Hassie help?

CarlRadford · Nov 22, 2005

Hi folks,

I am about to take the pluge and buy a 500 'blad - cheap as chips at the moment and as long as its not been abused it'll outlive me. My question is is it worth paying more for an 01c/m over a 00c/m or even more for the 503. I don't really use flash although I do want to do some studio work in the future. For now most of what it'll be used for is 'detailed landscapes' and and interiors etc when not using the 5x4. It will enable me to get some of the shots I want for the 'farm project' with a view to making enlarged negs in the darkroom. I have had an SL66 befor now but I thought there is plenty of 'blad stuff going to come onto the market in future. Unfortunately, I have never handled a 'blad and do not know anyone who has one. I will try and have a play in a shop in town that I know has one for sale. I appreciate these things are horses for courses but a little guidance might set themind a rest somewhat!

Thanks in advance, Carl

NikoSperi · Nov 22, 2005

I've not worked much with the 500's, but the only issue is that the reflex mirror doesn't show full frame on some lenses due to size/vignetting issues. I have the 501CM and it's the machine (together with an SWC) I intend on keeping for a long long time.

As for the 503, I wouldn't bother putting in extra money in for it, if budget is tight. I do studio with the 501 just fine. Lenses, on the other hand... I would spend a little more in order to get into the CF range.

bill schwab · Nov 22, 2005

Personally I am happy with the 00 C/M. Have been for years. I'm on my 2nd one and the first is still going strong. You'll love it once you get used to the thing. Be sure the back and the film insert are the same serial number. Also make sure your lens is cocked before changing lenses and you'll be OK. A prism viewfinder is a big help as well as a rapid advance crank. I see them all on eBay all the time.

Enjoy!

Bill

Guillaume Zuili · Nov 22, 2005

Hi,
I would go for the 501 or 503. Even if you don't need TTL, the viewfinder is better. On some 500CM, if you put long lens, you don't have the full image on the screen.
It's bulky, less so than SL66 and the shutter sound is quite loud. The SL66 gives you incredible close up plus tilt possibilities.

I have a 503 with 60mm and 100mm. I use it only on assignement. I really miss the SL66 (sold long time ago), and I'm more incline to use a Rolleiflex on a daily basis. Quite and discret.

It depends on what you exactly need and which lens you want.

wfe · Nov 22, 2005

I have a 503CW and love it although I don't use the autowinder or flash. The price was right and I bought it used. These are heavy especially with a prism but the negs are georgous and fun to work with.

photobum · Nov 22, 2005

I have the 500CM that I love. I had a 350mm lens and the 2x Mutar and never found a problem. I wonder how long a lens you have to use to notice a image falloff. I think the vignetting issue is highly overstated.

CarlRadford · Nov 22, 2005

Hassie

Hi Folks,

Thanks for the input. From what I've found out on various threads its the c models that have the 'long lens' issue and this is what the GMS system has recitified(?) I am not realy that worried about how quiet the camera is as it will not be used in 'stealth mode' and not an issue. I am interested in the comment to buy the better lens. Are some lens designs better than others or is this only seen on mtf charts??

Thanks again, Carl

CarlRadford · Nov 22, 2005

Very nice website Bill....

some lovely images!

wfe said:
I have a 503CW and love it although I don't use the autowinder or flash. The price was right and I bought it used. These are heavy especially with a prism but the negs are georgous and fun to work with.

EmilGil · Nov 22, 2005

I have noticed the vignetting on my 500c/m when working with the cf120 makro-planar, especially when using extension tubes but it doesn't bother me much.

I would too go for the CF-series of lenses or newer (CFi/CFE) as these are smoother to focus, easier to set exposure and have better coating. Some people claim that there is a beginning shortage for parts to the older c/ct*-lenses, especially the flash contacts. The older lenses are almost as sharp as the newer, a few newer lenses have improved formulas which are said to give better results. I haven't had a chance to compare, but I did follow the advice to go for CF (I got a 60/3,5 and a 120/4, next one to come is the 250/5,6).

You won't be disappointed with a 'blad, they're fantastic! (But my opinion might be slightly colored, being from Gothenburg, Sweden =)

NikoSperi · Nov 22, 2005

CarlRadford said:
I am interested in the comment to buy the better lens. Are some lens designs better than others or is this only seen on mtf charts??

I've had "old" C type Sonnar 150, Distagon 50, and Biogon 38, and have CF versions now. Flare control is vastly (and I mean huge) improved. Try pointing a 40mm C into the sun if you don't believe me. That was deal killer number one.

The other thing is I like to work with the coupled EV rings. I.e. you determine exposure to be EV 12 say. Then you couple the aperture and shutter speed rings, and chose any combination . they all remain EV12. With the old lenses, the rings were always coupled and had to be separated to change exposure. The CF has a button to push when you want to change shutter speed/aperture without changing EV. Ergonomics work alot beter for me that way.

MTF? No idea - but I suspect you'll get great resolution out of anything signed Zeiss that fits on a Hassie.

Nicole · Nov 22, 2005

Hi Carl, I photograph primarily in B&W and children to earn a living and have a 501c/m and am about to purchase a 500c/m as well. I've worked with both and really love them. I'm not trying a 503 or others that come with a higher price tag as the 501 & 500 do the job and with incredible results. My 35mm rarely gets a roll these days. I don't do studio work or weddings but find myself chasing moving targets most days and have learnt how to handhold and work the blads very quickly - with lots of practice. Good luck with your decision Carl, I'm sure you love it.

Kind regards, Nicole

CarlRadford · Nov 23, 2005

Thanks again for the input folks...

your views and opinions have helped - now the decision!

rbarker · Nov 23, 2005

It should be noted that the "flash" feature of the 503 is the addition of TTL flash, using an internal sensor that reads the exposure off the film. The 501 works perfectly well with studio and portable flash units that don't depend on TTL features.

Fintan · Nov 23, 2005

I use a 500cm with 40CF 80CF 120CF 150CF and some extension tubes. The image fall off is not a problem whatsoever. It works great in studio and remember you got flash sync at all speeds.

Its a superb camera, love it.

Phillip P. Dimor · Nov 23, 2005

I bought a 503cx body pretty cheap, good condition. I liked that it was a '94 as opposed to a '74. Just made me feel a bit better. The screen that came with it was a brightscreen (nice!)

I like the idea of ttl flash, even if I don't have a flash for it yet.
Great camera system!

CarlRadford · Nov 24, 2005

Then there is the 150 or 180 debate...

this will be a people camera most of the time but hopefully more environmental stuff without much environment if you know what I mean?!

mono · Nov 24, 2005

Hi Carl,
I work with a 503 and am happy with it, although I did not use the flash metering of it so far. And I am also happy with the 150 mm CF, amongst others.
The CFi are called to be better, but to me they look a bit "cheaper"...

C Rose · Nov 24, 2005

LOVE MY BLAD!!!!!!!

Have a 503 but a 500c/m would have been just fine if I hadn't gotten such a good deal on my 503. I have a friend that I helped find his 500c/m and he LOVES IT as well.

We both spent our money on additional backs and a few lenses.

Our outfits are pretty similar- I have
503
3 - A12 backs great for zone shooting
2 - A24 backs
80mm CFE )
150mm CF ) ............very happy with this combo so far -
40mm C -- ) love this lens

I soooo want a 30mm (can't afford) and I'm looking at 100mm

Crap load of misc "stuff"

I just LOVE this camera, and shooting square and printing full frame SQUARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry for the slight rant everyone, I do however feel better now that now that I've "shared"

Sorry did I already say how much I love my blad!

Cynthia
(aka- Beckie)

PS: One thing I must recomended is the brighter screen - acute matte D (I have the grid) if you get a camera that doesn't already have one.

mono · Nov 24, 2005

Yes, that D is great!!

gr82bart · Nov 24, 2005

I love my Hassey as well. I have the 503CW. I shoot a combination of studio and location. With the CW Winder, this machine is wonderful for hand shooting. In fact I travel with it everywhere - it's my 'tourist' camera so to speak. Add a PME 45 prism and you've got a pretty neat little 35mm-like MF camera.

Regards, Art.

C Rose · Nov 24, 2005

gr82bart said:
I love my Hassey as well. I have the 503CW.
With the CW Winder, this machine is wonderful for hand shooting. In fact I travel with it everywhere - it's my 'tourist' camera so to speak. Add a PME 45 prism and you've got a pretty neat little 35mm-like MF camera.

Ooooo lala

I have a winder that I have never used!! I tried it a few times when I got the camera and it jambed -
Still don't know if it's me or the winder.... need to have it checked out before I try it again. And the PME 45 is awesome.. I just love the way it feels, the angle of view etc. I also got that magnifier attachment that has been a help on several occasions; although I don't use it a lot it has come in handy and is kept on the prism most of the time as it easily flips up out of the way.
note: I still love the waist level but have gotten away from using it lately

I DON'T carry my hassey around with me nearly enough!! : ( and feel guilt about it. I will take Art's example to heart and make more of an effort as I know in the long run it will make me better and happier!!
thanks Art - I needed that kick in the pants

Beckie
square and loving it

Simonpg · Nov 25, 2005

I shoot both Hasselblad 6x6 and LF 4x5. I have both the 501CM and 503CW cameras and both are outstanding. I think generally good advice is to buy the later model that you can afford in very good condition.

The 503 differes from the 501 in that it enables TTL flash and the attachment of the CW winder. When I added a body to my 501CM (superb camera) I thought I might as well have the extra features in case I want to use them and could do so since digital has reduced used prices of Hassy gear.

Well today I find I use the TTL flash regularly and ended up getting the CW winder. The winder has increased my use of the 503 by at least 50% - convenient; easy to hold in the street; great on a tripod with the IR control.

So if your budget allows it, go for the 503 and again if you can afford it buy the new CW version for the reasons others have said.

Hassie help?

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