Hasselblad 500cm tripod plate - I am lost!

[Joseph Bell]

Hello fine people!

I have finally acquired a 500cm whose tripod mount has a 3/8 socket. I am trying to figure out the best way to mount this camera to my tripod, which takes Arca-Swiss style 1/4" plates. As I see things, I have several options:

1) Screw a reducer bushing into the camera's tripod socket:


https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/769749-REG/Oben_OB_1039_3_8_16_to_1_4_20_Reducer.html


2) Purchase the Acratech Hasselblad quick 3/8-16 quick release plate:


https://www.acratech.net/quick-release-camera-plates/hasselblad-3-8-16-plate-2143/


3) Go big or go home and get hold of the Hasselblad quick coupling:


https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._Tripod_Quick_Coupling_H.html?sts=pi-ps&pim=Y



As for option #3 - please forgive my dimness, but I am really not sure how I would go about using this lovely item. Quite frankly, I'm mystified!


Option #2 seems like a good middle ground, although for all I know, I would be more than happy with a simple three dollar reducer bushing.


If any of you Hasselblad kings have any suggestions, ideas, or admonishments, I would be delighted to hear them! I would like to conclude by telling you that in the world of medium format I have bought cheap and bought twice more than once, until finally I landed on the Hasselblad I should have bought from the start. I would like to do the right thing this time and not waste money, and I will be truly grateful for your advice.


Sincere thanks and warm regards,

Joseph

 

[cowanw]

https://www.acratech.net/quick-release-camera-plates/hasselblad-3-8-16-plate-2143/
Acratech
Hasselblad 3/8" - 16 Plate 2143

 

[bdial]

The bushing will let you use an Arca plate you may already have, that’s probably the simplest solution, or else if you have a plate that can take a 3/8 screw, you can get that instead of a bushing. #2 is a good approach if you want to dedicate a plate.
The Hasselblad coupling is meant to be used in place of some other quick release system, or you can mount it on a Arca plate and use both. There are a few other Hasselblad-specific Arca plates, and there is also one that replaces the camera’s “foot”/tripod mount entirely.
As to which is best, that’s really up to what you find most convenient, on mine, i am using a bushing for now, and I plan to buy a Hasselblad-specific Arca plate. I’ve just recently committed to the Arca system, and still building my kit.

 

[voceumana]

I'd spend the bucks and go for the 3/8 plate--I find the additional grip of the 3/8 mount just makes it easier. I'm sure the same would be of the Hassy.

 

[Alan9940]

I've had a Really Right Stuff arca-style plate on my 500CM for so long I can't remember if its a 3/8 mount or not. Might want to check their website to see what's currently available.

 

[MattKing]

By a bushing anyways.
That way you will be equipped if you ever find yourself using shared equipment.
Then pick a system you want to use in the future.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Hello fine people!

I have finally acquired a 500cm whose tripod mount has a 3/8 socket. I am trying to figure out the best way to mount this camera to my tripod, which takes Arca-Swiss style 1/4" plates. As I see things, I have several options:

1) Screw a reducer bushing into the camera's tripod socket:


https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/769749-REG/Oben_OB_1039_3_8_16_to_1_4_20_Reducer.html


2) Purchase the Acratech Hasselblad quick 3/8-16 quick release plate:


https://www.acratech.net/quick-release-camera-plates/hasselblad-3-8-16-plate-2143/


3) Go big or go home and get hold of the Hasselblad quick coupling:


https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._Tripod_Quick_Coupling_H.html?sts=pi-ps&pim=Y



As for option #3 - please forgive my dimness, but I am really not sure how I would go about using this lovely item. Quite frankly, I'm mystified!


Option #2 seems like a good middle ground, although for all I know, I would be more than happy with a simple three dollar reducer bushing.


If any of you Hasselblad kings have any suggestions, ideas, or admonishments, I would be delighted to hear them! I would like to conclude by telling you that in the world of medium format I have bought cheap and bought twice more than once, until finally I landed on the Hasselblad I should have bought from the start. I would like to do the right thing this time and not waste money, and I will be truly grateful for your advice.


Sincere thanks and warm regards,

Joseph

strange my 501c has a 3/8 and a 1/4" thread in the tripod mount plate. I didn't realize it was different to the 500cm.

 

[nakol]

I would get a used older version of Hasselblad quick coupling like this

https://www.keh.com/shop/hasselblad-manual-focus-tripod-quick-rel-45128-718413.html

You can also find similar ones on ebay and these things are rock solid and very easy to use.

 

[Joseph Bell]

strange my 501c has a 3/8 and a 1/4" thread in the tripod mount plate. I didn't realize it was different to the 500cm.

yes indeed, some plates have both threads and some, like mine, have only the stubby weird one!

 

[Joseph Bell]

I would get a used older version of Hasselblad quick coupling like this

https://www.keh.com/shop/hasselblad-manual-focus-tripod-quick-rel-45128-718413.html

You can also find similar ones on ebay and these things are rock solid and very easy to use.

many thanks!

 

[Joseph Bell]

By a bushing anyways.
That way you will be equipped if you ever find yourself using shared equipment.
Then pick a system you want to use in the future.

thanks Matt, I certainly will.

 

[Joseph Bell]

I've had a Really Right Stuff arca-style plate on my 500CM for so long I can't remember if its a 3/8 mount or not. Might want to check their website to see what's currently available.

yes I will, thank you. I keep wondering if I should switch over to a RRS ballhead anyhow. Currently I am using a relatively cheap (but decent) Sirui that seems to be on its last legs, pun intended, I guess. The BH-40 is very appealing.

 

[Joseph Bell]

I'd spend the bucks and go for the 3/8 plate--I find the additional grip of the 3/8 mount just makes it easier. I'm sure the same would be of the Hassy.

yes, thank you. I have been reading a few reviews of the Acratech plate, and Hasselblad people seem to really enjoy it...

 

[Alan9940]

yes I will, thank you. I keep wondering if I should switch over to a RRS ballhead anyhow. Currently I am using a relatively cheap (but decent) Sirui that seems to be on its last legs, pun intended, I guess. The BH-40 is very appealing.

I've had a BH-55 for many years that I use primarily for my Pentax 67 outfit. Personally, I think RRS makes quality (though not cheap) products.

 

[Joseph Bell]

The bushing will let you use an Arca plate you may already have, that’s probably the simplest solution, or else if you have a plate that can take a 3/8 screw, you can get that instead of a bushing. #2 is a good approach if you want to dedicate a plate.
The Hasselblad coupling is meant to be used in place of some other quick release system, or you can mount it on a Arca plate and use both. There are a few other Hasselblad-specific Arca plates, and there is also one that replaces the camera’s “foot”/tripod mount entirely.
As to which is best, that’s really up to what you find most convenient, on mine, i am using a bushing for now, and I plan to buy a Hasselblad-specific Arca plate. I’ve just recently committed to the Arca system, and still building my kit.

thank you! I have gone the arca route so far, but I'm not in very deep, and it's time for me to replace my relatively cheap Sirui - I've been going back and forth between the RRS BH-40 and the Arca Swiss p0. But now I realize: by introducing the subjects of ballheads I have derailed my own thread, I couldn't help myself!!

 

[Joseph Bell]

I've had a BH-55 for many years that I use primarily for my Pentax 67 outfit. Personally, I think RRS makes quality (though not cheap) products.

indeed. I was looking at the BH-55 as well. I need to finally pull the trigger on a quality ballhead and truly I have no idea how I'll decide between the BH-40, BH-55, and Arca Swiss Monoball p0. I keep struggling with my lousy cheapo ballhead, especially in colder weather, and nobody is getting any younger!

 

[Alan9940]

indeed. I was looking at the BH-55 as well. I need to finally pull the trigger on a quality ballhead and truly I have no idea how I'll decide between the BH-40, BH-55, and Arca Swiss Monoball p0. I keep struggling with my lousy cheapo ballhead, especially in colder weather, and nobody is getting any younger!

Should be an easy decision based on the equipment you plan to use on your ballhead. I've never owned a BH-40, but there is a limit on what you could mount on it. For example, I wouldn't put my 8x10 Deardorff on a BH-40, but the BH-55 handles it with ease. I don't like ballheads for heavy 8x10s, but that's another discussion. Why limit yourself with the BH-40 unless you're absolutely sure you'll never need something like the BH-55?

 

[Joseph Bell]

Should be an easy decision based on the equipment you plan to use on your ballhead. I've never owned a BH-40, but there is a limit on what you could mount on it. For example, I wouldn't put my 8x10 Deardorff on a BH-40, but the BH-55 handles it with ease. I don't like ballheads for heavy 8x10s, but that's another discussion. Why limit yourself with the BH-40 unless you're absolutely sure you'll never need something like the BH-55?

Because I'm a lummox?! Yes, thank you, I see your point! This said, I go on long walks and need to keep the weight of my pack to a practicable minimum. Let's see now: the BH-40 is roughly one pound lighter. Oh good heavens: decisions!

 

[Sirius Glass]

My recent tripod purchases have their own quick release plates. These plates are interchangeable with the standard plates of other companies. If I was you, when you buy a tripod, select one with a standard plate. I keep extra plates in camera bags and attached to the tripod. My 500mm lens has a plate permanently attached because if I add it in the field I go not get it tightened enough and it twists and turns.

 

[Joseph Bell]

My recent tripod purchases have their own quick release plates. These plates are interchangeable with the standard plates of other companies. If I was you, when you buy a tripod, select one with a standard plate. I keep extra plates in camera bags and attached to the tripod. My 500mm lens has a plate permanently attached because if I add it in the field I go not get it tightened enough and it twists and turns.

Many thanks! May I ask which tripod & head you favour?

 

[Sirius Glass]

Many thanks! May I ask which tripod & head you favour?

I bought the Induro which has the features of the top brands at a lower cost. https://indurogear.com/ I have the carbon fiber model, after having dragged around heavier tripods. I do not like the ball heads because they can flop around and damage cameras. I like the heads with separate axes and bubble levels.

 

[Pieter12]

LeoPhoto makes a nice knock-off of the RRS heads. And FLM is a good choice for tripods and heads, too. https://thecentercolumn.com/tripod-reviews/ is a good resource.

 

[Joseph Bell]

I bought the Induro which has the features of the top brands at a lower cost. https://indurogear.com/ I have the carbon fiber model, after having dragged around heavier tripods. I do not like the ball heads because they can flop around and damage cameras. I like the heads with separate axes and bubble levels.

sincere thanks! I will check out the Induro!

 

[Joseph Bell]

LeoPhoto makes a nice knock-off of the RRS heads. And FLM is a good choice for tripods and heads, too. https://thecentercolumn.com/tripod-reviews/ is a good resource.

that's terrific, thank you!

 

[Alan9940]

Because I'm a lummox?! Yes, thank you, I see your point! This said, I go on long walks and need to keep the weight of my pack to a practicable minimum. Let's see now: the BH-40 is roughly one pound lighter. Oh good heavens: decisions!

I trek pretty far with a LF outfit so, for me, weight is kind of a relative thing!