Almost 2 years actually. I bought my used Hasselblad 500CM camera in 2009 in late Sept (see post). I have been shooting over 40 rolls of film with the camera and I was very happy with it. So happy, during the course of shooting. I accquired another lens, a prism and another A12 back to compliment it as a shooting system for me.
I loved how it handles and the safety features that prevents you from accidentally exposing the film (not so smart for the Mamiya Universal in this department), The lenses were pretty good too. But 6x6 is really not a good format for me particularly in landscape. I found that I shot most of the rolls with my family and portraits rather than serious landscapes(original intention of purchasing the camera). I found that most of the shots I took needs to be cropped to 2:3 to be good for me. I found that I spend more time trying to frame a shot in a square that it disrupts my original intention of angle of view or pre-vis. Its a great camera but I just find myself struggling with it. Maybe if I took more time to master it then I might get used to it. Actually I think I am getting used to it but I just find that the slides are still small considering the fact there are 6x7, 6x9 or even 4inx5in.
I started to look for a view camera that accepts 120 roll film (easier to load the film, easier to develop, easier to handle and cheaper) in 6x9. Not 6x7 as I want to prevent myself trying out another aspect ratio. I am so used to 35mm and so 6x9 should be the way to go (as explained in my previous post). I plan to buy it mainly just for landscapes and keep my Hassy for other things. Then after some research, I found out about the Mamiya Press system. Its cheaper then a Hassy system and its very modular like a Hassy too. So naturally I got one and after using it for just a week. I know its a keeper. I started to neglect my Hassy because besides shooting landscapes, its great for family shots or portraits too :P. For the pass 2 months, it was in my dry cabinet and the thought of selling it came when I find my drybox in Thailand is not big enough for both of them.. :P At first, it was a bit reluctant sale until the developed slides of my Press camera came back. The colours and sharpness actually are equal or I dare say, even more superior then the Hasselblad! So I made up my mind to sell away my Hassy system to get back some cash to invest in more lenses and accessories for my new Press camera.
Anyway, here are some landscapes/nature shots I took with this companion of 2 years, Its has been great having you serve me but I guess you have a better home now. One who might use you more often to create great images rather then sitting idly in my dry cabinet :)
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