Digital BW, The Print

I have a Phase One H2O on my Hasselblad V series camera, and the results are great.  Even though it is an older back, and needs to be tethered to a computer, the end result is better then the that of my Nikon D3x.  The Zeiss lenses being the factor, as well as the Phase One's great sensor.

My problem is the back can not be taken into the field.  I have been giving this problem two avenues for possible solution.  I have been looking into the "P" series Phase One backs.  I am only sorry I didn't do this before buying a new Nikon D3x.  A good used 30mp Phase One back is about the same price, or less.  The "P" series do not need to be connected to a computer, and are free to take out into the field.

The problem with the Nikon D3x is the lenses.  Even though the same lenses seem to work OK on the D3, they are weak on the D3x.  The only Nikon lenses I have that works well are an old 105 from 1975, and a 105 Macro from the mid eighties.  To get an image that is half way decent, most need to be stopped down past f/8, then fall off after f/16.

I have contacted Zeiss here in the USA about some ZF.2 loaner lenses to test of the on the D3x.  After I test them, I will make up my mind whether to invest in new lenses, or a used Phase One back for the Hasselblad.

I like the D3x body greatly.  But what is a good body without good lenses?  I bought a new Nikon f/4, 24-120 last month, and after testing, returned it the next day.  That lens may work well with a half sized sensor, but not a full frame.

It has been my experience that large sensors are like large sheets of film.  The bigger the better.