Is the Hasselblad 500 the Best Film Camera Ever Made?

[@doctorstrobe]

Probably one of your best sessions since the beginning of your channel. The images are insanely good and you're constantly improving your skills. These are madness. These are Sparta.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Wow, thank you!

[@doctorstrobe]

@@MikeGrayFilm If you ever visit Paris, say hi, I know a bunch of models and very cool spots, we'll shoot some expired rolls from my freezer!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

@@doctorstrobe I'm going to take you up on that when i come to Paris. Don't forget!

[@_lowcountry]

You just can’t be stopped! Some of your best stuff right here. Will never not be hyping the boy up!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Hahaha I appreciate you!!!!

[@donaldmfalls]

Absolutely very unique results! This is the vibe! This work is definitely timeless! Great job to you and the models and cinematographer!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a ton!

[@joshuapaolino2199]

Mike, these are great shots. Really have enjoyed the progress of your work over the years. A big up for including the studio/gaffer info, as it gives me ideas for people to reach out in the future. Also: small world--Angeline, who you shot a while back, is a former student of mine from years back when I was a teacher!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot Joshua! Oh wow, that’s awesome. Angeline is family! I’ll tell her we came in contact!

[@vincentlamoureux422]

You hit this one out of the park! Amazing shots really! Kudos to you and the team!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot Vincent!

[@juiceboyxd9310]

My god Mike, those colours.... the look and the silvery nature of the lighting rendered on Cinestill, absolute winners.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

They came out beautiful. Thanks bro!!

[@sneakingelephant]

Loved how slow and chill that intro was. The lighting all looked crazy.... And then as soon as that first shot came on screen I was like dayum this looks nuts. I feel like I hear a bad rap for cinestill but I've seen some nice uses of it. Your use of it is the best I've seen yet..

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot.

[@thomverhoeven7896]

Great video again Mike. You keep em coming in hot! Great shoot, great gaffer and great model. Beautiful selection of very different styles of photo’s!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot Thom.

[@davidmb2587]

Love the whole vibe of the video. It would be great to learn more about how you light this. What type of lights, gels, haze etc... Strobes are great but I guess you can be creative on a whole other level with continuos lighting. Thanks man!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Noted! I really appreciate it man.

[@logancampos7311]

Been thinking about getting a Hasselblad 500 for months and this video had convinced me to go for it. Love your work!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Do it. Thanks Logan!

[@jaimeduncan6167]

The photos are just amazing.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thank you

[@logbearphotography]

my favorite film stock of all time! always got a roll in my F5 @1600. The look of this stock during the day is not for everyone, but very artistic finish to it! as always great video Mike.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks man!

[@Benjaminjohansson93]

Brooo, these shots are straight fire!🔥 especially with the girl, and especially the first shot haha, that one was insane, and love the colors from cinestill in these shots! 👌🏻

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much bro!!!

[@kelleebolden7936]

This is my first time seeing this one and like all of your videos leaves me inspired! Thank you, Sir! 🙏🏾

[@zachary4225]

Got to say I enjoyed this session, beautiful shots. I’ll have to dust off my hasselblads.

[@sbutler66]

Wow! These imagees were amazing! Shout out to your lighting crew too!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much!

[@jonas3619]

Your studio work is better than most pro photographers I've seen where i live. They can't beat you with their fancy 10k camera. Keep going.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I Appreciate that. Thank you.

[@hourvoyses3522]

Aye bro! I just upgraded my 500cm and am grateful to see how you put it to work. I’m inspired by your shooting and am gonna get out there more with my 500cm

[@MikeGrayFilm]

That camera is a beast!!! I appreciate you

[@jeremypinsmatic870]

What a stunning shooting again dude ! Congrats and let's continue, I love your work 💯

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I really appreciate it bro

[@jeremypinsmatic870]

@@MikeGrayFilm With pleasure from France ;)

[@tedsmith_photography]

Ssssh - everyone will want one ;-) Nice pics - loved the black and white one of Sarah with her eyes closed under the spotlight, looking up.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot Ted

[@umaylab6334]

Amazing results!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks!

[@rasmus6707]

Som of your best work right here Mike!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I really appreciate that.

[@darrellantonephotography]

Nice work as always! Been a fan for awhile now!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Much appreciated Darrell!

[@robinbottrell771]

Brilliant shots as always!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

thanks!

[@King_Dragon_13]

Feeling the vibe. Photos was fire

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks!

[@donaldmfalls]

About to get my popcorn and watch it when I get home

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Lets go!!!!

[@tekoppentekoppen761]

Really chill model!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Indeed

[@eric.ross.art1]

All about the imperfections. One of the reasons I don't feel the need to get super expensive, new, mirrorless cameras is because I'm not a fan of clinical sharpness and color representation straight out the camera. Film and DSLRs with 90s lenses is where its at for me. I like to push black and white for that contrast. I need to experiment with pushing color film more. Any time I shoot color - in studio or ambient/outdoor - I shoot box speed. Great vid!

[@MWigforss]

You never disappoint us! Such an inspiration! Thank you

[@MikeGrayFilm]

thank you. That means everything to me!

[@qwiththephotos]

Love the vibe you got with these photos. Would love to have seen more into how you lit the scene and some more informative parts. But as always your story telling in these videos is amazing.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@pawpaw324]

Fire images. I love the lighting setups.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot!

[@jasonrandolph]

Great shoot and video! Eastman Double-X pushed two stops to 800 is my favorite B&W emulsion. I think all the Kodak Vision3 color emulsions hold up well to pushing a few stops too. I like 250D at 400 and 500T at 800. To save money I roll my own 35mm and just use baking soda and water as a pre wash to remove the remjet. It saves me a ton of $$$!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

great to know man!!!

[@jluisgonzalezd.237]

Beautiful work man! Cheers!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much!

[@dookiecompost3266]

Dayum, that intro had me feeling like I was watching Star Wars

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I love that!!!!

[@TheTrey1534]

Your photography is next level

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I really appreciate you Trey

[@NirmalveerSingh]

My Favorite Channel to Watch

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thank you for watching :)

[@reneweisz9157]

I Always like and enjoy your work. I love my digital cameras but it is so refreshing not having to hear about Autofocus, how many frames per sec, my camera settings, and all the other technical blah.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I appreciate that Rene

[@Genshi]

I may have missed it but, what was the specific model lights used in this shoot? Looks like they could focus the beam without using barn doors at the 4:22 mark?

[@ericgotz5368]

Man you killed it with sarah !

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks so much Eric!

[@selzzaW]

Cinestill looks great in the day time! It's a much different look being that it's cooler toned, but it's particularly good in cities

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks for that!

[@SynthsStories]

Very nice introduction and presentation, as usual! Mike, one question : I have a 500CM with PME 51 like you, but my focusing screen is not bright enough, I plan to change it. What type of focusing screen do you use with your Viewfinder prism?

[@UpCountryPhotography]

Great shot Mike, Love there look of the film will have to try some. Have you ever tryied Scala 120 ? one of my favorite , Thanks

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I haven’t before !

[@TristanColgate]

I think the one place I do want to start consistently pushing film is HP5, to 800. I know prints from HP5 at box speed can be made to look good, but it is a flat film, and baking in that extra contrast does make stuff pop a bit more.

[@OskarBurulcich]

OMFG!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@MikeGrayFilm]

haha thank you!

[@TheWutangclan1995]

I'm blessed to try out various cameras and have a couple sought after cameras. I do think the best camera is the one you're going to create your best work with. I use my Leica M6 heavily because I get a lot of keepers with it. My Xpan is starting to get more use. I could pick up your camera because you said it's the best, but it's not going to work for me. I love the images in this video and how you're able to work with the model. To answer your question, I do push my film only for black and whites.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I agree with you 100%!

[@victoview]

Love the video bro! Great work with the photos👌🏼 I also just made a video using Cinestill 800T but I was using a warming filter and even during the day Cinestill hits like no other film stock 🫡

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks bro! Yes, Cinestill is lethal!

[@nawrasodda9966]

Amazing work Mike! Can you tell a bit about the lights? What were the freshnels / spotlight mounts you used?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I’ll note that for future videos. Thanks a lot!

[@eleonoreguichard3421]

Hello Mike, Congratulations, your videos are such an inspiration. You really have your own style. Just a quick question, do you find it easy to focus on the hasselblad. I have one too and I am always afraid to shoot under F4. Could be super intesting to do have some tips to focus on an Hasselblad. Leo from France.

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot!!! I usually focus on the center of the glass to be honest. But it depends on what glass you have, I’ve heard!

[@eleonoreguichard3421]

Thanks for the tips. I do have an old acumate. I usually use the waist level ans not the prism. That’s maybe why.

[@donwhite332]

They need to pick you for the next Pirelli calendar

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I love that

[@RoryNolan__]

which do you prefer Mike the Hasselblad or the Pentax 67? I'm planning moving over to medium format and trying to decide which camera is best to make the jump to!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

It depends on the season haha I can’t say man.

[@greyghostjay]

Great info here! I'm semi new and nowhere near your skill set. Does pushing film mean, if you have 800 iso film you set you your speed at 1000 or higher? I'm having a hard time with this subject and sorry if it's a dumb question. Love your work!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I shot at box speed and pushed two stops in processing. Thanks so much!

[@fixedit8689]

I wouldn’t say the Hasselblad is the best but we all know it is one of the best. Rollei SL 66 is good. There are others but it can be the best for the person behind the camera. Nice work there by the way

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot man. I totally agree.

[@SeeMick1]

These are fantastic

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot Conor!

[@carlosalmeida5622]

Stunning📽 vid . Very dreaming 📸 . 🔝🖤👏

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thank you very much!

[@alfredobustamante3770]

Hi Mike, what focus screen do you use on your Hasselblad? What is your hit rate?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Honestly I’m not sure I’ll have to let you know!

[@adventuresofjandk]

What if I don’t shoot any portraits? Would you use this outside?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I would absolutely.

[@davidduffy9806]

Sarah is so beautiful and you’ve caught that beauty. Btw I’m also blind

[@DeLaMuerte69]

how were the light streaks created at 4:30 ? built in feature in the light?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Yes!

[@joejojo5966]

do you need to use flash for lighting in shoots or can you just use constant light if youre more comfortable with it? like is it looked down upon in the industry?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

not at all. I honestly like constant lighting just as much as i enjoy strobes!

[@joejojo5966]

@@MikeGrayFilm I Just suck at strobes XD im like DAMN IT but with constant lighting i get results i love. thanks man, love your work!

[@michaelkeith8496]

The photos look incredible! But I really wonder, do you use tungsten lighting or led lighting?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Both!

[@michaelkeith8496]

@@MikeGrayFilm did you use white led or yellow led? Because I see that Cinestill creates blueish color in the photos

[@denyscrespo9196]

Are you shooting in Dallas?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

i sure am!

[@wazowski489]

how do we get another Hasselblad on the Artemis missions going to the moon ?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

good question Stepan haha

[@gui4j]

Chilly in California , lol.. 😂 dropping into the 70s is it !!!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

no lie hahaha!

[@gui4j]

@@MikeGrayFilm good shoot , very solid set of images , nice use of the square….

[@gui4j]

Some dress style tips whilst shooting the Hasselblad, for you .. :) magnum pi, season 2 E22 ( the original show not the remake) 😅😂

[@MikeGrayFilm]

lol i shall do some research

[@LimaBeannn]

Mike what is the lens you use for your 500?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

80MM

[@Hegemony_of_man]

Wait this flim camera takes batter picture than my mirrorless camera.

[@andreaxyz3959]

Probably not the best camera ever but defo a hell of a piece of gear. :)

[@mayeyedry]

How much you paid for Hass Mike?

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I got everything mint condition + the prism finder so it was around $2600

[@dunkkid23]

🙏🏾

[@MikeGrayFilm]

!!!

[@DCaldwellPhotography]

Phenomenal video Mike! Great work! I loved the colors from strobes. Slowly working my way up to studio strobes with my film since I've only been shooting it for about 7 months now. I have shot 800T during the day and love both the blue cool cast tones you orginally get as well the results you get when you add a warming filter. Actually just published a video on this earlier this week. Link below. 👌🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXnGZ3aEh62gr5I

[@MikeGrayFilm]

I'll be sure to check you out bro!

[@user-ti9zc1xv2b]

yo the name of the ig of that cute assistant

[@MikeGrayFilm]

haha her instagram is linked in the description

[@user-ti9zc1xv2b]

@@MikeGrayFilm Talking about the cutie at 3:30 though, whats her ig?

[@adamw.20]

...no she is one of the Best Film Cameras...

[@babbsgraveto]

Man I admire your work so much, and as a photographer, I'm interested in some good critic, would be a honor if in some way i could get a fresh opinion from you, hit me up!

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thanks a lot bro. Of course. Just hit me in DM on instagram!

[@babbsgraveto]

@@MikeGrayFilm just did xxx

[@milanovevlogy]

Pretty dope 💩

[@MikeGrayFilm]

Thank you.

[@23codez]

good lord white women are beautiful

[@MikeGrayFilm]

All women.

[@23codez]

@@MikeGrayFilm I disagree