I just inherited my uncle's Hasselblad 500CM. I was close to him and he actually bought me my first DSLR. I helped look after him in his final years. I was just looking for more info on the camera and then I heard yours was your uncle's too. Gave me chills!
10+ years ago I bought my first medium format. A Mamiya 645 and the first feeling I had looking down the waist level finder was "WOOOOOOOW", it's like seeing life through a multidimensional window if I may say, I encourage anyone to just test if they can. It's even different than a big dark room.
Agreed! The Hasselblad 500 is THE GREATEST camera ever. The modularity, the perfect square symmetry, and the fabulous Zeiss lenses are as good as it gets in photography.
What a camera to receive for payment. Priceless. It's a gorgeous camera. Absolute gem. I just purchased my first ever Hasselblad and medium format camera, a mint 500 c/m with 80mm and 150mm. I love it!
Btw a Hasselblad was designed to be held is mainly with the left hand. Cup under the body with your palm and actuate the shutter with your pointer finger, the other three fingers rest in that cutout under the winding knob. It sounds counter intuitive but it makes it more comfortable in the hand and quicker.
...very true Sir... I'm 71, had my first Hasselblad in 1966. Never once cried about the weight. Oh the days when men were men and boys stayed home with Mommy. GRINS
@@richardewlliams9864 embarrassing last line. Fix up and be better. Men are still men, if anything they’re better men now as we are more emotionally mature.
Interesting to get the perspective of a "young-un" about this camera. At 71, I am currently using one I bought in the '70s. I'm working on a book/exhibition of portraits I'm now shooting that are specifically designed around the format, the limited number of shots, and the film aesthetic. I have personal stories about this camera very different from yours :). As a filmmaker, I'm also writing a script for a film based on Victor Hasselblad's life. Fascinating person. Happy shooting.
Your talk about shooting speed at weddings.... My first photo job was just loading and toting. I worked for cash and a meal while in high school loading and toting this camera and its gear for a wedding photographer. I learned so much and had so much fun! Good memories.
So interesting to hear about the Hasselblad 500CM becoming popular again! I'm a 77 year old retired commercial photographer and still have my studio Hasselblad system I selected for my particular needs as a product, art documentation and corporate portrait needs. Now looking into new instant film backs for the new films coming into existence to keep using it for new self assignments.
Seriously beautiful photos! Thanks for that nice rundown on the Hasselblad 500 cm. I am still kind of figuring mine out and this helps to see how nice the photos can be when I finally get everything ironed out. Definitely worth the effort. Thanks!
I loved that camera so much. Best wedding camera even today if you learn how to slow down and take only great photos. Your photos are great! The 80 mm f2.8 lens is the same as a 50 mm in 35 mm film.
I figured Ben was a successful photographer when he started flexing box after box of Kodak 120! I miss the days of having a boxes of Portra 800 in the fridge! Great video. I love my ‘blad
Hi Benj, love your videos. Do you remember which film stock you used for the pictures you showed? I love the one of the red building by the water and the kid with the yellow jacket .. gorgeous!
I used this camera beginning in 1980with the backs and viewfinder that you mentioned. I used it often in the studio with the Polaroid back rather than a light meter since it gave me more information. I was asked to photograph two retiring Navy Surgeons and I used the Hasselblad 500 CM with the 150mm lens. The final portraits were 40 X 45 inches and hang in the Bethesda Naval Hospital. Prior to that time, they were oil painted portraits. I photographed them at their office using my studio strobes. The quality of the final prints that were made in St. Louis was so sharp that in a 3/4 length image you could see the hair on their hands. Of course, now I shoot with Nikon digitally of course. I used Kodak Portra 160 which may still be in existence. I have only shot digitally for the last 20 years. I still have that camera. The optics make the camera. I could pick it up, load it, and go shoot. I also had a normal lens.
Completely agree that this camera is a beast. I am a big fan of the Apollo missions and that is what finally sold me on buying mine. But now I want to try out some different eye pieces. Thanks, Benj!
I'm a new Hasselblad 500 CM user. I just shot my first roll of color. I echo what you said Benj about the viewfinder - it's really like a 3D viewer, fantastic and very fun to use. The other things you said about your feeling around this camera I felt were spot on! I'm glad to know I wasn't the only one who felt this way about this camera. Thanks for the high quality video, Benj! Keep 'em coming.
Used a 500CM back in the early Ninetees as a photographer in the Royal Australian Air Force. Easily the best camera I have ever used. In 2022 I am looking forwards to buying one myself and kicking arse!
I just shot my first roll of color today. It's quite a change from my Sony A7R3 but the Hassie is so cool, can't wait to see the results. I think all the manual stuff you now have to do with the Hassie makes you a better overall photographer, even though its a much slower pace. Good luck to you, have a ball!
Great video. I was getting burned out with digital and recently bought a Leica M4. I've enjoyed getting back into 35mm film so much that now I'm thinking about also shooting medium format on a Hasselblad. Thanks for pushing me over the edge. Nice Gordy's strap, by the way.
This is exactly what is happening to me, but i got M3 and M lenses which i use with my SL2. But.. the lack of resolution on 35mm film ( comparing with SL2) pushes me towards 120 film and Hasselblad system.
Hi Benj, another great video. My Son has just been passed down this camera and we are excited to use this. one thing how do you unlock the shutter and aperture. thanks
I picked up a 2000fc/m body - wow, it's lighter and the focus ring on the 80mm F is away from the body, so it's easier to grab and manuever. Plus, it focuses super close. Have you ever used a 200 or 2000 body?
I will be shooting my 503 tomorrow at Rialto beach but I have to be quick. Trying to start a new project because our rainy season here is starting now.
I glad that I kept my Hasselblad system. I used mine for years to do weddings, portraits and my own personal travel photography. I was totally used to using a light meter and could focus and shoot the camera while the bride was walking down the church without thought. The beautify of the images still blows off the very best Nikon and Cannon cameras but you can spray and pray with these cameras that you can't do with a Blad. Too bad that film is so expensive and if I could afford it, I would still be using my Blad.
Ah, yes. Looking through the ground glass of a Hasselblad is one of life's true joys :-) And I totally agree on Kodak needing to bring us some medium format T-Max 3200!
The images you showed from the Zeiss 80mm were incredible! I might never own a 500 CM but the form factor just seems amazing and I'd love to at lease try one some day
It was my dream camera and till today it still shoots beautifully! Thank you Benj for posting this video! Makes me wanna go shoot more even though I just shot 1 roll last week. I have the 80 and the 50. 3 backs and maybe might get a a16
Nice video, loved it! In quite a few of the (amazing) photos that you showed, I noticed a bright spot in the lower half of the frame. Light leak? Flare?
Wow! That portrait at 10:25 is stunning. I love the way you label the segments of your video and the overall walk-through of this setup. Now I just need to rent one from the lab. :) Thanks for the video and I'm looking forward to digging through your other ones as a subscriber now.
Hey Benj, you may have covered this in another video, but I am curious about your approach to exposing film. Do you rate at box speed and meter for certain parts of an image? Do you overexpose by a certain amount from the get-go and allow your lab to balance things in the scans? I imagine it might change based on the film stock and whether you’re shooting 35mm or 120. Would love to know more! ✌️
I started with a 35mm and oddly ended up shooting with a 4x5 LF. I stepped down into a GX680 next, but I have always been curious about these. So with the LF you are shooting upside down and backwards lol, which prepared me for shooting w shooting w MF. I am actually thinking about selling my 680 and getting a 500 CM or 501 CM.
mine arrived today! exciting! I’m already halfway through the first roll. Have you tried the back to take 6x4,5 photos? and I liked this strap. Did you make this attachment to the camera body?
Nice man. Lusted after this one for a long time. About to pull the trigger but not sure if I wouldn't like a 67 better long term... But the RZ is much heavier... eh. Choices!
I can help. Spoiler alert it is the RZ but its close. (here we assume price is not necessarily a factor although it is mentioned). In the day I had both. I ran a larger studio in the Southwest of Glos. In the studio we used the Hass, on location, for most fashion and portraits and weddings, it was the RZ - magazines loved both the square format and the 'format adjusted' 6x7 as it allowed them to 'adjust the 6x6 square Hass' and 'straight print' the 6x7 RZ . Hass: Pros. Smaller, lighter, more compact, sounds better, classic, legacy, cool factor 10/10, everyone knows the brand. Nothing this side of a Nikon F3 sounds as good as a Hass clicking over and winding on. Availability of all lenses, and accessories., the ability to shoot square, (see below). Mostly manual (depending on which one you go for and do not forget the CF lenses - shutterless. No such thing as the 'Hass look' it's a terrible lie. 12 exposures. The 40mm is one of the best lenses ever made, although not necessarily optically but its just the 'view that works for nearly everything - incidentally I use a Hass 907X and XCDII with the 40mm P - which stands for portable not pancake) and it is stunningly similar. Cons: You pay a dear premium for cool factor, legacy, heritage, brand. You now have to see in squares, although this could be good and or bad in equal measure. No such thing as the 'Hass look' it's a terrible lie. RZ. Pros: Larger format = larger coverage of the 120 but its a larger beast to begin with. Cheaper. Portrait to Landscape is done with a clever twist back. AEII Prism meters is nearly always spot on - but you shouldn't rely on this fully. The 180 Diamond is one of the best lenses ever made - the 37mm is good but not quite up there with the Hass 40mm and I do not know why. Most lenses have same filter diameter. Hass is all over the place. Looks amazing tricked out - get yourself the OEM rack hood also known as bellows- looks stunning on a longer portrait lens - the rack hood on the Hass looks ridiculous - but there square hoods look so good you won't need one. Get a Winder II and when its on a tripod with the hood and Prism looks awesome. All electronic. Sound - its clunky and filmy etc but not a patch on the Hass. Cons: Larger format = larger camera. All electronic, you will need batteries!!! 7 exposures. errm thats it really. Both Pros: Both are amazing systems which allow you to be supremely creative. Both have large number of lenses available, RZ beats Hass with T+S Shift adaptors, although you do need the SB (short barrel) lenses to get the best out of this. Cons: Neither cameras are fast, they both suffer lock ups which can only be fixed at home with a hammer. Whichever one you choose if you shoot 120 take elastic bands with you. If you are away from home and the little licky sticky tab flies away and over yonder hill you won't be left holding an exposed roll of film until you can get it to a dark room as you have an elastic band around your wrist. And that's about it - I went down the route of GX680III for a while but as I needed a wheelbarrow to move it about I gave it to Fujifilm for their Heritage Museum in their recently opened (currently closed) House Of Photography in Covent Garden London as they couldn't get hold of a mint unused one with every accessory!!!! It is currently on display in Covent Garden. I used to do the occasional lecture for Fujifilm extolling the virtues of NPS 120 and NHG 400 - they gave me a G mount 250mm in return which was nice!!!! I now use a Hass 907X. The GFX50s I had was simply too big - I was lucky enough to know the Hass was coming well before it's press release and got the 1st in UK - its epic.I do scapes now Both 120 cameras are epic in their own way. I had more creative freedom with the 6x7, and really thats why it wins here. If Fujifilm had made their modular system as they had planned I would have gone down that route but they ditched and hass took up the mantle. Poss longest ever RUclips reply - but felt it was important!!!! Have fun, stay safe, keep shooting. UPDATE If anyone is considering a new 907X and can't find one it is because they are on serious backorder - the Moon edition was and still is is the only one available if you can find one. - I think there is one in Spain via Promegapixel? The silver CFV50IIc spec is not available until the Autumn of 2020 - subject to change. I keep my ears on the Hass/Fuji radar!!!
@@benjhaisch You Sir are welcome - I love your content - it is so mature - sure its slightly retrospective from my point of view - but it will be so inspiring to many others still on the journey - and we all need that right now keep it coming - Stay safe. Keep shooting.
Yo this is really good, way to highlight what makes this camera so unique. I don't know if it would even be worth it, but a Hasselblad V series-centric image critique would be really cool, I've been feeling like my technique isn't where it should be with that *specific* camera, even after a year or more of consistent shooting.
I can very highly recommend the 200/2000 series 6x6 analog Hasselblad camera, i very high recommend these lenses Zeiss Distagon 50mm 2.8 which have a very good close distance down to 15x15 object/scene, Zeiss Planar 110mm 2.0, Zeiss Macro Planar 120mm 4.0, Zeiss Tele-Tessar350mm 4.0 and Zeiss 2x Mutar or the later Hasselblad 2x of their own, the 110mm 2.0 gets to a very good 220mm 4.0 with the 2x a very good close up. At last but not least the Hasselblad SWC with the Zeiss Biogon 38mm 4.5
Lovely video. I’m having trouble understanding the light meter (same as yours). Would you do a video on the process you have when taking the photo with the meter?
Would you have a look at getting the digital back for this? I just received my uncles 503CW, some lenses an other bits. He is now in his 70s and is downsizing his collection. Our family are all photographer focused but I have been at him to hand this unit over for years. To be honest, I have very little interest in the film but I am interested in using the body the lens and possibly a digital back. Thank you for your content - very insightful
A few years ago Hasselblad sent me their digital back to try out for a few weeks. It was fun for sure, but still pretty expensive. Not sure what they go for now, but I probably wouldn’t pick one up until they get to a full 645 size at least.
The same here. I used a Hasselblad regularly in the 1990's and should NEVER have sold it. I'm going to buy another one because I miss the whole film/darkroom experience.
I really want to get this specific camera, after seeing this video, which was filmed very nicely, I’ve decided I really do want to start photography. The only problem I have is that I can’t find this camera anywhere, it’s not being sold as “new” which is what I want. It really sucks that I can’t find anyone who sells a new one.
Nice. But so many people make the mistake of saying something is "really" unique. Unique is an absolute quality. There are no degrees of uniqueness. It is one of a kind. Something is either unique or it is not unique. By contrast, you can say it's unusual, distinctive, special, etc.
Hi , i m from italy and i ve just bought a 500 cm! …. I d like to start a challenge with myself … continue to have street shots with this camera too… i hope it would be succesful 😬😉😉
I just inherited my uncle's Hasselblad 500CM. I was close to him and he actually bought me my first DSLR. I helped look after him in his final years. I was just looking for more info on the camera and then I heard yours was your uncle's too. Gave me chills!
10+ years ago I bought my first medium format. A Mamiya 645 and the first feeling I had looking down the waist level finder was "WOOOOOOOW", it's like seeing life through a multidimensional window if I may say, I encourage anyone to just test if they can. It's even different than a big dark room.
Agreed! The Hasselblad 500 is THE GREATEST camera ever. The modularity, the perfect square symmetry, and the fabulous Zeiss lenses are as good as it gets in photography.
What a camera to receive for payment. Priceless. It's a gorgeous camera. Absolute gem. I just purchased my first ever Hasselblad and medium format camera, a mint 500 c/m with 80mm and 150mm. I love it!
Btw a Hasselblad was designed to be held is mainly with the left hand. Cup under the body with your palm and actuate the shutter with your pointer finger, the other three fingers rest in that cutout under the winding knob. It sounds counter intuitive but it makes it more comfortable in the hand and quicker.
...very true Sir... I'm 71, had my first Hasselblad in 1966. Never once cried about the weight. Oh the days when men were men and boys stayed home with Mommy.
GRINS
@@richardewlliams9864 embarrassing last line. Fix up and be better. Men are still men, if anything they’re better men now as we are more emotionally mature.
@@richardewlliams9864okay boomer
Interesting to get the perspective of a "young-un" about this camera. At 71, I am currently using one I bought in the '70s. I'm working on a book/exhibition of portraits I'm now shooting that are specifically designed around the format, the limited number of shots, and the film aesthetic. I have personal stories about this camera very different from yours :). As a filmmaker, I'm also writing a script for a film based on Victor Hasselblad's life. Fascinating person. Happy shooting.
u still alive
Wow... show us
Bought my first Hasselblad 500 cm and just started tinkering around. Love this intro and will be watching more! Inspiring me to head to Yosemite!
Your talk about shooting speed at weddings.... My first photo job was just loading and toting. I worked for cash and a meal while in high school loading and toting this camera and its gear for a wedding photographer. I learned so much and had so much fun! Good memories.
I purchased this
this camera back in 1985! 35 years later I still own it and I love it! 📷
So interesting to hear about the Hasselblad 500CM becoming popular again! I'm a 77 year old retired commercial photographer and still have my studio Hasselblad system I selected for my particular needs as a product, art documentation and corporate portrait needs. Now looking into new instant film backs for the new films coming into existence to keep using it for new self assignments.
I love my Hasselblad 500CM. The optics are just phenomenal.
Simply the best analog camera made
Seriously beautiful photos! Thanks for that nice rundown on the Hasselblad 500 cm. I am still kind of figuring mine out and this helps to see how nice the photos can be when I finally get everything ironed out. Definitely worth the effort. Thanks!
I loved that camera so much. Best wedding camera even today if you learn how to slow down and take only great photos. Your photos are great! The 80 mm f2.8 lens is the same as a 50 mm in 35 mm film.
I figured Ben was a successful photographer when he started flexing box after box of Kodak 120! I miss the days of having a boxes of Portra 800 in the fridge! Great video. I love my ‘blad
😂
Hi Benj, love your videos. Do you remember which film stock you used for the pictures you showed? I love the one of the red building by the water and the kid with the yellow jacket .. gorgeous!
Just picked up a black 500 c/m, developing my first roll watching this video ☺️✌🏽 cheers
Purchased one a few weeks ago. My first photos should be back from the lab tomorrow. I'm excited :) Great vid. Thanks
Do you have any recommendations on where to get one? I'm thinking of going back to film, but the prices have risen so much
How did it go?
I used this camera beginning in 1980with the backs and viewfinder that you mentioned. I used it often in the studio with the Polaroid back rather than a light meter since it gave me more information. I was asked to photograph two retiring Navy Surgeons and I used the Hasselblad 500 CM with the 150mm lens. The final portraits were 40 X 45 inches and hang in the Bethesda Naval Hospital. Prior to that time, they were oil painted portraits. I photographed them at their office using my studio strobes. The quality of the final prints that were made in St. Louis was so sharp that in a 3/4 length image you could see the hair on their hands. Of course, now I shoot with Nikon digitally of course. I used Kodak Portra 160 which may still be in existence. I have only shot digitally for the last 20 years. I still have that camera. The optics make the camera. I could pick it up, load it, and go shoot. I also had a normal lens.
That’s amazing, thanks for sharing! Grab a roll and give it another go, I love this camera :)
Completely agree that this camera is a beast. I am a big fan of the Apollo missions and that is what finally sold me on buying mine. But now I want to try out some different eye pieces. Thanks, Benj!
Been looking into this camera for a minute. Your review was helpful and the sample images were amazing.
I'm a new Hasselblad 500 CM user. I just shot my first roll of color. I echo what you said Benj about the viewfinder - it's really like a 3D viewer, fantastic and very fun to use. The other things you said about your feeling around this camera I felt were spot on! I'm glad to know I wasn't the only one who felt this way about this camera. Thanks for the high quality video, Benj! Keep 'em coming.
Used a 500CM back in the early Ninetees as a photographer in the Royal Australian Air Force. Easily the best camera I have ever used. In 2022 I am looking forwards to buying one myself and kicking arse!
An opinion, but this is the greatest camera in existence
I just bought this camera today and I can't wait to use it.
I just shot my first roll of color today. It's quite a change from my Sony A7R3 but the Hassie is so cool, can't wait to see the results. I think all the manual stuff you now have to do with the Hassie makes you a better overall photographer, even though its a much slower pace. Good luck to you, have a ball!
Great video. I was getting burned out with digital and recently bought a Leica M4. I've enjoyed getting back into 35mm film so much that now I'm thinking about also shooting medium format on a Hasselblad. Thanks for pushing me over the edge. Nice Gordy's strap, by the way.
This is exactly what is happening to me, but i got M3 and M lenses which i use with my SL2. But.. the lack of resolution on 35mm film ( comparing with SL2) pushes me towards 120 film and Hasselblad system.
Love my Hasselblad too, so cool its a family legacy camera.
hey thanks, appreciate your videos btw. I've definitely watched a bunch of them.
@@benjhaisch thanks! I was just about to record a Hasselblad review so this was a nice refresh ;)
You always put some extra feeling for the gear & film. Thanks, I started this year with my 500cm and I love the results
Just got one of these from my dad and a Pentax 6x7! Great video
Beautiful camera. I started photography with film. You are right in saying you slow down with film. Thanks for the video!
I bought one 2 weeks ago and shot 2 rolls Kodak Portra 400 with it, hands down, I’m loving it.
Hi Benj, another great video. My Son has just been passed down this camera and we are excited to use this. one thing how do you unlock the shutter and aperture. thanks
So glad I discovered your channel this morning. This must be the most beautiful camera ever made. Do you develop and print your own film and photos?
Have had the 500CM since 1994. Still works like a charm.
I picked up a 2000fc/m body - wow, it's lighter and the focus ring on the 80mm F is away from the body, so it's easier to grab and manuever. Plus, it focuses super close. Have you ever used a 200 or 2000 body?
Hi @Daniel Carkuff-Corey, I also shoot with a 2000 FC/M. Have a look here if you like: instagram.com/john.murch/
I will be shooting my 503 tomorrow at Rialto beach but I have to be quick. Trying to start a new project because our rainy season here is starting now.
I glad that I kept my Hasselblad system. I used mine for years to do weddings, portraits and my own personal travel photography. I was totally used to using a light meter and could focus and shoot the camera while the bride was walking down the church without thought. The beautify of the images still blows off the very best Nikon and Cannon cameras but you can spray and pray with these cameras that you can't do with a Blad. Too bad that film is so expensive and if I could afford it, I would still be using my Blad.
Ah, yes. Looking through the ground glass of a Hasselblad is one of life's true joys :-)
And I totally agree on Kodak needing to bring us some medium format T-Max 3200!
The images you showed from the Zeiss 80mm were incredible! I might never own a 500 CM but the form factor just seems amazing and I'd love to at lease try one some day
Love my Hasselblad, my main shooter!
Hey I'm curious about what films were used on these. And how much retouching/ color grading was done.
I have owned Olympus, Fuji, Canon, Ricoh and Hasselblad. Looking back, the best photos by far are of the Hasselblad!
I ate this up with a spoon! Love love love, wish I could buy one, someday.....
They have greatly dropped down in price everywhere.
Beautiful camera! What medium format do you use in a wedding?
Definitely my dream camera.
it's in really nice condition too, what a lovely thing to have!
Did you crop some of your images in the video? I love my Hasselblad have been shooting it for 7months or so also from the PNW!
PNW represent!!
This was a super helpful review! I am definitely looking forward to more medium format film camera education! :)
Thanks for the vid Benj! We love our 500cm! Have you used the digital back yet for shooting?
I have, actually! It’s probably been at least 5 years since I’ve used one though.
@@benjhaisch Thanks for the heads up and keep up the dope videos 👊🏻
Whats that cool strap you have that I now need for my 500?? Great vid! Thanks.
Have you changed the focusing screen? Thanx
what kind of light was used to shoot the video? What brand and model? Picture looks very cool!
It was my dream camera and till today it still shoots beautifully! Thank you Benj for posting this video! Makes me wanna go shoot more even though I just shot 1 roll last week. I have the 80 and the 50. 3 backs and maybe might get a a16
Appreciate this video. I shoot digital and although not going to stop, I do want something more. Giving this a lot of thought.
Nice video, loved it! In quite a few of the (amazing) photos that you showed, I noticed a bright spot in the lower half of the frame. Light leak? Flare?
Yeah, I had some light leak issues in my backs for awhile. I'd assume that that would be it without knowing exactly which video :)
How do you Exposé your photos. Do you have a lightmeter? Which one do you use?
Beautiful shot of Lindis pass NZ. 👌🏼
Wow! That portrait at 10:25 is stunning. I love the way you label the segments of your video and the overall walk-through of this setup. Now I just need to rent one from the lab. :) Thanks for the video and I'm looking forward to digging through your other ones as a subscriber now.
Thanks! That portrait was one of the few in here that was actually taken with the digital back.
Did anybody else notice that this video has RUclips's new video markers? The first time I'm seeing them. It's a great feature!
Agiver Reviga yeah! I find them to be super helpful so I’m trying to add them to all of my videos
Hey Benj, you may have covered this in another video, but I am curious about your approach to exposing film. Do you rate at box speed and meter for certain parts of an image? Do you overexpose by a certain amount from the get-go and allow your lab to balance things in the scans? I imagine it might change based on the film stock and whether you’re shooting 35mm or 120. Would love to know more! ✌️
I was wondering what kind of neck strap you ended up deciding to use for your Hasselblad?
I'm up in years now and wear eyeglasses, and I find the waistlevel finder a plus. I've never been able to fulfill my dream of owning a Hasselblad.
Thank you for this amazing video! Lovely explanation, really well explained
Thanks for the video !! and great sample photos :)
I started with a 35mm and oddly ended up shooting with a 4x5 LF. I stepped down into a GX680 next, but I have always been curious about these. So with the LF you are shooting upside down and backwards lol, which prepared me for shooting w shooting w MF. I am actually thinking about selling my 680 and getting a 500 CM or 501 CM.
the photographs are crazy sharp
mine arrived today! exciting! I’m already halfway through the first roll. Have you tried the back to take 6x4,5 photos? and I liked this strap. Did you make this attachment to the camera body?
Two years later… still love it? I’m about to buy.
Still my top 3 favorite cameras of all time
@@benjhaisch Ok we’ll that convinced me. Ordered.
Great review of this amazing camera! Quick question for you - how are you typically metering when shooting with this guy?
Great information can you recommendation were to purchase one
Back in the day, wedding photographers preferred the 500 EL/M with the motor drive.
Question, what is the focusing ring assist that you have on your Hasselblad?
I have one from another source but the shutter is slow and needs service. What source for service would you suggest?
Yes the Zeiss lens is amazing I regret sold this camera because of this lens
Nice man. Lusted after this one for a long time. About to pull the trigger but not sure if I wouldn't like a 67 better long term... But the RZ is much heavier... eh. Choices!
I can help. Spoiler alert it is the RZ but its close. (here we assume price is not necessarily a factor although it is mentioned).
In the day I had both. I ran a larger studio in the Southwest of Glos. In the studio we used the Hass, on location, for most fashion and portraits and weddings, it was the RZ - magazines loved both the square format and the 'format adjusted' 6x7 as it allowed them to 'adjust the 6x6 square Hass' and 'straight print' the 6x7 RZ
.
Hass:
Pros.
Smaller, lighter, more compact, sounds better, classic, legacy, cool factor 10/10, everyone knows the brand.
Nothing this side of a Nikon F3 sounds as good as a Hass clicking over and winding on.
Availability of all lenses, and accessories., the ability to shoot square, (see below). Mostly manual (depending on which one you go for and do not forget the CF lenses - shutterless. No such thing as the 'Hass look' it's a terrible lie.
12 exposures. The 40mm is one of the best lenses ever made, although not necessarily optically but its just the 'view that works for nearly everything - incidentally I use a Hass 907X and XCDII with the 40mm P - which stands for portable not pancake) and it is stunningly similar.
Cons:
You pay a dear premium for cool factor, legacy, heritage, brand. You now have to see in squares, although this could be good and or bad in equal measure. No such thing as the 'Hass look' it's a terrible lie.
RZ.
Pros:
Larger format = larger coverage of the 120 but its a larger beast to begin with. Cheaper. Portrait to Landscape is done with a clever twist back. AEII Prism meters is nearly always spot on - but you shouldn't rely on this fully. The 180 Diamond is one of the best lenses ever made - the 37mm is good but not quite up there with the Hass 40mm and I do not know why. Most lenses have same filter diameter. Hass is all over the place.
Looks amazing tricked out - get yourself the OEM rack hood also known as bellows- looks stunning on a longer portrait lens - the rack hood on the Hass looks ridiculous - but there square hoods look so good you won't need one. Get a Winder II and when its on a tripod with the hood and Prism looks awesome. All electronic.
Sound - its clunky and filmy etc but not a patch on the Hass.
Cons:
Larger format = larger camera. All electronic, you will need batteries!!! 7 exposures. errm thats it really.
Both
Pros:
Both are amazing systems which allow you to be supremely creative. Both have large number of lenses available, RZ beats Hass with T+S Shift adaptors, although you do need the SB (short barrel) lenses to get the best out of this.
Cons: Neither cameras are fast, they both suffer lock ups which can only be fixed at home with a hammer.
Whichever one you choose if you shoot 120 take elastic bands with you. If you are away from home and the little licky sticky tab flies away and over yonder hill you won't be left holding an exposed roll of film until you can get it to a dark room as you have an elastic band around your wrist.
And that's about it - I went down the route of GX680III for a while but as I needed a wheelbarrow to move it about I gave it to Fujifilm for their Heritage Museum in their recently opened (currently closed) House Of Photography in Covent Garden London as they couldn't get hold of a mint unused one with every accessory!!!! It is currently on display in Covent Garden. I used to do the occasional lecture for Fujifilm extolling the virtues of NPS 120 and NHG 400 - they gave me a G mount 250mm in return which was nice!!!!
I now use a Hass 907X. The GFX50s I had was simply too big - I was lucky enough to know the Hass was coming well before it's press release and got the 1st in UK - its epic.I do scapes now
Both 120 cameras are epic in their own way. I had more creative freedom with the 6x7, and really thats why it wins here. If Fujifilm had made their modular system as they had planned I would have gone down that route but they ditched and hass took up the mantle.
Poss longest ever RUclips reply - but felt it was important!!!!
Have fun, stay safe, keep shooting.
UPDATE If anyone is considering a new 907X and can't find one it is because they are on serious backorder - the Moon edition was and still is is the only one available if you can find one. - I think there is one in Spain via Promegapixel? The silver CFV50IIc spec is not available until the Autumn of 2020 - subject to change. I keep my ears on the Hass/Fuji radar!!!
This is a great post! Thanks!
@@benjhaisch You Sir are welcome - I love your content - it is so mature - sure its slightly retrospective from my point of view - but it will be so inspiring to many others still on the journey - and we all need that right now keep it coming - Stay safe. Keep shooting.
@@nelsonclub7722 EPIC RESPONSE!!!! Thanks man! OK - I'll just get both! heh! The 907 makes the Hass so attractive - ugh...
@@nelsonclub7722 Superb user information, thanks for all of this!
Really nice video, may i ask which film are you using @8:44 the boy with yellow down jacket and the wedding photo in front of the house, please?
Portra 400
@@benjhaisch thanks, mate. Great light and beautiful shot.👌
Yo this is really good, way to highlight what makes this camera so unique. I don't know if it would even be worth it, but a Hasselblad V series-centric image critique would be really cool, I've been feeling like my technique isn't where it should be with that *specific* camera, even after a year or more of consistent shooting.
The picture at 3:58. The cabin in the snow. Love the color tones, what film is this? Ty
Portra 400 🙌🏼
Beautiful pictures and colour saturation
I can very highly recommend the 200/2000 series 6x6 analog Hasselblad camera, i very high recommend these lenses Zeiss Distagon 50mm 2.8 which have a very good close distance down to 15x15 object/scene, Zeiss Planar 110mm 2.0, Zeiss Macro Planar 120mm 4.0, Zeiss Tele-Tessar350mm 4.0 and Zeiss 2x Mutar or the later Hasselblad 2x of their own, the 110mm 2.0 gets to a very good 220mm 4.0 with the 2x a very good close up. At last but not least the Hasselblad SWC with the Zeiss Biogon 38mm 4.5
this guy keeps the word hipster alive
Just got one from glazers today... been wanting one for 10 years... woohoo benj.
Epic!
Lovely video. I’m having trouble understanding the light meter (same as yours). Would you do a video on the process you have when taking the photo with the meter?
Which meter are you referring to? Sadly none of mine have a working meter
Would you have a look at getting the digital back for this?
I just received my uncles 503CW, some lenses an other bits. He is now in his 70s and is downsizing his collection. Our family are all photographer focused but I have been at him to hand this unit over for years.
To be honest, I have very little interest in the film but I am interested in using the body the lens and possibly a digital back.
Thank you for your content - very insightful
A few years ago Hasselblad sent me their digital back to try out for a few weeks. It was fun for sure, but still pretty expensive. Not sure what they go for now, but I probably wouldn’t pick one up until they get to a full 645 size at least.
Dose cfe lens works on 500cm body? I was trying to get my hand on cfi 80mm lens, but they are so hard to find now
Lovely 👌🏼 video production is looking great too
Yoooo thanks dude
I 20000% regret the day I sold mine...I need another one!
The same here. I used a Hasselblad regularly in the 1990's and should NEVER have sold it. I'm going to buy another one because I miss the whole film/darkroom experience.
I really want to get this specific camera, after seeing this video, which was filmed very nicely, I’ve decided I really do want to start photography. The only problem I have is that I can’t find this camera anywhere, it’s not being sold as “new” which is what I want. It really sucks that I can’t find anyone who sells a new one.
I love my Hasselblad 500cm.
My Hasselblad has yet to let me down. A true pleasure to shoot over the years.
Thanks... i am now looking for one ..
MOM BENJ SHOUTED ME OUT IN HIS MOST RECENT VIDEO
The best part is that I’m sure I met your mom 😂
Nice. But so many people make the mistake of saying something is "really" unique. Unique is an absolute quality. There are no degrees of uniqueness. It is one of a kind. Something is either unique or it is not unique. By contrast, you can say it's unusual, distinctive, special, etc.
Amazing video thank you for sharing! Where would you recommend purchasing one of these?
KEH or Craigslist if you can
Most excellent,,,got mine in the late 80's would love to get the 903 SWC BUT THERE GOING FOR MORE THAN 3k :(
Hi , i m from italy and i ve just bought a 500 cm! …. I d like to start a challenge with myself … continue to have street shots with this camera too… i hope it would be succesful 😬😉😉
how are you holding your strap on the lugs??? very curious
Thanks for this video! I'm starting out with mine, and wondering if you can make a video on the lens settings? That would be great! Thanks :)
Hey one of your couples was in Eric flobergs video! Awesome stuff!
Ah yeah! We worked for Mark & Molly’s wedding together!
Terrific overview.
Hi! I have a question that how to start to become a wedding photographer?