Loved your video! I have been a Hasselblad shooter since 1972. Glad to see young photographers taking an interest in the 500 series cameras. Back in the 1970's Hasselblad ran many promotional ads pertaining to hand holding the camera properly. Very few people today actually hold the camera correctly. And it does make a difference. Please allow me to instruct you on the "correct" way to hand hold it, according to Hasselblad. 1. Left hand - The camera is held strictly with the left hand alone. NEVER hold the camera with the right hand, as the right hand has its own obligations, described in #2 below. The left thumb rests on the left side of the body (as you're looking down). The left index finger rests on the shutter button, and fires the camera when ready. DO NOT try to fire the camera with the right finger!!! Only the left index finger fires the shutter. The other three left fingers wrap around the bottom of the camera, and rest securely under the film crank. That's why the camera has that curved design around the film crank! To accommodate your other three fingers. 2. Right hand - The right hand is in charge of the lens and film winding crank. With the right hand you focus, and adjust aperture & shutter speeds, as well as anything else on the lens that needs attention. After you fire the camera (remember - with your left index finger), you will then crank the film advance with your right hand. In summary - Left hand holds the camera securely and fires the shutter. Right hand controls the lens adjustments and winds the film advance crank.
My favorite Hasselblad story. Back in the early 1980's I was covering a major event for the newspaper I worked for, and the company putting it on had hired a major New York photography business to cover it. The night of the event they showed up with 16 Hasselblads, most of the lenses from Hasselblad's stable of lenses, bags of film, etc. Being a small town news photographer, I was duly impressed, until one of them walked up to me and asked me if I happened to have any Hasselblad dark slides. Seems they left all the dark slides from the film backs in New York, about 1500 miles away. We were 100 miles from the nearest camera store. The event was starting within an hour. The event organizers ended up using some of my photos from my Lowly Nikons. The fancy photographers lost a lot of money. Don't forget your dark slides. ;) Along the way I've had a couple of 'blads. Nice cameras. Amazing lenses.
LoL~ that’s probably why some of the later model has the slider holder build in the camera~ I can’t imagine how stressful that must be. I loose lens caps all the time, hope I’ll never loose a slider!! Thank you for sharing that story with me~
Young lady, you took me back to an age where I simply loved photography more then anytime in my 40 years of shooting. I had 500 c/m. I had so many accessories for that body. I shot a lot of weddings with that camera. I loved shooting B&W inferred and E6 slide films. I thought I would hate the 6x6 format. Being that I had been shooting with a Bronica 645 system for years. But after testing with it. I fell in love with the simplicity of it. Especially when shooting portraits and couples. It did make me slow down from 35mm and it fast focusing systems. It was bliss for me. The winding of the crank to advance the film to releasing the shutter and hearing the mirror slap against the body. No other camera make that sound! I want another Hassy. I would love the 501c. If I can find one at good deal. I'd probably buy it. Nonetheless, thank you for your wonderful video.
Being a wedding/senior/family/event photographer in the 80's and early 90's the 501C and C/M were our bread and butter. I estimate I probably put at least 10,000 rolls of 220 through them. The square format you either love or hate. I would say that we used a tripod with the camera 90% of the time. A 501C is pretty much bullet proof. Only two issues really come to mind in my history with them. I remember where a leaf of the 80mm lens (standard) dropped out of the iris. Other issue has been mentioned, if you don't pull the slide out when changing film or backs you just shot 12 (or 24) images for nothing. The experience of a mechanical deivce such as these over digital can't really be expressed I have found. Back in the day we used to say, you just spent $1 everytime you pressed the shutter (developing and proofing into 5x5 cost). Today that would be more like spending $3 everytime you press the shutter. You are so much more aware and immersed into a process for a desired outcome then with the tools that are available today where you can "fix it in post".
From 7:45 where you talk about metering and possibly doing another video, then your description of how the shutter sounds, "important", your pure reaction just made me feel so excited about life.
Starting photography in the ‘80s, I can say that shooting manual with film is a whole lot more satisfying. Congratulations on acquiring a Hasselblad. I never owned one, but I have shot with one several times. They are amazing and the more you shoot with it, the more you get used to things like taking out the darkslide, holding firmly, judging light conditions without a light meter, etc. Your compositions and lighting are great. Enjoy shooting film, and the feel of a well built machine.
Welcome to the Hasselblad family. I have had two and now shoot the 503 CW. In time you will get very used to the way this camera works. Now my Hasselblad is my most comfortable camera. I know exactly and quickly how to shoot it.
I purchased my first Hasselblad in 1976, I have been using it ever since except periods of time when I was shooting only digital but then recently I had the camera overhauled and started using it again. The only problem I have with it is it’s big and bulky and difficult to transport but the images I get from the camera are really worth it
Every time I go out I struggle if I want to bring it, it’s a big and heavy camera for sure… but like you said, the photos came out of this camera just makes up for everything.
I have shot film for 35 years and digital since 1999. I have seen digital evolve into a sharp and clinical system. However, I love my Hasselblad 501C! The Hasselblad is also sharp, shooting film also allows me to slow down and compose and take the exposure. With film, I have a hard copy negative and a digital file from scanning. With digital I only have the digital file. Different tools for different purposes. I might add that many debate which medium format format to get, I have used 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9 and can say for my purposes, 6x6 is the sweet spot and I can even crop to 6x4.5 and still get sharp prints at 13x19. The 6x6 is far more economical than 6x7 and 6x9 which are overkill unless you are printing super large.
The last shots in the small parking lot are really awesome. I love them ! Congrats !! Very good job ! And your narrative about the Hasselblad is so great too ! Full of feelings, and no technical stuff, really great :)
Shooting square format makes you compose the image in a way that is unlike rectangular format. Look at the work of Vivian Maier - her primary camera was a Rollei TLR and the images she captured says it all. I've been shooting for well over 3 decades and the images that can come out pop a Hassy can't be disputed, but they are temperamental and prone to fail at the most inopportune times. Yet back in my film days when I assisted in commercial studio's, they were the workhorse cameras of that time (Pre-digital)
I own 5 500cms. 2 for spares , 3 to shoot with Tmax 400. Look - this is an early example of perfection in the school of industrial design. For the ubiquitous 70,s music scene , album covers required a Hasselblad. It’s just a beautiful format. Wandering around Rome with a 500cm & B&W film is happiness for me, street photography,architecture , life . Victor intuitively designed the Blad with us Norse God Thunder Slap us a glorious emotion. If you are lucky enough to find 1 shot in 12 & develop it yourself fudging & burning to a 20x20cm image, then frame . It’s an art. An art which is defined now by an iPhone and propaganda of immediate gratification. The 500cm is more than a tool , it’s a object of art for those who can stop the world from turning . My only criticism is that the Rolleiflex with its tiny package beats the planar in detail . So I have both …. Wearing my 76 sub, flare true religion , my Hasselblad strolling with a tripod through Venice late afternoon is my heaven
Wow I can see your true passion towards the 500 cameras. I like my Pentax 645, it’s a easier camera to work with, but recently I’m shooting with my 501c more and it’s really love and hate, it’s slow, it’s difficult to balance, but once I get one right!! Boom!! I love it~ like you said 1 shot in 12 is good should be a win!! I’ll definitely keep shooting with this camera~ 💪🏻🤓📸
I'm relatively new to photography and film photography so your videos have been very inspiring. I've watched some of your videos several times because the vibe is just so great. I've really wanted to get into medium format and since watching this video about the Hasselblad and your other about the Rollei, I was actually able to find a Hasselblad 503 and Rollei 35 S! I've been having a blast shooting them. Hope you can continue to make these great videos and if you're ever in Vietnam a photo walk would be pretty cool!
Your shot @17:02 is spectacular. Love the composition in relation to the space! Well done. I know the waist level is a bit challenging for some even myself. But I moved from the Hassleblad to my Rolleiflex TLR with the prism viewfinder and find it works so much better for me.
I like the waist level viewfinder on my RZ67 because I can get a lower perspective with it. With regard to using the tripod, I learn photography by shooting film instead of the ultra-fast digital and I learned to hold my camera steady for the slower film.
Try to use an 8mm macro extension tube for close portrait headshots. Its wonderful. A trick to cut motion blur at lower shutter speeds, 1. Compose 2. Lock up mirror ( meaning dont move hands or use tripod and freeze your model) 3. Fire shutter preferable with cable release. The cinestill 800T is muddy in low light, I've gotten a lot of advice irs really a 500 ISO film... Oh, and your portraits are just stunning ❤❤❤ you are sooooo goood 🎉🎉🎉
There truly is something that is immensely satisfying about the sound of the Hasselblad. I have three of them. A 500C, 503CX and a 553ELM. The 500C has been mostly retired because of some very sentimental reasons. I still use it but it rarely leaves the house.
I understand, there are a few times I want to bring it with me to a trip but consider the size and cost of films... I end up picking my 645 or 35mm instead... lol
I sold my 503cw during the pandemic. I’ve been missing it and this video reminds me of many of the things I loved about it. Might need to go reinvest in another one! Beautiful shots BTW! Well done.
Sam there is prisms for it, and also importantly a grip, at the bottom, with a prism attached this grip makes the 500 look like an old school policemen's' radar gun, or a Bolex 8mm movie camera .
My first 120 was a 6x6 waist level camera. I loved the format on the first set I did. It was such a fun time! None of my cameras made me want to go out and shoot. Until I got my mamiya universal. The first roll had no magic to it. The photos were honestly quite ugly. But it showed me what the camera could do and it was in that moment I was hooked! I bought it back in July and every week on my days off I try to go out with it. I love the camera so much. I've seen a few haseblad videos and the quality is amazing so I can totally understand and agree. I know nothing bout gear either. But if you fall in love with it, specs don't matter. I'm a little sad since it'll feel like you're going to betray your Pentax lol( I'm a Pentax fan)
Thank you for sharing your story!! Sometime I think I love the camera because it’s “difficult” to use, it’s challenging, it some what reminded me the very early days when I just pick up a camera. The curiosity and excitement is back!! It’s the happiness of learning photography again make me love the camera!! ( and I certainly not gonna betray my Pentax coz I still love it a lot, it’s definitely still my working horse!! … but I do feel like I start to not want to use my 1V much… speaking of betrayal 😂)
Recently I bought my first 500 c/m. One from about 1978 ish. I went on a buying hunt for a 50 mm lens and found a mint unused 500 c/m Black which I had to buy. I also got the 50 mm lens. After replacing the blacks A12 backs light seals I am very happy to say she works beautifully. I can not explain yet what it is about a Hasselblad but it just fits so well in the hand and that shutter sound is to die for. I wish you well on your Hasselblad journey.
subbed. your energy along with the music is so calm and refreshing. and your photos came out great! i recently got my first medium format camera and it feels very different but also very exciting.
Congrats!! I just start shooting medium format not long ago as well, it's very different but I love it!! Hope you enjoy your new camera too!! .. and thank you watching :)
I still shooting with my RB67 and getting amazing shots, the camera is heavy though tripods are musty need it. Yeah you’re shots amazing beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
I love the portraits shot on the Cinestill and I agree with your 'favourite' from that roll. I have a couple of Hasselblad V system cameras as well as a H system digital. I prefer to use the WLF over the prism finder on the film bodies. Similarly with my Mamiya 67, the prism finder for the RB/RZ really adds weight so I use the grip, it turns the camera into a real beast! Getting back to the Hasselblads, the noise they make are both beautiful and satisfying, not only the clunk of the mirror and click of the shutter, but also that little 'ping' when attaching the back! Top Tip, as the dark side has the looped handle, tie a ribbon or string through it and tie it off on the camera, although if you are out and about and only have the one back there is no need to insert it between shots, just leave it out and keep it in your bag.
Ahhhh, the RB/RZ is definitely on my wish list of cameras, hopefully one day I’ll be able to try it!!! I’ve been practicing with my hassleblad a little more recently, I think I’m starting to get used to the WLF a little more~ and the slide, I now clip it to a rope and hang it around my neck when I’m shooting~ LOL so I don’t loose it.🤓 Thank you for the tips and feedback :)
I just discovered your channel through my curiosity of this camera. After this video i leave a fan of your channel and creative style. What you are doing feels very personal and informative at the same time and i truly appreciate that. Keep up all the great work! Ps, I CANT WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON THIS CAMERA ONE DAY!!!😭 it looks like so much fun
You are tooo hard on yourself. That blue hour images were excellent. And the Hasselblad is magic. It does make you want to shoot. I was akward when i got mine at first but then i shot more with it and now its old hand. I live mine especially because someone gave it to me after they were going to literally throw it in to a dumpster. True story.
Such an amazing video. Music composure, pace, the smooth tone of voice, and the amazing images. Magical! It literally has me excited again about photography. Im not in my home country, and my medium format film cameras are though. :-( Great video
I held onto film photography through 2005, with Canon and Nikon 35mm cameras as well as a Bronica SQ-A. I did so because scanned film continued to hold significant image quality advantages compared to contemporary digital cameras. The Canon EOS 5D was the beginning of the end for my use of film, delivering files that were at least on par with scanned medium format film (and superior to most scanned 35mm film). I still harbor romantic notions of how great the experience and results of shooting film was. I even have retained a couple of 35mm SLRs but I seldom use because, in reality, there is very little I can do with those cameras that can’t be done with digital cameras with arguably better results without the expense and environmental footprint of using film. Great video, though.
I start doing photography on digital cameras, so going film is kinda going backward for me, I do agree digital cameras are more efficient and as film is getting more and more expensive, that's why I still shoot more digital than film... but I do enjoy the slow process. And thank you for watching and sharing your story :)
I have several 120 format cameras. Yes, sometimes you need a tripod, BUT sometimes it's a hassle. I suggest getting a MONOPOD instead. Not as steady as a tripod, BUT it definitely helps to steady the camera. My monopod slides together to about 1 foot in length and then I can extend it out when I need it and it's easy to carry. So, look into getting one.
@@itscapturedbysam It definitely gets easier! Though I do prefer the prism despite it being heavier, etc. I had sold my Hasselblad kit after I lost my job to the madness that was 2020, and I wound up with another kit barely a year later and I had no idea how much I missed it or how much I enjoyed using it.
Love ur channel . Hope to see more content. Learning a lot and love the film photography more than digital, I get 90's kid nostalgia and seems more passionate.
You handle it gently and correctly. I used one professionally for 10 years, but have now gone back to 35mm for speed and convenience. I recommend you get the eye level viewfinder.
Super test shoots! My opinion of camera of course is different. I like your work! All the faults of learning curve. I hate the lateral view. All the best!
Beautiful work. Glad I found your channel. I have a 501CM and they are truly wonderful cameras to use. Glad you finally got yours. Keep up the wonderful work. Looking forward to learning more about you and discovering more of your work.
@@itscapturedbysam Amen. A rollfilm 120 Kodakolor gold 200 costed about 3.5 € in 1990. Ektachrom 100 about 4.5€ (converted from old DM prices in newer €uro currency)
Ok so some were blurry due to slow shutter / handheld, but damn, the ones you got right were STUNNING. Please do not give up on the waist level finder, that is part of the attraction for these cameras, like you said yourself in one of the shots "it looks great in the viewfinder" (at 20:21). You don't get that with a prism style finder. I don't have a Hasselblad, but I have a Zenza Bronica ETRS which is 645 format but operates in a very similar way to the 'Blad. It was my very first medium format camera and for that reason still has a lot of sentimental value to me. But now I want a Hasselblad!
@@itscapturedbysam It's very similar, some called Bronica like a poor man's Hasselblad but that's a bit unkind to Bronica as their cameras are actually very well built.
Thank you for sharing such a magical experience. I really learned a lot and also enjoyed the video from beginning to end. Keep sharing such content as it is very informative and interesting as well.
