buying a Hasselblad 500C/M from KEH (A12 back question)

<p>I've recently been looking around online for the best place to buy a Hasselblad 500C/M as I've decided that I want to get more involved in medium format photography. I've found that KEH has quite a good selection of pre-assembled Hasselblad outfits (body, lens, back, finder) for sale at a more reasonable price than what I would find on ebay/craigslist. I did some research and found that most people were quite satisfied with KEH's "BGN" or Bargain rating for their used equipment, so I think this is the best way to go considering my budget (from what I found, most people would trust a BGN rating from KEH before they would trust a Mint rating on ebay). anyways, the two outfits that I am trying to decide between are (as described on the website):<br>

1. 500CM BLACK WITH WAISTLEVEL, 80 F2.8 C T*BLACK (B50), A12 BACK (for $700)<br>

2. 500CM BLACK WITH WAISTLEVEL, 80 F2.8 C T*BLACK (B50), A12 BACK WITH 12 RELEASE (for $670)<br>

I was hoping that somebody could let me know what the "12 release" is. I understand it has to do with the way the A12 film back is attached to the body, but I don't know whether this is a good feature to have or if I should pay $30 extra to have what I assume is a newer A12 back. what do you think? is the lens that comes with this a good multi-purpose lens to have for general landscape and street photography? what does the "B50" in the description mean? is this a good price for what I am getting in the outfit?<br>

let me know anything I may find helpful in trying to find a good deal on a used hasselblad outfit.<br>

thanks,<br>

spencer</p>

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<p>Spencer, you might write KEH and find out what the 12 release means. I've not heard of that. The lens choice is excellent for general work. It is a bit wider than a "normal" lens on 35mm, so it works pretty well for most uses. I've owned all but the 160mm, 180mm and zooms for the V system, and this is probably the single lens I might choose (though the 60mm would be a close second). B50 is bayonet 50 (a Hasselblad size). Get a B50 to 52mm step down adapter and use standard, cheap filters. The hood will still fit if you go to 52mm rather than go up to 55mm or more. It is a very good price for the setup, and I also have had good luck with Bargain ratings, with only one exception, in which case they immediately offered to take it back. While you will be thrilled with this combination, if they had a 503cx or other setup with an acute mat screen, you would be happier, or you could just buy a screen later and add it to the 500cm.</p>

<p>A "12" release refers to the button that releases the back from the body. A "12" release(a number 12 on the button) is newer than a "winged V" release(a winged V on the button) and older than a "black dot" release(a black dot on the button). It is simply a way to tell how old the backs are. The B50 refers to the filter size in the Hasselbad proprietary bayonet system that attaches filter. Most Compur shutter(older) lenses are Bay 50, the newer Prontor shuttered lenses are mostly Bay 60. The 80mm C T* is a standard lens, like a 50mm on a 35mm camera. And yes, that is a good price. KEH is a really good outfit to buy from.</p>

<p>I bought my outfit (in parts) from KEH and was happy with BGN quality for everything but the lens. When it comes to glass, I freak out if there's even a spec of dust inside. That said, the BGN quality lenses probably don't show any decrease in image quality versus the excellent or like new versions.<br>

You should also look on Photo.net to see if someone is selling outfits. Sometimes you get better treatment from a fellow photographer for prices. That said, a photo.net subscriber probably can't offer you a warranty. :)<br>

Hope you enjoy yours when you get it.</p>

<p>I don't think you have anything to fear for buying a BGN Hasselblad 500 C/M at KEH. I did the same a few months ago and have been happy. That said, an overhaul by David Odess doesn't hurt, although you'd probably have to do the same no matter what condition its putatively in.</p>

<p>That said, if I were you I might move up slightly to the CF lens - C lens parts are apparently no longer made so at some point in the near future they will be difficult to repair or overhaul. It's a small increase in price, although given the other costs of overhaul, exposure meter, strap, etc., it all does start to add up quickly.</p>

<p>I agree with George on moving up to a CF lens if at all possible. I have a 50mm C and a 250mm C and the focus knobs are not very comfortable to work with. I enjoy using my 80mm CF and 150mm CF MUCH more because of that single aspect. If you look up photos of the 80mm C and 80mm CF and look at the difference in the focusing rings, you will see what I mean. Otherwise, optically, it is a fine lens.<br>

Good luck. Enjoy and use LOTS of film!</p>

<p>$700 is not bad. 80 feels a bit wider than 50 feels on 35 mm. It's a good general purpose focal length and the 80 is a relatively small lens. I have an ancient chrome C 80 laying around and I'm now doing my main shooting with a CF 100/3.5. The only thing that bothered me with the C 80 was that the area to grip when removing it from the body is a bit thin, making it slightly uncomfortable to handle. That said, B50 filters and hoods can be had for rock bottom prices. I wouldn't worry much about C lens serviceability; a C 80 doesn't cost much anyway and breaking down is a relative thing, some things can be fixed and some things can't.</p>