This is just a quick post about the Hasselblad H4x and using it with film. I recently quit shooting film because of a variety of reasons, but if I was to shoot film again, the Hasselblad h4x would be the camera I would use. Ideally I would like an in-production 6x7 or larger film camera with autofocus, but we all know that's never going to happen.
So what are the main differences I noticed between the H1, H2, H2f vs the H4x when shooting with film? Disclaimer: I haven't shot with the H2f, but I did use the H1 and H2 pretty extensively.
1. It's obvious that the Hasselblad H4x is newer. Hopefully it has a lower chance of failing than one of the earlier models.
2. AF on the H4x seems to be better than the H1, H2, H2F.
3. When it's needed, the H4x has a focus assist light in the dark. It's not an ordinary focus assist, but it emits a barcode looking light, which allows you to focus on a blank wall or blank sheet of paper... crazy huh?
4. True Focus and Absolute Position Lock. This may have a larger effect on high megapixel digital backs. I didn't notice that much of a difference on film, but any AF help is awesome.
Another nice thing about these Hasselblad cameras is that they can still be serviced by Hasselblad. You just don't have this option anymore with the majority of film cameras.
A quick note about AF compared to other readily available medium format film cameras. The H4x has better AF than the contax 645, pentax 645n/645nii, Rolleiflex 6008AF, and Rolleiflex Hy6 (including mod2). I don't have experience with Mamiya or other medium format film cameras with interchangeable backs not listed here.
The Hasselblad h4x for film is refreshing to use, especially compared to the other film cameras in its category. Other camera choices would open up if I could manual focus, but that isn't going to happen with my current eye situation. As I said earlier, this would be the camera I would return to if I started shooting medium format film again.
Below are a couple photos I shot with the h4x. The first photo is with the h4x, elinchrom fs30, and elb400. The 2nd photo is in direct sun.
And I might as well add this here too. I much rather would use the Hasselblad 80mm f2.8 than the Hasselblad 100mm f2.2. I like the rendering better on the 80mm, the 100mm is not for me. Sure, I would like to have creamier bokeh, but the rendering is a bit too clean for me.
