When it comes to medium-format film cameras, the Hasselblad 500CM is a classic that has stood the test of time. Introduced in 1957, the 500CM quickly became a favorite among professional photographers for its modular design, exceptional image quality, and reliability. Today, decades after its launch, the 500CM remains a popular choice for film photographers who seek to capture images with a unique character and depth that digital cameras can’t replicate. In this Hasselblad 500CM review, we’ll take a closer look at the Hasselblad 500CM, its features, and performance, and why it’s still a favorite among photographers. So, now we’ll take a closer look at Hasselblad 500CM features and performance.
Hasselblad 500CM Review: Features and Performance
Design and Build Quality
One of the most notable features of the Hasselblad 500CM is its modular design, which allows for a wide range of configurations to suit different shooting scenarios. The camera body is made of aluminum, making it sturdy yet lightweight, and it features a sleek, minimalist design that has become an icon in the photography world. The camera’s controls are all conveniently located on the right-hand side of the body, making it easy to operate with one hand. The camera’s lenses, viewfinders, and film backs are all interchangeable, allowing photographers to customize the camera to their specific needs.
Image Quality
Hasselblad 500CM is renowned for its exceptional image quality, thanks to its large 6×6 cm format, which provides more than four times the surface area of a standard 35mm film frame. This larger format allows for more detail, better color reproduction, and a more shallow depth of field than smaller film formats. The camera’s lenses are also renowned for their sharpness, contrast, and bokeh, and they are designed to be distortion-free, making them ideal for architectural, landscape, and portrait photography.
Ease of Use
Despite its advanced features, the Hasselblad 500CM is surprisingly easy to use, even for novice photographers. The camera’s controls are intuitive and straightforward, and the camera’s bright and clear viewfinder makes framing and focusing a breeze. The camera also features a built-in light meter, which simplifies the process of getting a correct exposure, even in challenging lighting conditions. So, now we’ll take a closer look at the Hasselblad 500CM price.
Hasselblad 500CM Price
Hasselblad 500CM is a high-end medium format camera that can be expensive to purchase. Prices for the camera vary depending on the condition, age, and specific features of the model. Here are some average prices for the Hasselblad 500CM:
- Used Hasselblad 500CM body: $1,500 – $2,500
- Used Hasselblad 500CM body with lens: $2,500 – $4,000
- New Hasselblad 500CM body: $4,000 – $5,000
- New Hasselblad 500CM body with lens: $5,500 – $6,500
It’s worth noting that prices for the Hasselblad 500CM can vary greatly depending on the seller and the condition of the camera. If you’re interested in purchasing a Hasselblad 500CM, it’s important to do your research, shop around, and purchase from a reputable seller to ensure that you get a quality camera at a fair price.
FAQs | Hasselblad 500CM Review
Hasselblad 500CM is an excellent camera for beginners who are interested in learning film photography. Although it may seem daunting at first, the camera’s intuitive controls and bright viewfinder make it easy to learn, and the camera’s modular design allows for easy customization as your skills and needs evolve.
Hasselblad 500CM uses a medium format film format known as 120 film, which provides a frame size of 6×6 cm.
While digital cameras offer many advantages, such as instant gratification and the ability to shoot thousands of images without changing a memory card, the Hasselblad 500CM offers a unique character and depth that digital cameras can’t replicate. The camera’s larger film format, exceptional lenses, and mechanical precision make it a favorite among photographers who value craft and artistic expression.
Final thoughts
Hasselblad 500CM is a timeless classic that continues to capture the hearts and minds of photographers worldwide. Its modular design, exceptional image quality, and ease of use make it a favorite among beginners and professionals alike. Despite being over 60 years old, the Hasselblad 500CM remains a popular choice for film photographers who seek to capture images with a unique character and depth that digital cameras can’t replicate.
If you’re interested in learning film photography or just want to experience the unique character of medium format film, the Hasselblad 500CM is an excellent choice. Its modular design allows for easy customization to suit your needs, and its exceptional lenses and image quality will help you create images that truly stand out. Overall, we highly recommend the Hasselblad 500CM to any photographer who values craft, artistic expression, and timeless design.
