the care and feeding of your old Hasselblad 500 C/M medium format film camera

How to load film into and use a Hasselblad 500C/M camera.

[@8p.738]

Man, you are my kind of guy. I appreciate your soft-spoken, brilliant, no-nonsense take.

[@Jimbojam]

thanks. I enjoyed your shark video and am wondering if you are still alive and well en Mexico

[@kevin-parratt-artist]

You can certainly buy a 500C with confidence. The ONLY difference from CM is the viewing screen. Sure, the CM allows easy exchange of screens, but I have had a number of 500C bodies and replaced the screens in all but one. The one I chose not to change, I save for outdoor work in bright, snowy conditions, where the original screen is preferable. This also applies to bright sandy landscapes at the beach, for example, and I used mine in Central Australia, where the sunlight reflecting of sand presents the same issues. ( 2 of the 500C bodies were stolen from my studio, and one I gave to a family member.)

[@stringsnthings3416]

Years ago I had my 500 C into Hasselblad in Los Angeles area for an overhaul. Anything it required was done along with a new mirror and installation of the Acutematte screen, which brightened the viewfinder considerably. Still use it today.

[@sunsaffron]

Thank you for this walk through, I have watched several, but I found this presented the processes of loading and shooting from start to finish in a concise and easy to understand manner.

[@jeremoe1]

Nice video, very inspirational. Glad you took the time and energy to share. Thanks.

[@peterhaken7152]

Picked up my 500CM, lightmeter ordered, film in the fridge chilling, now preparing for my first shoot.

[@Niesc_Vedel]

thank you so much for mentioning the 6 month warranty from KEH, last week my film curtain on my hasselblad stopped working correctly and when i called i had one day left on my warranty and now it is on its way to get fixed.

[@MarcS4R]

dude, that was supernice. perfect explanation for a hasselblad newcomer like me. i am getting a 500 cm tomorrow, cant wait to try and shoot with it.

[@Jimbojam]

thanks- I hope you are enjoying your camera right now!

[@johnfewings6520]

Thank you - I love your style 👍🏻

[@josephasghar]

Great commentary. Very thorough.

[@gregautryphoto]

Cool. I found my old Hasse, and this was a great refresher, before going out and shooting again :) YAY Film :)

[@infamismworldwild6248]

Thank you this was an informative walkthrough

[@rafaelorczy1383]

thank you for the video, really useful!

[@youravantgarde]

Great video. I recently ordered a 500cm and am waiting for it to arrive.

[@Jimbojam]

does it work?

[@np-nl8ck]

Awesome video, thankyou so much!!

[@zachary4225]

Thanks for recommending Dwayne’s photo. I will surely give them a try.

[@Jimbojam]

I really like Boutique Photo Lab, as well. costs a little more than Dwayne's, but I think a little better service.

[@zachary4225]

@@Jimbojam thank you. Appreciate it.

[@peterhaken7152]

Great video very informative, thanks for sharing. Just about to buy a 500CM myself for my first visit to medium format photography. Can not wait.

[@peterhaken7152]

Found someone with a lovely package80mm-500C/M Body -Hasselblad Waist level viewfinder -Hasselblad Prism viewfinder -Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm f2.8 lens -Carl Ziess Distagon 50mm f4 lens -Hasselblad A12 film back x2 -Hasselblad hand grip trigger -Original leather strap

[@peterhaken7152]

Are these anygood? or would it be best to get a normal lightmeter?

[@Jimbojam]

you can use the LUXI light meter on smartphones, too

[@rocketmanpm]

With the '50 digital back for the V-series, I've noticed a resurgence in interest (and prices) for these. I project a strong resurgence in the next years for V-series Hasselblads.

[@illitrait]

...I think it is fair to say you were spot on there, Peter.

[@andyvan5692]

great video, I own the 500 e l - m ( has a motor drive permanently affixed on it) , great cameras, beautiful lenses (T* - it's a Carl Zeiss lens, just like Sony uses on its d s l r 's ). NOTE: you need the straight finder ( or waist level) like you showed us on my model ; if you want to shoot instant film, i.e. Fuji 100 c / 3000 B; as the prism finder doesn't allow the back to lock on the body with a prism in place!! [ same deal with the S.W.C.{Super Wide Camera}- need a riser block for the finder, there is the tripod plate on the bottom that sticks out 4 cm or so from the mounting face of this camera , and there is the winding crank ]- need expert to fix the s.w.c. has a lot of work as I understand ( see video's from Anne 7 b ; its a Japanese video(music, if that ) but very descriptive, visually, at least.) .

[@cyrussataravalla6731]

Very kind of you I truly appreciate that and yes indeed I will try that. Cyrus

[@mikemalloy1681]

Thanks, I really appreciate that. I love my H 503cw. This summer been so busy have not done any photography or developing since the first of May. I am having withdrawals. hi.

[@Jimbojam]

I shoot a roll of film a week just to stay sane in a digital world.

[@alexbray1714]

Thank you..great video..informative !

[@Harry66B]

Fantastic commentary! You have a superb, articulate style. I recently acquired a Hasselblad 500cm from a friend ( he's sadly got some vision problems) and am looking forward to using it along with help and advice of your expertise. Marks out of 10 for your commentary? A solid, outstanding 15!

[@Jimbojam]

Adrian Walker thanks much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@markusklein6309]

Great explanation!

[@zlodato]

Fantastic vid, mango.

[@Jimbojam]

thanks, m'lowered.

[@geradebowden1463]

Frankenblad, i love it!

[@cyrussataravalla6731]

Outstanding video. I seek your guidance on my 1986 500 C/M. The outer black is not a deep glossy black but a lighter matt. I would love to restore the outer black to a deeper finish. Bless you Cyrus

[@Jimbojam]

I have noticed this effect on some older lenses and bodies, as well and have not tried to deal with it. I would do some internet searching. You could possibly use something like "Armour All" to do it, as that works the same way on automotive dashboards, etc. good luck!

[@deemdoubleu]

Great stuff thanks

[@andyvan5692]

by the way the bigger BAY fittings are for the lens shade (the bayonet on the outside of the lens barrel), the smaller ones are for lenses like the 56,60,80 mm lenses , filters, lens caps etc.

[@Harry66B]

You're very welcome!

[@Falken207]

Very good walkthrough, thanks. I guess a light meter is essential gear for this type of shooting? Can you connect flash trigger?

[@Jimbojam]

you don't need to buy a separate meter- you can use the LUXI app for smart phones, for example. and yes, you can connect flash trigger to the lens only.

[@janislionel1715]

Your voice is really nice...you should make audio books

[@LensEthics]

Hi- very thorough video -thanks! I bought an extra grid and need to remove some caked in light dust. Whats the best way?

[@Jimbojam]

Lens cleaning solution and very soft cloth, maybe?

[@ezekielkokspeaks]

Love the video. Do you have one with how to clean your body and lens as dust and fungus grow very fast here

[@Jimbojam]

I have never seen fungus growing on any of my stuff, but I have taken lenses apart to clean fungus and hazing out of them. basically I just use a cleaning fluid and lens tissue. when I blow dust away I use C02 only.

[@andreaspettersson79]

Nice informative video. It looks like your magazine is showing red when it is newly loaded. Should it not be white? My own is half red when loading so I was wondering if you could zero it some how?

[@Jimbojam]

Not sure what you are seeing, cuz they look white to me when i look at the loaded ones i have here now with me.

[@user-ns3hs1jq8s]

احلي بصمه لاحلي قناه تحياتي 🎉🎉

[@Jimbojam]

جزيلاً

[@ghw7192]

How do you like the focusing handle? I've thought about getting one, but it looks like it might get in the way more than it helps. Good refresher course on Hasselblads! Thanks!

[@ghw7192]

***** Thanks! I think I'll get one, if for no other reason than I don't have one yet! LOL!!

[@Jimbojam]

they do get in the way sometimes, but other times they are helpful, i find

[@Justin-tj2yf]

Nice easy listening video. A question. When you put the lens onto the body and you haven't adjusted the coupling screws, can the situation be retrieved? I had one and I put the lens onto the body and it locked up and I could not remove the lens. It was the EL/M version. Does it need the batteries to uncock? Many thanks.

[@Justin-tj2yf]

Thanks.

[@Jimbojam]

i am not sure exactly, search the internet and ye shall find out, most likely!

[@albertosamaniego2476]

film is not dead!

[@Jimbojam]

no, but it costs more nowadays, but processing is cheap at www.dwaynesphoto.com !

[@jerometanguay8375]

i have a 500c which i’m experimenting with real fun. first; what is the difference between the c to cm (yours) and two, i find it’s a little bit dusty inside or i suspect it is. i used a zeiss cleaning paper.. to ckean the mirror. what else could i do?

[@mamiyapress]

Some sample images would be nice! My 16-on back fires with the dark slide attached and now my 500CM will not fire at all, any thoughts?

[@Jimbojam]

there are many sample images on the internet!

[@harlhequim]

hi, as you seem mechanically inclined, Im going to ask I got 2 c/m. Last week one lens got stuck, but instead of pushing the curtain manually to access the screw and wind it to loose the lens, I stupidly push the mirror lock up button to get it out of the way.......as you can guess, now I'm really stuck. I wonder if you have any advice on how to get out of this? I can handle a mid level repair thks in advance for any help P.S: considering the popularity, and prices, of the 500 c/m nowdays, yourr video seem more relevant today than 9 years ago when you post it.

[@Jimbojam]

Bummer. I am not sure, since I no longer have one and never experienced that with mine. I have since moved on to the 102 megapixel fuji gfx 100s and no longer use film regularly, because of the cost of film, processing and scanning. Everything doubled after the pandemic! Do you have a local repair shop? If not, keep searching the forums online and KZbin videos. Good luck!

[@Trashedtoast]

Have you ever worked on a 553x, by chance? Can’t get mine to fire. I’m sure I’m doing everything properly.

[@Jimbojam]

no, i have not, but it might be similar. you can buy a general repair guide online or ebay, or take it to a camera repair place and they might give a free estimate, etc. good luck!

[@Gurugurustan]

Hi, thank you for the video. I have a Hasselblad 500cm and when I shoot and cock, the film advance in the magazine somehow sometimes is faster than or slower than the body finishes cocking. which means my film 's frame position is off. Have you come across anything like this?

[@Jimbojam]

No I have not come across this. It may be a problem in the magazine itself or the magazine advance within the camera. If you are a handy person with lots of mechanical knowledge, there are do-it-yourself repair guides available to do this on your own, otherwise, it would need to be sent to a camera place. there are many out there, but Precision Camera in Chicago or KEH in Atlanta are good places to do this... good luck!

[@Gurugurustan]

Thanks!

[@edwardgrabczewski]

... or just process your own film! 🙂

[@rhondamoore9842]

I have a ‘72 500C. I’m not sure what you mean about the viewfinder - I can switch from ground glass to split screen .

[@Jimbojam]

that is because you have one of the crossover versions where they were about to label your camera as a C/M but some of the last C versions had the switchable screen. Consider yourself lucky!

[@fotopunk123]

My WLF does not come off. Is there a common reason why this might be? Even with some force it only moves 2mm and then sticks.

[@Jimbojam]

I'd need to see it in person. not sure what the problem is, maybe check it at a good camera store...

[@theoldfilmbloke]

YO !! I heard you say " I've taken it apart" -- well -- I was GIVEN a 1978 500C/M by an over 90 year old Fellow Camera Club Member -- never been serviced as far as I can tell and the MIRROR BUMPER FOAM is all ROTTEN and 'bits' keep falling onto mirror. The Foam Strip is under a black metal 'flap' at top of camera body -- cannot get to it -- can you please advise if this is a DIY job as i HAVE renewed Foam Seals on other gear OR an 'Expensive HASSELBLAD Service' as I'm an Old 84 year old Pensioner on a limited Budget !

[@Jimbojam]

If you are not able or comfortable to get it apart enough then it might be time to have it serviced professionally.

[@raveemahadevan]

Can you kindly tell me how could I fix a back curtain that over time has started crumbling and powder itself to fall as black specs all over?

[@Jimbojam]

I have heard of this happening but I have never seen it on any of my cameras. if it is a nice body, I would get it repaired/replaced by Precision Camera in Chicago or someone else reputable. if it were on a junky body that I didn't care much about, I would do something myself with it. I think it's all about how much money you want to spend.

[@MG-ow5wh]

I had a question as I’m a Mamiya user and am curious about the Hassie system - is there is a ground glass that has lines for a 5x4 ratio or 6x7 ratio? Thanks

[@Jimbojam]

Yes. There are a few places where you can get custom screens made. I just got one for my Rollei that has 4x5 ratio lines etched on the 6x6 ground glass.

[@MG-ow5wh]

@@Jimbojam cheers!

[@Jimbojam]

@@MG-ow5wh Rick oleson has what you need and you can get bargain price on some.screens that aren't perfect.

[@chelseakahana4982]

I don't know who else to ask but the film magazine does not want to detach from my camera I inherited the camera and I don't know what I'm doing and don't want to break it any advice would be greatly appreciated

[@Jimbojam]

If the dark slide is not inserted, the film back cannot be released. If it could be, then the film would be exposed to daylight. It's an interlock system. Also, if the dark slide is inserted, the shutter cannot be released. Brilliant analog design. If you do not have a dark slide, you'll need to get one. They can be misplaced easily unless your film back has a dark slide holder on it.

[@marlonb.8243]

Question: A12 magazine is already loaded and advanced to frame 1, but the shutter isn't advanced (cocked). Should I advance the shutter before attaching the A12 magazine?

[@Jimbojam]

YES, do that first. they need to both be on the same page, so to speak, in order for it to work properly.

[@marlonb.8243]

@@Jimbojam Thank you, Friend.

[@eyebidder]

do you know what causes the rear shutter doors to hang and not go back after firing the camera? If the magazine was off I turned that tiny screw near the bottom of the lens on the camera till the lens shutter is rechecked and then the doors go back. Happens whenever it wants! Frustrating and concerned about not being able to access the tiny screw while the magazine is attached, then I'm screwed since I cannot put the dark slide back in! Help!

[@Jimbojam]

sounds like it might be time for some service, which is OK. they need it from time to time. without being able to see it in person, I cannot really know what the problem is. Hopefully you can find a good repair service near you or find one you can ship it to. good luck!

[@mazambane]

Hi Steven. Mine close slowly which I'm sure cant be right. Did you get yours sorted? What was the problem?

[@KAVKAZGAMING]

old hasselbad or kiev88 or salut is my dream it cost too much in georgia couse of dollar wallet and i hope that one day i can afford for myself a medium Format SLR cous i only have TLR medium format camera so i one more problem in georgia you cannot get Medium format film but i will buy it too :D i will give anything to get Medium Format Slr and shoot with it

[@KAVKAZGAMING]

***** thx dude

[@KAVKAZGAMING]

***** you was right i got it yesterday Kiev 88 for 60$ but jumping apature was not working but i made it work thx for chilling me

[@KAVKAZGAMING]

Thanks

[@mikemalloy1681]

Where did you find that focus handle?

[@mikemalloy1681]

Not yet. I think it would help. Plus, your video is excellent. New to the H world. Have a 503CW, and it takes some getting used to. But, I can see a bright future for this camera. Mike Malloy

[@Jimbojam]

you can get focus handles on ebay or www.keh.com, for example.

[@roddale8412]

You talk like actor Tom Noonan. When he player Francis Dolerhyde in Manunter 1986.

[@Jimbojam]

+rod dale would you like my autograph? (it's free) :D

[@roddale8412]

+Master Zebulon I didn't mean it as a criticism. Tom is a cool actor. Has anyone else ever noticed? Btw, I like the slow, measured pace & absence of background music in your vids. Background music ruins so many vids.

[@Jimbojam]

+rod dale No worries, Rod- i did not take it as a criticism!

[@geradebowden1463]

why don't you do more video's?

[@Jimbojam]

well, I would if I had an idea of what to do them on- do you have any suggestions?

[@geradebowden1463]

how about the way you use your hassy ?

[@arricammarques1955]

Shame 220 film not being manufactured. 2x 120 film backs @ 12Exp.

[@Jimbojam]

yes, 220 film is done and gone. I have run 120 film thru the 220 backs (which are much cheaper to buy) and had no problems at all, amazingly.

[@user-ti9zc1xv2b]

Just by the way you are articulating and reasoning, my best bet is that you are either an engineer, mathematician or some other STEM-trained guy.

[@Jimbojam]

actually, I'm by trade a professional luthier. My brother is an engineer, however!

[@user-ti9zc1xv2b]

A luthier! Oh wow... so they still exist huh? You should look into narrating books, you have an outstanding tone and voice. Good luck in the future!

[@Jimbojam]

that's a great idea, actually. I have been looking for a new career. for real! cheers

[@user-ti9zc1xv2b]

Go to Goodreads and Amazon, tons of info on there!

[@marcoturino5123]

They’re not cheap anymore these days

[@Jimbojam]

I know, right? Everything has gone thru the roof now.

[@goritedi3410]

2:59 you should never doing this! Your mirror is scratched.If there is a dirt ,clean it with a very soft cleaner.Dust shoud be simply blowing.Never use your shirt.

[@Jimbojam]

I have cleaned many a mirror and lens with a fine silk aloha shirt for years, with impunity.

[@goritedi3410]

@@Jimbojam I'm agree,this may working with the lenses(unless your shirt is freshly washed) but never with a mirror without causing damage .See the mirror of your Hblad,I'm absolutely sure there are scratches on it.

[@Jimbojam]

@@goritedi3410 nope, no scratches. Thanks for your concern tho!