Hasselblad 205FCC

An amazing combination of technical wizardry for creative control. I''ve used Hassy equipment for years, but this is the first focal plane, internally metered one I''ve ever used -- it is a liberating experience, to say the least. If you use the zone system for B&W photography, you will benefit greatly from this feature of the 205FCC. The ability to work directly in zones, and to then control the levels of contrast of your composition is unmatched in any other system. If you have always wanted to try the zone system, but were intimidated by it, this camera makes it so simple that it''s almost mindless to use/understand. For the true afficionados of the zone system, the ability to calibrate one shutter (the camera''s focal plane shutter), instead of calibrating every lens you own (large format, or non focal plane shutter medium format equipment), gives you the ability to get the most from your system with the smallest amount of preliminary work. I have even found that I use the zone system function of this camera for color work. In fact, with the exception of using a couple of the other specialized functions of this camera for setting film speed (when using non FCC film backs), or similar things, I pretty much leave it in the zone mode, as it gives me the abiltiy to control my exposures in a way that makes the most sense to me. I cannot say enough about this camera/system. I can''t imagine using anything else, now that I''ve used the 205FCC

Versatility, and conformity to the way I think/act when making photos. Equipment design/layout/quality are unsurpassed.

Price. Hasselblad equipment is very expensive. HOWEVER, I''ve never felt it was OVERpriced -- the quality is unsurpassed, and the infinite level of interchangeability makes the equipment virtually timeless. I''ve NEVER regreted a penny I''ve spent on Hassy equipment.

Bronica, Mamiya, Yashica medium format cameras.

Very good. I''ve spoken with the customer support people numerous times -- they''re very knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, and have always followed-up with any questions that they couldn''t answer