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Hasselblad prices

Pieter12

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After following Andrew's thread about buying a Hasselblad kit, I got the bug. For a while I was able to convince myself I really didn't need another film camera, another medium format film camera, another medium format film SLR. That didn't last long. So I went shopping online and I am amazed at the prices used Hasselblads are commanding. Not only the bodies, but the backs, waist-level finders (prisms seem to be reasonable, surprisingly) and 80mm lenses. KEH has a bargain 80mm CF for close to a grand! It is almost worthwhile picking up a few complete cameras to put together the best components and selling off what's left over. Besides, it all probably needs a CLA.
 
I am glad that I bought my Hasselblad equipment about the time I joined Photrio. At that time professional photographers were dumping their equipment.
 
Pieter12 said:
It is almost worthwhile picking up a few complete cameras to put together the best components and selling off what's left over.
Click to expand...

Of course, the fault of that logic is I will say to myself, I should really keep the rest as spares...
 
You can still find clean 500C and 500C/M at reasonable prices. If you don't mind the weight and bulk, 553ELX is a bargain.

The price of 80mm Planar has risen a lot, especially the pretty chrome C or the later CF versions. You might also try 60/3.5 and 120/4 Makro which are cheaper. 150/4 is definitely the cheapest.

You don't need the newest A12, and in a pinch you can run 120 film in A24 backs.
 
Another option is skip the A12 and use the old 12-magazine with the peep holes (sometimes labeled C12 or 12-on by sellers). They work just as good, and generally cost less.
The only drawback I've found with them is Kodak's numbering on the backing paper is very faint and comes without warning, so I accidentally wound past frame 1 on my first roll(!) - luckily I had a darkbag to bail me out.
 
They were too expensive for me compared to alternatives even 15 years ago. However if I added up all the money and time I spent getting Pentacon Six's and Kiev 60s to work, who knows, I may have been better off.
 
A 500C/M kit of the same quality and configuration as the one I bought in 2015 for $1000 is now listed at $2400 by the same seller (with a 6 month warrantee). Prices for good equipment are not going to come down again - the market has realized the value of high quality cameras in good working condition. The days of looking at something like a Hasselblad as “analog junk” are long gone. If you can afford it, get it now.
 
I scratched that itch in 2010 spending $800 on a very clean '59 500C with a '69 80mm planar lens and '76 back. I sent it to Hasselblad NJ for a $99 evaluation and let them bring the kit to factory spec to the tune of $800...so15 years later I call it even and have a factory spec 500C.
 
You can always buy a poor-man's Hasselblad, otherwise known as a Holga. At one time I used that camera extensively and made many 18"x18" prints.
 
But the market has it's blind spots too, and therein, bargains lurk. Sometimes the "best" versions that everyone else wants may not be all it seems.
 
Start off with an EL or ELM, or similar about $400, and bear the weight as the toll for entry into the system, buying needed viewfinder such as a chimney or 45 prism or even make a cardboard waist level finder and use a loop for fine focusing.

A 150mm C lens is fairly cheap and could be a good first lens, IMO.

A 50mm could be a good second lens and the 80mm can finish up a small but complete bag.

A24 magazines will do 12 frame rolls and are cheaper in most cases, there is a little trick to using these, learn it.

A level, lens hood or better yet, an adjustable lens hood with gel filter holder will be big help.

A long cable release and a monopod are a good team, if you learn to use the monopod well.

Buy bay 60 or 67/72 mm glass filters, even if you have a bay 50 lens, will save you money in the long run, even with a inexpensive brass step up ring and bay to mm conversion ring.

Buy a warm skylight filter and keep one on EVERY lens, full time.

Buy a 56mm extension tube for closeup work and a 16mm if you can swing that next.

You can with forethought, get into Hasselblad for less than a $1000

Buy extended warranty on camera and lenses; I like KEH.

Hasselblad is worth the delays in getting a full system and there are good bargains here if you are careful in your shopping.
 
Arthurwg said:
You can always buy a poor-man's Hasselblad, otherwise known as a Holga. At one time I used that camera extensively and made many 18"x18" prints.
Click to expand...

These are two different worlds. All Carl Zeiss lenses for Hasselblad are outstanding in performance. Although I am pretty happy with my complete Pentacon Six / Kiev-88 system, the Planars including the 110/2, Distagons including both 40/4 IF and 30/3.5, Sonnars and Superachromats are amazing.
 
A great alternative to a Hasselblad is a Rolleiflex 6000 series. Specifically 6001, 6003 and 6008.
The 6000 series use the exact same Zeiss lenses as the Hasselblad, different mount of course. There's also the Rollei made lenses and Schneiders as well.
I have the 6003 SRC 1000 and an 80mm, 17mm extension tube, shutter remote, WLVF and 45 degree prism. $1000 total.
This kit has been great. I use to have the 500cm and 2000FC/M, of course I still want those again, but the Rollei has been incredible.
 

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They are absolutely terrific cameras and very well respected. But as has been often noted here, getting these repaired is a challenge.
 

Furthermore, Rollei 6008 has some unique lenses from Schneider Kreuznach and Rodenstock.
 
I am quite familiar with the Rolleiflex 6008. I have a very complete kit, the optics, ergonomics and ease of use are excellent. Besides the extra weight of the Rollei (battery, motor drive) my interest in the Hasselblad (beyond the Hasselblad mystique) is for a completely mechanical, repairable camera. My fear with the extensive Rollei gear I have is it all becoming inoperable due to aging electronics and lack of support.
 
Blame Andrew for the price increases.
His post ; Talk me out of a Hasselblad created a world wide demand!
 
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