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Truthfully, I'd get a XD1 and the new 3rd party adapter that allows for the V-lenses to be used. The body is less than $6500 and you'll have the latest and greatest. That said, I have the P25 and it's not the most convenient or reliable machine out there. I've missed shots because of the sync cable. The pictures, though, are top notch, as expected. However, there are times I wished I could use an ISO that's higher than 400. The IQ180 will give you that, but not like the 50MP CMOS will give at higher ISOs.That sounds like a reasonable deal. Ignore the shot count as it’s essentially irrelevant other than perhaps an indicator of continued use and should encourage you to check the physical condition of the back/V-Mount hardware etc.
Doug raves on about his move to Nikon D850 but they are completely different animals. MF CCD looks different to CMOS 3:2 DSLR and you can’t stick a DSLR on the back of your favorite Hasselblad bodies!
Hello ! I actually already modified my SWC to support a digital back. I used it with a CFV16 which is now Dead unfortunately.Note that the older SWCs have an extra ridge on inside of the rear mounting face that prevents mounting of a modern digital back, so you should verify that the IQ180 can actually mate to it before making the purchase (I discovered this the hard way after acquiring my IQ160). I'm not sure what year the rear face plate was changed but you will be safe with a SWC/M or the later 903/905 models. Another issue is that the symmetrical design of the 38mm Biogon results in significant lens cast and smearing at the edges of the full frame digital sensor that requires stopping down to f/16 to clean up. And yet another issue is that the high pixel count backs require exact focus, which is difficult on the old V system Hasselblad bodies. I personally think the results can be worth the effort but be advised that it's a labor of love.
While it is true that the modern CMOS sensors and cameras are much more advanced than the previous generation CCD backs, for some (including myself), there's no substitute for shooting on the larger sensor. Also the old Zeiss glass renders beautifully. The colors and tonality are sublime as long as you operate within the shooting envelope of the system. Again, it's a labor of love.
Hope this helps!
John
Indeed very good point. do you think the P45+ is still a great back since I don't need for sure to print 300 inches posters ?If you need a back for long exposures then you might want to look elsewhere. I had a 180 and while it was a great back it is limited in how long an exposure it'll do. I traded the IQ180 for a IQ1-100 and solved the exposure issue (milky way, star trails etc.) that the 180 wasn't capable of doing. Then again you're looking at 2-different sensor types.If you don't require long exposures then the 180 is a great tool to have. I've owned several backs and the majority was bought used. Do what Graham suggests, take a couple test RAW files to make certain no dropped pixels or anything else.
For the right price yes. However - as good as the P45 is, it still is an aging back. You might want to consider using the P45 for your long exposures and use the 180 for everything else. Yeah I know I'm suggesting 2-backs. Or, look for a gently used IQ1-100. The 1-100 is the same as the 3-100 without some of the bells and whistles. I picked it since I stopped using a tech camera. To be totally honest I must admit I sold out of all my Phase One gear last year and am now shooting with a Fuji GFX which allows me great high ISO and very long shutters.Indeed very good point. do you think the P45+ is still a great back since I don't need for sure to print 300 inches posters ?
Or so I thought and hauled off and bought a more "modern" SWC/M to use with my IQ160. The sad reality, at least for me, was that the venerable Biogon just didn't play so well with the full format sensor, so I sold the SWC/M when I picked up a 40 IF/CFE to use on my 501CM. And now I've moved on to the Rodie 40HR on a Cambo. Will this ever end? (don't answer that, it's a rhetorical question) :banghead:Yup - you’ll be shooting LCCs with the SWC/M and biogon for sure. However ... Zeiss 38mm biogon ...
I was under the impression most v-system lenses struggle past 60mp, so you may want to do some research on the lenses you plan to use and the IQ180. You also mentioned fat pixel backs, and AFAIK the IQ180 isn’t considered a fat pixel back although someone please correct me if I’m wrong.Hello ! I actually already modified my SWC to support a digital back. I used it with a CFV16 which is now Dead unfortunately.
I also have an option to buy a P45+, would this be a better option as the long exposures are up to 1H with the P45 ?
Don raises some excellent points. If you have your heart set on using your V system bodies with a digital back, you might also consider either a Hasselblad CFV-50c or Phase IQ150, which both use the crop 33x44 Sony sensor that will afford good long exposure performance as well as live view for focusing.Indeed very good point. do you think the P45+ is still a great back since I don't need for sure to print 300 inches posters ?