Hasselblad 500c medium

The Hasselblad 500c is a legendary medium format camera, synonymous with quality and precision, used by professionals and even in space.

About this subject

The Hasselblad 500c was introduced in 1957 and quickly became a standard in professional photography, especially in studios and fashion. It is a medium format camera that uses 120 film, producing 6x6 cm negatives known for their high resolution and detail richness. The 500c's modular design allows interchangeable lenses, film backs, and viewfinders, offering great flexibility to the photographer.

One of the most notable achievements of the Hasselblad 500c was its adaptation for use in NASA's Apollo missions. From 1962, the camera was modified to operate in the vacuum of space, recording historic moments such as the first moonwalk and the famous 'Earthrise' photo. The mechanical reliability and optical quality were essential for documenting space exploration.

The 500c features a focal-plane shutter with speeds from 1 to 1/500 seconds, and a system of Carl Zeiss lenses renowned for sharpness and contrast. It was the preferred camera of generations of photographers, such as Ansel Adams, Richard Avedon, and Sebastião Salgado, who valued its robust construction and superior results. Production of the 500c continued until the 1990s, and today it is a collectible item still used by format enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hasselblad 500c?

It is a medium format camera launched in 1957 by Swedish Hasselblad, using 120 film for 6x6 cm negatives. Known for its exceptional quality and modular design.

Why is the Hasselblad 500c famous?

For being the camera used by NASA on the Apollo missions, recording iconic images of space. It was also preferred by many professional photographers.

What type of film does the Hasselblad 500c use?

It uses 120 roll film, producing 12 exposures in 6x6 cm format. These negatives offer high definition and allow high-quality enlargements.