Though the Hasselblad has a good reputation, it does
appear to need more servicing than average, and
additional lenses are VERY expensive (and the lenses,
while good, are not always as good as some others
made by Fuji, Pentax, and Mamiya in some focal lengths).
As another pointed out, 6x7 may be a better choice than
6x6 for its larger area and closer to customary 8x10
proportion, and all three makers above offer cameras
in this size (and I have a nice Pentax system available with
some really fine lenses - see for description and photos:
http://www.ferrario.com/ruether/fs-misc-photo.htm).
--
David Ruether

http://www.ferrario.com/ruether

"OnSafari" wrote in message oups.com...
Hello All.

I am considering a venture in to Medium Format. I currently own a
Nikon D100, F100 and N80. There are a few reasons that I want to try
out MF, but the top reason is the overall quality of the image. I am
looking to shoot artsy black & white street scenes and portraits with
the intent of blowing them up to gallery size.

That said, I am considering my options. Hasselblad has a phenominal
reputation and I have been considering purchasing a used 500CM kit
which has a waist-level finder, 80mm lens, 220 and a Polaroid back. I
thought this was a great starting point. I do realize the added
expense in the future of purchasing additional Hasselblad lenses. My
main concern is quality over cost.

I also considered a Mamiya 645AF, but am leaning towards the
Hasselblad.

Any suggestions that you can provide me would be greatly appreciated.

Once again the main uses for this camera would be studio portraits,
fine art images, street scenes and to a lesser degree landscapes.

I would appreciate and emails. You can send these to my email address
at: and respond to the group as well.

Thank you in advance,

Chris Jett
www.chrisjett.com
~Stay In Focus~