By Steve Hendrix, Capture Integration Sales Manager Atlanta
I can’t believe I have to say this. But I like the Phase One DF camera. I would use the Phase One DF camera. This is no small feat. For years, I have sold the Hasselblad H camera system as the best and most usable medium format digital camera system available. I tried – really hard – to like the Phase One AF camera, an updated version of the Mamiya AFD III, which was an update from the Mamiya AFD II, which was an update from the Mamiya AFD, which….well, you get the point.
Front view AF (on left) vs DF (on right)
The problem was that these upgrades put their stamp on incremental. There was no “Ah, yes” moment. Instead, there was “Well, it’s a little better”. I am very happy and frankly quite surprised that when I first used the Phase One DF camera, I had an “Ah, yes” moment. I never thought this would happen.
That it took this long to happen is a bummer. But it is here and it’s an important product for those who prefer Phase One or Leaf digital backs (or even Hasselblad digital back users, as it remains an open digital platform, accepting of all). Most of the rental houses in the world stock Phase One or Leaf digital backs with Hasselblad H1 or H2 cameras and that combination is what gets rented the most. But sticking with Phase One or Leaf has its penalties on the Hasselblad H platform, as compatibility does not exist for non-Hasselblad digital product users with the HC28mm and HC35-90mm lenses.
No matter, now there is a camera that approaches the responsiveness of the Hasselblad H series and it is the Phase One DF. The auto focus performance is accurate and quick, the shutter is responsive without noticeable delay. Further, for those who have experienced the first Phase One AF camera, the fit and finish on the DF feels much, much nicer. The material is similar to that of the Phase One AF (1st Gen P1), but while still retaining a firm grippiness, it has a smoother finish that has a nice quality look and feel to it. And the exterior grip material now doesn’t appear as if it was just glued on to the body (even though it is).
Side view DF (on left) vs AF (on right)
For me, it’s a camera that I can now comfortably and confidently shoot with, and I have access to 28mm lenses, Schneider Leaf Shutter lenses, Hasselblad CF and FE lenses, and old Mamiya lenses, including 300/2.8, 80mm/1.9, 50mm T/S, and all kinds of good stuff. There is also an announced vertical grip, which will use either AA batteries or the same battery as the Phase One digital backs, though we have yet to see this product.
Many others have caught on to the good vibes from this camera. As a high volume Phase One dealer, we have a large backlog of orders, and Phase One is slowly fulfilling them. Hang in there. It will be worth the wait….as long as it’s not too much longer….