Hasselblad 503CX

[mikefiction]

Besides TTL, what improvements/differences does a 503CX have over a 500C/M?

edit: Other things I have been able to find out - CXI has the ability to use winder but CX doesn't. CX / CXI doesn't have improved floating mirror that the 501CM and 503CW have.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I know the shutter cocked window is missing, and the wind crank is fixed on the CX which to me is a bit of a downgrade. Any upgrades besides the TTL?

Not true. It does have the shutter cocked window.

It does not have the gliding mirror which was developed AFTER the CX was discontinued. The V Series does not go in numerical order.

Steve

 

[mikefiction]

Sirius Glass, I actually figured that out about the cocked window on the CX just as you were posting this!

Right on the GMS - I was mentioning upgrades I know of on other Hassy bodies - my question though ultimately that I'm looking for is what are "all" the upgrades - what's different on a CX besides TTL from the 500CM? Or is that it? Was there internal reflection improvement? Any mechanical improvements?

 

[pgomena]

Yes, there was an "internal reflection improvement". It involves a rubbery matte substance called "PALPAS". I believe it also was supposed to dampen sound, which it does to some extent. Nice idea, but PALPAS deteriorates over time, developing vein-like cracks that criss-cross its surface. My 503CX is about 15 years old, and the PALPAS has started to go. The immediate cure is a bit of flat-black model paint on the cracks. The long-term cure is replacement, which requires a major body disassembly. I'm going with flat-black paint until the body needs a CLA.

Other than that, my CX is wonderful. I bought it as part of a kit. I don't use the metering system. Otherwise I would have bought a 501CM. I do find the viewfinder image cutoff a bit annoying.

Peter Gomena

 

[mikefiction]

Thanks Peter!
Does the 501CM have the same internal "PALPAS" coating or is that improved?

 

[pgomena]

I don't know if the 501CM had the same coating or not, or whether Hasselblad continued to use it for any length of time. Someone else here or on another forum might be able to tell you. If you could pick up a 503CX cheap and have a CLA and include PALPAS replacement, you might come out ahead!

Peter Gomena

 

[Sirius Glass]

Check out http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HS/HSTable.aspx for the history of Hasselblad models and features.

Steve

 

[Shackelford]

Digital Back

Has anyone purchased a digital back for their 503CX? What experiences or recommendations would you make from your experience?

 

[MattKing]

Welcome to APUG, Shackelford.

Just a heads up though - most likely this thread will be edited or disappear, because of the narrow focus of APUG. Digitally focussed threads are outside the forum's focus - there is a hybrid/digital sister site though at DPUG.org.

 

[Ole]

We'll keep it for now, since it's a new member.

The thread is about analog Hasselblads, so that will stay - only one post touched on digital, and the poster has been warned.

 

[Slixtiesix]

If you are interested in DBs I may recommend you the getdpi-forums, there are plenty of people who can give you first-hand information on these. Regarding the cameras: I don´t think there are many differences apart the TTL-feature. If you want to use it, get it 503-series, if not a 500 or 501 series will suffice. You can use flash with these too, using a flash with dedicated sensor.

 

[EASmithV]

You can't really go wrong either way. Outstanding cameras both.

 

[Douglas Fairbank]

Hasselblad bodies 501, 503 and those that are badged '500CM Classic' have the Palpas light suppression material, late EL series and 200 series also have Palpas.
I suppose that there is no reason the same material could not be fitted to an earlier model.
As most Hasselblad cameras have interchangeable backs the expression 'analog' Hasselblad only really applies to cameras that do not have interchangeable film backs.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Hasselblad bodies 501, 503 and those that are badged '500CM Classic' have the Palpas light suppression material, late EL series and 200 series also have Palpas.
I suppose that there is no reason the same material could not be fitted to an earlier model.
As most Hasselblad cameras have interchangeable backs the expression 'analog' Hasselblad only really applies to cameras that do not have interchangeable film backs.

Such as the XPAN

 

[Sirius Glass]

DF, is there but one of you? Welcome to APUG!

 

[Douglas Fairbank]

I am very happy to be here. I don't know why I did not find this forum earlier. I am the only active 'one of you' in the UK but I think you have several in th USA. Hasselblad engineers that is!

 

[Sirius Glass]

DF, is there but one of you? Welcome to APUG!

I am very happy to be here. I don't know why I did not find this forum earlier. I am the only active 'one of you' in the UK but I think you have several in th USA. Hasselblad engineers that is!

One ==> Douglas Fairbank
Many ==> Douglas Fairbanks