What is the Hasselblad 500C?

The Hasselblad 500C is a medium format film camera produced by the Swedish company Hasselblad. It was introduced in 1957 and quickly became a popular choice among professional photographers. The 500C is known for its modular design, exceptional image quality, and robust construction.

What film format does the Hasselblad 500C use?

The Hasselblad 500C uses 120 roll film, which is a medium format film format. This film format allows for larger negatives compared to 35mm film, resulting in higher image quality and more detail.

What is the lens mount of the Hasselblad 500C?

The Hasselblad 500C features a proprietary lens mount known as the Hasselblad V System. This mount allows for interchangeable lenses, offering photographers a wide range of focal lengths and creative possibilities.

What are the key features of the Hasselblad 500C?

The key features of the Hasselblad 500C include a waist-level viewfinder, a focal plane shutter with speeds ranging from 1 second to 1/500th of a second, interchangeable film backs for quick film changing, and a modular design that allows for various accessories and configurations.

Is the Hasselblad 500C suitable for beginners?

While the Hasselblad 500C is a highly capable camera, it may not be the best choice for beginners due to its manual operation and advanced features. It requires a good understanding of photography fundamentals and experience with manual cameras to fully utilize its capabilities.

Can the Hasselblad 500C be used for professional photography?

Yes, the Hasselblad 500C is widely used by professional photographers for various genres of photography, including portrait, fashion, landscape, and studio work. Its exceptional image quality, reliable performance, and extensive system of lenses and accessories make it a popular choice among professionals.

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Hasselblad 500C

Name: Hasselblad 500C
Brand: Hasselblad
Rating: 3.5 (8 reviews)

Slr

120MM

Hasselblad

Sweden

Size & Weight

Camera Size for Hasselblad 500C160 x 110 x 110 mm
Camera Weight for Hasselblad 500C1.35 kg
Camera Build Material for Hasselblad 500CAluminum alloy

Focus

Camera Focus Mode for Hasselblad 500CManual Focus
Camera Focus Type for Hasselblad 500CSplit Image

Exposure

Camera Shutter Speed Range for Hasselblad 500C1 s – 1/500 s
Camera ISO Speed Range for Hasselblad 500C25 ISO – 6400 ISO
Camera Exposure Modes for Hasselblad 500CManual
Camera Exposure Meter for Hasselblad 500CNone (external metering)
Camera Viewfinder for Hasselblad 500CWaist level viewfinder

Lens & Accessories

Camera Lens Type for Hasselblad 500CInterchangeable Lens
Camera Lens Mount for Hasselblad 500CHasselblad V mount
Common Camera Lenses for Hasselblad 500C 80mm f/2.8 Planar 50mm f/4 Distagon 150mm f/4 Sonnar
Camera Flash for Hasselblad 500C No Built-In Flash
Camera Common Accessories for Hasselblad 500C Hasselblad A12 film back Hasselblad prism viewfinder Hasselblad lens hood

Battery

Camera Battery Type for Hasselblad 500CNone
Battery Life for Hasselblad 500CN/A

Manual

Camera Manual for Hasselblad 500CShow Manual

Use Cases

Camera Use Cases for Hasselblad 500C
📸
Studio photography
🏞️
Landscape photography
👤
Portrait photography

Description for Hasselblad 500C

The Hasselblad 500C is a legendary medium format film camera that was introduced in 1957. It is widely regarded as one of the most iconic cameras in the photography world. The 500C features a modular design with interchangeable lenses, viewfinders, and film backs, allowing photographers to customize the camera according to their needs. It uses 120 or 220 roll film and produces square 6x6cm negatives. The camera has a focal plane shutter with speeds ranging from 1/500 to 1 second, as well as a bulb mode for long exposures. It offers a waist-level viewfinder for composing images and a bright focusing screen for precise manual focusing. The Hasselblad 500C is known for its exceptional build quality, reliable mechanics, and superb image quality, making it a favorite among professional photographers and enthusiasts alike.

✺ Even more info for you

The Hasselblad 500C was the first Hasselblad camera to feature a focal plane shutter, which allowed for faster shutter speeds compared to the earlier leaf shutter models. It became popular among photographers for its versatility and ability to handle a wide range of photographic genres, including portraiture, landscape, and studio work. The camera's modular design also made it easy to upgrade and adapt to new technologies, ensuring its longevity in the ever-evolving world of photography. Today, the Hasselblad 500C is considered a classic and highly sought-after collector's item.

Example Photos for Hasselblad 500C

📷 Christopher Martin |

📷 Rasmus Andersson |

📷 Max Norskog |

Some photos might not be accurate. We are working on it ✌

Pros and Cons for Hasselblad 500C

Medium format camera, providing high-resolution images

Interchangeable lens system, allowing for versatility in shooting

Built-in light meter for accurate exposure

Robust and durable construction, suitable for professional use

Leaf shutter mechanism for precise and quiet operation

Manual focus and manual film advance, requiring more time and effort

Relatively large and heavy compared to 35mm cameras

Expensive compared to other film cameras

How to Use the Camera Hasselblad 500C

How to Load Film Hasselblad 500C

Potential Problems and Fixes for Hasselblad 500C

Fungus in Lens

The Hasselblad 500C lenses are prone to fungus growth if not stored properly. It's important to store the camera in a dry, cool place and use silica gel packets to absorb any excess moisture.

Shutter Failure

The shutter mechanism in the Hasselblad 500C can sometimes fail due to age or misuse. Regular servicing and gentle handling can help prevent this issue.

Film Advance Issues

There can be issues with the film advance mechanism getting stuck or not advancing the film properly. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help prevent these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hasselblad 500C

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