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Learn about the iconic Hasselblad 500 series, the first camera to document space and capture many iconic images. Explore the development, features, and variations of the 500C, 500C/M, 503CX, 503CXi, 501C, 503CW, 501CM, 503CWD, and 500EL.
- The Camera
- The System
- Functions
- Cons
- In Summary
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The Hasselblad 500 C/Mis a medium format film camera using 120 or 220 film. It will give you a dozen 6×6 negatives per roll (24 on a 220 roll). The kit I bought from a Hasselblad technician in Toronto is from 1971, though the camera was produced up until 1994. It included the camera body, an 80mm f/2.8 Planar Zeiss lens, A12 film back and waist lev...
The camera system itself is completely modular, making it extremely customizable when it comes to accessories. Everything down to the film advance knob is removable and interchangeable. Don’t like the waist level viewfinder (shame on you if you don’t! :p)? No problem! Slap a prism viewfinder on there and you’re ready for eye level shooting. Want to...
Metering
Even with all the customization options, this camera is remarkably simple in its design. When you look at the camera’s outside, there aren’t any extra bells and whistles, no unnecessary details. It’s 100% manual and mechanical; batteries not required! This means there is no built in light meter, so you’ll have to meter externally or use the old “Sunny 16” rule.
Shutter
Unlike most cameras, the shutter in the Hasselblad 500 C/Misn’t in the body, but in the lens. So both the aperture AND shutter speed are set using dials on the lens barrel. This took some getting used to, but really wasn’t a huge adjustment. It also means that you need to hold the shutter down for a little bit longer on longer shutter speeds so the rear shutter gate doesn’t close down in the middle of your exposure.
Mirror Lock
As a landscape long exposure photographer, I love the mirror lock function on the Hasselblad. After I’ve composed my shot, it allows me to lock the mirror in the “up” position prior to releasing the shutter, eliminating potential camera shake.
The Hasselblad 500 C/Mis a wonderful camera, but like I said, it isn’t perfect. While it’s not the heaviest medium format camera on the market, it’s still not light and you can’t fit it in your pocket. And when you add a couple of lenses and film backs to your bag, lugging it around can become a chore. Also, with the use of film backs comes the abi...
The Hasselbladis a remarkable camera, but it is going to slow you down. It favors a slow, methodical approach to photography where composition and settings are checked and double checked. Depending on what you prefer to shoot, this could be a pro or a con. For me, photography is a slow process, out in nature with my tripod and my thoughts, and the ...
Learn about the features, functions and benefits of the Hasselblad 500 C/M, a medium format film camera with a modular system and a Zeiss lens. Read the author's personal experience and tips for shooting with this camera.
Mar 17, 2024 · Features. Hasselblad 500C/M and family: the medium format cameras that made it cool to be square. By Paul Burrows. published 17 March 2024. Hasselblad’s modular, box-form 6x6cm SLR revolutionized medium roll-film photography, and the 500-series subsequently stayed in production for 56 years. Hasselblad 500C/M(Image credit: Future)
Learn about the history, design, and features of the Hasselblad 500C/M, a medium-format SLR camera that was popular among professional photographers. See photos and tips from a photographer who used this camera for years.
- Allan Weitz
The Hasselblad 500cm is an icon. The classic look and modular design give it tons of functionality and have inspired me to bring it on countless trips and as...
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- Benj Haisch
Aug 1, 2021 · A personal and passionate review of a Hasselblad 500CM medium format film camera by a Swedish photographer. Learn about the history, features, sounds, and shooting experience of this legendary analogue camera.
Sep 13, 2022 · A modular system camera. Following the design principle of the previous models, the Victor Hasselblad AB made the V-series completely modular: Not only the lenses, but also the winding crank, the viewfinder and the film magazine are exchangeable during normal operation of the camera.
