Hasselblad 500cm tripod plate - I am lost!

Joseph Bell said:

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

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RalphLambrecht said:

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.

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nakol said:

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.

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MattKing said:

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.

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Alan9940 said:

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.

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voceumana said:

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.

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Joseph Bell said:

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.

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bdial said:

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.

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Alan9940 said:

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.

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Joseph Bell said:

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!

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Alan9940 said:

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?

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Sirius Glass said:

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.

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Joseph Bell said:

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

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Sirius Glass said:

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.

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Pieter12 said:

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.

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Joseph Bell said:

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!

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