Hasselblad 500 CM Pricing

[Dan Daniel]

One of the owners of Glass Key Photo in the Tenderloin is a Hasselblad user. I bet they could source a quality kit that they would stand behind. Not sure if the price will be any good.

https://www.glasskeyphoto.com/

 

[logan2z]

One of the owners of Glass Key Photo in the Tenderloin is a Hasselblad user. I bet they could source a quality kit that they would stand behind. Not sure if the price will be any good.

https://www.glasskeyphoto.com/

I was in there recently and spoke to them but they told me they didn't know of any that were available. I also spoke to the guys at Seawood in San Rafael and got a similar answer. I may have a line on one from another local shop that I'm waiting to hear about.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I've been keeping my eye out for a Hasselblad 500 or 501CM for several months and ran across a 500CM today from a seller local to me (I'd prefer to buy a camera I can touch and feel so I have avoided eBay sellers). The camera comes with an A12 back (back and insert with matching numbers), a WLF, and 80mm CF T* lens. No Acute Matte screen, but the seller claims the screen is a brighter late-model screen. From photos, the camera and lens appear to be very clean examples.

I'm trying to get a handle on current pricing but I'm seeing a fairly wide range from sellers online. Does anyone have an opinion as to what this camera might be worth in the current market, assuming that it's cosmetically clean and mechanically sound?

I'd expect to pay around $1500.

 

[etn]

Unfortunately I'm in the SF Bay Area so a bit too far to drop in and look around

There was a nice store in Palo Alto - unfortunately they shut down business a few years ago:
https://www.mercurynews.com/2016/09/20/keeble-shuchat-to-close-palo-alto-camera-stores-2/

They had some decently priced stuff (and some less decently priced, too, as always.) I bought a 150mm Hasselblad, a 180mm Nikon and a Zeiss Ikon ZM (plus a bunch of film) from them back in my California days. Pity they closed.

 

[Toasty]

Honestly Hasselblad pricing is all over the map. I've seen complete 500CM's sell for anywhere between $550 and $1700 USD (and some listed for OVER $2000), a local guy on Craigslist was selling a clean, complete 503CW for $1,000. I bought my very clean 501C kit for $700.

A great place to look is the Film Photo Gear group on Facebook, there are some good deals to be had there.

 

[logan2z]

I came across what appears to be a clean 501CM with full kit and 80mm CB lens. But at just under $2K, I think it's priced at the high end considering the 'budget' lens. The seller isn't open to negotiation so I guess the search continues...

 

[etn]

If I remember correctly the 501CM also has the gliding mirror system (which is only useful with long lenses, like 180mm and up - do you plan to use those?)
$2k seems a lot, unless the thing is really like new, has an acute matte D screen, a new type A12N (with dark slide holder), etc.
Not sure how the 80 CB compares to the others... some CB lenses are identical to the CF/CFi, not sure about the 80mm.

As Toasty said 2 posts above, Hassy pricing is all over the map and this $2k 501CM is just another example of it...

Good luck with your search! (it’s also part of the fun)

 

[Grim Tuesday]

I've seen 500C bodies with WLF going for $250. I have been very satisfied with my 500C that I got (body only) for $125 from Used Photo Pro/Roberts Camera about two years ago. National Camera Exchange often has good prices on 500C and 500CM bodies as well. The C12 backs are just as good as A12 backs and cost half the price. I get spending more to get something better but this is like a 4x difference, I don't see why not to get a 500C.

 

[logan2z]

If I remember correctly the 501CM also has the gliding mirror system (which is only useful with long lenses, like 180mm and up - do you plan to use those?)
$2k seems a lot, unless the thing is really like new, has an acute matte D screen, a new type A12N (with dark slide holder), etc.
Not sure how the 80 CB compares to the others... some CB lenses are identical to the CF/CFi, not sure about the 80mm.

As Toasty said 2 posts above, Hassy pricing is all over the map and this $2k 501CM is just another example of it...

Good luck with your search! (it’s also part of the fun)

You're right, the 501CM has the gliding mirror system. I don't plan on using long lenses with the camera so that's probably not an important feature. The Acute Matte screen is, however.

My understanding is that the CB 80mm is a different optical design than the CF 80mm, although it seems like many people who have owned both don't really see a difference in image quality. Theoretically, at least, I think the CB lens is less sharp off center. I'm also led to believe that the construction of the CB lenses is not at quite the same level as the CF lenses (more plastic components, for example) and can be more difficult to service. From what I've read, the CB lenses were a way for Hasselblad to bring a lower priced system to market. The CB lenses didn't seem to last long as most Hasselblad buyers didn't want a 'budget' lens.

The seller of the 501CM is willing to sell the camera without the lens at a price of $1600. I originally thought he was overpricing his camera, but if I look at 'sold' listings on eBay he does seem to be in the ballpark. Interestingly, the 500CM with the CF 80mm lens I was originally looking at from a local seller has been reduced in price to $1550. That one may be getting more interesting...

 

[campy51]

I still think $1550 is too high unless it's had a cleaning recently or is in at least excellent condition. I don't think I could get $1550 for mine in average condition with 2 backs a 80mm and 150mm.

 

[logan2z]

I still think $1550 is too high unless it's had a cleaning recently or is in at least excellent condition. I don't think I could get $1550 for mine in average condition with 2 backs a 80mm and 150mm.

Agreed. I might be willing to buy at the high end of the market if the camera had a recent CLA and/or came with a warranty, but neither of those is the case with the 500CM. That said, I was surprised to see some of the recent 'sold' prices of 501CMs on eBay. I saw several that sold in the $2K range with the CF 80mm lenses, a WLF, and a single A12 back. A few didn't even seem to be in what I would consider 'excellent' condition. Hasselblad prices do seem to be on the rise.

 

[etn]

Hasselblad pricing is really going through the roof now and I fear it’s only going to get worse when digital backs become more affordable (e.g. the anticipated CFV 50 ii).

If you don’t mind the extra bulk, motorized bodies can be a good alternative. Of those, the 553 elx is probably the best as it is the newest and takes AA batteries.

 

[Sirius Glass]

If I remember correctly the 501CM also has the gliding mirror system (which is only useful with long lenses, like 180mm and up - do you plan to use those?)
$2k seems a lot, unless the thing is really like new, has an acute matte D screen, a new type A12N (with dark slide holder), etc.
Not sure how the 80 CB compares to the others... some CB lenses are identical to the CF/CFi, not sure about the 80mm.

As Toasty said 2 posts above, Hassy pricing is all over the map and this $2k 501CM is just another example of it...

Good luck with your search! (it’s also part of the fun)

I've seen 500C bodies with WLF going for $250. I have been very satisfied with my 500C that I got (body only) for $125 from Used Photo Pro/Roberts Camera about two years ago. National Camera Exchange often has good prices on 500C and 500CM bodies as well. The C12 backs are just as good as A12 backs and cost half the price. I get spending more to get something better but this is like a 4x difference, I don't see why not to get a 500C.

There is no reason to go up to $2,000US for a Hasselblad body. $400US is a good place to start. I have the 503 CX which does not have the gliding mirror system and I do not miss it. With the 250mm and 500mm lenses the very thin strip at the top of the frame is not noticeable and of course does not appear in the negative. In fact with the 500mm lens with the 2XE I still do not notice it. Save the money and skip the higher priced bodies.

 

[logan2z]

There is no reason to go up to $2,000US for a Hasselblad body. $400US is a good place to start. I have the 503 CX which does not have the gliding mirror system and I do not miss it. With the 250mm and 500mm lenses the very thin strip at the top of the frame is not noticeable and of course does not appear in the negative. In fact with the 500mm lens with the 2XE I still do not notice it. Save the money and skip the higher priced bodies.

Maybe I'm misreading you, but the $2K cameras that I've been talking about are full kits - body, A12 back, lens, WLF - not just bodies.

 

[Ariston]

In today’s buying environment, it may be worth you while to pay a little more for the now rare privilege of being able to handle and examine camera and lens before laying out cash.

So true...

 

[Sirius Glass]

Maybe I'm misreading you, but the $2K cameras that I've been talking about are full kits - body, A12 back, lens, WLF - not just bodies.

I am talking about the camera bodies only.

 

[ParkerSmithPhoto]

One thing to consider is that the AccuMatte focusing screen, which I believe is standard, does NOT have a split prism, and I found it very difficult to focus compared to my Bronica. Once I bought a split prism, everything was much better, although I don't find the Hassy screens to be as bright as the Bronica. My SQ prism may have been after market.

I do have an ELX body that I was considering selling. It was worked on by KEH about three years ago and has had very minimal use since then as I have a 500CM which is my main camera. PM me if interested.

 

[Sirius Glass]

One thing to consider is that the AccuMatte focusing screen, which I believe is standard, does NOT have a split prism, and I found it very difficult to focus compared to my Bronica. Once I bought a split prism, everything was much better, although I don't find the Hassy screens to be as bright as the Bronica. My SQ prism may have been after market.

I do have an ELX body that I was considering selling. It was worked on by KEH about three years ago and has had very minimal use since then as I have a 500CM which is my main camera. PM me if interested.

There are several different AccuMatte screens available, I had one with a split prism and I swapped it out for one without the split screen and with long cross hairs for lining up horizontal and vertical lines.

 

[ParkerSmithPhoto]

There are several different AccuMatte screens available, I had one with a split prism and I swapped it out for one without the split screen and with long cross hairs for lining up horizontal and vertical lines.

Thanks, I thought "AccuMatte" was specifically the one without the split. Do you know anything about the relative brightness of after market screens? The one thing I miss about my Bronica is the bright screen. Could be just the eyeballs getting old, though.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Thanks, I thought "AccuMatte" was specifically the one without the split. Do you know anything about the relative brightness of after market screens? The one thing I miss about my Bronica is the bright screen. Could be just the eyeballs getting old, though.

I do not have a source for replacement eyeballs, sorry. There are several versions of AccuMatte screens that I have looked through. I do not have any knowledge of other aftermarket screens.

 

[Arklatexian]

I do not have a source for replacement eyeballs, sorry. There are several versions of AccuMatte screens that I have looked through. I do not have any knowledge of other aftermarket screens.

I did get a pair of replacement eyeballs, i.e. had cataract surgery. Sure made things better including using my grain-focuser in the darkroom. I still wear glasses for close focusing like the groundglass on LF cameras but don't absolutely need to, just more convenient. Check with your friendly eye doctor........Regards!

 

[logan2z]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the 60mm Distagon f/3.5 vs. the 'standard' 80mm CF. I'm looking at a 500CM that comes with the 60mm lens. I intend to use the camera primarily for landscapes so the 60mm focal length may actually be the better choice for me.

 

[etn]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the 60mm Distagon f/3.5 vs. the 'standard' 80mm CF. I'm looking at a 500CM that comes with the 60mm lens. I intend to use the camera primarily for landscapes so the 60mm focal length may actually be the better choice for me.

The 60 is a great and very versatile lens. Probably one of the best performers in the Hasselblad V range.
Opinions vary about its utility, many find it too much of a compromise - not really wide enough and too close to the 80mm.
But if you don't own a 80mm, the 60 has a very nice value proposition. It also pairs very well with the 100mm and 180mm if you want to expand with those later.
I use mine quite a bit for landscapes/cityscapes and as a 1-lens only walkaround. It's probably my 3rd most used lens after 120 and 180.

 

[etn]

Please note also that the 60mm is valued a bit higher than the 80mm, therefore this might reflect on the price of the kit. Within reason of course - maybe a couple hundred more than what has been debated in all previous posts of this thread sounds reasonable to me. If the lens a CF or a CFi? what is the overall condition of the kit? Any fancy items such as A12N back?

 

[logan2z]

Please note also that the 60mm is valued a bit higher than the 80mm, therefore this might reflect on the price of the kit. Within reason of course - maybe a couple hundred more than what has been debated in all previous posts of this thread sounds reasonable to me. If the lens a CF or a CFi? what is the overall condition of the kit? Any fancy items such as A12N back?

Thanks for the info about the 60mm.

The kit is in near mint condition. The lens is the CF variant. Nothing fancy included, standard A12 back, screen and WLF. Insert matches. One owner, lightly used but never serviced. All original boxes and manuals.