Camera Swap: Rolleiflex vs. Hasselblad
Earlier this summer, my dear friend Samira reached out asking if she could take my Rolleiflex for a spin. My vintage camera is a prized possession, so I’m understandably hesitant about letting others use it. However, Samira is a talented photographer with a great collection of analog cameras. So, I thought…Let’s swap medium-format cameras! And that’s just what we did. I was really curious what a long-time Hasselblad user would think of my Rolleiflex so this was a fun learning experiment. Keep reading for my review and a side-by-side comparison of the cameras.
Portraits with my Rolleiflex taken by each other
Camera Swap Photo Walk
While Samira used my Rolleiflex, I had the chance to take her Hasselblad for a spin and it my first time using this camera. Now I understand why it’s considered a workhorse, especially for fashion photography. Both cameras are sturdy but the Hasselblad is really thick and has a more robust hand feel. Its shutter makes a distinctive ‘clack.’ sound which I found to be a bit disruptive because my Rollei is known to be nearly silent.
We met up on a warm yet drizzly afternoon in Amsterdam. After loading our film and sharing a quick rundown of each other’s cameras, we set off for a walk through Vondelpark…
I was particularly inspired by the overcast sky reflections on the pond and watching a regal heron and brood of ducklings swimming. Perched on the water’s edge, I managed to get the hero shot (first photo at the top) and luckily didn’t fall into the water. I love the reflection and composition in this one!
Impressed by my balancing act, Samira caught me in the moment and shared the photo with me. I prefer shooting handheld and can only imagine the goofy positions I contort myself into just to get the right angle. Later on, I spotted an older man with his caged pet bird on their afternoon stroll. They’re characters who frequently pop up in my park wanderings, and I’ve always wanted to catch them on film. But this time, I was just too late. By the time I fumbled around with an unfamiliar camera, he had walked far away. I do like how the pathway creates leading lines in that shot.
Amsterdam’s rain clouds eventually caught up with us, and we took shelter inside the Grotemelkhuis, one of the park’s many cafes. While waiting out the storm, we had a lovely chat about our cameras and other inspiring women in photography. Inside, it was pretty dark and illuminated with candles, so I opened up the aperture on the Hasselblad. The bokeh is lovely, but I wish I could have captured the steam rising off the glass.
Cozy inside with my tea, I had a flashback to when I used to babysit her kids and often brought them to the same cafe after school. And now, there we were, a decade later, discussing our 120 film cameras and our photography career goals. Funny how life turns out. Back then, I had no clue I would end up in Amsterdam this long and comparing my life then to now, I’m really proud of myself for persevering through so many challenges and creating my own story abroad.
Shot with the Hasselblad // Kodak Portra 400.
Photo of me by Samira.
So, what do you think about swapping cameras? Are you Team Rolleiflex or Hasselblad? It was fun experimenting with other gear, and I’m glad we switched.
While I enjoyed my time with the Hasselblad, I’m still Team Rolleiflex. Its lightweight and silent operation perfectly suits my handled, on-the-go style. And of course, because it is a unique family heirloom.
By now, you’re probably wondering if my camera convinced her to switch and purchase a new camera? Of course, it did. Welcome to the Rollei gang, Samira! You’re gonna have a great time with this camera.
Rolleiflex vs. Hasselblad: How Do These Medium-Format Classics Stack Up?
Lens Quality: Both have excellent Zeiss Planar lenses. However, the Rolleiflex has a fixed lens while the Hasselblad can switch lenses.
Build: Rolleiflex is solid yet lightweight, perfect for handheld use. Hasselblad is bulkier and works best with a tripod.
Versatility: Hasselblad offers more lens options and mid-roll film changes. Rolleiflex has a fixed lens, encouraging creative boundaries.
Shutter: Rolleiflex has a whisper-like click, ideal for capturing authentic, candid moments and discreet street photography. The Hasselblad’s shutter is loud and clunky, reflecting its robust build and the intensity of the shutter can cause some shake so a tripod is recommended.
Handling: My Rolleiflex is lightweight and sturdy, so it’s great for street photos, portraits, and nature shots. Hasselblad, while more versatile, is heavier to carry around so it works best with a tripod and can be prone to jamming.
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