Hasselblad 500cm Going Digital! For Cheap?!

Hasselblad 500cm is arguably the most iconic camera that Hasselblad has ever produced. How does it hold up in the digital world with a Phase One H20 Back? Let me give you a hint it's pretty awesome!
Link to raw file- www.dropbox.com/s/kw6et6vy7fy...
My Website- markforephotography.com/
Insta- / markforephoto

[@Techphoto]

I see that all you young People have discovered the old Hasselblad, I was so lucky 1966 got my first one I am nobody fames but did open doors and got respect from the clients, even five yeas age with an H3 photographing some of the Moody Blue. Thank you for video

[@rajendrabiswas]

My dad brought me one in india I was so happy but film is very expensive now

[@emotivemulsion]

Just picked up a 500C/M and while I don’t do product/model photography I would love to see more videos like this, the idea of making these iconic cameras work in the digital age

[@MarkFore]

I definitely plan on doing more videos with this setup, it’s too fun not too haha

[@Joe-xe6dy]

Nice video Im glad you rediscovered the awesomeness of the H20 and the Hasselblad 500CM. I have an EL/M and a couple mega-vision digital backs and you just cant beat the sharpness and contrast of a ccd digital back.

[@driley9286]

Great vid Mark. I have had all the same feelings about the digital back and you pretty much nailed the explanations.

[@williamcurwen7428]

You can’t go wrong with a Phase One for an interesting first KZbin video, but get rid of the background music, it gets in the way of understanding (or even hearing) the serious stuff.

[@MarkFore]

haha for sure! Still learning the art of mixing audio, its a very different beast. I have some lav mics now and I have an idea for another youtube video idea, just gotta find some time to shoot it. Sense covid restrictions have lifted, freelance has been going off the chain so I need to find some time.

[@CalumetVideo]

Love how you edit and pump those colors!

[@JoseLavoie]

Pretty good for a first video! Interesting subject to. Back in 1997, i used to work in a studio that shoot products for flyers. We had a digital backs for the Hasselblad that would shoot the three primary colors separately. The software would merge them in postprocessing. I was not allowed to touch them, only the senior photographers would have that previlege. Did i mentioned that the building was right beside train tracks... They would have to stop the shoot when a train was passing, and it was a commuter train 😁

[@jcgellidon]

Thanks for sharing! I think the reason why you have smooth gradients it's because it's 16 bit! That's so solid. I rather choose the bitrate than the pixel count.

[@marcopezzutto]

Wonderful video, and extremely helpful! I also still take pictures with Hasselblad and B&W film, and learning about this is fantastic news. Thank you very much and congratulations for your first video

[@MarkFore]

Thank you so much!

[@peteapps]

Yee dude, great stuff! Keep it coming

[@MarkFore]

Pete Appareti thanks man!!

[@Yoniweb]

Holy moly! This is freaky! Just a few minutes ago I randomly decided I’m going to finally do some research on the old Phase One backs for my 501 C/M. Lo and behold I find the perfect video posted just minutes earlier! And, it’s from a probably relatively local photographer too! I’m in San Francisco. Super cool video! Super useful! Keep it up! Any guidance on how the batteries and storage hold up on the old backs?

[@MarkFore]

That’s awesome! Glad you enjoyed it! As for battery power this back is powered through FireWire so it needs to be hooked into the computer to be powered and function. But I think the P series backs from Phase take batteries and they are still selling them. They just are a bit more expensive than the h series

[@Yoniweb]

Ah thanks! Great tip on the P series backs!

[@jontiffinphoto]

Ridiculously great value!

[@motomitch9027]

Being an ex-photographer (retired in 1995) with 2 superb C/M's and 4 lenses, I am so grateful for you making this video. I have always wondered whether my hassys could ever be useful in the digital world, and now you have given me some energy to pursue shooting with them again. Thank you!

[@MarkFore]

That's great to hear!

[@robertchacon1722]

Nice job Mark!

[@thisfiction]

I will definitely consider this camera when i start shooting head shots again. Inspiring video, keep ‘m coming!

[@MarkFore]

Thanks Kris! Hope you’re well man!

[@selzzaW]

Great video, would love to see more with that back.

[@dukkhey]

thank you for the great review. please do more!

[@AndrewKaiserPhotography]

Great video. Thank you for posting this. I've been thinking about getting a digital back for my 500cm (the new one...) so finding this video was very timely and informative. Love that SKX on your wrist too!

[@MarkFore]

Thanks! The SKX was bought by my dad in the 70's its my favorite watch I own :)

[@AndrewKaiserPhotography]

@@MarkFore nice! That is some awesome heritage. I love my SKX too.

[@zackm925]

Looking good man! 👍👍

[@razvanciub8a]

congrats bro! great useful content!!!

[@MarkFore]

thanks so much :)

[@eddwingregg6999]

Please do more product photography tutorials! I don’t know why you don’t have more subscribers - you are articulate and informative. Thanks

[@MarkFore]

Thank you so much! I'm currently uploading a new one right now! So keep an eye out for it tomorrow!

Awesome video! If you want to avoid winding get a 500 El/M body (like the moon ones). I have one with a P25+ back. Eager to see more videos, take care. Greetings from Argentina!

[@MarkFore]

Gastón Martín Ferreirós thanks so much! Oh for sure! I’ll check those out next time I’m in the market!

[@porternessstudio8599]

This video jem made my day! Thanks.

[@MarkFore]

Well you just made my day!

[@jaredloyd204]

Brooo. Disc golfing photographer. Didnt know anyone else had the cross over. Dope ass vid. More please!

[@MarkFore]

Haha thanks man! I go disc golfing with a group of amazing photographers every week! If your ever in the Bay come chuck some discs!

[@nickwinn7812]

Very useful information and opinions. Your first youtube video? - I'ts better than many who've been doing it for years- well done and thanks!

[@ceci1017]

Awesome video! i was trying to hunt down one of those digital backs for a while :D no success so far but one day hahaha. Subscribed for more content! :)

[@MarkFore]

Ece awesome! Thanks so much for subbing!! More stuff is in the works and on the way :)

[@erickbueza]

0:13 At least I'm not envious haha. I have the same hassy; the sound of shutter and the mirror and when it slap back to its home place I so love it.

[@julioestebanperezescudero6246]

Well done for the first time.

[@sippysapa]

🔥🔥

[@BboyGraphicx]

So cool

[@Langoskarli]

Thanks for sharing. Nice video! Keep it going.. I have a Hassi too, love the camera.

[@MarkFore]

thanks so much!

[@KNURKonesur]

Don't worry about patient models! Don't know how it looks like around your neck of the woods, but in Eastern Europe there's a big culture of shooting artsy portraits on medium format film cameras and it's not too unusual to shoot for 1h-1.5h and only do 2 rolls of film :D

[@photomaster1]

Interesting, considering the cost of making each image. It looks like your system paid for it self quickly. Thank you for taking the time to show this. I perfer the Mamiya system, due to the cost factor even with a digital back and no need to rewind it's auto-magical with the Mamiya. lol

[@AtlantaTerry]

Wait. What? Don't you need to flip up the mirror? I think the way to go is with a view camera - no mirror plus you would have lens movements.

[@lgm9324]

Try placing your tripod on top of a rug mat (used to keep rugs from sliding.) Costs less than $20.

[@behindeachfilmgrain]

Looks like 2021 will include some digital images for me if I can find this digital back for what you are saying to be true!

[@Negatively.Positive]

You can make the mask yourself and fine tune the size based on the output of the image. I am using a H25 on a fuji GX680. I have drawn the rectangles for portrait and landscape with a sharpie on the ground glass.

[@AtlantaTerry]

A less damaging way to go is with ChartPac used by graphic artists. Easily removable.

[@TrailerHomeVideo]

and the support from Phase One is great for a product they made in 2001 (H20). They send me the base software with key which works on my 2007 Mac Book :)) Those Danish...

[@jonatascd_]

dang! I just bought a 500 cm and I’m waiting to arrive and then I learn about the digital back... there goes my budget. let’s sell something from the house . cool video

[@ypaulbrown]

Great Video.......thanks so much......a long time Hasselblad user.....from 1973...

[@corybardwell4879]

Good stuff man!

[@MarkFore]

Cory Bardwell thanks man!! I still gotta pick your brain on KZbin stuff, let’s link up soon!

[@carlodeceglie6376]

U

[@lightbox617]

I owned two. I loved them. When digital realy came of age (and I aged myself) I gave them up. I had a friend who did a portrait of his two elderly aunts with a Hasselblad. He noticed that, behind them on the mantel, was a framed 8x10 portrait of their parents. Because of the size of the frame (2.5x2.5) and the quality of the lease, he was ablbe to blow up that part of the image to produce a sharp image of the framed photo to 8x10

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

For the majority of my commercial photography I’ve always used a Hasselblad I still have them today!

[@MrPasicz]

I have Hasselblad H4D50 which is amazing, but I also use a lot hasselblad V system. Yesterday I bought CFV16 back- yes, 50mp back is much better. But boooyyy- using classic V cameras with that back is amazingly satysfaying :D (and quality is also much more than enough)

[@muhhaaa1]

Is it sharp enough tho ? Because I am planing to get one this week but unsure because of the few example pictures that seem quite unsharp for the sensor :/ can u share ur experience?:)

[@KylerSteele]

Def want to give a digital back a try. Just uploaded my video of the 500cm

[@Yob98]

Anyone have any experience with the PhaseOne H5? I'm looking for the H20 on eBay but not finding it. I was however able to find a couple listings for the H5 in the same price range. Wondering how that would work by comparison. Says it is supposed to be a digital back for the 500C/M

[@alexiscuarezma]

that's awesome man! I'm here in the Bay Area too. I have 503cw and 500cm. I've used the CFV backs before but plan on shooting a lot more film these coming year.

[@muhhaaa1]

Are they sharp enough with the cfv? I am getting one coming week but the dude at my local camera store said that it would be a stupid idea… what is ur experience ? Do u got any example images online? Would be glad to hear ur experience!

[@alexiscuarezma]

@@muhhaaa1 are you asking if the Hasselbald lenses are sharp for digital use?

[@muhhaaa1]

@@alexiscuarezma yes…

[@alexiscuarezma]

@@muhhaaa1 Hasselbald V lenses are used today on IMAX cameras. They're sharp and have a great organic look to them. There's a difference btw sharp and organic and sharp and clinical. I completely disagree with guy. Look on my site and see if you can tell which image is shot on what.

[@muhhaaa1]

@@alexiscuarezma thank you so much I am pretty sure that dude never used one because what you described is exactly what I am looking for ! Thanks !

[@robbe4711]

Great video...I am also thinking about buying a Hasselblad and an older digital back.

[@MarkFore]

I love it!

[@BRIONIDESIGN]

Well if your studio flash lights are not powerful enough and subject is still you can shoot bulb and just multiply the number of strobes.I use to work in big studio 29 years ago and we would use big bellow camera 8x10 with f 96 but I would need to count 40-60 flashes foer one shot ,but product would be sharp from front to back 15 cm focal plane

[@DavidTejedaMusic]

Nice!

[@OnnieKoski]

Im going the same route with an old Leaf Aptus 22. I just wish there was more documentation online.

[@life0nfilm]

Great video.

[@andriescarstens9245]

Your vibration due to the winding of camera, may be solved (even partially perhaps) by using a winding knob instead of the winding crank

[@eddwingregg6999]

“One haircut down, and a few freelance gigs later” 😂😂

[@josephasghar]

I have the p21+ back. And used to own the p20. The colour on these are gorgeous. Interestingly, I found the colour less good on the high mpx p40 - so what you say about file size holds up.

[@MarkFore]

Hmm, I honestly couldn't tell you the difference how they approached the color science for each back. It could be that if you are using vintage glass like I am, it won't hold up under higher megapixel scrutiny.

[@jamesryan7810]

Nice video, I checked it out some time ago as I have Leaf Valeo 17 for a Hasselblad H2 which I have not used for a few yaers as I not longer have a mac (that works) with firewire ports. Your Phas One back also needs power for your digital back so what are you using as the last mac with a fire wire port was a Power PC - probably a G5?

[@MarkFore]

unfortunately now since mac has updated their OS to completely abandon firewire the only solution is to use either an old mac with an old OS or a PC.

[@key2adventure]

Awesome! I even bought a H25 that worked, but not on my iMac. Phase One says to little power supplied via FireWire on that computer. What computer setup are you using?

[@MarkFore]

I'm using the owc thunderbolt 3 dock with firewire connection. Its one of the few docks I've found that have Legacy connections, works great!

[@key2adventure]

@@MarkFore I just checked the owc hub, unfortunately they changed it and removed the FireWire port. I’ll have to look for a used older model. Anyway, thanks for the tip.

[@rajendrabiswas]

is there a video back for 500 cm? I would like to do cine video on a 500 cm

[@petergoett4826]

This is dope. Can you now make a video on how to get a Hasselblad body for cheap?

[@MarkFore]

Peter Goett hahaha that would be one of life’s mysteries I think they are just going up in price. I would say buy sooner than later!

[@AtlantaTerry]

eBay

[@robertbartelmes7623]

Mark ... I loved this video ... then again .. I have a bunch of newer "older" Hasselblads ... 503 CW, 555ELD even a 201F with killer glass ... and several original Hasselblad ixpress v96c backs, so I'm biased ... I haven't been shooting lately, but plan to do so beginning of 2021 ... I'll be in touch to compare notes ... Bart

[@robertbartelmes7623]

... as you & I know, but maybe not so many viewers, finding Hasselblad V-System digital backs has never been easy: when new, they where mega-buck buys so not that many where made & there has never been an abundance of them used ... indeed, they're almost a rarity ... Bart

[@MarkFore]

@@robertbartelmes7623 very true! When doing my research for this back I couldn't find a lot of information on them because of their rarity. But I'm glad I took the gamble and bought it! It's so fun to use!

[@batchint]

I contacted hasselblad back when... and asked for a rear standard.. they actually consented

[@jean-claudemuller3199]

When using a smaller digital format on my Hasselblad C I just tape fine sewing thread on the focusing screen. First marking with a pen the place of the threads measured with a ruler, then attaching the threads with a little piece of tape on the side of the screen metal frame

[@fidakeshvani737]

Is there a back for Mamiya 6 X 7 RB camera. Thanks.

[@fromfloridasfinest]

can you do video on how you set up the back mine is not powering on

[@MarkFore]

I use the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock to power mine! It's one of the few docks that have legacy ports like the firewire 800 on it. Hope this helps!

[@jean-claudemuller3199]

If you want to avoid shutter cocking with the crank you have to buy an EL body or CW with winder grip

[@GuySie]

I've just bought a H20 too, but have been having some issues getting it to work smoothly on my Hassy. Do you also have to fire the shutter twice, once to wake up the back and then another time immediately afterwards to take the actual picture? From reading the manual I get the feeling this two-shot mode should not be necessary on a Hasselblad camera, just on other brands of view cameras, but if I fire only once I just get an entirely black image in Capture One.

[@MarkFore]

Their is a specific sync cable you need that goes from the lens to the back, do you have that all set up?

[@GuySie]

​@@MarkFore Thanks, I do! Doesn't work, sadly, I've been in contact with Phase One support about it and it turns out a H20 uses 2 connections to shoot with a Hasselblad: the flash sync cable - which works for me - and a pin on the 500 body (bottom right if you view it from behind) that slides into the back when you press the shutter release button. The sensor in my H20 for that pin is probably broken. Oh well, I can still use it in two-shot mode.

[@philkipnis740]

So what computer and program are you using? I've got on of the backs but can't get "jack" out of the manufacturer You help is most appreciated.

[@MarkFore]

I think this was a 2017 Macbook and a OWC Dock with Firewire input. I don't have the computer anymore, and unfortunately Apple completely dropped all support for firewire now so if you are using a more modern machine you would need to use a PC. I'm using Capture One for the program

[@russphoto]

The winding can be corrected with an ELM and they are cheaper than a CM.

[@Klemenswichmann]

nice shirt bro!

[@AtlantaTerry]

Have you considered putting the H20 digital back onto a view camera? No mirror cocking. You would have view camera movements which would be great for product shots and the ability to use Zeiss or other German lenses. BTW there is an adapter to put these backs on Mamiya RB-67 or RZ-67 cameras which is what I will be doing. Terry Thomas... the photographer Atlanta, Georgia USA

[@bradmiller9993]

What do I think about your video ? You probably just drove up the price of analog Hasselblad's but on a positive note, I found the whole idea interesting. Medium format digital has come down in price quite a bit in the last year though, so.....compare your setup with a brand new Fuji or Hassy and the value of the new cameras jumps up quite a bit I think, especially if you don't already own a stable of 500x's. Nice work.

[@arricammarques1955]

Higher MP digital back for 500-503 CW?

[@flutterbydragonfly]

Great video! I’m just learning to use my Hasselblad. I purchased a kit with 7 lenses. I have the 501c. Will the digital back you’ve spoke about here work for my body?

[@MarkFore]

Hi Debi! Thanks you! I just looked at the manual and it should support the 501. It is worth noting though that since I've made this video, Apple in all of its wisdom has now completely dropped firewire support on it's new OS, so if you're a mac user you need to make sure your machine is running something before Big Sur.

[@Super.Quasar]

I use FireWire on the latest Apple Mac OS, Ventura. No problem.

[@wlevy]

If you wind the knob without using the crank you'll put less torque on the rig so there's less likelihood your tripod will move.

[@smichaelpridgen]

can you link the sync cable?

[@1911geek]

Make your own viewer mask sir either a fine permanent marker or clear gelatin cut to spec. That's what we use in film when switching from 645 to 6x6 etc... Pro Foto, Elinchrome sand bag is right or a Bogen 410 head or 3047 one hand on tripod head the other hand crank full circle

[@WalidAzamiTV]

Not that followers are everything but you deserve more followers. I'm thinking of getting this digital back to use with mine.

[@MarkFore]

thanks man!

[@raesowards3485]

Hello. I have a Hasselblad 500 C/M that I shoot environmental portraits with. I am wondering when a buy a digital back do I need any other cables to connect the digital back to the camera I see some on eBay for sale with a cable and some without. I am wondering what you looked for when you bought yours to make sure you could start using it right away! Thank you, and Info is appreciated. :)

[@MarkFore]

The back I have needs to be tethered to a computer to power it and send the image to the computer. There is no internal memory for storage. For other backs for the Hasselblad I would say look for the one that best fits your needs. Hasselblad did release a new back recently that works natively with the 500 cm but it does cost quite a bit more than the one in this video.

[@raesowards3485]

@@MarkFore Thank you!

[@joelubong]

Russian river Pliney is the best! great video

[@johnhooks9401]

You're awesome

[@MarkFore]

You're awesome!

[@easilyamused22]

This guy shoots.

[@tdg9281]

Well, I have about 17 Phase one V-mount backs including 3xH25 4xP45 and 9xP65+ and I was planning to sell most of them but keeping one to me. I was looking to use it for landscape but I am mostly worried about how much lights hits my sensor. I would want everything to be not too expensive so a light meter would be a big no no do you think there is a solution to that ? using my real DSLR to dial the settings ? Let me know !

[@MarkFore]

yeah you could use your DSLR to give you a decent light meter reading. I think there are even smart phone apps now that do light metering. I haven't used them myself so I can speak to their accuracy but it's worth a shot!

[@tdg9281]

@@MarkFore could we move to Instagram I have a bit more of those needy questions thanks ;) (sending you a dm)

[@lgm9324]

You could get a decent used Sekonic that measures spot, ambient, and flash for under $200.

[@tdg9281]

@@lgm9324 I was thinking more of the TTL ambiant for the Kiev 88, it is quite cheap

[@user-vv1dt1fb5e]

Hey, if your still up for selling one of your digital backs how may I contact you?

[@rogermamer7282]

How does the back work for landscape photography?

[@MarkFore]

I'm sure it works great! but it's only 16mp back so you wouldn't be able to make a print much larger than 8x11

[@BranFlake421]

nice vid

[@miguelgocobachi]

I have always interested on this Phase One H20 Back, how did you power it up?

[@MarkFore]

It's powered through Firewire connection, so you need to run an older comp to use it now that after making this video Mac no longer uses firewire protocol

[@miguelgocobachi]

@@MarkFore thank you for your reply!

[@Super.Quasar]

I had a Hasselblad CFV16 and found it too restricting with its 33x33mm view. Seriously considering the CFV 50C ii with the 907x for my 503Cx, 203FE, and SWC. However, selling gear would produce enough funds to buy the X2D 100. Not sure what to do. Any thoughts ?

[@diordrama]

Cool vid dude. It's a Hasselblad you don't need the mask :D you just need a whiteboard marker. Shame it needs to be tethered too.

[@MarkFore]

That’s... actually a solid idea haha

[@ypaulbrown]

I am pretty sure Avedon only used twin lens Rollei's and an old Sinar 8x10....not the newer style of the 1970's

[@MarkFore]

You correct he did use those cameras a lot, but like all photographers he used a wide array of cameras over the years and the Hasselblad was one of them.

[@ypaulbrown]

@@MarkFore Thanks Mark, really enjoyed your video, best regards, Paul down in Florida

[@ruedigerglatz]

The first con should not be one. Beside having the original I built myself several masks with different aspect ratios made of simple paper. It works perfect. I can send you a pdf if this interesting for you.

[@MarkFore]

yeah that would be awesome if you could send me a pdf guide! [e-mail]

[@lensman5762]

Yep, that is the folly with digital, the inbuilt obsolescence. I wonder how much those $50000 PhaseOne cameras would be worth in 10 years time?

[@ericmuetterties1984]

You would have loved the stuff I sold! Probably 7 or 8 bodies and 2 digi backs. Now using H5D-40. Slightly more $ 😉. Yes MF is different! We should get together sometime.

[@rajendrabiswas]

Does it have digital video

[@MarkFore]

It doesn't unfortunately haha

[@fatherchristmas2998]

ive got one gorgeous camera

[@abrarafzalkhan3768]

Name of the digital back?

[@MarkFore]

Phase One H20

[@jimpix8019]

Great video. Spot on about the Clu-Dunk sound… Beautiful. And of course, the beautiful feeling of holding it. Takes me back to the 1980’s. Lovely camera. I also had a Rolleiflex f2.8 TLR. Similar classic feel about it. Thanks for the video. It’s given me some ideas. May the Force be with you.🌀 Jim🌀 (-: :-)

[@georgenorthcutt6774]

Is that a 5D mark ii in the background?

[@MarkFore]

I think that's my Mark II, All my camera's have black tape over the front haha

[@georgenorthcutt6774]

@@MarkFore I have a good eye!!!!

[@LuisLanShoots]

Have Heart 🤘

[@francocampesato7594]

Arbus never used Hasselblad but Rollei and mamiya

[@Xingqiwu387]

I'm SO GLAD I'm not a photographer. Ugh!

[@anaraluca1181]

1. Senzor size gives you not the DOF. The only part in the entire process of taking a photograph that gives the DOF is the focal lenght of the lens. Nothing else. 2. Where is the problem cutting yourself a format mask and putting it on the groundglass of the Hassi? I would copy the dimensions of the original but make it not black but transparent with a color (lets say yellow), so you see how big your area is, but also see what outside of it. Helps (at least me) with composition. 3. It is the job of the model to be pacient.

[@MarkFore]

HI Ana! Thanks for your comments! 1. It most definitely does, If you have ever shot with a medium or large format camera you will realize you have to stop down quite a bit more to achieve the same DOF as a 35mm equivalent. 2. Nothing, someone who watched this video actually sent me a real one :) 3.This is true but there is a flow to sets and pacing that most models have become accustomed too. A lot of them are used to flowing between poses as to holding one for an extended period of time. Thanks for watching!

[@batchint]

I was like already alright to rent a digital back.. from pelling & cross... londinium but... there was an issue... #insertcoin