Hasselblad 500c medium

The Hasselblad 500c is a legendary medium format camera, famous for its use in the Apollo program and by photographers like Ansel Adams.

About this subject

The Hasselblad 500c is a medium format single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, introduced in 1957 by the Swedish company Hasselblad. It stands out for its modular system, allowing interchangeable lenses, viewfinders, film magazines, and other components, offering great versatility. The 500c was the first Hasselblad model to feature a focal-plane shutter, but it used lenses with Compur shutters (hence the 'C' in the name).

The camera became iconic for its build quality, mechanical reliability, and exceptional image quality, especially with Carl Zeiss lenses. The square 6x6 cm (2¼ inches) format is one of its trademarks. Notable photographers who adopted it include Ansel Adams, Richard Avedon, and, famously, NASA. The Hasselblad 500c was the camera chosen for the Apollo missions, including Apollo 11, which landed on the Moon. The images taken on the lunar surface with a Hasselblad 500c equipped with black-and-white film and a Zeiss Biogon 60mm lens are among the most iconic in history.

Beyond space use, the 500c was widely employed in fashion, portrait, and landscape photography during the 1960s and 1970s. Its modular system influenced generations of professional cameras. Although superseded by more modern models, the 500c is still prized by collectors and analog photographers, considered a milestone in camera design. Its robust construction, with metal parts and impeccable finish, has kept many units functional to this day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Hasselblad 500c so famous?

It is famous for its use in NASA's Apollo program, especially the Apollo 11 mission that recorded the first human steps on the Moon. It was also used by renowned photographers such as Ansel Adams and Richard Avedon.

What lenses were compatible with the Hasselblad 500c?

The camera accepts Carl Zeiss lenses in the Hasselblad V system, such as the Planar, Distagon, Sonnar, and Biogon series. The most common lens is the Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.8, considered standard for the camera.

Can the Hasselblad 500c still be used today?

Yes, many units are still functional. You can find 120 and 220 film for use, and most original or adapted accessories are still available. The 500c is highly appreciated in contemporary analog photography.