If the weather is good, i'm going Dragon hunting! With a difference...

Messiah Khan

Messiah Khan

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Alasdair Fowler
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If the weather is half decent this weekend, then I'm planning on heading out Dragonfly hunting. Going to a place near me that is apparantly THE place for dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies and insects in general in the North East. So... Im taking the heavy artillery;

h3dii31.jpg
producthc120.jpg


:D

We've just got them in here at work, so I'm planning on taking it for a spin before anyone else get their dirty mits on it. For those who don't know, It's a Hasselblad H3D-II 31MP digital medium format camera, with a 120mm f4 macro lens.

And I thought the Sigma 150mm f2.8 was a weighty macro lens. This thing is a monster! It's closer in size and weight to my 300mm f2.8 :eek: Hopefully shots of the kit and resulting photos to follow by the end of the weekend. :)
 
bloody hell i've just seen how much one of those is.:eek::eek: i hope its insured !

looking forward to the pictures.
 
you don't want to know how many he bought ...

Hope that the weather is good for everybody :) but I do want to see pics from that & dragonflies will do nicely ...
 
heidfirst1815249 said:
;you don't want to know how many he bought ...

Hope that the weather is good for everybody :) but I do want to see pics from that & dragonflies will do nicely ...
Click to expand...

Oh yes we do!!! ;)
 
swanseamale47 said:
Oh yes we do!!! ;)
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oops, I may have been mistaken & he may only have bought 1 - along with a few odds & sods ;)

from another forum (OcUK):
"Today I bought a Hasselblad H3DII 31MP
Also bought;

1x Hasselblad 80mm lens
1x Hasselblad 120mm lens

4x Canon 5Dmk2
4x Canon 28mm f2.8
4x Canon 50mm f1.8
4x Canon 100mm f2
1x Canon 70-200mm f4
1x Sigma 150mm f2.8 Macro

2x Walker Titan SF
2x Schneider 150mm f5.6

1x Hasselblad 80mm lens
1x Hasselblad 120mm lens

1x 17" Mac Book Pro
1x Mac Pro with 3xGPU, 1xRME soundcard

1X Epson 3800"
 
heidfirst said:
oops, I may have been mistaken & he may only have bought 1 - along with a few odds & sods ;)

from another forum (OcUK):
"Today I bought a Hasselblad H3DII 31MP
Also bought;*snip*
Click to expand...

Nearly right, we actually ended up with more than that in the end;

1x Hasselblad H3DII 31MP
1x Hasselblad 80mm lens
1x Hasselblad 120mm lens
8x Canon 5Dmk2
8x Canon 28mm f2.8
8x Canon 50mm f1.8
8x Canon 100mm f2
1x Canon 70-200mm f4
1x Sigma 150mm f2.8 Macro
Cambo X2 Pro DSLR view camera
4x Walker Titan SF
4x Schneider 150mm f5.6
8x Manfrotto 055ProB tripods
1x 17" Mac Book Pro
1x Mac Pro
1x Mac Pro with 3xGPU, 1xRME soundcard
1X Epson 3800

+ a whole load of other kit for other departments. Oh how I love this job. :D
 
I will be doing a lot of praying to get the rain to clear away.

And that's some buying spree there ... what a turn-on :)
 
Shots of the pile of boxes too. :p
 
Wail said:
I will be doing a lot of praying to get the rain to clear away.

And that's some buying spree there ... what a turn-on :)
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"Dry for much of Saturday with sunny spells but cloud and rain may arrive later." I can live with that. Am planning on getting up earlyish and get the bugglies while they are still cool.

chewyuk said:
get those shots up soon - pllllllllleeeeease
Click to expand...

:D Patience my young Padewan. The camera is still at work, charging. Will bring it home tomorrow and see how well it works with Lightroom etc.
 
Messiah Khan said:
Nearly right, we actually ended up with more than that in the end;

1x Hasselblad H3DII 31MP
1x Hasselblad 80mm lens
1x Hasselblad 120mm lens
8x Canon 5Dmk2
8x Canon 28mm f2.8
8x Canon 50mm f1.8
8x Canon 100mm f2
1x Canon 70-200mm f4
1x Sigma 150mm f2.8 Macro
Cambo X2 Pro DSLR view camera
4x Walker Titan SF
4x Schneider 150mm f5.6
8x Manfrotto 055ProB tripods
1x 17" Mac Book Pro
1x Mac Pro
1x Mac Pro with 3xGPU, 1xRME soundcard
1X Epson 3800

+ a whole load of other kit for other departments. Oh how I love this job. :D
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Hollly %@&€# !!!! What kind of job is that!!! Any vacancies???? ;)
 
Right, well I have been out today. Not the perfect macro day, the wind was a bit gusty and the light went from too sunny to too dark. but I still managed to get some nice shots and saw plenty of damsel and dragonflies.

I've not yet uploaded the images, but I should sort them later this evening. First impressions of the camera; Damn hard to master. It's heavy and lacks many of the things I take for granted. No auto white balance. No matrix metering. No shutter speed over 1/800. AF is noisy as hell and slow (On the 120mm Macro anyway, did't really test the 80mm lens). The images also take ages to buffer. So if you take a shot and go straight to chimp to check for focus it takes ages to appear on the back screen. The back screen also seems far worse than the one on the D300. It's bigger, but lower res and I can actually see it refreshing or scanning slightly.

On the positive side though; The viewfinder is HUGE (although having said that, not that easy to manual focus with) and the build quality is great. After I had used the Hasselblad for a while and changed back to the Nikon, the D300's viewfinder felt really small and cramped, and I actually had to double check I had my battery grip attached as it felt so light and small. So although a great camera, possibly not very well suited to macro photograpy. I'll process the shots later and post them up to see what they look like. Hopefully I will have managed to get some sharp ones, but I can't promise anything (Pretty sure I got some nice sharp ones from the D300 though). Next I will have to test it at things like landscapes and portraits etc.

:)
 
Just out interest, where is this place that is good for dragon flies etc if you dont mind me asking? Other than derwentside I dont know of anywhere else.

Mark
 
razor777 said:
Just out interest, where is this place that is good for dragon flies etc if you dont mind me asking? Other than derwentside I dont know of anywhere else.

Mark
Click to expand...

Clara Vale is pretty decent, but Kibblesworth brick works ponds is the place to be. That's where I went today. Its a load of wild flower meadows full of insects. :)
 
Hey Ali that is some kit you have to play with there Mate, looking forward to seeing the results ;)
 
Messiah Khan said:
Clara Vale is pretty decent, but Kibblesworth brick works ponds is the place to be. That's where I went today. Its a load of wild flower meadows full of insects. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for that, sounds a brilliant place. Fairly close to me too so about a 15 min drive. :)

Cheers,

Mark
 
Heres the first of the promised shots. It's not great as I found the conditions and camera quite hard, but it's a shot all the same. I don't think it's fair for myself or anyone else to judge the camera on this shot alone. I intend to try it out for other subjects, but for now I think I can state that I prefer the Nikon D300 and Sigma 150mm f2.8 for handheld, natural light insect macrography. I don't think the Hasselblad was designed for that. :D

dsc0334small.jpg


dsc0335small.jpg


0044small.jpg

Full res (19Mb jpg) http://www.afowler.co.uk/Misc/0044.jpg
Image has been run though Phocus (The Hasselblad produces .fff files that can't be opened in Lightroom or Photoshop) then exported as DNG and imported into Lightroom. It has then been exported a a jpg with full detail. :)
 
Nice shot Ali, bags of detail and very expensive it maybe but overall it sounds like a lot of Hassel to me to get a jpg. :lol:
 
I think your mad. You do realise that you are using a Hasselblad H3DII. That's the camera they use on Space Shuttle flights, and on the International Spacestation. If I were given that camera I'd be straight down the studio doing a nude art shoot with a beautiful model... not chasing dragonflies.

What would you do if given the keys to a McLaren F1. I'd go to Brands Hatch on one of their racing days and take it for a spin around the track.... You'd drive to the corner shop, buy a pint of milk and a newspaper, and then drive home again!

I'm sorry. I'm normally a nice, polite young man, but you were given the use of a Hasselblad, a ********* Hasselblad, a £20,000 camera, and you chase dragonflies. That is one major malfunction.

I'm not trying to disrespect you, but I'm not respecting you either dude. I'm not showing you the love. I would give my right arm, wait... both arms for just one hour with that setup in a studio, to spend one hour doing the 'Andreas H Bitesnich'.

Dude, you can do better.
 
Scouttrooper said:
...... I would give my right arm, wait... both arms for just one hour with that setup in a studio, to spend one hour doing the 'Andreas H Bitesnich'.

......
Click to expand...

Now, I'd love to see how you'd pull that off with no hands :thinking: .. that aside, I wholeheartedly agree with you about what's better to shoot with that kind of rig!
 
Scouttrooper said:
I think your mad. You do realise that you are using a Hasselblad H3DII. That's the camera they use on Space Shuttle flights, and on the International Spacestation. If I were given that camera I'd be straight down the studio doing a nude art shoot with a beautiful model... not chasing dragonflies.

What would you do if given the keys to a McLaren F1. I'd go to Brands Hatch on one of their racing days and take it for a spin around the track.... You'd drive to the corner shop, buy a pint of milk and a newspaper, and then drive home again!

I'm sorry. I'm normally a nice, polite young man, but you were given the use of a Hasselblad, a ********* Hasselblad, a £20,000 camera, and you chase dragonflies. That is one major malfunction.

I'm not trying to disrespect you, but I'm not respecting you either dude. I'm not showing you the love. I would give my right arm, wait... both arms for just one hour with that setup in a studio, to spend one hour doing the 'Andreas H Bitesnich'.

Dude, you can do better.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your comment, but it's a bit harsh. I never said that the Blad isn't designed for studio work. but that's not to say its not for other photography either. My photographic interests happen to be wildlife, landscapes and insect macrography, not nude fashion photography. I fully realise that it would perform better in a studio, but I wanted to see how it performed out in the field.

Your analogy of me going to the local shop isn't quite accurate. Maybe think of it more like you would go to Brands Hatch with your McLaren F1, whereas I would use it to drive across the Alps then down to Monaco. Maybe not what it is designed for, but sure would be fun. :thumbs: I'll have plenty of opportunities to take it out whenever I want, so you'll probably see more shots from me with this camera. Maybe not nude fashion shoots (Don't think the GF or work would appreciate that) but probably landscapes and other non macro shots. And btw it was only £10k;)

Wail said:
I wholeheartedly agree with you about what's better to shoot with that kind of rig!
Click to expand...

Which I never disagreed with. I know its designed mainly for studio work, but I wanted to see how it performed out of the studio. I have seen National Geographic articles on jungles shot on H3D cameras. Does it mean they were mad? No, as the camera is just a tool, and as long as the tool does what you want it to for the job, then it is the right tool. :)
 
Messiah Khan said:
If the weather is half decent this weekend, then I'm planning on heading out Dragonfly hunting. Going to a place near me that is apparantly THE place for dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies and insects in general in the North East. So... Im taking the heavy artillery;

h3dii31.jpg
producthc120.jpg


:D

We've just got them in here at work, so I'm planning on taking it for a spin before anyone else get their dirty mits on it. For those who don't know, It's a Hasselblad H3D-II 31MP digital medium format camera, with a 120mm f4 macro lens.

And I thought the Sigma 150mm f2.8 was a weighty macro lens. This thing is a monster! It's closer in size and weight to my 300mm f2.8 :eek: Hopefully shots of the kit and resulting photos to follow by the end of the weekend. :)
Click to expand...
I like! just don't drop it in a pond! LoL
Looks a bit plasticky though? bit like a posh toaster? is it a DYSON? LoL
 
Messiah Khan said:
.....

Which I never disagreed with. I know its designed mainly for studio work, but I wanted to see how it performed out of the studio. I have seen National Geographic articles on jungles shot on H3D cameras. Does it mean they were mad? No, as the camera is just a tool, and as long as the tool does what you want it to for the job, then it is the right tool. :)
Click to expand...

On Heaven, don't get me wrong ... all I was saying, in a whole confusing manner, is that I am 100% jealous of your new, sexy :love: toy .. or more of you having such a toy.

Use it in the jungles, in heated Sahara, or in the comfort of your studio .. all is fine by me .. but I'd just love to caress one, tuck into bed with it and get really comfy with it :p
 
In June this year, I was on a shoot at Crantock in Cornwall, they shot 2 H3D's, both underwater.
Its not a studio cam, ok its not as convenient as an slr, but its more convenient than a cambo or anything else with a digital back.
H3D's are shot where ever big files through fablious glass are required, whether that's floating on a body board in the Atlantic or a top the Austrian alps.
Studio cams sit on tripods, because they can't be used any other way..:)
 
Going to the studio or shooting people with it would be the last thing i do. Strange how personal taste varies isn't it ;)

It's not a major malfunction at all if that's what he wanted to do. It's exactly what i'd do as well.

I actually find your post extremely offensive.


Scouttrooper said:
I think your mad. You do realise that you are using a Hasselblad H3DII. That's the camera they use on Space Shuttle flights, and on the International Spacestation. If I were given that camera I'd be straight down the studio doing a nude art shoot with a beautiful model... not chasing dragonflies.

What would you do if given the keys to a McLaren F1. I'd go to Brands Hatch on one of their racing days and take it for a spin around the track.... You'd drive to the corner shop, buy a pint of milk and a newspaper, and then drive home again!

I'm sorry. I'm normally a nice, polite young man, but you were given the use of a Hasselblad, a ********* Hasselblad, a £20,000 camera, and you chase dragonflies. That is one major malfunction.

I'm not trying to disrespect you, but I'm not respecting you either dude. I'm not showing you the love. I would give my right arm, wait... both arms for just one hour with that setup in a studio, to spend one hour doing the 'Andreas H Bitesnich'.

Dude, you can do better.
Click to expand...
 
Werecow said:
I actually find your post extremely offensive.
Click to expand...

and pretty pointless as well , the camera is portable even if you need the strength of arnie after a while :eek: , so why shouldnt it be used wherever it can be :suspect:
 
As it's been discussed about what to use it for, if it's that heavy I'd use it as a door stop while I take some shots with my D300 lol.

I would love to have a go with one of these camera's but I'm guessing I wouldn't have a clue how to use it.

MORE PICTURES
 
It's a camera, so I'd use it for whatever I like taking photos of. And oh how I'd like to shoot a couple of frames with it...mmmmm...You are a lucky man :D

EDIT:You should do a multi shot panoramic..just to see how big the file size is lol
 
You jammy git! I remember you talking about these a while back!!

If a canon L series want to go missing.. my backpacks open! *cough*!

May see you around as im out all day fruday and all weekend for that matter!
 
I had a play with one of these last week, and with a P65 back as well. Nice enough, but not the most ergonomic of cameras.

They aren't specifically studio cameras though as said. If you're getting 12 stops or what ever of dynamic range, you may as well take advantage of it in some uncontrolled lighting.

Gotta say the files didn't blow me away, even from the 65 back. We did a direct comparison with a 5Dmkii, and while it was clearly better (duh) I don't think the price difference is even close to being justified.
 
Ooops. I think I've upset some people.

My reply was meant to be delivered in a light hearted if somewhat blunt manner. I think Wail was on my wavelength. I think Messiah Khan was, as well, to a degree...

Messiah could have ripped me apart, and justly so, but he didn't. Instead He replies with lines about a drive across the Alps then down to Monaco. Touche Messiah Khan.... Touche. In my world we call this banter.

Truthfully, if I was given the use of a Hasselblad H3DII, I wouldn't shoot dragonflies, I wouldn't shoot naked models. If I was given the use of a Hasselblad H3DII I would....

Faint!..

such is the aura that surrounds these cameras. I'd be nervous about using a camera with this price tag as well. After all, I have two left feet, and would probably trip over, breaking the thing.

Apologies to any and all, who were offended.

Mark.
 
joxby said:
In June this year, I was on a shoot at Crantock in Cornwall, they shot 2 H3D's, both underwater.
Its not a studio cam, ok its not as convenient as an slr, but its more convenient than a cambo or anything else with a digital back.
H3D's are shot where ever big files through fablious glass are required, whether that's floating on a body board in the Atlantic or a top the Austrian alps.
Studio cams sit on tripods, because they can't be used any other way..:)
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OK, that's it! :bat: .. you and Mr. Messiah Khan go sit in the corner, facing the wall and don't speak until spoken to. Hassie underwater, you're killing me.



To those who are taking this all too seriously, please keep in mind this is an attitude from a grumpy-old-man, who's head over heals in love :love: with this camera; that's all.
 
Claymore said:
I like! just don't drop it in a pond! LoL
Looks a bit plasticky though? bit like a posh toaster? is it a DYSON? LoL
Click to expand...

I don't know how I missed your post; but reading that what you've said, I have to say .. I'd love to see what kind of toaster you have, by any chance Porsche Design :lol:?
 
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