Hasselblad to cease production of V system cameras

c6h6o3 · Apr 30, 2013

Even though I hardly ever use my 'blad anymore, I've kept it because for less than the cost of a full frame DSLR I can buy a used digital back for it and get much better image quality than a Nikon or Canon full frame DSLR can render. And I can still use film in it just by switching backs. What's not to like? (and yes, I think Ilford will still be making 120 film long after I'm dead and buried).

redrockcoulee · Apr 30, 2013

Poisson Du Jour said:
IBut there's something everybody needs to know and keep in mind: you do not need a Hasselblad to create beautiful photographs, not at all. Truth be told, a Hasselblad will not even help you! It's not the camera that does the seeing and feeling, but the photographer. So we are not deprived of choices losing one or more (or all) of these cameras and can actually land the alternative camera of our dreams (6x7, 4x5 or 8x10, among) without mortgaging the home or selling the wife, just for the privilege of carting around a Hassy on our hairy chest. Ugh, perish the thought.

Used, a Hasselblad is not expensive, a body, waistlevel finder and back costs about the same as an entry level DSLR. Even a Pentax MZS used cost about the same amount as a used 500 C/M or even more. New they were still less than most full frame DSLRs and those sell well and I do not see many people selling wifes to buy those.

I "see" differently when I am shooting different formats, both the aspect ratio and the process necessary change one's approach to a location or subject and my wife uses the Hasselblad too. Saving $200 on a body to buy a different make of MF camera is not much although the lenses seem a lot more on the used market however one can sell them for more as well. I may have been just as happy with another system but there were personal advantages for me to go with a Hasselblad and I do not think the amount of extra money spent going with the V system compared to another medium format was worth worrying about and will amortize over the period I have it to less than 5 dollars per month.

Sirius Glass · Apr 30, 2013

I am not surprised. They were not the first camera company to stop production of film cameras, but they did continue long after the others.

Poisson Du Jour · Apr 30, 2013

Sirius Glass said:
I am not surprised. They were not the first camera company to stop production of film cameras, but they did continue long after the others.

I don't know, that's why I'm asking, so how long was the 503CW in production for Mr Serius? Even as an "outsider" not involved with Hasselblad, the stalwart 500cm that I've seen so often from weddings to snow back country seems to have been in production for many, many decades, and literally bushell-basketfulls of those bodies are available for peanuts in dealers.

Sirius Glass · Apr 30, 2013

Poisson Du Jour said:
I don't know, that's why I'm asking, so how long was the 503CW in production for Mr Serius? Even as an "outsider" not involved with Hasselblad, the stalwart 500cm that I've seen so often from weddings to snow back country seems to have been in production for many, many decades, and literally bushell-basketfulls of those bodies are available for peanuts in dealers.

17 years, Siriusly.

Rolfe Tessem · Apr 30, 2013

Count me in the camp that believes that the Hasselblad V cameras haven't actually been produced for 4-5 years and this announcement is simply the announcement of the end of inventory. Lenses may be another matter.

lxdude · Apr 30, 2013

Poisson Du Jour said:
literally bushell-basketfulls of those bodies are available for peanuts in dealers.

Literally? Man, I'm catching the next flight to Australia with a few bags of peanuts!

ChristopherCoy · Apr 30, 2013

Poisson Du Jour said:
But there's something everybody needs to know and keep in mind: you do not need a Hasselblad to create beautiful photographs, not at all.

Of course not, but people buy Cadillacs over Toyotas for the luxury and handling. Same thing for Hasseys.

Kevin Caulfield · Apr 30, 2013

lxdude said:
Literally? Man, I'm catching the next flight to Australia with a few bags of peanuts!

You won't find many cheap 'blads here. The best places to look are KEH and APUG.

The going rate here for a 500 C/M with 80mm lens, WLF and A12 is around $1500 and upwards.

lxdude · Apr 30, 2013

Kevin Caulfield said:
You won't find many cheap 'blads here. The best places to look are KEH and APUG.

The going rate here for a 500 C/M with 80mm lens, WLF and A12 is around $1500 and upwards.

Well, then I'll avoid Melbourne and head straight for Highton!

Kevin Caulfield · Apr 30, 2013

lxdude said:
Well, then I'll avoid Melbourne and head straight for Highton!

Yep, just turn left at Belmont.

Poisson Du Jour · Apr 30, 2013

lxdude said:
Well, then I'll avoid Melbourne and head straight for Highton!

Highton is Pentax Land.
Welcome to my lair.

lxdude · Apr 30, 2013

I wonder if the thing is that the cameras go for peanuts, but they soak you on the bushel-baskets...

lxdude · Apr 30, 2013

Poisson Du Jour said:
Highton is Pentax Land.
Welcome to my lair.

I'll bring my pets LX and MX, so they can meet Pentaximus

Poisson Du Jour · Apr 30, 2013

lxdude said:
Literally? Man, I'm catching the next flight to Australia with a few bags of peanuts!

Oh joy. I loooooove peanuts (but I enjoy Pentax camera even more...). Peanuts on fish. Skillet-grilled rainbow trout served on a paperbark base topped with crushed peanuts/almonds and thyme with a lemon-lime jus tonight.

Bring a bottle. Dinna is served at 8pm.

Poisson Du Jour · Apr 30, 2013

Kevin Caulfield said:
Yep, just turn left at Belmont.

It's actually a right turn from Belmont.

lxdude · Apr 30, 2013

Oooo. I'll be there. Should there be anything in the bottle?

Poisson Du Jour · Apr 30, 2013

lxdude said:
Oooo. I'll be there. Should there be anything in the bottle?

Nobody gets through the front door without a gift for the gifted.
Penfolds Grange 2008 would be lovely. For the same price, you could buy a used 500C/M body...

lxdude · Apr 30, 2013

Could I bring you the equivalent in peanuts?

tron_ · May 6, 2013

Just landed my 501CM with A12 back, 80mm f/2.8 CB lens, and the PM5 prism for only $1k. Camera is in beautiful condition too except for a light scratch on the film back.

Hasselblad to cease production of V system cameras

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