The Hasselblad Manual: A Comprehensive Guide to the System (Hardcover)

by Ernst Wildi (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This revised edition presents the technical information needed to operate the Hasselblad camera system. It covers systems ranging from the old 1600F camera, to the latest models with built-in metering and dedicated flash systems. It also looks at ancillary equipment.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 424 pages
• Publisher: Focal Pr; 4th Revised edition (March 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240802519
• ISBN-13: 978-0240802510
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,365,055 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wildi Rules!, June 13, 2001

By	J. J. Drew (Wisconsin, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you are interested in owning, collecting, operating Hasselblad cameras, then you really need to have a copy of this! To my knowledge, Ernst Wildi is one of the most respected authorities in medium format photography and one of the gurus in Hasselblad history. Just about everything one needs to know about using any "Hassy" or "'blad", new or old, is in this book. It includes how-to on accessories, lenses, film backs - you name it! This makes a great reference. Wildi's style is easy to read, intelligent but not arrogant, and mostly done from the perspective of a teacher or coach. Wildi is an excellent photographer, by the way! So, curl up in your easy chair with your beautiful Hasselblad in your lap, and read about its pedigree and how you can make beautiful pictures!

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview of Hasselblad system., May 28, 1999

By A Customer

This is a fine book and worth reading for the Hasselblad owner, at least once. The author makes an effort to cover every aspect of using a Hasselblad. In general, the author achieves success.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the macro photography guide. Here the author describes, in a clear and concise way, the details of what extension tube and/or closeup filter has what effect on the subject field width and exposure compensation. This alone makes owning this book a good idea as a reference for the serious professional.

One aspect of using the Hasselblad I was not able to fully grasp from the book was how to unload a film back. I guess the author just assumes you know what to do, as he never gives instructions as to how many turns on the film back crank you must make to fully bring the trailer onto the takeup reel. Myself, I thought three or four turns was enough, foolishly. Having jammed the camera in front of 100 guests at a fashionable Washington DC society wedding taught me otherwise. It was good thing I had a rangefinder from Fuji handy and ready to go, and the job came out well in the end.

Another reviewer says Hasselblads are costly. My experience is that they are a valuable tool in a profitable business; hold their value reasonably well; leak light; break down often; require costly, tentative maintenance and take nice photographs. Get this book if you want to learn about Hasselblad.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars read this and then rent a 'Blad, September 11, 1996

By A Customer

A great way to learn about medium format photography is to read this book and then rent a Hasselblad for a weekend.