My Hasselblad 503cx Medium Format Film Camera Review

[@superdave513]

I'm currently shooting a 503 CW and a CFV 100c !! I love that combination !!

[@MARKLINMAN1]

I just got a 501cm and LOVE IT. These Hassy’s are truly different but such a joy to use, I am new to 6x6 so getting used to that. Very informative video here. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Photillustrator]

Great to hear!

[@andyvan5692]

the feature I love about Hasselblad V's is they (in the main) are manual cameras, you set aperture and shutter and its all on dials, with a nice feel, and click detents, also the sound, of the baffle and shutter together, iconic, Zeiss glass; Yes, I did say about LF lenses in an earlier comment, but for MF! Zeiss is hard to beat, the format (6x6) and the compression and subject separation, hard to match with other smaller cameras; you understand after the first roll why they where "fashion" and glamour cameras for magasine shoots, and you get an aha moment, thats how it was done!

[@arricammarques1955]

Favorite piece of kit!

[@Photillustrator]

Yes, you can get 120mm for both A12 and A24. I'm only using the A12 so not sure what the cost difference is between the two backs are and film.

[@donwhite332]

Perhaps the video would be more thorough with at least a brief mention of alternate prism finders, what the lens range includes, and the possibility of a digital back. Further, a brief mention of other bodies that are available in the Hasselblad Range.

[@Photillustrator]

That's a great idea. You should make that video.

[@beauthenticmedia]

Question, where's that video on shooting 400 ISO at 2.8 with the consideration of the max shutter speed? Considering getting this system but curious how you're handling that (NDs? or setting camera to a lower ISO)? Thanks!

[@Photillustrator]

I do have that video on the schedule but you can do it either way. However, I'm using ND's to shoot 400 ISO when I shoot it. I personally shoot 100 ISO most of the time because I like that low grain sharp detail much better. As for the 503cx, I can recommend it enough. Absolutely LOVE my Hasselblad.

[@arricammarques1955]

@@Photillustrator Able to push 400 to 800 ASA in Camera?

[@arricammarques1955]

500th of a second is the maximum shutter speed.

[@thomascochrane4922]

You can't change the ISO settings. Can change to a back with a different speed filmor use A ND filter.

[@thomascochrane4922]

You can push film at the processing stage.

[@andyvan5692]

one other 'con' you forgot, the lenses use a proprietary bayonet system for BOTH hoods on the outside, and lens caps/filters on the inside; C's have various diameters, B-38/40/50/60 the CF's are better, as throughout the range ALL are B-60's and you can adapt a B-60 -> 67mm thread, common for Case/B&W/Lee 100*100/100*150 mm square filter systems for use of ND, Polariser and Graduated ND filters, as to darken a blown out sky needs them, as the only alternative is a camera like 205fcc which has 1/2000th max shutter speed,{as its a focal plane camera}, to allow use of the f 22/32 apertures to get the flare\glare under control. One other con, the mirror is BIG and the focal lengths are Tele's in 135 terms, so Mirror up and a cable release are virtually essential to get an in focus and still shot, esp. at speeds below 1/125th say, so a Tripod is ESSENTIAL kit for this format.

[@andyvan5692]

Carl Zeiss the best lens in hole of photography?... maybe, but consider the Schneider kreuznach and Rodenstok LF lenses, some of the most beautiful images are on them.

[@terrywbreedlove]

I just lost my 503 Cxi with the 50mm lensing in a lake a couple weeks ago. I have everything i need to build another camera except the body. Looking around the CX is at a good price level the CW is way up there at the top. The CM is even better price but not sure about the view finder is it much darker I don't know. My 503 cxi viewfinder was vey bright and I don't want go backwards. By the way I paid $1,300 for my mint 503cxi with the 50mm lens back in 2016 :) Prices have really went up since then haven't they

[@Photillustrator]

They sure have gone up. I guess with more people going to film, the cameras are going up in price too. I have two different view finder screens for my cx. One is a split image screen and the other's a regular screen. I've found the split image screen to be a bit darker so I mostly use the other screen since it's easier to see for focusing.

[@terrywbreedlove]

@I-SelfLordAndMaster Wentworth

[@pimpingkek4947]

Thank you for this. I have a 907x, and will be meeting with a girl on Sunday that has this, the 503cx. We're going to merge hardware, and experiment ✌ aloha from Maui 🌺

[@Photillustrator]

Sounds like a fun time. I'll be in Hawaii in December on a photo job. Can't wait to do some amazing photography with my 503cx while I'm there.

[@splootan]

Just don't slap it in the back too much might get marks 😉

[@richardewlliams9864]

Nice video. I'm 71, currently using a Nikon d850 and a Lumix G9. Used to have a Hasselblad 500c and currently looking at a 503cw or a 503cxi and having a hard time understanding the difference between the two. I see one is older but otherwise nothing stands out. Any information would be helpful. THANKS

[@Photillustrator]

That's awesome. I'm actually selling my 503cx if you're interested? It's a great camera and I love using it.

[@thomascochrane4922]

If you think Hasselblad stuff is pricey, get a Leica!

[@CalumetVideo]

Tell me about it! I bought a Leica M3, needed a CLA and clutch so that was 1500.00, then I got a Leica V2 50mm Summicron at 900.00, that’s 2400.00 there.

[@AaronStoneVLOGS]

Had to quit watching because of all the sound effects. Too distracting.

[@Photillustrator]

Good to know. Thanks for the feedback

[@tompaste387]

£5000 gets you a superb digital magazine back

[@bobbyt2012]

I think the human eye is much wider than 50mm.

[@MorningNapalm]

It is more about matching the magnification when you look through the viewfinder and at the world directly. Generally the "'normal" lens has the same focal length as the diagonal of the negative or sensor, so that would be 43mm for full frame/35mm cameras.

[@MorningNapalm]

If I recall correctly, the human eye's angle of view is closer to 21mm or 24mm.