Topic: To sell and buy, or not?

[Sandeha Lynch]

I'm thinking of selling my Hasselblad gear.  I bought it (most of it) fairly cheap five years ago - I guess all in (Acute matte D screen, 3 backs, 3 lenses, 1 hood, Kiev TTL prism) I paid GBP1500 then, and might claw back 1000+ now, all parcelled out in pieces on eBay.

I bought it for studio work (this was when I was still in Singapore) and used it quite a lot the first year.  Then I moved back to the UK, and started gathering LF gear for both in and outadoors.  Never really enjoy taking the Hassie out with me as it's a lot to keep an eye on, and I tend to leave half the kit at home.

I now have a DSLR for the commercial bits, and even more LF than before ... so the Hassie has been pretty neglected over the past two years ... and I can't see that changing much.

I like MF roll film ... I have a Rolleicord and a variety of folders.  I've got what I need for the studio but that doesn't seem to include the Hassie.  I'm also wanting (no, no, it's not a GAS attack) a Mamiya 6 or 7, something I'd have bought years ago if I'd had a DSLR for the other stuff back then ... so perhaps 'tis time, perhaps the 'Blad should go. 

Or not.

Acc ... !!   

[Skorj]

Keep it. All the reasons you liked it are still there? At least the body, and one or two fave lenses?

[db]

I haven't used myHass seriously for 2 years- But I couldn't ever sell it.
They are one of the worlds classics. I know I'd regret selling.

[This-is-damion]

also given the price of second hand gear whatever price you let it go for would be crazy!!

[beck]

Keep the gear. Keep it. I could kick myself in the head for selling off a few of my cameras like a Polaroid 600SE...but I know it's in good hands now thanks to Damion...when he's not using those hands for something else. Haha. I even sold my beloved near mint Diana because I needed some quick bread. Pass that sassy Hassy down to your kids or something neat like that. I would hate to think someone buying this and selling it off for even more or not be used at all. Tuck it away and when the mood strikes, use it.

[Sandeha Lynch]

"I would hate to think someone buying this and selling it off for even more or not be used at all."

That is definitely the worst-case scenario  !!  I hadn't thought of that one.

Yes, all the good reasons why it is one of the best cams are as valid as they ever were.  And at least I'm not the only one with a neglected Hassie in the closet. 

I've been lucky so far, no regrets on any that I have sold ... though I do regret not feeding at least one roll to the old Diana I picked up for 1 pound.   

I'll be patient.

Thanks for all the replies. 

[Phil Bebbington]

Over the years I have sold  way too many cameras for give away prices......it's not worth it. Now I keep them and use them when the mood takes me.....It took me 30 years  to get a Hasselblad now I have 2. I use one endlessly the other sits for now. I know it's time will come...I am a faddy person so I know it will...if not...I'd rather give it away to  someone that will love it than make a few quid.

Keep I say

[This-is-damion]

Keep the gear. Keep it. I could kick myself in the head for selling off a few of my cameras like a Polaroid 600SE...but I know it's in good hands now thanks to Damion...when he's not using those hands for something else. Haha. I even sold my beloved near mint Diana because I needed some quick bread. Pass that sassy Hassy down to your kids or something neat like that. I would hate to think someone buying this and selling it off for even more or not be used at all. Tuck it away and when the mood strikes, use it.

yeah cheers beck!   best buy i made in years that...im in love.    And i can only presume your comments re:- hands related to my bass guitar?

[gothamtomato]

Don't sell it!

I could never sell my Hasselblad. It took me so long to save for it, and it carries an emotional attatchment. Buying it made me feel like I was finally a real professsional. Maybe that's dumb, but that's me.

I was recently talking with someone who works at a professional camera store here in NYC. He said that he has photographers coming in there all the time, who had gone digital & sold their Hasselblads, only to regret it. They're now back, trying to replace them.

And if you're not using it, at least give yorself one assignment a year: Shoot some pictures for the annual Hasselblad Masters competition.

[astrobeck]

Don't sell it!

I have been lusting for one for years, and just haven't made the leap yet.

I think if you get rid of it, you'll be kicking yourself.

[Sandeha Lynch]

I'm already kicking myself for so much as thinking about it !!