... Of course the Rollei flex – and cord is better known, but the Hasselblad 501 CM is an excellent camera.
There is so much to say about this camera that it hardly fits into this space. This brand is like the zippo for lighters. It has existed for ages and its reputation is still at the top. ... Read review
Advantages: a classic, you get the best pictures Disadvantages: expensive
...is better known, but the Hasselblad 501 CM is an excellent camera.
There is so much to say about this camera that it hardly fits into this space. This brand is like the zippo for lighters. It has existed for ages and its reputation is still at the top. I reckon it is the best medium format camera in the world.
The 500 series has been out for a long time and by now all of the parts are interchangeable. There is no need ... ...despite this being the bottom line for Hasselblad. It does teach you a lot and you could even become professional with this camera. However you have to know what you want from the camera: portraits, landscape etc. It is a good choice, but be aware that moving images will be quite hard to take.
I have owned this camera for 8 years now and mine seems to be virtually indestructible: My family and friends have gone through various point ... more
This is THE classic camera in the medium format. Of course the Rollei flex – and cord is better known, but the Hasselblad 501 CM is an excellent camera.
There is so much to say about this camera that it hardly fits into this space. This brand is like the zippo for lighters. It has existed for ages and its reputation is still at the top. I reckon it is the best medium format camera in the world.
The 500 series has been out for a long time and by now all of the parts are interchangeable. There is no need for you to go for something more flash or expensive, despite this being the bottom line for Hasselblad. It does teach you a lot and you could even become professional with this camera. However you have to know what you want from the camera: portraits, landscape etc. It is a good choice, but be aware that moving images will be quite hard to take.
I have owned this camera for 8 years now and mine seems to be virtually indestructible: My family and friends have gone through various point and shoot as well as SRL cameras. I think it has been such a trouble-free purchase, because it is a manual camera and thus has no electronic parts. It only has a few moveable parts. Because of the high quality of this camera it’ s unlikely you will have many problems, but if you do, then the repairs will be a lot cheaper than for other cameras.
Pros - Almost indestructible - Large negative, which means when making enlargements the grain is hardly noticeable ( unlike with 35mm negatives ) - increases in value with time ( mine doubled since I owned it ). If I sold it now I would get my purchasing price back. - flexible - lenses made by world-famous Carl Zeiss
Cons - developing the film is expensive, sometimes a lot more than a 35mm - it’s heavy - not all labs will develop your pictures - the camera and accessories as well as film is expensive - it has no viewfinder and you focus the image on a glass focusing screen - there is no built-in meter, you have to rely on an external source
If you are going to buy the camera, buy the 24 image film magazine, because it lasts much longer than the 12 picture films. A tripod will also be a good investment to get your pictures as stable as possible, the mirror lock-up that comes with the camera will reduce further shaking to a real minimum.
You must use your camera once in a while and operate all the functions to prevent it from getting stiff.
The reputation of Hasselblad has prompted many a photographer-professional and amateur alike-to invest in what is arguably the ultimate medium format system. During my 15 year carrer in professional photography, I have used/owned three market-leading medium format camera models; Bronica (S2A:-yes S2A!) Mamiya(RB67) and an old Hasselblad 500. Of the three, I found the Hasselblad the most comfortable to use.It scores over the Bronica in terms of build ...
NickWhite 20.11.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Hasselblad 500 Series
Advantages: Quality Disadvantages: Price and limited technology
Hasselblad the best medium format camera in the world so they say. I used to use one on an everyday basis when I was a photographer in the RAF I admit the camera is a good solid workhorse but it has quite a few drawbacks. Firstly the price, they say quality comes at a price but for that money I would not only want top quality but latest technology. The quality of the lenses is excellent but as far as I am aware the Rollei cameras come with the same ... ...mount.
The Hasselblad is a real heavyweight this has it’s good and bad points. The camera is solid it will absorb quite alot of heavy knocks(I’ve seen a number of ‘blads’ dropped and still work). The downside of this is that it really is quite a lump to carry round especially using the narrow strap supplied with the camera (it starts cutting into your shoulder and neck). The camera is really quite an effort to use in certain ...
sadcrab 16.02.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Hasselblad 500 Series
Advantages: Ease of use, friendly none confused controls Disadvantages: Handleing without a CW Winder
...you get! GO Hasselblad!
Hasselblad offers the best optics in the market; Carl Zeiss are the most recognized optics in the planet, so when you get a Hasselblad camera you are getting the best combination of optics, camera and accessories that you can find on the medium format photography, if you buy a Hasselblad today you can use a film back built on the 1960's on a brand new camera; they are made to accept all accessories since the 500 series came ... ...In my opinion the Hasselblad system is the most versatile and convenient on the market, when you get a Hasselblad you are getting the best, at the long run it is cheaper to own a Hasselblad because you know that what ever they come up with in 10 years from now you will be able to use on your camera that way keeping up with the latest accessories! ...
valcor 19.03.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Hasselblad 500 Series
