Do I sell the Hassey to buy the M4?!?!

[RdEoSg]

I think you guys have convinced me! It's just always so tempting when you actually get something in hand you know. It's easy to not bother if you had to go ebay one or look for it, but when it is right there in your hand it becomes oh so desirable!!

Thanks everyone for the input! Nice to see you are all looking out for my money.. other than rover that is..

[cjm]

Just curious, what store is that M4 at? I'm not looking to buy one but I might take a look at it if I'm nearby.

[RdEoSg]

Fullerton Cameras. We are just north of downtown Fullerton.

[35mmdelux]

a well used M4 in exchange for a new Hassey w/ 80 CFE? KEEP THE HASSEY -- you already have a Leica. Sell two Leica lenses, keep your favorite.

[FrankS]

Actually I'm not sure you would even get $2000 for your Hassy. Keep it. Now is a good time to buy Hassy lenses.

[RdEoSg]

I thought the same as you Frank. I was quoted about $23-2500 for it from a few dealers as far as what they would sell it for simply because if you watch KEH, ebay et al, there are basicly none of mine available. I guess no one is getting rid of them, but I was sorta suspicious myself of actually finding a buyer for it. I myself paid about $1500 which I think is closer to the mark these days. Sure B&H shows it at about $5000 but when do you think the last time was they actually sold one of those! I think maybe $1700-1800 is probably the more realistic price range on ebay which would be to low for me to move over to the M4 anyways!

I think the smarted thing for me is just to look for the 50 nokton for the leica and another A12 back for the Hassey and I am pretty set. Can shoot multiple film speeds or color vs bw. With the 50 I have a great low light nice bokeh lens.... and a lot cheaper!

[thomasw_]

If I were you, I would sell the M6 and pay the difference for the BP M4. Eat wieners and beans for 4 months to make up the difference. This way you keep the MF gear you love and get the 35mm body you love....it can work if you are willing to discipline yourself in some other way.

Go make the deal tomorrow, that's what I would do if I were you!

J/K, do as you please

[nome_alice]

yeah, sell the 503, get a 500c/m and with the difference get the M4, and a nice lunch.

[maddoc]

Keep your film cameras (both, the M6 and Hassy) and sell the 5D as soon as possible ...

[shadowfox]

Good advice from everyone, here's one more thing you can do, look up a lot of photos from Hasselblads in flickr or pbase, etc. That always knock some sense into my GAS-powered urge to buy something I already have covered and don't really need

Btw, you know that your Hassy is much more capable than just taking portraits. Get a 55mm Distagon and do landscape shots, never seen it priced so low as nowadays, take advantage of it.

[RdEoSg]

There are lots of stuff I'd love to buy for the hassey, but it's the whole gas thing... Right now all I have is the camera with waist level finder and A12 back and the 80mm CFE. I'd like to have a 45 finder and another back, but if I start getting lenses I am in biiiiig trouble!!! We shall see...

My boss put the M4 on ebay so that's that! I told him I was going to just hold on to mine. He's probably happier that way too! The leica is more valuable than the hassey, he was just doing me a favor!

[RdEoSg]

8 Months Later:

I just want to thank everyone again for the help! I am veeeeery happy that I kept the Hassey! I definitely would have regretted selling it looking back on it now. Yesterday I even picked up an 8 extension tube so I can get a bit closer. Nothing too crazy yet, but I can see a bigger one showing up in the future :P

Thanks again everyone! You saved me from a big regret!

[Pickett Wilson]

Now, Chris, if you'd just take these four 70mm backs I have taking up space, you would be completely fulfilled.

[aperture64]

I would keep the Hassy. Different format and the 6x6 is classic. M4 black is just another camera added to your Leica kit.

[Benjamin]

I personally really dislike Hasselblad's so I'd vote for the M4, which feels better and doesn't look as smug.

[Chris101]

Ok, so now you've come to the end, and cannot buy the M4, as it's gone gone gone. Sell your 'blad anyway, and spend the money on film, expensive wine and gas. You will feel lighter and more at one with your photography.

[shadowfox]

How about some pictures from the Hassey then?
At least you owe us that much

[Chris101]

Originally Posted by Benjamin

I personally really dislike Hasselblad's so I'd vote for the M4, which feels better and doesn't look as smug.

That's funny! Which looks more smug, a Hassy or a Leica? I'd say Leica if you show the red dot, and Hassy if you use the waist level finder and smoke a pipe at the same time.

I'm with Will, show us some hassy picts Chris!

[SimonSawSunlight]

sell either, get an M4

[shadowfox]

Originally Posted by Chris101

That's funny! Which looks more smug, a Hassy or a Leica? I'd say Leica if you show the red dot, and Hassy if you use the waist level finder and smoke a pipe at the same time.

I'm with Will, show us some hassy picts Chris!

How can you be smug with a Hassey? You always bow your head down when using it.

[notturtle]

if you are using the Hassie, hang onto it; however, if you stop using it, the second 35mm body will help you, but only if you are shooting under time pressure.

[buzzardkid]

I never shot a Hassy, blimey, I have never even held one before!

BUT: as my mother taught me: when in doubt, don't do it. That was part of a how-to-cross-a-street-course, but it applies in almost all decisionmaking.

So, by asking the question, you have answered it already, IMHO.

[RdEoSg]

Since you asked, Here's Grandpa!

now THAT is bokeh

[RdEoSg]

And one more.

I have rolls and rolls of Leica and Hassey that need to be scanned... I need a full month off just for that!

[Chris101]

Ah... the square. Lovely. In my mind Leica and Hasselblad go together, they each do well what the other doesn't. I love the swirlies in the background of the picture of your grandfather Chris. That's better than bokey!