Excellent point made re buying 645 if not well motivated to the 6xx6 format. Having lived through it in rel time, I think the 6x6 format was introduced as a commercial success in the Rolleiflex, which in turn motivated Hasselblad to adopt the same format. Apart from the convenience of shooting magazine covers in the 50' and 60's I cannot think of a good reason for the 6x6 format over the 645, as in most printing, the 6x6 is going to cropped down anyway. Think Bronica Etris 645 as an option.

It should be pointed out that you show the SQ-AM here, it's much bigger and heavier then the non-motorized SQ-A, and thus not properly going credit to it. The Bronica SQ-A(i) even with prism and speed grip is quite easy to handle. The later Bronica SQ-Ai has a motor grip with a smaller footprint, but is more plasticky and has complicated system for the batteries. I have both 645 and 6x6 magazines for my SQ-A and having this option is well worth it. Probably best camera value for prize. The RB67 is a different beast altogether, much much MUCH heavier and tricky camera for studio. Much more prone for mechanical difficulties with its complicated back.

I'm glad this video was made, information on alternatives are hard to come by!!!

I had a 500CM for two months and it spent the whole time at the camera repairman's. He could not find the part to fix a timing issue and I ended up returning it and the two lenses. I asked Him about Bronica and he said impossible to get parts. I ended up getting a Mamiya 645, two bodies one a 1000s and five lenses for half the cost of the 500cm kit. If one of the bodies fail it's disposable and I'll get another body for $100. I considered a Bronica S2a had one back in the 70's and it was a nice all mechanical camera but the price has shot up on them in the past year. I'ts just not a good value now so I will stick with the 645.

I'm surprised that the Pentacon Six isn't on the list. Sure it's not modular like a Hasselblad, but you still got genuine 6x6 Carl Zeiss lenses for just a fraction of the cost.

you mention some excellent alternatives. but there are other non-slr alternatives to hasselblad 500 also. the best of which probably is an old rolleiflex or rolleiflex style tlr. no back or darkslide to worry about, and the lens doesn´t come off so you know that decades of second hand markets have probably taken less of a toll on them. also smaller more reasonable filters. and most of all: no mirror slap. also consider if medium format rangefinder is something that fits your photography. fuji g series is amazing!

With the elm you “can” use a 9 battery but... it actuallydoesnt fit and in the long therm it will brake down the hinge of the battery cover of the elm but there is an adapter so you can use 6v battery’s. And then they work perfectly so my advice is don’t use the 9v adapters. Talking about experience and also my camera repair men told me that issue

A will done and informative video thank you for everything you are doing for the support of film photography. I am curious though, you did not mention the Kiev 88. I recently picked one up for a song as the seller did not know how to test its function and am truly loving it. What is your opinion on the Kiev 88

I have the Hasselblad 500CM with four lenses, I hate it, it is so hard to focus properly. However, I do have the Rolleiflex 6002 and I love it, so easy to focus but the battery is a major problem, I did get it reconditioned but it made little difference. I also have the Mamiya RB67 and the Mamiya RZ67 with a 6X6 back which is a joy to use.

Great series Nicos and Juho. How about a show on 6x9. I love shooting my Fujica GSW690ii

I love my Pentax 645 and my 4 Yashica TLR's, and am really not all that turned on by my Hasselblad 500C ! It's not as fun as my Fuji GW690 either , think I'm going to trade it for a LEICA M2 ! LarryMac

There's the Bronica S2A. It's similar to Hasselblad 500

I just got a ZB SQ 6x6. Gotta take it in 4 service & CLA. Came + 250mm & 80mm lens, Polaroid back, 120 back, prism viewer & “speed grip” .. AUD $1100. Could b up 4 fair few extra $ but prudent. No, 6x6 is best. 6x7 too big. 645 no point.

Great content , thanks

"DP" was only a try. I was in Sahldumerstreet, Ex Rollei Factory in 2020. There is no DP now.

I still remember bronica being the favourite among wedding photogs. I've always liked the look of the rollei SL66 - is it really that unreliable? The blads are just so cheap today compared to what they cost in the day.

Nico, where do you recommend getting a Mamiya rz67 in the U.S? In terms of good price and service!

So!......If I have the Zeiss Planar T✻ 80mm f/2.8 C and it's working fine is it worth a change imagine quality wise to switch to the newer 80mm f/2.8CF

Another inexpensive alternative, That is also in another range is tge arax araxfoto.com/cameras/ Sorry, i had to say it😁.