Calling All Hasselblad 500 c/m Owners

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sterioma

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Thanks, does it matter how big the belly is? I've got a lot of padding so....what lense are you using?

LOL, I actually have quite a flat belly at the moment due to training and eating judiciously. I mostly use my 80mm when out and about, but also have a 150mm and now in the market for a 50mm to complete the "holy trinity".
 

sterioma

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Thirdly I'd highly recommend using an Op Tech strap which makes the camera considerably easier to carry.

Agree on this. I recycled that same strap from my DSLR, just buying the appropriate attachments for the Hasselblad (they are not that expensive).
 

C Jensen

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I started in 1972 with the standard combo 500CM with 80C, added the 150C in 1973 and the 50C T* in 1974. If I was starting from scratch today, I would go with the 50 CF, 100 CF and the 180CF. All of those can use the Bay 60 filters.
 

bdial

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Great advice, the link didn't work for me but I appreciate it.

My 35mm have the 50mm lenses and I know that is the closest to the human eye but from the picture I have looked at, I feel the 60mm would fit my shooting style. It is kind of nerve racking because I can only purchase one lenses right now.

What brand of strap did you buy and would you recommend it?

Here's the actual link, i typed it in cold earlier and forgot www, http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu

Nothing wrong with the 60 for getting your feet wet, I have a 3 lens kit with 60, 80 and 150, if I had to ditch one, it would likely be the 80. As for 60 vs 80, the 80 is faster which can be nice, but the 60 is slightly sharper. If your vision likes wide, it would be a good way to start.

I use the Hasselblad straps, because I like the fastening clips on them better than the op tech, but the op techs are nice otherwise.
 

John Galt

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My only medium format experience is 6x6, why wouldn't that work? Not to familiar with the 6x4.5 so I really don't know.
It's just another format you can shoot with the Hasselblad V series, same 120 roll film but 16 images to a roll in a rectangular format . . . 6x4.5. Like I said . . . some compositions work better in a rectangular vs square format. I like having the choice . . YMMV :wink:

Like this one . . .

https://www.photrio.com/forum/media/summer-stream-hillsborough-nh.58876/
 

MattKing

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IIRC, there are distinct differences between the 60mm and 80mm lenses when it comes to minimum focusing distance and length of focus "throw".
The Hasselblad users here will correct me if I am wrong.
But if I am right, if either of those characteristics matter to you, you may wish to factor them in to your choice(s).
Personally I tend to lean toward the 60mm focal length - my square format "standard" lens is a 65mm (Mamiya) lens.
 

Sirius Glass

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The 60mm lens is too close to the 80mm lens so I recommend the 50mm and 80mm or 50mm and 100mm lenses. I recommend:
38mm [SWC]. 50mm, 80mm, 150mm [or 180mm], 250mm or
38mm [SWC]. 50mm, 100mm, 150mm [or 180mm], 250mm
I own the 30mm [Fisheye]; 38mm [SWC]. 50mm, 80mm, 100mm,150mm, 250mm, 500mm and 3XE. I do not have the 120mm or 135mm because I would not use them enough for close up work. Instead I use fixed length extension tubes.

I have a 503 CX and 903, not a 500 C/M.
 

GLS

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Consider getting a prism finder if you want to shoot (relatively) quickly and easily. I never got on very well with the WLF myself.

Also I agree if you think 80% of your shots will be of buildings you will find the 80mm a bit limiting FOV-wise. The 60mm or 50mm FLE may be a better option there, although they are slower. They are both optically better than the 80mm though. Also consider that the 80mm isn't really a very flattering focal length for close up shots of people (say, head and shoulders type shots); for that 120mm+ is more effective. The 120mm Makro and 180mm Sonnar are superlative portrait lenses.
 

guangong

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Hasselblad lenses shorter than 60mm are huge hunks of glass. The beauty of the Hasselblad design is compactness and not being too heavy for using hand held. The 150mm, like the 80mm, is easy to hand hold. The 60mm is a nice compromise and makes a compact, easy to carry package. Lenses shorter than 60mm are heavy.
I use heavy 300mm Olympic Sonnar and 400mm Leitz and Kilfit lenses on tripod mounted 2000FCM, but that’s a completely different topic. If my 2000FCM outlasts me (fingers crossed) I doubt a longer Hasselblad lens is in my future.
 

Alan Gales

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So I've been shooting my Minolta Autocord for about a year and a half. Love the square format. Do you think I can transition to a 60mm?

Autocords have 75mm lenses which are just slightly wider than the Zeiss 80mm. If you feel that you need something just a little wider then try a 60mm.

Used Zeiss lenses have stabilized in price. If you buy a lens and after trying it, decide that you don't want it, you can always sell and get most of your money back. Any little bit you lose just figure it as a cheap rental fee.
 
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The 60mm is a marvelous and often overlooked lens. I advise many folks to consider the 100mm Planar and the 60mm Distagon. The 100mm is one of the standout Hasselblad choices, and the 60 is a nice all rounder. I even bought the Rollei version when I moved onto the Hy6.
 

Frank53

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The 60mm is a marvelous and often overlooked lens. I advise many folks to consider the 100mm Planar and the 60mm Distagon. The 100mm is one of the standout Hasselblad choices, and the 60 is a nice all rounder. I even bought the Rollei version when I moved onto the Hy6.
After I got the swc, I concluded that the 50mm was rather useless, so I sold it and never regretted it. But I like wide angle and I like the convenience of having two camera’s instead of having to change lenses.
Regards,
Frank
 

Sirius Glass

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For travel to Europe I use the 38mm [SWC], 50mm and 80mm lenses.
 

GLS

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Hasselblad lenses shorter than 60mm are huge hunks of glass. The beauty of the Hasselblad design is compactness and not being too heavy for using hand held. The 150mm, like the 80mm, is easy to hand hold. The 60mm is a nice compromise and makes a compact, easy to carry package. Lenses shorter than 60mm are heavy.

It's all relative. As soon as your kit grows beyond a Hassy with a single lens you have to accept the fact you'll be lugging some weight around, but it's still not so bad compared to some systems. I have absolutely no issue using the 50mm hand held either, and from what I understand the 40mm is only marginally heavier.
 

Sirius Glass

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The 40mm lens has the advantage of being with shift and tilt with the FlexBody. On the other hand the 40mm lens is not rectilinearly correct like the SWC. I prefer the SWC.

The focal length range of the Hasselblad Rodenstock zoom lenses is very limited, so I never considered buying them. When I carry all my lenses, I consider it part of my physical fitness program. When I am traveling by air I take the SWC, 50mm lens and the 80mm [or 100mm] lens OR the 50mm lens, the 80mm [or 100mm] lens and the 250mm lens.
 

guangong

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45-50 yrs ago I walked around with a gaggle of cameras and lenses. As time went by, I carried less and less. The Hasselblad system is so ingenious that it can be used as hand held compact kit as well as on a tripod for many different kinds of photography. In many ways a Hasselblad is the only real competition to a 35mm SLR in terms of versatility, with the advantage of a larger negative.
 

Yokai

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I've had a 500c/m for about 15 years, and haven't used it nearly enough. I've recently started using it much more often, and am happy to say that the love is back. What a great system!

I recently bought a copy of the Hasselblad Manual, 3rd Edition, which has all the information relevant to a 500c/m system at the right price point. Ideally, you should try to get a copy of the Revised Reprint 1989 that has an extra chapter covering new camera bodies, lenses, and accessories introduced between 1986 and 1989. TIP: Whatever edition of the book you purchase, make sure it has all of the color pages intact. The first copy I bought had all of the fashion/glamour photos surgically removed via an X-ACTO (or similar) knife, so I had to return it. Even if you don't typically do this type of photography, you paid for a complete book.

As for lenses and accessories:

I really recommend the 42170 Acute-Matte focusing screen with grid and split-image microprism. I shoot a lot of urban-scapes, and find the grid invaluable for keeping everything aligned when hand holding the camera. The only downside is this particular focusing screen currently sells for a lot more than I paid 10 years ago.

I think having two A12 backs is sufficient. I used to have three, but found that I really didn't need to carry three backs around. Loading a roll of film isn't a major time issue unless you're shooting a wedding.

As for wide-angle lenses, I can't say enough good things about the 50mm Distagon f/4 CF FLE. I use this lens much more often than my 80mm Planar CF. I absolutely love it. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the 80mm; the 50mm just suits my style better. Also, I now only use CF lenses. For me, the CF useability is preferable to the earlier C lenses. I don't find that the later CFi or CFE lenses offer any features that I need. I guess I'm a CF die-hard.
 

GLS

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I really recommend the 42170 Acute-Matte focusing screen with grid and split-image microprism. I shoot a lot of urban-scapes, and find the grid invaluable for keeping everything aligned when hand holding the camera. The only downside is this particular focusing screen currently sells for a lot more than I paid 10 years ago.

Agreed, an Acute Matte D screen is a must IMO. They're so much brighter than a normal screen. I have the one with the etched grid and rangefinder patch, which makes focusing a breeze. They're very expensive, but worth every penny.

I don't find that the later CFi or CFE lenses offer any features that I need. I guess I'm a CF die-hard.

The CFi/CFE lenses do have an appreciably nicer focusing feel (probably the best of any lenses I've used). The shutters were also upgraded to have better longevity.
 

RalphLambrecht

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Go with the 80mm at the start, it is the normal lens for 6x6 format. You can pick up wide angle and telephoto later. Get at least two A12 film magazines. I also keep an A16 magazine (6 x 4.5) for when square format does not work.
you can always crop in the darkroom to your liking.
 
OP
OP
Hubigpielover

Hubigpielover

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the 80mm f/2.8 Planar is an excellent choice for this camera; think of a 50mm and a 150mm lens next.

That seems like the normal kit for Hasselblads
Thanks

I'd also recommend starting with the 80mm lens and then branch out from there (I personally went to a 40mm). I'd also endorse the fifth edition of Wildi's manual. Thirdly I'd highly recommend using an Op Tech strap which makes the camera considerably easier to carry.

That strap looks comfortable. How hot is it? It seems everyone thinks the 5th edition is they way to go so I went ahead and ordered one. I think it will be money well spent.

I have padding as well. Two methods I've found useful. Long strap, just mush it in. Short strap useful as a shelf. I have a 501cm, it has the Acute-Matte screen. These screens go for several hundred bucks, crazy but they are awesome.

Nothing wrong with the screen you've got. Get a 50mm you can buy the latest with the floating element for about 20% of when new price in mint condition.

When I was a kid, I always thought the CM stood for COMMAND MODULE :D

The Acute-Mate screen will probably be the last thing I get because, you are right, they are expensive. Still debating on a 50, 60, or 80. The camera came with a 80mm lens hood. so that would be one less thing I would have to buy. Rally wish I could try out lenses to see what I like the best.

Don't even want to talk about how dumb I was when I was a kid.

Down here in Australia we had the Mardi Gras in Sydney last week. It was a riot. I wouldn't (and didn't!) take a camera there for fear it would be smeared with lipstick, glitter, boa feathers and baubels! A smartphone is just fine, and that's what thousands and thousands were using. Actually, no time for any sort of photography -- too busy having a bloody good time in gold and glitter!! :D

Today I learned Sydney has Mardi Gras. Do y'all have a parade and floats? I don't mind bringing my camera out with me to stuff like that. I usually don't drink that much anymore because now that I am older than 40 hangovers last for a year. Mardi Gras is a great time and I usually always enjoy it.

Tip: You can hand-hold slower speeds if you push the side-release to move the mirror out of the way and then the shutter release a half a second later. Hold the camera in such a way that you don't have to rearrange your hands. The mirror action can cause camera movement. This can be demonstrated by making an exposure series at 1/4 to 1/30 second just using the shutter release . Use a light weight tripod and use the same EV at different times. Then repeat pushing the side mirror release followed by the shutter release. Images will show how separating the mirror action and shutter action reduces movement at these speeds. At longer and shorter times there is little difference.

2nd tip: If you aren't going to use the camera for day/weeks don't advance the film mid-roll after the last exposure. This removes the tension from the shutter spring and keeps the film flat for the next exposure. Holding the film at a sharp angle can cause a "bump" in the film caused by the roller.

3rd tip: for extended non-use remove the dark slide.This keeps the light lock material from being compressed that reduces its light lock efficacy.

4th tip: If you have multiple magazines do not interchange the inserts. Each insert and shell have matched serial numbers and are made to be used together.

Great camera!


Really appreciate all the tips. One reason why I like this site is because people like y'all take the time out to help people like me.
 
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Today I learned Sydney has Mardi Gras. Do y'all have a parade and floats? I don't mind bringing my camera out with me to stuff like that. I usually don't drink that much anymore because now that I am older than 40 hangovers last for a year. Mardi Gras is a great time and I usually always enjoy it.

You bet we do! It's just what is needed to bring Sydney to an absolute standstill, and the crowds love it.
Many of the floats had been under construction for more than 8 months, and are works of art in their own right. They follow a specific theme each year.
I was in there... painted in lurid gold with that itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny-chilli-red Speedo-kini. We finished off the night with a gin party. Perhaps too much gin...:sideways:
 
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