Hi Marco,

Recently, whitewave posted:

Maybe it's time to take MF photos. I'm taking my time in thinking
about wich system to buy. I'm considering only zeiss (or Schneider on
Rolleiflex), so Hasselblad and Rolleiflex, and since
ebay-digitalera-prices are cheaper and cheaper, it has no sense for me
to look at Bronica, Mamiya ecc.

Hasselblad, one day I will be able to take portrait with a 150 (or
maybe the 120), to have more backs and maybe a digitalback.

Rolleiflex, I can use it without a tripod, I can carry it everytime I
go out.

This is a problem to be solved by me, and my needs.

But I would like to know your comments about the 80s.
Wich is the best planar?
80 CF t* for Hasselblad?
80 2.8 rolleiflex?

My choice for Rolleiflex is a 3,5 F camera. What do you think about
Xenotar vs. Planar?

Thanks.
.....................................
Marco Baldovin
www.whitewave.it

At first, I thought you were considering SLR systems from both Hasselblad
and Rollei. TLR vs. SLR is a bit of an apples vs. oranges comparison. But,
I'll offer a few quick notions based on my experience with both the Rollei
TLR and SLR cameras.

IMO, there is little to compare with the compact and efficient design of
the TLR, and the Rolleiflex line is about as good as it gets. In use, most
of the differences between camera models become nuances, rather than
show-stoppers. Most models are really more similar than they are
different.

The Rollei 6000 series SLR cameras are very sophisticated units. Some
consider them to be the most advanced MF SLRs available. I've had the
6008i for a couple of years, now, and feel that there is little that can
compare with the features and quality of this camera system. However, I
question the idea that you'd carry one of these every time you go out.
They aren't the biggest beasts on the market, but they aren't what I'd
consider for backpacking, either. Be prepared to pay dearly to
participate, too. Lenses and accessories are rare and pricey, even on
eBay.

There is a lot of hoopla around the Planar vs. Xenotar question. So much
that just asking can mark you as a troll! ;-) Which is better suited to
you depends on many things, your typical subject matter, your particular
tastes, and so on. I don't believe that anyone will be able to give you a
useful answer as to which one will meet your needs better. Unfortunately,
because of the rarity of Rollei SLRs, it may be difficult to rent both
lenses to compare them yourself, but that is about the only way to get a
definitive answer on this question.

Meanwhile, more information and useful links can be found in web sites
dedicated to medium format. A quick Google search will get you started.

Regards,

Neil