDER C lenses. I'm sure that these lenses were quality
items 30 years ago but how would they compare to modern bronica PS
lenses from the bronica? I would think that modern emulsions have
improved over the years and that the present day bronicas would meet
or exceed the older hassy lenses. Perhaps there are certain traits
that the older hassy lenses display over the bronicas which make them
more desirable? I hear from leica users all the time about the "look"
they get from their pictures using their lenses. Just wondering if
this applies to hasselblad as well, or should I stick with something
newer, i.e. bronica.

regards,

rumors SQAI? Old hasselblad C lenses or new bronica PS??
 

you may want to wait a bit if you can; there are a number of rumors and
statements to the effect that Tamron/Bronica is closing down the SQ/GS
series (see bronica mailing list etc.). If so, there may be a number of
folks deciding to dump their bronica SQ gear now, rather than wait for
further bad news? (Cf fuji MF cutbacks and so on).

I doubt you could tell the difference between the 'blad C lenses and the
newer bronica glass in general use. Just use a lens hood to minimize
flare. The older C lenses have the concern that parts are no longer
readily available from the mfger for some shutter repairs, and lens
elements are non-economic to replace if scratched etc. see
http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/blindresults.html on blind lens testing and
mf/nofix.html on unfixable cameras and lens repairs etc.

The tamron/bronica SQ lenses, even if now about to be obsoleted, should be
supported for some years yet (nominally 7 years after last sale in USA).

I am assuming that you need flash synch at any speed, so have settled on
'blads and Bronica SQ (but avoiding kowa 6/66 as too old or ?, despite low
costs and high quality of optics?). see mf/features.html

see mf/system.html on system buying total costs perspective; depending on
what your interests and needs are, the costs of the two systems can be
different (see costs of bronica bellows and tube vs. blad stuff in macro,
for example).

in either case, this is one of the best times to be buying used 6x6cm MF
SLR lenses and gear, with prices often half or less of just a few years
ago. Not so great for the sellers, sad to say...

regards bobm



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