Hasselblad 501CM - $1800 - would you bite?

patashnik · Jul 2, 2021

Ten years ago, I purchased a 500C and spent twice the initial cost having it fixed up. In the end it was a beauty, but it just became one of those moments were the process (a year + $1200) kind of killed the joy. I ended up selling it - and bought a Leica MP - so no regrets there. But I have always missed that "thing" that the Hasselblad had.

First of all: I want a "recent" camera/lens combo. If someone flew by with a 503CW that would be perfect, but in the meantime I guess I have to deal with the real world.

Secondly, none of the cameras/lenses sold locally (nationally) seems to have been serviced at all. Every single one seems to involve ten years or more on a shelf.

I have been offered a Hasselblad 501CM, and need some parental guidance from people like you. It comes with an 80mm CFE and one A12 back. Exterior seems to be very clean. Original owner, but it hasn't been used for the last five-seven years or so. No boxes.

The price is $1800.

Gut feeling is to turn it down, and keep looking. But that is based on my experience with a 500C + 80mm (much older). So, people with experience, what would you do? Would you be worried buying Hasselblad gear that is 20 years old and which haven't been used for the last seven years?

Kodachromeguy · Jul 2, 2021

Price: a bit high but consider the individual parts. 80mm CFE lens is about $1000. A12 back is around $400. Acute-matte screen $300-400 (I am talking about realistic commercial NOW-today prices, not some super bargain that someone will claim they bought from a thrift shop or shuttered studio 15 years ago. Ignore that "I only paid $xxx" stuff. Will YOU be able to find that $xxx item ?)
501CM: it has the gliding mirror but make SURE that it has its Acute-Matte screen.
Has not been used in several years: that may be an issue; you just do not know. But consider, any V Hasselblad is getting up in years. So yes, you may need to get it cleaned and checked by a reputable repair person. Do you think an older and cheaper Hasselblad will be any better?

I suggest you buy it unless it is clearly non-functional or has fungus.

Kodachromeguy · Jul 2, 2021

Old Gregg said:
Welcome to 2021 where $1,800 is a BARGAIN! I have been watching Hasselblad equipment and patiently building my kit for over a year. Kodachromeguy is right, paying attention to focusing screen helps, but $1,800 is a great price regardless of what screen it has. BTW, there are two generations of AcuteMatte screens, and the latest generation (D) had 3 types (crosshair, grid+split, split+microprisms).

As far as I know, the 501cm came with type-D from a factory and that's what it should have unless the owner swaps for a cheaper screen before selling.

P.S. I paid $2,400 for a similar 501cm kit about a year ago, but with a 100mm CF lens and the most popular/expensive split+prism type-D screen.

I noted the warning about today's prices because whenever someone poses a question like this about almost any premium camera, a bunch of characters chime in with "It is too expensive because I paid $20 in 2005 for this item." No one cares; it is irrelevant today. That is useless data.

madNbad · Jul 2, 2021

The biggest difference between the 501 C/M and the 503 CW is the ability to mount a power winder and TTL flash. In todays market this one looks like a pretty good deal.

patashnik · Jul 2, 2021

Wow, thanks. I bought my Leica MP for $1800, so I totally agree about 2021 prices. This was mightily helpful, thanks.

mshchem · Jul 2, 2021

When was it made, is back the same vintage? VHPICTURES is 1234567890 date code. With that lens it could be quite recent. Type IV back has a genuine Hasselblad installed darkslide storage.
I have the 501cm and the 503cw. The way I shoot they feel the same. The winder for the cw is obnoxious. The Acute matte screens are wonderful. If the camera is minty that's a great price. As Sirius Glass notes, period clean and lube are essential with these beautiful cameras.

Arthurwg · Jul 2, 2021

The dollar is dead. Long live the $1000 dollar.

mshchem · Jul 2, 2021

Arthurwg said:
The dollar is dead. Long live the $1000 dollar.

ABSOLUTELY

etn · Jul 2, 2021

Go for it. $1800 is quite a good deal for a 501CM in 2021, assuming
1) it is in good condition, and obviously works
2) the back is an A12N with dark slide holder, which was standard as the time the 501CM was manufactured
3) the screen is an acute matte or acute matte D. Split image with grid would be ideal.

Do you have the opportunity to inspect it before buying?

Many sellers remove the screen and back which came with the camera and replace them with a crappy older one, in order to make more money.
As your offer is from the original owner and not from a store, the camera is likely to still have the original screen and backs. So check the 3 points above and if they are all green, go for it.
Finding a better offer in today's market will be difficult.

You say you want a modern camera, the 501CM is one of the newest. I do not see an issue with it not being serviced, if it has not been abused.

Also check if you can get 1-2 more backs, they are always useful.

jeffreyg · Jul 2, 2021

I don't know about current prices. My suggestions:: if you have access to the camera take a couple of rolls of film and expose at different settings to see how it performs; also, if it is not local to you does the seller have a return policy in case it is not as represented. Sending it to David Odess ( I have used his services) can be a lengthy process. See if Hasselblad in New Jersy is still servicing older cameras. I had my last repair done there and the turn around was quicker.
http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

http://www.sculptureandphotography.com/

Sirius Glass · Jul 2, 2021

The price seems good. Of course in 2007 the prices were a lot lower when I bought all my equipment and I have never regretted it.

removed account4 · Jul 2, 2021

patashnik said:
Ten years ago, I purchased a 500C and spent twice the initial cost having it fixed up. In the end it was a beauty, but it just became one of those moments were the process (a year + $1200) kind of killed the joy. I ended up selling it - and bought a Leica MP - so no regrets there. But I have always missed that "thing" that the Hasselblad had.

First of all: I want a "recent" camera/lens combo. If someone flew by with a 503CW that would be perfect, but in the meantime I guess I have to deal with the real world.

Secondly, none of the cameras/lenses sold locally (nationally) seems to have been serviced at all. Every single one seems to involve ten years or more on a shelf.

I have been offered a Hasselblad 501CM, and need some parental guidance from people like you. It comes with an 80mm CFE and one A12 back. Exterior seems to be very clean. Original owner, but it hasn't been used for the last five-seven years or so. No boxes.

The price is $1800.

Gut feeling is to turn it down, and keep looking. But that is based on my experience with a 500C + 80mm (much older). So, people with experience, what would you do? Would you be worried buying Hasselblad gear that is 20 years old and which haven't been used for the last seven years?

hey patashnick
its high but its a Hasselblad so supposedly you get what you pay for?
personally I would not get it, costs too much to repair and people always downplay issues cameras might have
when they sell them—there is no such thing as a test drive if you know what I mean, you buy it, its yours unless
you live near the seller and can strike an arrangement with them ... if its not local then you are able to buy with PayPal and squabble
and get a refund but that's a PITA to be honest and takes effort. 20 years old and not used for 7 years probably means it needs servicing and
seals and the film back doesn't escape the servicing so you are looking at more $$.

patashnik · Jul 2, 2021

Update: I declined. I've asked about serial numbers and acute matte, but no straight answers. It did not help that the price was increased to $2300 (for no obvious reason). In the end, for me, this was not it. Prices are what they are. My budget is around $2500 for a kit, but as the saying goes: Buy the seller.

Thank you all for sharing your opinions and knowledge, deeply appreciated.

PonySoldier1887 · Jul 2, 2021

I did it (didn't enjoy the experience)... bought a Hasselblad 500 CM, A12 Back and 80mm f2.8 Planar from a dentist who had envisioned taking photographs of his dental restorations but didn't understand the limitations of the setup! Result was a twenty year old camera that had never had 5 rolls of film put through it. It was beautiful - looked as if it was fresh from the factory. Ended up having spent an amount equal to the price with Dave Odess, who does splendid work, replacing springs, seals, dampers, etc. I had a "brand-new" twenty year old camera! Would I do it again? NO, but that is just me and the problem was that I found that I just didn't like Hasselblad cameras so... if you are really familiar with the Hasselblad and really like their handling and performance... go for it. If, on the other hand you just are enamored of "the legend" I would shop around some more!
Joel

removed account4 · Jul 2, 2021

patashnik said:
Update: I declined. I've asked about serial numbers and acute matte, but no straight answers. It did not help that the price was increased to $2300 (for no obvious reason). In the end, for me, this was not it. Prices are what they are. My budget is around $2500 for a kit, but as the saying goes: Buy the seller.

Thank you all for sharing your opinions and knowledge, deeply appreciated.

go to the arax website and get a 88cm/mlu, you won't be sorry
you can use European glass, and even get a 6,000$ distigon for $150 to use with it...
and out of your 2000$ you have to spend, you will have like $1000 left over to buy bricks of film!
good luck!
John

mshchem · Jul 2, 2021

jnantz said:
go to the arax website and get a 88cm/mlu, you won't be sorry
you can use European glass, and even get a 6,000$ distigon for $150 to use with it...
and out of your 2000$ you have to spend, you will have like $1000 left over to buy bricks of film!
good luck!
John

And unlike a Hasselblad, if it locks up usually a good whack will get it going*

*First 36 rolls or 36 hours, whichever comes first.

removed account4 · Jul 2, 2021

mshchem said:
And unlike a Hasselblad, if it locks up usually a good whack will get it going*

*First 36 rolls or 36 hours, whichever comes first.

not really, the arax cameras are all rebuilds, guaranteed and from everyone who I know of who has a 88 they work very well. ( my experience is with a 60 and it works great )
maybe the old un-rebuilt Kiev's are like that ( although I still know people who swear by them too )
but not the arax. ... George ( the arax guy ) knows what he is doing. ...
the difference is a blad is a status symbol for a lot of people, like-a Leica, or high rolling DSLR or LF +10,000 lenses .. for some, its bling.
they can't photograph to save their lives so they have a conversation piece.
whatever. . its their money, and keeps them happy. funny thing is people think photography has to do with all in the expensive coveted gear, and they don't realize that most of photography has nothing to do with gear, and a lot of it is just overpriced.

good luck OP finding a camera that suits your needs ( and budget ).
John
ps. I won't joking about the arax 88 cm mlu
its a great camera, and there is something magical about the lenses that isn't found in the hassy lenses...
its a fixed price, and guaranteed, so you don't have to worry about a seller jacking up the price and selling you a camera. that is advertised one way and needs 1200$ of work...

Sirius Glass · Jul 2, 2021

Gee the one time my Hasselblad locked up because a new to me lens froze, my repairman at Samys unlocked it from me and then I sent it back to KEH who repaired it for free and covered all the shipping costs including the original shipping to me. One very happy camper.

etn · Jul 3, 2021

patashnik said:
Update: I declined. I've asked about serial numbers and acute matte, but no straight answers. It did not help that the price was increased to $2300 (for no obvious reason). In the end, for me, this was not it. Prices are what they are. My budget is around $2500 for a kit, but as the saying goes: Buy the seller.

Thank you all for sharing your opinions and knowledge, deeply appreciated.

Indeed, these are no good signs. Declining was the correct thing to do I guess.
Patience, your dream kit will come your way.

Sirius Glass · Jul 3, 2021

patashnik said:
Update: I declined. I've asked about serial numbers and acute matte, but no straight answers. It did not help that the price was increased to $2300 (for no obvious reason). In the end, for me, this was not it. Prices are what they are. My budget is around $2500 for a kit, but as the saying goes: Buy the seller.

Thank you all for sharing your opinions and knowledge, deeply appreciated.

The next time or the time after will be the right one for you.

KenS · Jul 5, 2021

patashnik said:
Ten years ago, I purchased a 500C and spent twice the initial cost having it fixed up. In the end it was a beauty, but it just became one of those moments were the process (a year + $1200) kind of killed the joy. I ended up selling it - and bought a Leica MP - so no regrets there. But I have always missed that "thing" that the Hasselblad had.

First of all: I want a "recent" camera/lens combo. If someone flew by with a 503CW that would be perfect, but in the meantime I guess I have to deal with the real world.

Secondly, none of the cameras/lenses sold locally (nationally) seems to have been serviced at all. Every single one seems to involve ten years or more on a shelf.

I have been offered a Hasselblad 501CM, and need some parental guidance from people like you. It comes with an 80mm CFE and one A12 back. Exterior seems to be very clean. Original owner, but it hasn't been used for the last five-seven years or so. No boxes.

The price is $1800.

Gut feeling is to turn it down, and keep looking. But that is based on my experience with a 500C + 80mm (much older). So, people with experience, what would you do? Would you be worried buying Hasselblad gear that is 20 years old and which haven't been used for the last seven years?

When a "working photographer" with the e Federal Govt (2 different departments) for some 27 years I used 2 "Hassies', On my retirement (and 'feeling the need to continue with 120 roll put out my own $$ and went for the Mamiya to have the 'slghtly larger (and NOT square) negative. Even tho 'most' of my was (and still is) in either 4x5 and 8x10. I decided I rarely (If ever print) an image as 'square".. much preferring the rectangular.
You 'might' a be able to find a Mamiya for less $$$. (Yes it IS a little heavier than the 'Hassie', but you might 'find AND enjoy' the 'Not Square' negative'

Then... when out seeking a 'something' to record to film, you will not be bombarded with the usual "Oh.. is that that a Hasselblad?"

Ken

Kodachromeguy · Jul 5, 2021

KenS said:
Then... when out seeking a 'something' to record to film, you will not be bombarded with the usual "Oh.. is that that a Hasselblad?"

Well, that is a new experience for me. When I am out using my Hasselblad (or Fuji GW690 or any other camera), almost no-one in the general public has any idea whatsoever about the hardware I am using. Two exceptions: two gents in Poland commented on my Rolleiflex. A gent in Havana complemented me on my Leica M2.

patashnik · Jul 8, 2021

Sirius Glass said:
The next time or the time after will be the right one for you.

You might be right. I think I found a 501CM, 80mm CB, Acute Matte and A12 with matching inserts for $1400.

patashnik · Jul 8, 2021

What can I say, the perks of living in a country with a deflating currency. More importantly, I have dealt with the seller before, and he is a gentleman.

logan2z · Jul 8, 2021

Not a 501 CM, but a recently CLA'd 500C(/M?) + lens and other goodies is in the classifieds:

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/hasselblad-500c-60-cb-40-cfe.185220/

Hasselblad 501CM - $1800 - would you bite?

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