Hasselblad vs Mamiya 6 (Which is the best 6×6 camera?!)
Ever wondered which is the best 6×6 camera? Here I review 2 of my favourite 6×6 film cameras: Hasselblad 501C vs Mamiya 6 – 6×6 camera comparison (+ sample photos)
- Camera Size Comparison
- Ease of use – rangefinder vs SLR camera
- Image sharpness – Zeiss optics vs Mamiya optics
- Conclusion – which camera is better?
- Hasselblad Portrait sample images
- Mamiya 6 Portrait images
Hasselblad 501C vs Mamiya 6
(Hasselblad 501C + 50mm, 60mm, 80mm, 120mm, 150mm lenses)
(Mamiya 6 + 75mm lens)
Intro – setting the scene
Firstly, sorry for the delay on this Hasselblad vs Mamiya 6 post! I know a few of you asked me about it weeks ago and I said then I’d share my thoughts soon. At least waiting til after two trips overseas using the Mamiya I can now give a fair writeup of the Mamiya 6 vs Hasselblad 501C.
Mamiya 6 as travel 6×6 camera
As a quick recap I recently bought the Mamiya 6 to provide a smaller alternative to my 500 series Hasselblad for trips abroad (especially). Both cameras are 6×6 medium format film cameras taking 120 film.
Hasselblad vs Mamiya 6 – Cost
Both camera are roughly the same price with the Mamiya 6 probably costing slightly more here in the UK due to there being not many Mamiya 6 cameras on the market.
My favourite camera
My Hasselblad 501C was my favourite camera before buying the Mamiya 6 so expectation was very high. Both cameras seem to receive positive reviews from reading prior to my purchase so without further ado lets crack on!
1. Size Comparison – Hasselblad vs Mamiya 6
1.1 Hasselblad focus screen disappointment + prism finder
I love the modular 500 series Hasselblad cameras but I only use mine with a prism viewfinder which unfortunately adds both size and weight. I wish I could focus accurately without the prism finder but I really cannot see properly with Acute Matte non-spot screen glass. It is perhaps my biggest disappointment with the Hasselblad as I love the waist level viewfinder view / experience on my Mamiya RZ67 Pro II camera.
1.2 Hasselblad smallest lenses
The Hasselblad 80mm kit lens is the most compact followed by the 100mm from those I have owned. My go to lenses are the 60mm Distagon (second shortest of my Zeiss lenses and gives a very usable field of view) and 120mm Makro-Planar for close up portraits and ultimate image quality (more on that to follow below).
1.3 Hasselblad modular camera with removable film back
The Hasselblad has the advantage of a removable film back so I can use two film backs and have colour film and black and white film running side by side without having to finish a roll. Carrying 2+ film backs adds yet more size and weight to the camera bag but if neither are an issue then being able to swap backs is a great feature. With the Mamiya 6 once film is loaded I shoot the whole roll so have to stick to my film speed / film colour or B&W.
1.4 Mamiya 6 folding camera?
Some call it a Mamiya 6 folding camera but don’t expect the camera to fold! It does “squash” flatter however. My Mamiya 6 has the 75mm lens which is the smallest of the 50mm, 75mm and 150mm lens line up. The Mamiya 6 design allows the lens to partially retract when not in use making the camera small enough to fit in my Leica M camera bag. The bag I use is a Billingham Hadley Digital and the Mamiya 6 will just fit with lens down into the bag. The size benefit of the Mamiya 6 is not to be under estimated.
2. Ease of Use – Hasselblad vs Mamiya 6
2.1 Rangefinder camera limitations
Being ‘Mr Leica’ is it perhaps no surprise that I love rangefinder style cameras. The Mamiya 6 like the Leica M cameras is a rangefinder focus design and I love the fact that I have a definitive focus confirmation regardless of the F stop. I am a little short-sighted and wear prescription glasses for driving but not when using cameras. As such I enjoy knowing that a subject is in focus with a rangefinder when the subject is further away. That said my biggest complaint of rangefinder cameras is I cannot focus as close as I would like. Leica M cameras are my bread and butter so it is just normal for me to not be able to focus at a distance closer than 0.7m. If I then add a Hasselblad 501C to the mix you can imagine my joy when I can focus in really close, especially with the Zeiss 120mm Makro-Planar lens. I love nothing more than viewing subject through the big bright Hasselblad viewfinder. If I could see every day life with the same view the Hasselblad gives I think the world would be a more beautiful place!
2.2 Mamiya 6 rangefinder system advantages
The Mamiya 6 rangefinder design lets me work at slower shutter speeds / lower light levels at the same aperture as it has no mirror to flap inside causing vibration. I have shot the Mamiya 6 at a shutter speed of 1/8-1/15 and got a decent photo handheld.
2.3 Hasselblad + Monopod
I tend to use the Hasselblad handheld too for ease and shoot normally at a shutter speed of 1/60-1/125 with the light levels I am in. That said, if I am honest to myself I think I can get more and sharper photos if go back to using a monopod. I plan to try using a monopod again to compare results. Sometimes I am not sure if I moved or the model moved when using a very shallow depth of field and the eyes are not as sharp as I want.
2.4 Hasselblad Headshots vs Mamiya 6 Environmental Portraits
I find the Hasselblad tends to pull me in perhaps too close at times resulting in many close up portraits. Much of my Hasselblad work is Hasselblad portrait headshots. The Mamiya 6 on the other hand let me work easily at a distance giving images with a different style and lets me make better use of the location. With the Mamiya 6 +75mm lens I can’t work that close so the resulting photos are often more like environmental portraits.
3. Image Sharpness – Hasselblad vs Mamiya 6
3.1 Hasselblad sets the bar high for Mamiya 6 to reach!
The main section of this post and to me what it all boils down to is image quality and more specifically for me image sharpness. The Hasselblad had set the bench mark very high so the Mamiya 6 had a lot to live up to. When I read ‘film vs digital’ reviews online the film camera used is often a Mamiya 7 as perhaps the best example camera film can offer in terms of sharpness, say (excluding large format). To my knowledge the image quality of Mamiya 6 and Mamiya 7 lenses is not noticeably different. As such I expected very good results from the Mamiya 6.
3.2 Mamiya 6 + 75mm lens vs Hasselblad Zeiss lens lineup!
To explain further and to cover myself, the Mamiya 6 photos / experience / review is based on the 75mm lenses I own. The Hasselblad has an advantage as I have the Zeiss 50mm Distagon CF, 60mm Distagon CF, 80mm Planar CF, 120mm Makro-Planar CF and 150mm Sonnar CF lenses. I have also owned the Zeiss 100mm Planar CF lens.
3.3 What is the sharpest Hasselblad Zeiss lens?
If I have to place Hasselblad Zeiss lenses in order of sharpness I would say the Zeiss Macro 120mm first, 50mm/60mm/100mm about equal (without thorough testing), 150mm next and lastly the 80mm. I am rarely happy with the results from my 80mm lenses but perhaps I have a bad copy. The 150mm Sonnar gives a completely different look to the other lenses, a less fine more buttery smooth image (with perhaps a more vintage look). My conclusions of the Hasselblad 501C performance here are based on the 60mm/120mm lenses that I use most often.
3.4 Hasselblad 3D pop vs Mamiya 6 no pop
So how does the image sharpness compare between the Hasselblad and Mamiya 6. The Mamiya 6 does produce fine-grained (if I can describe it like that, regardless of film stock) sharp images with lots of detail captured, with the lens shot wide open or stopped down. It is perhaps comparable to a sharp digital image in that the image is flat but sharp. I find it good for further away subjects especially like full body shots. The Hasselblad 501C and it’s Zeiss lenses produces a different sharpness. The next few sentences may make some readers cringe as they have read it a 100 times but I cannot describe it any more accurately. The Zeiss optics on the Hasselblad camera make an image ‘pop’. There is a lot written online about the mystically Zeiss 3D pop look but it is just fact in this instance. The Mamiya 6 photos are very flat and to me lack the wow factor. They are documentary style photos accurately capturing the detail in the scene but they lack the zing. I don’t take photos to capture ordinary. I try to create the extra-ordinary as cheesy as that sounds!
3.5 Hasselblad has superior Zeiss optics?
Fluff aside, how do the Hasselblad photos differ and perhaps why? It seems the Zeiss optics have greater micro-contrast which helps give the apparent additional sharpness. The Zeiss optics focus closer which gives a shallower depth of field at the same given aperture helping to give the 3D look. Focusing closer can increase image distortion with wider lenses which can also give a kind of 3D look to an image. Focusing closer to a face naturally lets me see every eye lash and skin pore using the Hasselblad that I can’t see as closely with the Mamiya 6 as I am too far away. As such the Hasselblad photos look sharper to my eyes.
3.6 Hasselblad is the clear winner?
With all the excuses aside, I am 99.99% sure that my Hasselblad photos are a bit or a lot sharper than the Mamiya 6 photos. Some Hasselblad negatives need no additional sharpening after scanning whereas I think I always boost sharpness with the Mamiya 6 film scans. I tend to process all my film scans to bring out the sharpness in a image regardless of the camera I use. All the example photos below have been processed but it is worth noting that each photos is probably as sharp as I can get it without introducing additional grain / over doing it (too much)(to my eyes / taste).
4. Conclusion – Hasselblad vs Mamiya 6
4.1 Hasselblad vs Mamiya 6?
Based on the cameras and lenses I use and the resulting photos I would say the Hasselblad 501C camera images appear sharper that the Mamiya 6. I will also say the Hasselblad Zeiss optics render images in a much more pleasing way, to my eyes and taste. I prefer the Hasselblad camera for close up portraits and when working within up to say 1.5m distance. The Mamiya 6 for me is still a keeper due to it’s compact size, rangefinder focus system and being sharp enough for me to use happily. It is not always possible to carry the Hasselblad with me when working with models overseas so the Mamiya 6 is my next best option. If carrying gear was no option I would take both cameras to a shoot and use the Hasselblad for <1m photos and the Mamiya 6 for those at a greater distance. I would perhaps get the Mamiya 6 50mm f4 G lenses for wide shots and have the 120mm Zeiss Makro-Planar on the Hasselblad. This combination would also suit me well for film wedding photography for my style of working.
4.2 Mamiya 6 vs Mamiya 7?
I am not interested by a Mamiya 7 as I prefer the 6×6 film format of the Mamiya 6 (versus 6×7) and the retractable lenses of the Mamiya 6.
4.3 Hasselblad Portraits vs Mamiya Portraits
Below are lots of example images using the Hasselblad and Mamiya 6 with different models, different film, different light so you can make up your own mind on what camera produces the ‘nicer’ images to your taste. I have also included a sneak peek of a few images to come from my Poland and Ukraine trips as I didn’t have enough examples photos from the Mamiya 6 in the UK.
Thanks
5. Hasselblad 501C Portraits
6. Mamiya 6 Portraits
Related Posts
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- Hasselblad vs Mamiya RZ67!
- Hasselblad Love
- Hasselblad Fashion / Ektar – Poland
- Hasselblad Fashion Portraits – Poland
- Hasselblad Portraits – B&W (NYC I)
- Hasselblad Portraits – Colour (NYC I)
You may also like… What Gear I Use for Portraits!
- See full details of my portrait photography lighting kit (2018) – HERE
- See full details of my portrait photography equipment kit (2018) – HERE
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thank you for this article. i love to see the world through my hasselblad 500cm viewfinder – as you said above – everything is such 3D and contrasty and popping !
Thanks Victor! 🙂
Excellent review! Your description of the “pop” on the Zeiss lenses vs the flatness of the Mamiya is an exact reflection of my own experience as well. I also shot with both the Mamiya 6 and 7 using several different lenses, and although amazingly sharp, there was something missing in all the images that even an abundance of post processing couldn’t help. The Zeiss lenses, especially the 100, the 150 and the 180 render such clarity and luminosity that you can almost smell the leaves on the wet ground in the fall.
Thanks Joseph.. i’m glad you can back me up and it is not just me in rose tinted Hasselblad branded glasses! 🙂 ..i’m a big fan of the 60mm also 🙂
20 years ago I agreed with both of you – the Zeiss T* lenses have amazing accutance (or edge sharpness, if your prefer) and the Mamiya is accurate but flat.
But now I think the Mamiya rendition is perfect for the digital era; more of a blank canvas on which you can add as much sizzle as you want. To bad I sold my 7 after a few months because I thought the lenses were “boring.”
Ha thanks Stephen.. sadly i am still in the ‘more boring that Mamiya RZ67, Rollei SL66E, Hassy V series” camp.. but i’ve not given up yet and will hang onto the Mamiya 6. It can surprise me every so often.
The current battle for the top is my Mamiya RZ67 Pro II vs Hassy 500cm – https://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/33062352650 🙂
After I’ve read your articles, I love your articles so much. I have one question, If you could have only 1 meduim format camera in your life which one you prefer between Haselblad v series and Mamiya 6mf?
Thanks! Hasselblad V Series is still my favourite camera and to my taste produces the best photos of my film cameras (even though it is not that small).
Having used the 7 and the 501, I’d take Hasselblad – but the 2000 series with focal plane shutter and lenses (so I can focus close), the metering prism, and a 645 back. And since this is fantasy, we’ll assume they still make lots of 220 film, so 30 shots per roll, like a giant 35mm SLR.
Thanks Stephen, i’ve not tried a 2000 series Hassy yet..
and if we are in fantasy I would love to bulk load my Kodak Vision3 movie film in 120 format and into a 220 back or the very large special film back magazines (I forget the model number). 🙂
This is actually a reply to you sub-comment re: 2000 series. I’ve never used them (I had a 501c) but had a complete Kiev 88 system – including multiple 220 645 back which, even though it kinda sucked (the importer was close by and would fix while I waited), was a huge improvement in image quality over 35mm. I imagine the focal plane Hassies are the same, except they don’t break. (If that’s wrong, please, don’t burst my bubble). Aalways assumed one day they would clone one of the early CCD digital backs and am still nursing disappointment.
The gizmo you want for bulk loading movie film (there ARE home ECN2 kits, y’know, and also Cinestill in 120, which I am beta-testing) is called a “70mm magazine.” They were typically used with the 500EL. Never had one – was sure I’d have dust issues and scratches. I gotta say, cinema stock has a wonderful long scale tonal range and is SUPER forgiving … hopefully they’ll let me have some of the 50D/120 now that 800T is officially released)
Thanks Stephen, yes I too enjoyed a Kiev 88 (actually an ARAX-CM) with quite a few lenses and loved it too bits.. moreso that the Contax 645 I bought and sold ha 🙂 A Hassy is another level above it.
Yes i’ve seen the 70mm backs and had hoped to bulk load 120 ECN-2 film but haven’t got any further yet. Like you I have Alpha 800T and speak to the brothers online about testing 50D etc. I haven’t used the film yet as the light hasn’t been interesting enough 🙂
Cool. I just sent them four from my 1st roll. Will be flattered if they use them. Can I … shamelessly self-promote here? Because I’m featured in the current issue (43) of Inspired Eye magazine, where I’m interviewed and pontificate at length. Son’t really update my website (but need to, as am looking for gallery rep) but use Flickr – I’m “Steve Fretz” (won’t embed the link … that would be vulgar) The 50D looks SUPER interesting. Ektar 100 in 120 can give shots with no visible grain, which I love, but is stern and unforgiving … the cine stuff is designed for low contrast … heck, I still miss Dale Labs. Gotta try a roll of the 800T in my Mamiya Press with the 6×9 back.
Anyway, it’s been nice (virtually) meeting you and I’ll keep following your blog!
I am with you … I have had the same feeling when I was shotting with a mamiya 7 …. and I have had the confirmation when… showing pictures (BW) from mamiya to my wife ( that is completely out regarding brand and cameras but is sensible to the beauty ! ) said that were not exciting. Before she was used to my leica M pictures !! So I sell the mamiya and bought a rolley sl66E with zeiss lenses …. and .. after she said .. ohhh yeees … these are beautiful again !!
This is .. the wife test !!
Hi Fabio, Sorry for the slow reply. Ha the wife test is brilliant. I think you should approach the big companies and offer your ‘team testing’ for new camera releases. The SL66E is a dream camera. I have one but the film back is jammed on it. When is did/does work it easily beats a Hassy and RZ. Thanks for confirming! Matt 🙂
Based on your comments and sample photos, I’d say I have to agree with your conclusions. The Mamiya is lenses definitely seem to create a grittier rougher feel (mostly in the OOF areas if you ask me). I’ve found this to be true though with Leica vs Zeiss lenses on 35mm/digital too.
Was trying to decide between the two and I think I’ve reached my conclusion. Thanks for the review!
Thanks Scott, no problem. I’ve just shot a lot of new stuff with the Hassy so I am excited to get developing to see how the photos compare to the recent Mamiya RZ67 shots I did on Flickr.
I agree with the Mamiya 6 ‘gritty’ look, cheers!
Are you using K/L lenses on the RZ (am not that familiar with it, but have my eye on the RB)? The old “c” series lenses (use them in 645) are OK, but not super special IMO – but K/L is supposed to be quantum leaps better – and from your Flickr it looks like they are.
(Just bought a C22 w/65mm to get back into street photography … gotta love the WL finder and quiet shutter)
Yes the newer lenses I think.. have quite a few so lose track! 65mm and 110mm are my favs, 110mm the most but the newerr 65mm is super sharp.
C22 – nice!
RB is not too different but both RB and RZ are pretty cheap these days vs Hassy (or Leica!)
What kind of lighting were you using with the outdoor Hasselblad models? Those are fantastic.
Thanks Joshua, sorry for the delayed reply. I’m a bit behind! Erm. I use so many different lights I forget! .. I think a high power flash + diffuser mod. (off camera) Cheers!
Here’s a very good test that clearly show the Mamiya 7, at least to outperform Hasselblad.
Thanks Richard, yes the Mamiya 7 I think is well regarded as the ‘best’ film camera in that regard (as that is what they normally use to compare film to digital too). I’ve never seen anything saying something similar for the Mamiya 6 that I was testing. I’d actually like to see a Mamiya 7 vs. Fuji GF670 head to head as I use a GF670 too and it is silly sharp.
For portraits however I think I still prefer a Hasselblad (or my Mamiya RZ67 Pro II) over a rangefinder like the Mamiya 6/7 or Fuji GF670 as I can blow out the background easier by getting closer and with longer lenses combined. Happy shooting!
OOPs, here’s the link:
http://www.hevanet.com/cperez/test/fourcameras.html
Not to sway the test but if they had used the Hasselblad with the 60mm or 100mm lens the results would have been different. I don’t use the 80mm lens as I believe it is sub-standard from my experience. (I almost have to soften portraits with the 100mm lens whereas with many of my film camera scans I have to add sharpening). The Rollei TLRs did very well in the test. A camera i’ve managed to avoid so far as I have too many already! 🙂 ..thanks for link
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Are there any other 2 and 1/4″ inch square folding cameras that you would rate higher than the Mamiya 6?
Hi Morry, there are some great cameras. yes the Fuji GF670 in 6×6 format is fantastic. I use the RZ67 with a 6×6 film back (see my YouTube). If you want cheap check out the vintage folding cameras. See my Voigtlander Perkeo video! Some TLRs have great lenses to and some can be cheap.