Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/04/25

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Subject: RE: [Leica] Re: HasselbLAD vs. Leica
From: Austin Franklin <austin@darkroom.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 00:01:17 -0400

I have used Hasselblads for 20 years, and not once have I had a single 
failure.  I have had to have a back have new seals put in, but aside from 
simple CLA, not one failure at all.  I also have no complaints in any way, 
shape or form, of any of the Hasselblad cameras, lenses, backs, finders 
etc, that I have ever used in 20 years.  I have had complaints about some 
of the aperture rings on the newer Leica lenses being 'loose'.

I have no idea what you are referring to as 'your experience'.  Perhaps you 
could elaborate on that.  If it is just a matter of 'you personally prefer 
one over the other', or perhaps have had very limited experience using 
Hasseblads.  Neither would substantiate a claim Hasselblad somehow lacks in 
quality.

I own a number of each of the three cameras you mention.  All three are 
stupendously built, and marvelous instruments.  I would be hard pressed to 
say one is better than the other in a quality sense.  I certainly have used 
Hasselblads much more than Rolleis or Leicas...and am certainly miffed that 
anyone could claim they lack in quality...

I know people who have not liked using the Hasselblad until they were shown 
how, since it isn't intuitive (apparently to some) how to hold the camera 
correctly.  Some don't like using the Rolleis (or Hasselblads without a 
prism finder) because the image is reversed  Some people just don't like 
the size and weight of the Hasselblad.  Then there is always someone just 
not knowing 'what to do' with an advanced camera like a Hasselblad.  Well, 
then there are the lense jams on the early 500's...but I've never seen that 
happen either...but I have heard about them...



- ----------
From: 	Doug Nygren
Sent: 	Tuesday, April 25, 2000 10:56 PM
To: 	leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: 	[Leica] Re: Hasselbald vs. Leica


> Someone asked how Hasselblad can have tight quality control and Leica
> can't. My experience does not support this assertion. I prefer Leica to
> Hasselblad and I prefer Rollei to Hasselblad. Leica and Rollei cameras
> are easier to use, and I prefer the quality of the lenses I have with my
> Leica and Rollei to those I've tried with the Hasselbald. Being Swedish,
> I regret I have to say this.