Help understanding Hasselblad models

ray*j*gun

ray*j*gun

Veteran
Local time
2:45 AM
Joined
Dec 21, 2007
Messages
2,455
I am interested in learning about the various Hasselblad "500 C" models and variations. If there is already a thread about these cameras I can't find it and would really love some first hand data from your experience. Of course budget is a factor and I like the cosmetics of the chrome bodies and lenses.

One seller on evilbay touted the lens on his 500CM as the desirable non T* version of the Carl Zeis Planar lens. Whats that about? I really have no background here.

Anyway I would use the camera in non-studio work and really am curious about the benefits of this brand. I presently use an RZ67 and although its heavy it gives me excellent images and is a bullet proof camera.

Thanks in advance for your help!!
 
Thanks FrozenInTime. Very helpful! Focusing is getting harder for these old eyes so the Acute Matte screen will be a must.

Any first hand experience on how they feel, hold up in the field etc?

Thanks!
 
My sole hasselblad until earlier this year has been the 501C bought new in 1996 with 80mm new-C lens and WLF.
It's performed flawlessly ever since.
It's been to the red and dusty Australian outback ; up many scottish hills in sun, rain and snow; across the molesworth track in New Zealand on the back of my no suspension touring bike ... etc.

Since giving up on DSLRs, I added a SWC/M, 203FE and Flexbody - but the 501C still sees active service.
 
The latest viewing screen is hard to believe. Next to my Pentax 6x7 and a friend's Bronica, the screen in the late model 501CM (2003) is like looking directly at the subject. The screen is the split image surrounded by micro-prisms. I recommend it highly.

The other recent change is the addition of a darkslide holder to the film magazine. I can't believe it took them 40-50 years to add the darkslide holder. Very nice feature. Highly recommended.

Both of these features of the late 501 model cost extra. There are 3 runs of lenses since the 1970s. C, CF & CB. CF lenses also have subsets: CFE and CFi. I honestly don't know what, if any, optical differences exist between the three versions. There is a huge difference in prices at KEH. Someone with first hand knowledge will have to advise us on the merits of each series. The lens next to me now is an 80mm CFE Planar. Top of the heap at KEH. Is it better than a C model? I have no idea.

Stick to lenses for the 500-503-501 camera bodies with built in shutters in the lenses. The 500 series bodies have no shutter. There are other lenses for the automatic bodies that don't work on the 500 series bodies.

Good luck.
 
Last edited:
I have a 500CM. I believe that later models had a more complex swinging mirror mechanism to allow the use of a longer mirror so that the focusing screen view of long telephoto lenses is not cut off. This added complexity is of no use to me. I installed an upgraded Accumat screen and recommend that change.
 
Excellent info guys....thank you!!!

I also would love to hear about the real world differences in the lenses.
 
The old 500C bodies were contemporary with the C designated lenses.

The later 500CM bodies had user changeable focusing screens, wind levers instead of knobs, and came with lenses designated C T* and CF. These lenses had better multicoating and I think used a different leaf shutter than the C lenses. The 50mm C lens flared quite a bit and was greatly improved in this regard in the CF version.

Given the low prices of the CM bodies and CF lenses, I'd stay away from the older C series bodies and lenses. (performance and reliability) Which is not to say that the C series stuff is bad, just older.
 
Last edited:
Giving this some real tought. If I do in fact keep the Hasselblad camera and lens...

I think that I could be very happy with an early C T* 150 Sonnar and a newer CF 50mm Distagon. Assuming I could find an affordable 50mm CF Distagon lens. 150mm C T* lenses are most affordable.

The film magazines with the darkslide holder are worth having as is the latest viewing screen. I wouldn't be surprised if a 501 body + Acute Matte screen + latest film magazine weren't the same or cheaper than piecing the various bits together individually. You would certainly have much newer hardware.

Agreed. I'll never need the functions of the CFE lens. It was on the camera when it arrived.

Flare: Surprised that I could make the 80mm Planar flare rather easily. No hood. I need one. Be careful.

Bottom line: If you want one, get one.

Hey it's Sunday! You tricked us with Hasselblad talk. A subject I can't seem to avoid even on No Gear Talk Sunday.
 
Last edited:
Just a little trick with Hasselblads: there are bayontte mount to standard filter screw size adaptors, that makes getting filters for your Hasselblad lens more affordable.
 
I got a 501cm that came with an 80 CB lens, my understanding is the CB line were a slightly cheaper line of lenses, I think I read that the 80 CB had fewer elements than the CF, but Hasselblad claimed that there was almost no loss of quality, they are much nicer to handle though, having chunky rubber grips on the focus/shutter speed rings, designed to be easy to while wearing gloves apparently, it is much nicer to use than any of the 80Cf's I've tried.....Robert.
 
Thanks Frank

Thanks Frank

FrankS said:
Just a little trick with Hasselblads: there are bayontte mount to standard filter screw size adaptors, that makes getting filters for your Hasselblad lens more affordable.
Click to expand...

I meant to mention that. Also, older lenses used B50 size while newer lenses use B60. Something else to consider if mixing & matching lenses.

My dilemma: Shed the Pentax 6x7 and 45-105-150 lenses for the 501CM and similar lenses. Tough decision.
 
I would recommend a 501CM or 503CW and lenses CF or later (CFE, CFi) The C lenses will be running out of spare parts soon, and they do need maintenence. The cameras without the gliding mirror (500C, CM, CX), will vignette in the viewfinder with lenses longer than 100mm. For the rest, make sure the camera has had a recent CLA. Enjoy!
 
Hey guys sorry I didn't realize Sunday was a "no gear day". :D

I'm going to print this thread......great stuff to chew on.

I tend to like the older classic gear but have bowed to technology when I have to. My favorite 35mm gear is still my Barnacks and if I can deal with the slower pace these cameras need I always go to them first.

Again thanks to all!!! I'm going to digest this info and I will report back on what I finally buy.
 
Distillation

Distillation

mfogiel said:
I would recommend a 501CM or 503CW and lenses CF or later (CFE, CFi) The C lenses will be running out of spare parts soon, and they do need maintenence. The cameras without the gliding mirror (500C, CM, CX), will vignette in the viewfinder with lenses longer than 100mm. For the rest, make sure the camera has had a recent CLA. Enjoy!
Click to expand...

Essential points. I like it.
 
On lenses, I have three that are "old models", none of them can produce a picture that made me wonder about the quality.

And for the price I got them, I won't be complaining even if it was otherwise.

My point is, cheap Hassy kits are abundant nowadays, getting hang up on the newer models, this coating versus that, can really hamper you from doing what you wanted to do, that is go ahead and try one.

If I can only give one suggestion, look for local deals from retiring pro's or pro's who are retiring their Hassy kits, they are usually quite beat up, but regularly serviced. This is what mine looks like:

2723394022_0c7a253b9c.jpg


Pretty beat up, eh? but it just hums along nicely shot after shot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom