Hasselblad 500c medium

The Hasselblad 500C is a legendary medium format camera, renowned for its mechanical precision and use in Apollo missions.

About this subject

The Hasselblad 500C was introduced in 1957 by the Swedish company Victor Hasselblad AB. It quickly became an icon of medium format photography, using 120 film to produce 6x6 cm negatives. Its modular system allowed interchangeable lenses, viewfinders, and film backs, providing unmatched versatility. The leaf shutter in the body synced flash at all speeds, a rare feature at the time.

The camera gained worldwide fame when NASA selected it for the space program. Modified versions (Hasselblad 500EL) were used in all Apollo missions, including Apollo 11 in 1969. The first steps on the Moon were captured with a Hasselblad. The 500C was also widely adopted by fashion and advertising photographers like Richard Avedon, due to its sharpness and reliability.

The mechanical design of the 500C is a pinnacle of Swiss engineering: all parts are hand-assembled with extremely tight tolerances. The lack of electronics makes it resistant to extreme temperatures and harsh conditions. Even today, it is a collectible camera and still used by film enthusiasts, with Carl Zeiss lenses that produce timeless image quality. Its historical and technical significance keeps it as a benchmark in analog photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Hasselblad 500C and 500C/M?

The 500C/M (introduced in 1970) has an interchangeable viewfinder system with a removable focusing screen, while the original 500C has a fixed viewfinder. The 500C/M also allows changing the focusing screen without disassembling the camera.

Which lenses are compatible with the Hasselblad 500C?

The 500C uses lenses from the Hasselblad V system, including the C, CF, CFi, and CFE series. Common ones are the Planar 80mm f/2.8 (standard), Distagon 50mm f/4 (wide-angle), and Sonnar 150mm f/4 (telephoto).

Is the Hasselblad 500C still used professionally today?

Yes, many film photographers and enthusiasts still use it. Although digital photography dominates, the 500C is valued for its analog image quality, durability, and tactile experience.