Watching this in Dec 2023. Wonderful, detailed, and informative video summarising the Hasselblad V system. Something which I has been searching for online but no website offers as much information as this. Thank you! 🙂
Well, my wife, Linda, is a retired professional/commercial photographer who OWNS this particular Hasselblad 500 CM! She even was invited by Hasselblad company in Sweden to tour the Hasselblad factory 20 years ago! I am sorry to disappoint you that the way this 500 CM Hasselblad can be more interesting if the person demonstrating it could have taken time to speak better demonstrating this iconic medium format camera film and also avilable in DIGITAL format. Linda sold the Hasselblad ELM (motorized model).
Hasselblad actually made 30mm f/3.5 fisheye as their widest normally available lens, the widest lens they ever produced for the V system is a 24mm for industrial uses
The 30mm is a really fun lens to use. They do cost an arm and a leg but we used to hire one when needed. Mind you, if you think Hasselblad lenses are expensive, get a Leica!
Damn, I just inherited a 501CM and have been trying to learn about it through forums and bad blog posts. This was so insightful. Thanks for putting so much time and effort.
This is probably the most thorough Hasselblad breakdown that I've seen. I've owned a focal plane type Hasselblad (2000 FC/M) for about 3 years and I've built up a pretty good system. I would also mention that you can add close-up filters (Proxar) and 1.4X/2.0X tele-extenders to expand your focal range. The close-up filters are especially useful as you can focus much closer for tighter portraits or macro shots without any need for exposure compensation calculations. Good job!
it shows your passion for tthe exelence of the camera, and in the process helped to remind me many things.....after watching the video got out everything hasselblad I own and realize many lenses needs service, also 1 body and 1 back . Got my work cut out for me, but at least is a starting point.
Absolutely fantastic video. I finally was able to get a 500 c/m after dreaming about it for a very long time. This video was extremely helpful in helping me to get comfortable with my camera and not be intimidated by it. I can’t thank enough for the information. I will be referring back to this often as I get more more experience.
Have two, a 500CM and 501CM, will not trade it for any other Modular Medium format camera out there, PERIOD! It’s that good!!! If you’re thinking of getting one, just do it, you won’t regret it! The other gem in the 6x6 is the Rolleiflex 2.8F which I own too, but that is a different shooting experience all together. Great Video! really informative! Cheers
Brilliant video! I like that it's not your typical over the top youtuber content while not taking yourself too seriously at the same time. All the information I was looking for is there. Audio quality is impeccable and the setting is great. An all around good job. Cheers chap!
Been a user of V system since 1975 now updated with CFV digital back! Terrific camera, not just for studio, whilst other photographers were using 35mm for sports and location we were using Hasselblads for sports with flash! Terrific camera and a classic! Have a few of these cameras with most of the lenses, even preferred this over the new H systems so stuck with them.
Just purchased a 500cx! This was very helpful! Thanks for taking the time to put this together! Very much appreciated! I am looking forward to getting acquainted with my Hassy!
Like an earlier contributer.. I too worked professionally for 12 years using Hassel 500c/m but this video did teach me one thing that I had not known.. that was about the warning for speeds of 1sec to 1/4sec relating to focal plane blind intrusion. I would say too that these speeds are used most with a cable release.. where I think one is even more at risk of releasing prematurely, as when using the button directly one would be inclined to wait for exposure completion and release slowly to avoid camera movement. It was implied that there were no downsides to leaf shutters.. but bare in mind that an exposure at 1/500th at f2.8 on will never be the totally accurate as for a significant portion of the exposure duration a part of the f2.8 diaphram aperture will be obscured bet the shutter blades as they are opening and then closing. Not a problem with focal plane shutters as the gap between leading and trailing blinds is consistently facilitated light rays from the full aperture opening. Great video though, enjoyable and memory invoking. Thanks Jonathan.
The sheetfilm holder is not just for making a test exposure. Dozens of special photographic emulsions were for sale as sheet films, butnot in 120 rollfilm. With the special purpose Hasselblad scissors you had to make your 6x6 cm sheetfilm. There are A32 and A32s backs There is an A 2456 back for 35 mm film. The 70 mm back with double perforatiefilm was for aerial photography, for scientific photography, for medical photography etc. The short extension tubes are great for a closer shot with the Zeiss tele lenses. Two types of Hasselblad Polaroid backs for test shots and instant BW negatives. Mount a Hasselblad 500 C/M body to any 4x5 view camera by a special adapter.
I have the 503 CXI and 503 CW with 50mm 120mm and 150mm lenses. I love the Hasselblad. I don't use the metered Prism finder preferring a handheld meter. Because my Sekonic spot meter is so accurate and also I will take the Prism Finder off and shoot the waist level from time to time. Which of course doesn't have a meter.
Thanks so much for so much detail. You have covered quite a few areas that are new to me. You have definitely increased my the size of my brain. I appreciate that! This is a special video.
Thanks. I learned a couple of things I did not know about my C500. This video let me know my camera was made in 1970. They must have made a change sometime late in the production of the C500 because mine does offer interchangeable focusing screens. You thoroughly covered the camera's features, lenses, and some accessories. Well done!
Great video! Shooting 500 C/M now since 3 years. IMO it is unavoidable at some point to jam and trip the camera no matter how careful I was. Survival hint: always have a Penny (or Cent) in your pocket to manually turn the attachment screw on a lens or extension tube if things go wrong. The camera system is great but has its mechanical quirks. Most common struggle I still have is to quickly insert the dark slide after an exposure was done: hard to find the tiny insert slot.
@@MB-or8js Interesting that you mentioned this. I’ve seen many RU-vidrs replace the slide after each shot and It baffled me. I didn’t know any professional photographers who did this when I shot professionally during the 80s and 90s. We inserted the slide when it was time to detach the back or at the end of a shoot.
@@johntazbaz1121 this works well if in a stationary studio environment for example. But the risk of light leak is higher when moving the camera around in changing light conditions.
@@MB-or8js This isn’t accurate. Wedding, engagement, portrait, fashion and commercial shoots were done outdoors. Professional photographers weren’t inserting and removing the dark slide after each frame and light leaks weren’t an issue. If they were, Hasselblads wouldn’t have been so widely used by pros. I shot hundreds of rolls through my 500 c/m since the late 1980s, never had a single light leak because the dark slide wasn’t inserted between shots.
Maybe another worthwhile detail to mention is the big advantage that the ocular can be rotated to fit the eyesight diopters in the PM-45 prism viewfinder. Otherwise additional expensive glass inlays for diopter correction have to be used with other Hasselblad prism viewfinder models. Only con I have observed with the PM-45 is that the ocular lens fogs easily in cold weather.
at 49:57 one trick is to use the T lever, turn the lever, take the shot, (the T holds the button in), then holding the button in (to ease the cycle, not slap it), return the lever to normal position, then release the button slowly.
Excellent, excellent channel - and a great video about the Hasselblad! I got a 503 cw a year ago, and actually got a couple of tips from this video that I did not know - one year after using it! Funny how such a "simple" camera can be so complicated! Looking forward to the next video!
Thanks ever so much. Really useful. I have a 500EL/M and a 500EL/X. It such a different experience from digital - shooting with a camera that requires thought to operate and has just 12 frames per roll. I really think about composition, depth of field, and choice of filter before I press the shutter. It makes photography much more fun!
I have the 140 - 280 Macro zoom and I have found it to be an extremely versatile lens and can be used for everything from portraiture through to wildlife.
Hello Jonathan Excellent overview of the Hasselblad 500 series camera system. I'm retired and shoot a 1968 Chrome 500-C strictly as a hobby. My lense inventory includes several C & T* C lenses, 50mm, 80mm, 150mm, 250mm including a 2X teleconverter. Even though my gear is ancient, it still brings a million dollars worth of satisfaction each and every time it go on a shoot. Keep up the hard work. You're doing a good job. I really enjoyed your presentation.
I love the Hasselblad-Zeiss CF T* type V-lenses and own 4 of them (50, 60, 80, and 180 mm). Probably the sharpest is the 180 mm lens followed closely by the 50 mm (I have the first version without floating lens element). I found it is difficult to focus correctly at f/2.8 with the 80 mm lens and using the prism viewfinder - probably best to have is a split-focus screen which is hyper expensive now. Only con of V-lenses is their limited number of aperture blades leading to pentagon-like bokeh circles when the lens is stopped down. This can look unique and artistic, but it can also look a bit undesirable. Nice thing is that the V-lenses can potentially be used with adapter on modern digital medium-format cameras, too.
Excellent review, if not the best review of Hasselblad V series cameras and lenses. It was Wally Schirra who bought a Hasselblad 500 C since it was recommended to him by photographers from Life and National Geographic. NPR article “The Camera That Went To The Moon And Changed How We See It” by Scott Neuman, July 13, 201912:53 PM ET
I used Hassies early in my career. (Starting in 1973) They take great quality photos. But the lack of instant return mirtor bothered me. The screen was not bright. (I did buy a third party Britescreen) The interlock of F stop and shutter speed selectors is awkward and makes bracketing exposures difficult. Doesn't have 1/3 F click stops. Loading film is slow. The pins that hold the backs on bend. There is a lot of vibration with the mirror and rear light blind. The mechanical connection between body and leaf shutter cocking can get out of sync...locking a lens on. Polaroid back could prevent use of some 90 degree prisms. I switched to the Rollei 6006 system as soon as it came out. Like going from a WWII prop plane to a jet fighter. Just one example: on a Hassie, after your last shot, you wind on and try to take another shot but the camera is locked up...sometimes just as the model has a perfect expression. My assistant had to watch the frame counter and stop me to reload. On the Rollei, the film automatically winds off after the last shot. Then you can just swap in a cheap preloaded film insert...no need to change backs. The film will advance to the first frsme.
If the back and the body is out of sync and you want to wind the film back without exposing a 2nd double frame. Put the lens cap on and fire and wind the crank.
Owning 2 -00cm and 3cx found it very enjoyable and to my surprise new pretty much everything you covered , thought it was very thorough and comprehensive vlog .. indeed it’s a beautiful camera system very little to be left to be desired with it , can be a lot to take in at first for a novice but once you get to grips with it , it’s beautiful how uncomplicated it can be , beautiful crafted, build quality is a staggering functionality is good and well thought out and fantastic image quality ..
I found you recently and subscribed… You are very knowledgeable Jonathan and have a very easy way to explain all things photography the right way in my opinion! I can see your passion…I’m an older dude with plenty of cameras and some experience in this hobby (not Pro) all things considered … keep it coming mate…looking forward to your next one! Stay safe, Cheers..
About backs Divers used the 70 back, having enough frames for each dive These V system cameras work also perfectly with digital back, even with the latest most modern one CFV II 50c
In the Sixties and Seventies the Hasselblad bodies were for sale without the optic and without the back. The 500 C/M plus a A12 + a A24 and a 50 mm and a 150 mm make a nice set to work with.
Hi Jonathan, I worked with the Hasselblad system decades ago (as well as Leica M). In those days my succes scores were almost 1:1 because one took the time to arrange composition and lighting. These days photography is based on clicking and bracketing and chose the right one afrerwards.
Jonathan, one tip with the QR plate, the H-system has this EXACT same rail under them, so you buy this once, for the 500's and can use it for these H cameras (digital) as well.
correction, the 30 fisheye is the widest lens!, then the 38 biogon (from the SWC cameras, FIXED lens), then 40 then 50mm (50 = 35mm in 35mm format equivalent), 30 = ~17-21mm in 35 format.
Thanks for making this video... Looking forward to the next one. I have a 500c which I never seem to get around to using despite it being my favourite camera. Love it. You have inspired me to dust it off 👍By way of constructive criticism, you're presentation skills are excellent but the close up focusing faff is very annoying.
this was awesome!!!! Do one on the Rolleilflex system please please! I've tried most MF cameras & my favorites are the Hassel & Rollei but in the end I prefer the Rollei given it's silent, a TLR & I love the older 10 bladed Rollei lenses. Great work, keep it up!
Love the Rolleiflex too but ultimately a completely different camera. The Rolleiflex is not a system camera like the 500CM. I regularly shift between wide angle, normal and telephoto lenses as well as different film backs on my Hasselblad and can't do that on the Rolleiflex. People often compare these two but they're not very comparable other than both shooting 6x6. The comparable Rolleiflex would be the SL66.
You have to correct: "the test exposure with the single exposure back for high budget shoots". During the heyday period of the analog photography Kodak produced 50 different types of sheet films. A rather small quantity of Kodak films was produced as the series of 120 spool (B2) films. Hasselblad had a special pair of scissors to clip a piece of 6 x 6 cm heet film out of a 4 x 5 sheet film, to fill the single exposure back with.
I am a retired professional with 55 years of experience. My blads are worn but still work perfectly. The sad thing is that I put them away when I went digital in 2007. Sometimes I just open the storage containers to just hold them and click off a few dry clicks so I am reminded of the pure pleasure of using a Hasselblad. I also love to look through the finder of my Super Wide. It is so wide that I feel like I can see behind myself.
Though expensive, 907 50 CVII will have you and your Hassleblads back out shooting again. I bit the bullet and have not regretted my purchase. Nothing holds a candle to the Hasselblad color science. My ‘74 500 C/M, ‘77 Planar 2.8/80mm & ‘65 Sonnar CF T* 4/150mm, which I have had since ‘78, are now in constant use.
I got an RB67 instead of the RZ because I wanted a fully mechanical camera like the Hasselblad, but I didn't have Hasselblad money yet, so getting a 500 series is definitely a dream of mine (if for nothing other than the massive reduction in size and weight)
at 41:45 a good tip, but this is MORE important on the 200/2000 focal plane shutter bodies, as if you aproach the back SLOW there is no chance of dinging the shutter ( a 0.3-0.5 mm thick titanium sheet at the rear [replaces the baffels on the 500 series]) And if you distort this, this ruins the whole camera body, as you need to send it in for repairs.
Best camera in the world! Thank you, one of the best videos I've seen on the Hasselblad. I've been a 500CM user for 15 years and most reviews on RU-vid get a lot of things wrong. It's a fantastic system which really rewards proficiency with the operations of the camera. Once one learns it fluently I feel few other cameras work as fluidly, as if to almost completely disappear. Only the Leica M compares in this regard in my opinion. I enjoyed how you touched on the mechanical complexity of the system - the little interlocks and indicators that work mechanically throughout to aid the photographer. I love all the lenses but in the end have settled on the 60mm, the 80mm and the 150mm. You made a small error when loading the film back. You're supposed to turn the key to lower the pressure plate before attempting to insert the cassette into the back. The reason for this is that the little metal guide rail that holds down the film makes sure it doesn't catch on the back as you insert in into the back. Wouldn't happen when done on a table, but once you're standing up trying to quickly load, little details like that are incredibly well thought out. That metal lip clamping down on the film means you can much easier mash the cassette into the back without risking the backing paper catching on the frame of the camera. If I would add anything to your review it would be the sheer joy of operating a Hasselblad. Since day one I'm addicted to the noises from the lens, camera and film back. It's an incredibly characteristic sound like no other and just sounds, well, hot. Same goes for the overall haptics. While I've used Bronicas they never provided me with anywhere near the haptic pleasures of a 500CM. The Rolleiflex SL66 is very good 6x6 SLR system camera too, but more bulky and heavy and with a far smaller assortment accessories and lenses and more difficult to get parts for. The Rolleiflex TLR that so many like to compare to a 500CM is a very different kind of camera. Not a system camera at all like the Hasselblad and I don't understand why they're so often compared to be honest.
In the Sixties and Seventies you could buy the Hasselblad 500 C and a 500 C/M camera without the lens and without the back, because the Hasselblad was a professional brand.
at 46:27 there is another issue Jonathan, if you don't wind-on, the baffels won't have closed, and for a 500 series, this is BAD, as the shutter is in the lens, so you take a lens off, and the baffels and the darkslide are the only things saving the film from the 'fog'.
"...and no batteries". This is going to blow you away, but humans built some incredible products, all before batteries. I'm giving you a hard time. Enjoyed the vid. I came to learn more and did. I've also learned 120 film is not difficult to find.
Nice video. I was hoping you'd mention something about the digital back as I know nothing about these. Maybe there's another video somewhere - I'll do a search! :-)
