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I recently acquired an MF Digital equipment, it arrived yesterday and now I write a blog about about my experience. I just started writing this, the stuff arrived yesterday (2013-06-14). Much more info will be added later on.
Updates:
2013-06-15: Initial posting
2013-06-16: Added sample images
2013-06-17: Added 1:1 crops and some discussion on detail
2013-06-18: Preliminary color evaluation using Imatest Colorcheck added
2013-06-19: Some artifact examples added
2013-06-19: DoF vs. Diffraction discussed
2013-06-19: Dynamic Range example added
2013-06-19: I go abroad for a few days - don't expect new postings for a week.
2013-06-24: Comment added on dynamic range (better dark noise with C1)
2013-06-24: Three format comparison
2013-06-24: Real world samples
2013-06-25: Added a Capture One processed version of the fountain image
2013-06-28: Added some more images
2013-06-28: Capture One or LR 4.4?
2013-06-28: Some comments on Phase One business model
2013-06-29: Diffraction series, some results
2013-07-03: Initial lens samples added
2013-07-04: More lens samples added
2013-07-08: New section added, where do I stand now?
2013-07-16: Alternative tools for focusing added
2013-07-21: Fixed som errors on part regarding focusing tools
2013-07-24: Bought an Distagon 40/4 FLE (non IF) on Ebay. Corresponds to 28 mm on FX.
A short summary (updated 2013-07-04)
- The Hasselblad 555ELD and PhaseOne P45+ combo is workable, if you can live with slow work.
- The Hasselbald lenses are OK.
- Manual focus on "Acutematt" screen seems to work, at least with Hartblei 4X focusing hood.
- Split image works reasonable well.
- Waist level shooting is not for me!
- Good sharpness, but I don't see the cutting edge sharpness I have expected. My impression of sharpness improved much after recent shooting.
- Moiré is much more frequent than suggested, but not as much a problem as I expected.
- Reproduction of greens may be oversaturated and have a yellow shift. May be a problem for me.
- Nice to work with a classical camera.
- The aspect ratio is mostly helpful.
- I acquired a PM5 viewfinder and use it with a Zeiss Victory 3x12 monocular as a focusing aid, this is the solution that works best for me.
In general, the Hasselblad 555ELD / P45+ is a nice experience, it is like a classic device. Regarding image quality I still don't know. It seems that the Hassy / P45+ has a real resolution (MTF) advantage over the Sony equipment I use. Regarding other aspects of image quality I simply don't know.