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.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Have often thought about medium format photography, but have been put off by the cost of keeping such a camera.. They are also pretty expensive to buy I understand! Lynn-Marie
Louise90 15.04.2003 23:33
I need a new camera! Louise.
SezO 29.11.2000 15:37
Look it's not my problem if you don't know how to ask the right questions, it's like all things in life, if you ask the right questions you get the right answer (if they know what you're going on about). So don't get stressed. Obviously ask.co.uk is not the right one for you!
Jun 14th, 2000
very helpful by (70%):
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