Is The Hasselblad 500cm ACTUALLY Worth $2,500? (HONEST REVIEW)

[@martin-f5482]

I'm sorry, the camera isn't Swiss made, it comes from Sweden 🙂

[@Ozmmik]

Yea... Someone didn't do their homework properly.

[@Distphoto]

Nope, just kinda an idiot when it comes to to geography☝️

[@sbills]

Truth! 🤣

[@artsilva]

@@Ozmmik It's only printed in clear sight on all components where it's made 😆

[@Ozmmik]

@@artsilva Americans... 😀

[@krokenlochen]

I inherited mine as a gift, something I’ll never forget and I’ll always treasure until the day I’m gone. It’s kinda crazy to see relatively newer videos pop up on them, but I welcome it. I just wish film and scanning were more affordable now…

[@donyee8970]

I started with photography back in the 80's. I worked as an assistant for a photographer that used Hasselblad in the 90's. Being poor and starting out back then, I couldn't even dream of a Hasselblad. I knew their value because I shot with one as a student. The junior college had one for checkout. While assisting, I loaded his A-12 backs and saw the transparencies on the light table. It was magical. I was able to afford one during the early 2000's when photographers were dumping 500CMs for digital gear. I got mine on eBay with an 80mm, A-12, A-24 backs, prism finder for $850. I was shocked how fast Hasselblads went up in price a few years later. Made me sad that at one point, photographers enamored with digital gear didn't value their Hasselblads. Yes Hassys are worth $2500, but I can't afford one at today's prices. I shot with it last week with a 60mm and everything felt right. it was just an extension of my eye and hands.

[@Distphoto]

That is so cool. Glad you were able to get one at such a steal. It was wild to see everything go for so little. It did seem like film would be gone for a bit there.

[@donyee8970]

Yes. But you’re getting the younger generation get excited about Hasselblads, the darkroom and film. It’s a great thing!

[@arricammarques1955]

Hasselbald 503CX: A12/16 + CFVc II + 50mm, 80mm & 150mm.

[@aogno1]

I started seriously in photography in 1992 while pursuing a degree in Comm Media and shot with a Hasselblad on loan from a local dealer and immediately fell in awe. I was 19 and b.r.o.k.e. So my Hasselblad journey didn’t start until later. In 2003 I had to opportunity while back to school for commercial photography to purchase a new one via the Hasselblad Masters discount (my then mentor was a member of the program) so I bought a 503CW body, prism viewfinder, 2 A12 backs, a 50mm lens and a Polaroid back. I spent $5000 on my system then and it holds that valuation today. I have since added a Winder CW film winder and a 150mm lens. I bought at a time when film was still king and digital was growing in more pros kits. Then Hasselblad announced the discontinuation of the V-System and pros dumped their cameras left and right and clients stopped hitting film photographers. I never switched, I went into fine art instead. I didn’t buy my own digital system until 2019 so that I could get back into video production. I still love my Hasselblad. It feels like home when I shoot with it. It’s been awesome to see the swing back to film. It sucked to be cast out into the fringes for still shooting film.

[@aogno1]

Not hitting, Hiring wow! That’s quite the slip of autocorrect 😅 can’t say it didn’t feel like a hit because it was financially.

[@donwheeler1683]

As a retired pro studio/architectural photographer, I have procrastinated so long to divest my "blad" system, it is now back in favor and a desirable camera to use again! I'm having my 2 bodies, 3 lenses serviced for another 10-15 years of work. Looking into the new instant film offerings to use in an art mode now with digital scanning for new projects. Thanks for your review. Right on except for being made in Sweden.

[@Distphoto]

Sweden 🤦🏻. The instant film backs are intriguing. I have a Polaroid back for mine but no film to be found

[@jw48335]

I used a 645 back and an Olsen focus screen on my Hassie to mitigate two of the issues you mentioned. 100% agree about the filter annoyance - nothing to be done for that. HOWEVER you skipped the issue that I view as most annoying - the minimum focus distance! I sold my Hasselblad kit in favor of a Bronica ETRSi, which fixes the MFD issue. My Bronica PE 50/75/100 have MFDs ranging from .46m to .61m, far closer than their Hassie counterparts. They're every bit as sharp too, having test them on digital. To me it's very odd the MFD was never improved on the Hasselblad lenses. They're still amazing cameras though, and I definitely miss mine at times.

[@Distphoto]

Yes, that does seem poor in comparison. The RZ was MUCH better in that regard. I did by the 120 Makro and extension tubes for that reason. Though the Makro is hardly a Macro lens but works well for close-up portraits and focuses closer than the others. I think the Bronicas don't get enough credit as I have always wanted one of them as well. So many amazing cameras from the past...

[@costals9]

So before this review I wanted this camera, now I need it!! Great video man, thank you!!

[@das2003]

I just purchased my first medium format camera, a pristine 1970 Hasselblad 500 C/M. I absolutely love it. Paid $2600 Canadian, came with 80mm include Hasselblad UV filter and hood & 150mm with a pro hood.

[@alanhuntley55]

Very fair review! I bought my 500C/M brand new in the early 80's (the price I paid would make you cry) and it has served me nearly flawlessly for 40 years. Still use it to this day. I did have an issue with both my backs, but Mr. Odess serviced them back to perfection. Btw, I personally love the square format!

[@Distphoto]

So cool that you have owned one for so long... The square format has grown on me but find it not fitting at times.

[@TristanColgate]

One thing that always makes me chuckle. The Ken Rockwell site's page for the zeiss 250mm C lens has one image in the sample gallery. It's of the Earth rising above the horizon of the moon.

[@guillermoperezsantos]

The plastic moon over the flat earth....

[@Distphoto]

@@guillermoperezsantos Indeed

[@Distphoto]

I will have to go check that 😂

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

Note: that image was rotated to show the earth "rising" over the moon, when actually it was off to the side when shot.

[@CalumetVideo]

Bought my Hasselblad 500 C/M kit with 80mm C T lens and A12 back for 2400.00 from KEH, while I think it was expensive, they are definitely worth it! It’s a one time purchase and is serviceable. The images are sharp and contrast is good! Since then I have bought a 50mm, 150mm and 180mm and some extra backs and a couple more bodies! I have 6,500.00 in but in my mind it’s worth it if you work up to it and it’s your only medium format system.

[@Distphoto]

That is the cool thing, you can start small and as your passion (and/or addiction) grows keep building out the system. 100% worth it.

[@---us7qf]

I took a similar approach, Calumet. I bought the 503cx, with the 80mm, and some film stock to start. This was the second year of the pestilence. One year afterwards, I bought an additional A12 back, with the 50mm lens. And this year, I bought the 120mm Makro-Planar and the 180mm f/4. At the moment, I am done buying camera and lenses, I just need a few accessories: Hasselblad tripod quick coupling plate, one of those DoomoMade Hasselblad H-Mount (coldshoe) thing, a good light meter, and a vintage looking flash (perhaps from the Godox vintage line). I also want some ND filters (red and yellow) for black and white film shooting. I am slowly building my kit, and I am so in love with this camera system. And no, I shan't say how much I paid for it.

[@sophietucker1255]

I have three of them. 500C, 503CX & 553ELX. I’ve had the 500C since 1977 and it has taken so many important to me of my family and events that I will never part with it. My favorite lens is the 150mm, in fact for many years it was the only lens I had. The only other camera I have that comes close to them for build quality is my Nikon F and F2

[@Distphoto]

Kinda Jelous of those Nikons! I have that 150 as well and it is quite nice. I do struggle with the framing not covering on th 500 but. not the worst issue. So cool to have the family photos shot with such a great camera!

[@paulterl4563]

Do you like more the 500C or the 553ELX? And Why? Thanx

[@edbarnas6506]

I had a 500c & 500CM with 50, 80 & 150 in the 70’s. Beautiful system that balanced perfectly in my hand.

[@Distphoto]

They do balance nicely !

[@andyvan5692]

one other negative to this system, if one could call it one, is the baffle system; it protects the film while lens changing (this is a leaf shuttered lens system), but if you go to 1/15th or slower, this baffle system catches up with the shutter speed, and overtakes it!, so use the lever on the button (T mode), or HOLD the button down till the shutter closes, otherwise this can 'cut' the exposure off early!!

[@Distphoto]

Thanks Andy, Good to know. Was not aware. I typically hold the shutter release through the exposure so have not had it been a problem for me but now will make sure too!

[@JCZ_888]

I have a black 500CM with Acute-Matte D screen and a 553ELX, love them.

[@Distphoto]

👍👍👍

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

There’s no question at the Hasselblad is the Rolls-Royce of cameras I have two of them and they have helped me become the successful photographer I am today

[@Distphoto]

Very cool. Great to hear!

[@wearetrackclub]

Great review! Really like how thorough and honest this is. 👏

[@Distphoto]

I appreciate that!

[@AaronStoneVLOGS]

I picked you up yesterday with WLF, 2 backs and 50mm lens for $1,300. Whoop whoop

[@Distphoto]

@@AaronStoneVLOGS Sweet 👍👍👍

[@andyvan5692]

I have this camera the 500c\m version; to combat the bayonet use C\F lenses, NOT the earlier C lenses, this way the bayonet is standardised to B60 aka 60 mm diameter; and adapt it to 67mm with a ring, also, this step allows the pro-shade to be used, as those adapt to many sizes, B60 is one (c\f v system), and also the 95 and 82 from the H system (95mm is the size for the 35mm 3.5 and 300 2.8 lenses, the 82 is for the std. 80mm f 2.8 lens; FYI)- each is a separate adaptor, but once bought, you are set, no further filter/shades required.

[@Distphoto]

I do something similar only have 77mm filters so stepped up to that, but hever had the pro shade... usually use my hat or something similar.

[@sbills]

I've had several Hasselblad cameras and various lens combos over the years (including an H1). Currently I have a late model 500CM (circa 1988) which I've been using for over a year now. I have three lenses (50MM CFi, 120MM CFi and the 180CFi) to go along with it (the 120MM being my fav). The biggest selling point besides the pure mechanical genius is as you mentioned the negatives. Depending on the look you want you can get nearly a 4x5 quality negative (Rollei RPX 25 and their Supergrain developer works quite nice for this) to a grainy looking 35mm negative (push HP5+ to 1600 or 3200 and then develop in HC-110). I recently was reading about a Hasselblad P27 film back (I don't know who modifies them) that will shoot in panoramic (Xpan) format. You actually get 27 exposures per roll which is really cool imho. I want to find that person and have a film back modified because that is a wonderful format to play around with. There's so much you can do with these cameras, it's a wonderful tool to create with. That was really sad news about David Odess. I had a film back serviced by Jim Kilroy from Barn Owl cameras recently and he did a great job. From what I understand, the Hassy parts that David had went to him. Cheers!

[@Distphoto]

Thanks Steve, always love your work. you have really nailed the square format! That back does sound interesting and I would love to mess with that. Also, glad you have not parted with your 500cm ;) I believe I have the 50 CFi as well - it has the floating element. Love that lens for landscape and a lot of work but EVERY portrait I have ever taken with it I missed focus... The landscapes are all tack sharp even wide open... I've pretty much given up on that one for portraits. Will have to look up Jim in the future!

[@sbills]

@@Distphoto It's a great camera system still. With that said I would like to trade it for a Leica M6, but getting someone to do that or getting fair value for it is near impossible. eBay is not worth the hassle for me (I like buying on eBay though 🤣). BTW, I did order one of your darkroom shirts. 😀

[@chrisdelk134]

I bought this camera 9 ish years ago and sold it within two years. I couldn't believe how much they go for now, I was so upset that I let it go and saved up for over a year to purchase one. I ended up piecing mine together using KEH. I highly recommend using KEH.

[@Distphoto]

KEH seems like a great choice as they will stand behind what they sell. Ebay can be a gamble...

[@drewcunningham2]

They are made in Gothenburg Sweden, not Switzerland - Despite this , your review is pretty much bang on - A tad hard to focus but virtually an indestructible camera which produces fantastic images!!...I also own a Mamiya RZ Pro II which is 6x7cm - I prefer this format but off tripod the Mamiya is a bit of a beast to handle - however, I only use it for studio work and tend to use my 500cm for shooting hand held subject matter outdoors.....

[@renepirolt]

Thanks for the good review. Do you have any experience with the Bronica SQ-A system? I am waffling between the two, but have never touched a Bronica. I’d pick the Hasselblad for the quality and the glass, but the Bonica definitely wins on price.

[@koby1960]

For image quality the Bronica will probably do just fine, for status iconic history and investment value the Hassy will be better.

[@Distphoto]

Agree with @koby1960 100% both are great cameras with great image quality. Have always wanted a Bronica as well... lots of camaras I want but can not justify as one can only shoot so many.

[@andyvan5692]

one advantage of this system is that the lenses use a "ev" setting method of exposure control, aka the two dials can be locked together at a particular ev setting, and shift the whole set to a new aperture, and the exposure doesn't change!; for people learning, a far easier way of dealing with exposure, less stuff to forget, just set once according to the meter, then all is good, until the light changes!

[@Distphoto]

Yes!!! I do love that about the lenses. Thank you.

[@RussellAlboroto]

Jim Kilroy of Barn Owl Cameras is Dave Odess' apprentice. He left all his repair gear and equipment to Jim in his will. After hearing of Dave's death, I found about Jim and sent my Hassy to him for a CLA and he did a great job and was very quick. 10/10 would recommend him

[@Distphoto]

@@RussellAlboroto Thank you, very helpful info!!!

[@lightloving683]

Enjoyed the balanced review. I’ve enjoyed my Blads for 2 decades; using it excites my senses. But I do admit, the square format is not an easy one for me. And those lenses, oh my, those lenses. When I do get one to print through a Focomat IIc and a APO-Rodagon-N, all is well in my world. There are certainly those rare times when one can be had inexpensively. I purchased my full backup kit (with 3 lenses, 2 backs) during the pandemic, along with a Mamiya C330 kit and misc darkroom items for a price I’m embarrassed to mention here. I delayed sending to Mr. Odess for a CLA as it was functioning properly and still is. I was sad to hear of his passing. Best to you.

[@Distphoto]

Excites the senses, great way to put it! Would love to use a Focomat... look so crisp. love printing from the hasselblad negs!

[@nostalgiccameralife]

I've never really jived with the interchangeable backs (on any system) it sounds like a good idea in theory, but in practice ends up being so cumbersome that you may as well have just brought a 2nd camera if you want to swap between types/speeds of film.

[@donwheeler1683]

As a studio/location photographer using the system, it is quite fast to have preloaded film backs ready to change out during a shooting session. Also, if needing say, super slides and color negative films, can't be beat changing out the backs.

[@josephasghar]

I think my favourite thing about this camera is the full mechanical nature of it. The iconic styling also takes the pleasure of using a camera to the next level. I have no trouble composing in a square format, I don’t see why digital cameras shouldn’t be designed to make use of the full image circle tbh.

[@Distphoto]

Agree fully. Good point about the image circle. That is what many did for years.. just plan the crop if needed.

[@guillermoperezsantos]

For a 500EL/M I bought a split screen from China at eBay, and it worked perfect, and it was brighter than the original Hasselblad screen and it cost like 1/10 of those "ultra bright" original screens

[@Distphoto]

Interesting. I still wish mine was better. But think it is the best they make and overall happy with it... wish I could say the same for my eyesight at times.

[@drewcigna8197]

amazing review!

[@Sosinvestimenti]

Thank you very much. Video, as usual, fantastic and full of useful information. Unfortunately, you didn't mention the fact that all post-1985 hasselblads suffer from the irreparable problem of the inner anti-reflection coating (polpar) peeling off. Therefore you have to inspect them carefully to find out whether this risk is there or not. Edoardo from Milan.

[@Distphoto]

I honestly did not know of this issue... Will look more into it. Thanks for the heads up.

[@illitrait]

...same here,@@Distphoto, this is news to me. FWIW, I have used my 500C/M for over three decades in a variety of environments, ranging from freezing northern Europe to humid tropical Africa. It gets serviced regularly (typically every 4-5 years) and just goes on and on without any faff (touch wood). Definitely no hint of "the inner anti-reflection coating (polpar) peeling off" in my real world. Perhaps I got lucky.

[@x_and_e]

This is indeed a fantastic camera! I've recently got one and is getting still used to it. How do you mount it on a tripod? Haven't figured out yet which adopter to use.

[@Distphoto]

I use Arca Swiss Plates and find them really great and universal. I actually have a peak designs plate on mine that allows me to use it with all three of my tripods (small - Peak / medium Induro / and Large - Gitzo) All my smaller cameras get Peak plates and the larger ones arca swiss plates. Have not found a better system, though the peak plates are overpriced a bit.

[@robertcuny934]

One more negative to the Hasselblad line: I rented a 500cm from Calumet Camera (USA) in the mid-1990s and found that the camera is so well finished that hand holding can be a bit risky without special gloves because the chrome was slippery. Of course, that was a new camera with few hours of use. After 30 years, the finish on a camera should have been "worn-in" by use. 😊 Unfortunately, time to buy was twenty years ago as demand is driving up prices ever closer to retail prices in the 1990s.

[@pd1jdw630]

It’s the Apple of that era. Its purpose built, its a workhorse. It’s a special made professional tool. It’s on my end game list. I just hope there is still color film when I get one.

[@Distphoto]

Agree fully. Color film has made quite the come back to the extent of new ones are coming out so it's looking good right now 🤞🏻

[@pabloliviero]

Best medium format ever

[@Distphoto]

Agreed. I believe the newer ones I have are Fotoimpex. Though they are looser than i would like I have one older one that fits real nice (have 4 of them total for my most used filters.) but it is not labeled and have no idea where I got it. Wish I knew. Think I got the newer ones from B&H

[@EdwardMartinsPhotography]

My problem is the weight. A body a few backs and 3 lenses is twice as heavy as my 4x5 film kit. Granted, 4x5 isn't as convenient or fast, but for what I would use medium format for, I'd rather shoot 4x5 or even 8x10. (8x10 is not lighter than the Hassleblad... 🙂) And for anything I need the speed and convenience for I shoot my 35mm Pentax LX or MX's, which are much faster and more convenient that the Hassleblad, and lighter as well. So for me it's a compromise right in the middle of everything. Great cameras, no doubt about it, but just not a fit for what I do. (Same with the Pentax 6x7.)

[@Distphoto]

Totally get what you are saying. However I can bring just my 500cm with attached lens and be much lighter and faster than my Large format ( though my large format lenses are all pretty heavy) Also, I can shoot this camera when out exploring with my family, something that I can not do with large format. But still get really nice negs to print from. But to your point. If I pack all my lenses and gear for my Hasselblad it is "almost" as heavy as my large format pack. And... I have smaller cameras as well for even more convenience. The challenge then is to know what to bring when and try not to pack everything all the time... which is a real challenge for me 😂

[@astromeeting]

Not to forget: There are nice options out there to replace the film back with a digital back!

[@Distphoto]

At one time it was a goal of mine to get the digital back for it. Now I am torn and think it might be money better spent on the Fuji MF digital system ( if I truly want to shoot medium format digital) A bit torn and honestly do not know if I will ever do either but it is very interesting (and pricey 😂)

[@donwheeler1683]

@@Distphoto I too was holding on to my system for a digital back, but have a good film scanner, so saved my money and now looking into the instant film offerings which I would then scan on my flatbed scanner. Recently got a new Nikon D780 for my digital needs.

[@GeNTooFReaK]

Well, if you like the Carl Zeiss lenses, then you should try a much cheaper Pentacon six, which is hard to compare to a Hasselblad, but comes with Carl Zeiss Jena lenses, which is the original Carl Zeiss from East Germany. These lenses are even a notch better in regards of image quality. And if you use color film, the CZJ lenses render warmer images tnan the West German CZ ones.

[@Distphoto]

Very interesting, thanks. I believe I have an old folder with a Jena lens… will have to take a look.

[@HingLaw]

Thanks for an excellent review. Hasselblad 500-series cameras may well be the epitome of photography. On sending it out for servicing, would there be recommendations? Any idea on how much a typical inspection and adjustment job would cost? Thanks again!

[@Distphoto]

Somebody mentioned a fellow in the comments... but having a hard time finding the name, but sounded promissing. Also was looking for how much I paid a few years ago to David Odess and can not find that either... Sorry, if I come across it I will let you know!

[@HingLaw]

@@Distphoto Thanks for checking anyhow ...

[@chrispickett6069]

I enjoyed my 500cm and they have great lenses but did not really use it enough over my favourite medium format camera but £2500 in my case was not justified in quality terms - Loved the EV metering, suited my Pentax spot meter very well

[@Distphoto]

My Pentax spot meter is another piece of gear I would hate to part with...I'm curious as to what your favorite medium format camera is?

[@drjjpdc]

@@Distphoto I have a Hasselblad 500 CM with the standard 80 mm lens. I also like my Pentax 645, especially with my 120mm Macro f4 lens. I need to get a standard wide angle lens for the Hassie, I guess the best choice would be the 45 mm and my Sekonic meter is easy to use. Great video.

[@blazerbarrel2]

Worth every penny ! New or used ! Made in Sweden !

[@Distphoto]

Never selling mine!

[@VincentAgazzi-Morrone-e5z]

Do you know if there any tilt shift lenses for the 500cm?

[@inevitablecraftslab]

No, you would need a flex body for that

[@Lebenspiel]

I'm poor photographer, so I have Pentacon Six. 503CW is my long-term secret dream.

[@Distphoto]

Those are pretty cool cameras as well! Never seen the need to go further than the 500 cm but the newer ones do look pretty nice 👍🏻

[@anta40]

Sadly it's steadily become more expensive. That said, if you like 6x6 and want the most extensive *system ever*, hard to beat the Blad. If you don't need digital back, I think the Bronica SQ or the Rollei SQ is fine.

[@MichaelLloyd]

I like my Hasselblad but I've had trouble finding backs and finding someone to replaces the light seals for the dark slide.

[@Distphoto]

@sbills just mentioned a Jim Kilroy from Barn Owl cameras. The light seals and backs in my experience are the most finicky of the whole system. They tend to always need servicing when buying a used one.

[@codystrate]

Hey there. So, I'm no camera pro or anything remotely close to that, but my 503 had issues with the light seals around the dark slide area and I was able to buy a kit right off of Ebay and fix it myself. Honestly, it was pretty easy and straightforward.

[@strawzinthewind]

Light seals are stupid easy to replace yourself. You can it for about $20 in parts and a screw driver!

[@MichaelLloyd]

@@strawzinthewind Here's an interesting side note. I took the same camera and backs to Chaco Canyon about a month ago. I wasn't very.... uh... coordinated... putting the dark slide in when I was in Big Bend so I wasn't sure that the back had a light leak. And... it doesn't. I shot two rolls of film and all was fine. Idk why I had some frames with light leaks when I was in Big Bend but I did. I think I was sloppy when I put the dark slide in. It's funny, finding backs for it was easy a few months ago. I wasn't looking for them and there they were. I found some instant film for it when I defrosted my film freezer. I have not found the back for it.

[@chrisdelk134]

Has anyone used the 50mm CF. Trying to decide if I want to pick one up for tight spaces.

[@Distphoto]

Yes, I have the version with the floating element and love it for landscape and "tight ish spaces" It is not super wide but I love the perspective. A really great lens. My one gripe is I can't seem to take a sharp portrait with it... All the other shots come out tack sharp 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@chrisdelk134]

@@Distphoto that’s good to know I shoot portraits but often find myself in pretty tight spaces and need a lense for the 500 that performs well in close spaces but still keeps some of the environment in the shoot.

[@王泽-t5x]

I paid for 850 euro and it came with a beautiful leather case 😮 I don’t understand the price right now 😮😮

[@alphascorpii185]

A Swiss made camera ? I know that Europe is not that important for American, but Bern is 1540km far from Stockholm, for a bird... Well, it doesn't matter... I've got my 500cm about 10 years ago, (body, standard finder, lens and a back) for 300€. The camera did work, because the lens was mounted uncocked, every thing was blocked. I had it serviced for 200€ and it's brand new. Not sure I'll buy one at the current prices, but it is a very good camera. I love the square format, but I find it a bit big and heavy, compared to my twin lenses Rolleiflex, and very noisy. It's ok for landscape and portraits in the studio, you can synchronise flashes up to 1/500s, but forget using it in the streets if you don't want people stare at you with suspicion...

[@Distphoto]

My apology... I definitely can be an Ignorant American at times and as I have stated to others geography is not my strong suit and surely am not trying to slight anyone for the amazing camera that was made. Sounds like you got quite a steal on yours! Would not be my first (or anywhere near the top) for street photography!

[@alphascorpii185]

@@Distphoto Don't apologize, I'm probably an ignorant Frenchman about U.S ! I didn't mean "street photography" exactly, not this kind of pictures where you shoot when people don't really know you're shooting them. I use my Rolleiflex for that, or asking people if they are ok to let me take a picture. People like Rolleiflex, it's a camera that don't intimidate people, and when you bend over the finder to compose and focus, I think they take that as a form of reverence, it's more friendly than a 35mm where you hide your face behind. And I don't know why but the Hasselblad has not the same effect on people. May be the Rollei is more iconic as a "popular camera".

[@sbills]

Thanks!

[@Distphoto]

Appreciate it Steve!

[@DavideRizzo78]

switzerland...almost...a bit northern up....sweden

[@Distphoto]

🤷🏻‍♂️ my geography is not so good 😊

[@DavideRizzo78]

@@Distphoto 🤣 for the rest I agree with you on the blad....fantastic camera....I had the chance to buy mines years ago when price was not so high...but even 2500 is still a good price considering it will outlive most of us

[@Lebenspiel]

​@@Distphoto As an European, I don't have hecking clue where each state in US is.

[@suivezlemir]

They did indeed use a modified CM version for the Moon landing photos (stripped down as much as possible as nasa was saving every possible grams). 13 bodies are still up there !

[@Distphoto]

Cool, thanks for verifying as the info gets confusing. Did not realize they had so many? wonder why

[@dongquang3540]

In my place,this kit only cost $1000,maybe i can get 503CW+80CFE for 2500

[@Distphoto]

I think a lot depends on the shape accessories etc...

[@inevitablecraftslab]

5:15 and the winder comes off.

[@Distphoto]

Yes, That does as well 🤔

[@phazerbrains]

3:20 - It's made in SWEDEN, not Switzerland........

[@Distphoto]

Yup... Messed that up, very sorry...

[@MykeWSwims]

I will get a Hasselblad H1.. I can afford a 500cm, but I'm just a wandering hobbyist moving from one hobby to the next when boredom strikes. A lowly diletante at most. The Hasselblad H1 will let me shoot medium format at much cheaper price. In the past, I was a Mamiya MF owner so who knows the hobby bug is truly cyclical w/ interests orbiting my awareness.

[@Distphoto]

@@MykeWSwims Can’t go wrong with any of those 👍

[@andymoncsek222]

Swiss made?

[@robertcuny934]

I noticed that comment, as well.🤔😊

[@blende5.693]

I‘m sorry, but this seems to be not a acute matte screen. The acute matte D screen has two notches in the alu frame.

[@Distphoto]

Came in the original box that describes it perfectly. Have no reason to believe it is something else?

[@Distphoto]

Looking into this further it seems they started notching them later in 96-97 ish and the original ones were not notched. EBut looking at my box and paperwork it all describes the screen to a tee. So assuming mine is just an older version. Interestingly enough it says it was designed by Minolta. But I can say for sure that it is a big improvement over the standard screen.

[@blende5.693]

@@Distphoto it should be better than the standard screen. The acute matte is a 1/2 stop brighter. Maybe the older version has no notches, my two acute matte screens have notches.

[@baudad]

Not needing a battery is the big plus. Most MF cameras need batteries. Personally, I think if you are going MF, 67 is the way to go, may as well get the biggest neg you can. Yes,Zeiss lenses are great but Mamiya, Bronica and Pentax lenses are their equal. With Hasselblad you are paying a lot of money for a name. Great video.

[@Distphoto]

I did always like the 6x7 format but for the weight of most of those cameras it was worth the trade off. Have come close to buying a Mamiya 7 more times than I can count seems like a manageable camera & I understand those lenses are top notch as most as you mentioned are. The name definitely comes with a price...

[@gabrielsilvaz4199]

A thing is worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

[@Distphoto]

Indeed.

[@TheNathanMChannel]

Sure one might want a beautiful black ‘n chrome Hassleblad, but you’re not going to get arms like this guy unless you shoot a Mamiya RB-67 handheld. 😛

[@Distphoto]

@@TheNathanMChannel they are beasts 🤘🤘🤘

[@chriscard6544]

I disagree with the focusing and I wear glasses. Cheapest solution is the 500C. The main issue with Hasselblad, their backs can be in very bad state inside.

[@Distphoto]

The backs are often in rough shape in my experience. I am resisting glasses quite hard at the moment so that could be some of it though even when I first got the camera thought it was not the best. This is comparing it to all my other cameras film and digital. I did find if I use my focusing loupe on the GG it is really easy to get precise focus, just not efficient. The 500c would be a great option for some but I do think the focus screen I upgraded to has made the camera more enjoyable for me. In the 500c it is more difficult to upgrade the focus screen and just being generally older not sure if it worth a couple hundred bucks for the body. It could be though in the right condition.

[@chriscard6544]

@@Distphoto On the 500c, yes it is more difficult to change the focus screen. I agree. The cheapest alternative is 500 EL/M but it is heavier and I dont know for the batteries.

[@erikhattrem8239]

Swiss made? No, its made in Sweden. And for the filter thing, slide em in to the compendium.

[@Distphoto]

Well, I messed that up... Seems like another accessory to buy that is not necessary. But could be way off

[@tomgagner7366]

It's not a Swiss made camera. Hasseblads are made in Gothenburg, Sweden.

[@Distphoto]

Yeah, will never live that one down, sorry bout that.

[@tomgagner7366]

@@Distphoto No problem. We are proud of our Hasselblads and are a little sensitive when mixed up with the Swiss. Very fond of Switzerland and the Swiss though.

[@sam7479]

Get a Rollei SL66. It’s a better camera for half the money and the lenses are cheap.

[@noc838]

And stops working and turns into a brick that costs half the price of the hassy ;)

[@sam7479]

@@noc838 mine is is 56 years old and has never not worked. It’s had a few CLAs, but it’s a bullet proof camera.

[@tobiasash]

I have a 503cx and would love to try the SL66. The 3.5f imho is probably the best camera I have had the privilege of shooting so if any of the design behind that masterpiece went into the SL66 I imagine it would be amazing. The fact that you can turn the lenses around for macro photography is so clever!

[@noc838]

@@sam7479 honestly, I’ve wanted to buy one but almost every review talks about the camera freezing and becoming a brick and very few (and expensive) CLAs available

[@noc838]

@@tobiasash the macro feature is brilliant, that’s true. I’ve got a Rollei F as well, beautiful thing.

[@GilPlaquet]

Sweden, not Switzerland :-)

[@Distphoto]

My Bad 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@duckthroat]

lenses are not that sharp like mamiya 6/7/rz67 pro ii lenses

[@stephensmith8325]

SWEDISH-BUILT! We here in Switzerland are known for cameras, but definitely not for Hasselblads (and we are about 1000 mi. away). Swiss cameras are Sinar, Arca-Swiss

[@Distphoto]

So sorry... Not gonna live that down. Used a SInar for quite a while and it was equally great!

[@stephensmith8325]

@@Distphoto Happens all the time... (sorry, didn't see the chorus of protests below).

[@etienneportail5122]

Swiss made 😂🤣

[@Distphoto]

@@etienneportail5122 yup 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@vhs_goldstar]

Square frame sucks

[@Distphoto]

Not sure I’d say that but can be a challenge at times…

[@richardewlliams9864]

Fair review, Sir, but the one thing every person that brings up the square format image as being a bit odd will never speak about a simple fix to mix up your shooting experience. Hasselblad has a mask kit #41151, i have it and can be an easy cure to the square format. The kit has two black and two clear masks. Black fits on the camera back next to the barn door curtain. The matching clear will set on top of the veiwing screen. Masks sets are a 6x3 format and a 6x4.5. And will fit on any 500 Hasselblads. On a 12 roll, a person can mix up all three formats. Im a big fan of this and helped me stay on top of my work. 72-year-old man and always has a camera in reach. I hope this information gives you and others something to look into. #Hasselblad503cx #Nikond850 #LUMIXG

[@Distphoto]

Thank you! I will be looking into this for sure. Sounds VERY interesting!