Choice of Hasselblad camera

I am on the verge of purchasing a medium format Hasselblad camera.

However, there are a lot of different types.

Can somebody shortly explain to me the differences between the following models:

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500C, 500CM, 501C, 501CM, 503CX, ELM, ELX

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What is the best choice if I use the camera for landscaping and portrait photography.

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Thanks in advance.

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Johan Ditzel.

500C is the original model released in 1957

500CM is identical to 500C but lets you change focusing screen

503CX, same as 500CM but with TTL-flashmetering,

ELM, a 500CM with build in motordrive. Handy but rather bulky?

ELX, a 503Cx vith buildt in motordrive

ELX (and I think at least som versions of ELM) have a large mirror. This prevents vignetting . Can be a problem with the other models when using 150mm and longer.

501C a modern version of 500CM. You can not change the film advance level (but why would you?)

503CW a 503CX but there is no vignetting and it is possible to use a motordrive

501CM not quite sure about this one but I think it is a 501C with a mirror which prevents vignetting

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All the 500-series cameras uses central shutters

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Hasselblad also has a 2000-series (no longer in production) and a 200-series which lets you use either a focal-plan shutter or the central shutter in the lens.

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All lenses and magazines produced since 1957 can be used on all cameras.

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The ELM/ELX are great for portraiture but to bulky to carry around in the woods. Get a 500CM (or a 503CX, 503CW if you can afford it.)

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Visit Hasselblads homepage:www.hasselblad.se

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Ken Tesaker

Correct me if I wrong but I don't think the 503cx takes the new motor winder.

You need to have the 503CXi for that, as the people from hasselblad reply

the "i" is important.

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However, if budget allows, I will go for the 503cw. Is has a new guilding mirror system which prevent darkening of view screen with long lens, a problem with the rest of 500 series. The price different between 503cxi and 503cw is about $200.00 (US$130) so save up.

Johan - you say you're 'on the verge' of buying, yet by your question you give the impression that you haven't fully researched what you want from the camera.

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If you're looking for a way to grow poor extremely quickly, I can give you some suggestions other than buying Hasselblad (send your money to the following address...).You may want to consider the following questions prior to purchasing:

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- Which lenses do I need?

For landscape and portrait it sounds like you might need one or two wide angle lenses, a short and medium tele maybe in addition to your standard lens. Lens cost is the Hasselblad killer, and while it's great that second hand they don't depreciate, total system costs will be large even if buying used.

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- Am I buying the right format?

For landscape do you want to shoot square or rectangular? Do you want to waste film if you shoot rectangular mostly? Would wider image formats benefit your landscapes (6x9, 6x12, 6x17)?

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I'm not trying to put you off Hasselblad here. They have deserved their enviable reputation by producing superb cameras, which produce great results in both landscape and portrait. You will not be disappointed if you buy, but make sure you know what you're getting in to! There's a great Hasselblad guide that you can buy also, which you should before you go any further.