The Hasselblad 500 Series: A System Overview
72,195
Published 2021-06-05
I've omitted the motor-drive bodies to manage video length but also because in the current era they fall well behind their manually advanced kin when it comes to portability and weight. The motor 'foot' makes them far less convenient and a lot of the time you're stuck using outdated battery standards. Because they are technically 500 series I'll list them here and tell you how they compare into the manual range:
500EL: Basically a 500C with a motor drive. ('64-'69)
500EL/M: This is to the 500 EL what the 500C/M was to the 500C. ('71-'84)
500ELX: Introduces the CX-type ttl OTF meter and gliding mirror system. ('84-'88)
553ELX:This is the one you want because it uses AA batteries. ('88-'99)
555ELD: This is the most advanced in the lineup. It has separate contacts for digital backs and had an even glidier mirror. ('98-'06)
If you're set on a motor-driven 500 then I'll also give you a workaround for the pre 553 battery issue: • Resurrecting the Hasselblad 500ELX - ...
More about the Hasselblad and the moon: www.npr.org/2019/07/13/735314929/the-camera-that-w…
Astronaut training manual: ia802801.us.archive.org/8/items/pdfy-CrPzRQE7YadZx…
Extension Ring compatibility chart: kenrockwell.com/hasselblad/extension-tubes.htm
Crop Factor for 6x6: www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HW/HWequifoc.aspx
Want to know when a piece of Hasselblad kit was produced? You can get information on Date Codes and serial numbers here: www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HT/HTDating.aspx
All the space image imagery is from NASA, used here under the media guidelines www.nasa.gov/multimedia/guidelines/index.html
Index:
0:00 Intro
1:20 The History
15:03 The Bodies
19:39 The Viewfinder
21:07 The Lenses
24:17 Crop factors and focal lengths
27:27 Loading Film
33:15 The Focusing Screens
34:59 The Accessories
50:04 The Backs
52:11 Conclusions
All Comments (21)
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the fact that i just watched a 55 minute video on a camera im probably never going to use is really a testament to how fun you made it to watch
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I don't have a Hasselblad and I don't want to buy one but the hour of information was so interesting that I watched everything anyway 😀
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I worked 12 yrs using a Hasselblad. An awesome 'piece of kit'. Thanks for the refresher and update to this wonderful camera.
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Watching this in Dec 2023. Wonderful, detailed, and informative video summarising the Hasselblad V system. Something which I has been searching for online but no website offers as much information as this. Thank you! 🙂
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Just rewatched this now a year later - still the best Hasselblad V-series video - cheers!
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One of the best videos on the Hassey out there. Cheers, Jonathan!
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Thanks for making such a detailed video about a classic example of precision engineering and manufacturing. I’d love one just because of the history.
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This is the most comprehensive review of the iconic Hasselblad 500 Series! You nailed it Buddy! Up to the last detail! Awesome!
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Awesome, awesome video. Very comprehensive. Thank you for taking the time to film and post this.
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This is probably the most thorough Hasselblad breakdown that I've seen. I've owned a focal plane type Hasselblad (2000 FC/M) for about 3 years and I've built up a pretty good system. I would also mention that you can add close-up filters (Proxar) and 1.4X/2.0X tele-extenders to expand your focal range. The close-up filters are especially useful as you can focus much closer for tighter portraits or macro shots without any need for exposure compensation calculations. Good job!
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Excellent, excellent channel - and a great video about the Hasselblad! I got a 503 cw a year ago, and actually got a couple of tips from this video that I did not know - one year after using it! Funny how such a "simple" camera can be so complicated! Looking forward to the next video!
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The most comprehensive review on YT. Congratulations from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!
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Thank you for an incredibly helpful video! Watching this in Dec 2023. This is probably one of the most informative videos I’ve seen in a long time.
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Thanks so much for so much detail. You have covered quite a few areas that are new to me. You have definitely increased my the size of my brain. I appreciate that! This is a special video.
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Love your work Jonathan. Don't even have this camera but enjoyed all the explanations about a timeless piece of technology.
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Damn, I just inherited a 501CM and have been trying to learn about it through forums and bad blog posts. This was so insightful. Thanks for putting so much time and effort.
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Thank you for taking the time to do this. I've learnt so much.
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Such a wonderful camera and a great video as always!!
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Just purchased a 500cx! This was very helpful! Thanks for taking the time to put this together! Very much appreciated! I am looking forward to getting acquainted with my Hassy!
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Brilliant video! I like that it's not your typical over the top youtuber content while not taking yourself too seriously at the same time. All the information I was looking for is there. Audio quality is impeccable and the setting is great. An all around good job. Cheers chap!
